The Old Operating Theatre Museum is a museum of surgical history housed in a church attic. Yes, there is so much about that sentence that needs explaining! The Museum has two parts: the Herb Garret and the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe. Anniversaries This London Bridge attraction has been open for 60 years, but 2022 is also 200 years since the first … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: Exploring The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
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Queen beams in sunshine yellow for surprise visit to open Elizabeth Line in London
The Queen has made a surprise appearance to officially open the completed Elizabeth line, named in her honor. She was given an Oyster card and shown how to use it on a ticket machine. The 96-year-old monarch, who now rarely carries out public engagements outside of her royal residences, joined her youngest son the Earl of Wessex at Paddington Station for the royal visit … [Read more...] about Queen beams in sunshine yellow for surprise visit to open Elizabeth Line in London
Ten Romantic Places to Visit in London
Paris might be the “City of Love”, but London certainly has its share of romance. From picturesque Royal Parks to statues that celebrate love, the city has many romantic spots for you to take a loved one. We’ve identified ten different places for romance throughout London and many of them present a great opportunity for a date. If you need flowers, want to take a picnic, … [Read more...] about Ten Romantic Places to Visit in London
Finally: London’s new £19bn Elizabeth line to open on May 24 – Crossrail Arrives!
London’s delayed and over-budget Elizabeth line railway will finally open on Tuesday, May 24, Transport for London (TfL) has announced. Services will initially operate from Mondays to Saturdays, allowing further testing and software updates to take place on Sundays. Crossrail – the project to build the new east-west railway – was due to be completed in December 2018 and was … [Read more...] about Finally: London’s new £19bn Elizabeth line to open on May 24 – Crossrail Arrives!
Laura’s London: Rare Tour of The Speaker’s House State Apartments at the Palace of Westminster
For two weeks during the House of Commons Easter recess, there was the rare opportunity to see inside the Speaker's House. This was the first time tours of these State Apartments have been offered to the public so I booked quickly and got a ticket before all tours sold out. For over 160 years the State Apartments in Speaker’s House has hosted visits and dinners for Royalty … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: Rare Tour of The Speaker’s House State Apartments at the Palace of Westminster
Canaletto’s Venice Revisited – Review of Latest Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum
Canaletto's Venice Revisited is at the National Maritime Museum from 1 April 2022. It explores some of the most iconic 'view paintings' of Venice and how the tourism that helped establish Canaletto's career, today threatens his city's future. The exhibition combines paintings from Woburn Abbey with objects from the Royal Museums Greenwich's collections. Look … [Read more...] about Canaletto’s Venice Revisited – Review of Latest Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum
BIG NEWS! Announcing a Special Publication in Celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Please Pre-Order!
As you may have heard, this year marks Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne, and like in 2012 and previous Jubilees, Britain is throwing a big party for her. Most of the big celebrations will take place in June but there’s a year-long series of events and commemorations. Anglotopia has decided to release a special publication in celebration of this milestone. … [Read more...] about BIG NEWS! Announcing a Special Publication in Celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – Please Pre-Order!
Exhibition Report: The World of Stonehenge Exhibition at British Museum
When a major London exhibition gets repeated five-star reviews and is described as 'magnificent,' 'astonishing' and 'unmissable,' you know it's one you have to see. The World of Stonehenge opened at the British Museum on 17 February 2022. I've seen some reviewers describe it as one of those exhibitions you will remember for the rest of your life. With such high praise, I had to … [Read more...] about Exhibition Report: The World of Stonehenge Exhibition at British Museum
The Fiver – Five Bookshops in Greenwich to Visit
Continuing our search for the best places for bibliophiles in London, we turn our attention to the other side of the River Thames and the Borough of Greenwich. There are a wide variety of bookshops within the boundaries of Greenwich, from great secondhand stores to large corporate retailers. Whatever you’re looking to read, we can guide you to one of five shops within the … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five Bookshops in Greenwich to Visit
William Morris and his life and London Connections
William Morris (1834–96) was a man of many talents. His life, and life's work, made a huge impact on the worlds of literature, design, and politics. When you hear his name, you may first think of the wallpaper and textile designs, but he achieved so much more. William Morris was a designer, architect, craftsman, artist, novelist, printer, socialist, environmentalist, idealist, … [Read more...] about William Morris and his life and London Connections
Five Romantic Activities in London for Valentine’s Day
Now that the world is opening up again, people are making their romantic travel plans for 2022. While most people might think of Paris or the Bahamas to celebrate their love, why not give London a try? Many people fall in love in London, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate your love for one another in the British capital. We have identified five such activities that … [Read more...] about Five Romantic Activities in London for Valentine’s Day
Ten London Buildings Designed by Sir Charles Barry
Several famous architects have put their indelible stamp on London, designing several of its most famous buildings. Certainly, one of its most famous designers is none other than Sir Charles Barry. As a young man, Barry enjoyed sketching and used his inheritance to embark on a grand tour of Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, where he was inspired by the … [Read more...] about Ten London Buildings Designed by Sir Charles Barry
Ten Most Important London Events of the 1980s
London of the 1980s may seem like a gritty and grey place when portrayed in media, full of “Greed is good”-businessmen, loud music, and protests against Margaret Thatcher’s government. However, amidst the big shoulder pads and even bigger hair of the decade, the period between 1981 and 1990 produced some events that would help change London for the better. To highlight these … [Read more...] about Ten Most Important London Events of the 1980s
The London Fiver – Five New Things Coming to London in 2022
As we turn the corner into a new year, it looks like the end may finally be in sight for the pandemic. With London opening back up and available for tourists yet again, there are plenty of new things in the city to celebrate this year. From new museum exhibits to a massive royal celebration, there is a lot going on in London for residents and visitors alike to do. We’ve … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five New Things Coming to London in 2022
The London Fiver – Five Things to Do in London this Christmas
London is a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas. There are lights, trees, food, drink, carols, and more that bring the City’s holiday spirit to its fullest strength. You’ve probably watched how London celebrates in films like Love Actually or Last Christmas, but there are plenty of things to experience beyond what’s been on your screens. If you find yourself in London … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Things to Do in London this Christmas
Life Between Islands: Caribbean-British Art 50s to Now – Latest Exhibition at Tate Britain
This Tate Britain exhibition explores Caribbean-British art over four generations. There is an open admittance that, like much of the mainstream British art world, Tate was late to recognize many of the artists included. But that is being rectified now with this celebration of this cross-cultural genre of art. Over Forty Artists This is the first time a major national … [Read more...] about Life Between Islands: Caribbean-British Art 50s to Now – Latest Exhibition at Tate Britain
In Pictures: Dennis Severs’ House at Christmas
Dennis Severs' House is not a museum but a private home that opens to the public as a time capsule to London's past. The Christmas spirit returns to Dennis Severs' House with the Annual Christmas Installation from 25 November 2021 to 9 January 2022. How It All Started American artist Dennis Severs (1948–99) bought this unmodernized 18th-century House in 1979 and decided not … [Read more...] about In Pictures: Dennis Severs’ House at Christmas
Christmas Comes to the Charles Dickens Museum in London
Visiting the Charles Dickens Museum at Christmas time is a real treat as the place is transformed with Victorian-style decorations. This year, the Museum has lots of winter events, including a production of A Christmas Carol streamed from inside Charles Dickens's only surviving London home. There are also spooky ghost stories and 'A Search for Father Christmas' for families … [Read more...] about Christmas Comes to the Charles Dickens Museum in London
The Courtauld Gallery Reopening after 3 year closure for renovations – Here’s a look at what’s changed
The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has been closed since 2018 for the largest transformation project of its history. It reopens on Friday, Nov 19, 2021, allowing us to enjoy not only the magnificent Impressionist and Post Impressionist collection but so much more with the extra gallery space. The Courtauld is home to one of the greatest collections of art in the UK, … [Read more...] about The Courtauld Gallery Reopening after 3 year closure for renovations – Here’s a look at what’s changed
Hogarth and Europe – New Exhibition at Tate Britain
Understanding the time a famous figure worked in can help us to know them better. The latest exhibition at Tate Britain showcases works by the eighteenth-century English artist William Hogarth (1697–1764) alongside works by his continental contemporaries. Hogarth and Europe explores the parallels and exchanges that crossed borders and the cosmopolitan character of Hogarth's … [Read more...] about Hogarth and Europe – New Exhibition at Tate Britain
The London Fiver – Five Places to Visit in London for Winston Churchill History
Certainly one of the greatest Prime Ministers in the history of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill cemented his place in the annals of Britain as the country's leader during World War II. While not without a fair amount of controversy, Churchill was arguably the right man for the job during one of Britain's toughest periods, and his defiant attitude reflected that of the … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Places to Visit in London for Winston Churchill History
Exhibition Report: Late Constable at the Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Arts's latest exhibition presents the first survey of the late work of John Constable (1776–1837). Late Constable opens on 30 October 2021, exploring the last twelve years of the artist's career, from 1825 until his unexpected death in 1837. The exhibition brings together over 50 works, including paintings and oil sketches as well as watercolors, … [Read more...] about Exhibition Report: Late Constable at the Royal Academy
London: Port City – New Exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands
This major new exhibition reveals the scale of the capital's 'hidden' international port. London: Port City runs from 22 October 2021 to 8 May 2022 at the Museum of London Docklands, itself originally part of West India Docks – London's first enclosed dock system and a hive of activity packed with valuable cargoes from around the world from 1802 until its closure in … [Read more...] about London: Port City – New Exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands
London Alert: London Tube Lightboxes return along with London Face Masks
We've brought back our London face masks and Tube Lightboxes in very limited quantities! Due to popular request, we've decided to bring back two of our most popular products ever - the London Underground Tube Lightbox and our British Face Masks. We have limited stock on both so once they're gone, they're gone for a while - so I would order for Christmas NOW! Face Masks are … [Read more...] about London Alert: London Tube Lightboxes return along with London Face Masks
Behind the Scenes at Berry Bros & Rudd – Oldest Wine Merchant in The UK
Berry Bros & Rudd is one of the oldest wine merchants in the world and is the oldest wine and spirit merchant in the UK. Even after more than 300 years, it is still a family-owned and family-run business. And yes, this is where the Queen gets her wine. As a business, it started off as a coffee merchant, went into wine 100 years after that, and, in its second century, it … [Read more...] about Behind the Scenes at Berry Bros & Rudd – Oldest Wine Merchant in The UK
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!