A giant waterlily held in Kew’s Botanic Gardens for 177 years has been revealed as a species new to science and “one of the botanical wonders of the world”. The famous giant waterlily, genus Victoria, was named after Queen Victoria in 1852, and was believed to include two different species. But scientists have confirmed the massive plant in Kew is a third type. It is the … [Read more...] about New giant waterlily and ‘botanical wonder of the world’ discovered in Kew
Parks
Britain’s New National Holocaust memorial will be built in Westminster in Victoria Tower Gardens
A national Holocaust memorial centre will be built next to Parliament after a minister signed off on a recommendation that the location would present a “powerful associative message.” The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed the decision by housing and planning minister Chris Pincher, which came after local public inquiries were held in October and November due to the … [Read more...] about Britain’s New National Holocaust memorial will be built in Westminster in Victoria Tower Gardens
Ten Interesting Facts about Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is part of London’s colorful ecology that blends the modern urban concrete of the city with the green lusciousness of its past. The Heath, as it’s known locally, has been a part of London since ancient times and today is one of the finest green spaces in the entire city. It’s also full of conservation areas, freshwater swimming ponds, lovely monuments, and … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Hampstead Heath
Ten Interesting Facts about Kensington Gardens
While Kensington Gardens are open to the public, there was a time when this wasn’t so. The gardens were originally part of Kensington Palace, a royal residence that was once home to King William III and Queen Mary II (now home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). Today, Kensington Gardens are one of four Royal Parks in London along with Regent’s Park, St. James’s Park, Hyde … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Kensington Gardens
Ten More Interesting Facts about Regent’s Park
Another green space that was once the personal property of King Henry VIII, by the 19th Century it was transformed by landscape architect John Nash into the public park it is today. Last time we wrote about Regent’s we covered such interesting stories as its zoological history, the view from Primrose Hill, and the ties to the 2012 Olympic Games. However, the fascinating … [Read more...] about Ten More Interesting Facts about Regent’s Park
Ten Interesting Facts about St. James’s Park
In the heart of Westminster, St. James’s Park is a Royal Park in the truest sense. St. James’s borders Buckingham Palace on one end and 10 Downing Street on the other, with St. James’s Palace a stone’s throw from the park’s northern border. As with many of the Royal Parks, it began as the personal property of King Henry VIII which was later developed under King James I and … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about St. James’s Park
A Brief History of London’s Parks
London’s parks are some of the best in the world. From Hyde Park to Hampstead Heath, they are beautiful places that create pockets of greenery throughout the city, offering Londoners a chance to connect with nature, be active, speak out, and have fun. However, these parks didn’t always exist, and their creation has a story all its own. In fact, there are several stories as … [Read more...] about A Brief History of London’s Parks
Top 10 Gardens in London for a Respite On Your Next Trip
Sometimes in the middle of the city, you need to get away and find some peace and quiet. That can seem difficult in an urban environment, but London is peppered with gardens where respite can be had. Not all of them are huge sprawling greenspaces, some are like small islands in the concrete jungle. When you need a moment while visiting London, we hope you will consider one … [Read more...] about Top 10 Gardens in London for a Respite On Your Next Trip
Regent’s Park: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about Regent’s Park You Might Not Know
One of London’s many Royal Parks, Regent’s Park once belonged to Barking Abbey until Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and took their property for the crown. From that point, it was a hunting park until King George IV (then Prince Regent) commissioned a master plan from John Nash. Eventually, the plan changed and the park first opened to the public in 1835. Today, it has … [Read more...] about Regent’s Park: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about Regent’s Park You Might Not Know
The London Fiver – Five Beautiful London Gardens to Visit on Your Next Trip
Our lives need beauty and not just the man-made kind, but the natural kind. Even in a large city such as London, there is a definite need for greenery, ponds, and flowers. For centuries, the upper classes of Britain felt the same way and many gardens in the city were constructed with the idea of bringing beauty to the cityscape and as a good place for being seen. Today many of … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Beautiful London Gardens to Visit on Your Next Trip
London’s Back Garden: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about Hyde Park You Might Not Know
Hyde Park is one of the greatest sites in London, its sprawling expanse making a beautiful green stamp on the city. It contains a great number of memorials, events, statues, architectural wonders, and Speakers Corner, where individuals may debate on important issues. The park has even more interesting aspects to it that you may not know. Have a look below at some of the facts … [Read more...] about London’s Back Garden: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about Hyde Park You Might Not Know
London Places: Ten Random Facts and Figures about Leicester Square You May Not Have Known
As famous as Grauman’s Chinese Theater is in Los Angeles for movie premieres, London has Leicester Square. Yet before it was the focus of the film industry’s glitz and glamour, it was private property bordering a great house. After the house was demolished and a court case prevented building there, the square was eventually donated to be a place for the public, eventually … [Read more...] about London Places: Ten Random Facts and Figures about Leicester Square You May Not Have Known
Top 12 London Views – Best Places for a great View of London
Our friends at Visit Britain have put together a great list of places in London that have the best views! Check it out! 1). London Eye - on a clear day they say you can see around 25 miles from the top - as far as Windsor Castle! The EDF Energy London Eye is 135m high - equivalent to 64 red telephone boxes piled on top of each other. 2). The Monument - was built to … [Read more...] about Top 12 London Views – Best Places for a great View of London
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!