The area of Canary Wharf is seen by some Londoners as a cultural void - most people arrive to their offices in the mornings and leave immediately after work. It's not a place to really 'hang out'. This may have been true a few years ago, but local residents and developers are transforming the area into a more welcoming area for families and tourists. The Museum of London Docklands in one fine example.
Exploring the museum is a chance to learn about the specific history of London's relationship with the Thames and the open seas. The interactive displays challenges readers to consider how the waterways have influenced London - trade brought new goods such as tea to Londoners, commerce brought new immigrants to enrich the city's culture, and even the slave trade forced Londoners to reconsider their definitions of justice and liberty.
It's not all serious though. There are immersive displays that encourage visitors to imagine life as a dockworker, a sailor or even a pirate. ARRR!
One of my favourite exhibits here is the model of what London Bridge looked like about 500 years ago. It's not something anyone would recognize now, but that's the magic of learning about London's history - it's constantly changing but always riveting. An afternoon here reminds me of that.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
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"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
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"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
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In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
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They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
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Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.
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The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.
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With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.
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"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
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"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!
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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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