Guidebook for London
Sightseeing
It's a great museum just about London, from prehistoric, through Roman etc. Just down the street.
300 locals recommend
Museum of London
Museum of LondonIt's a great museum just about London, from prehistoric, through Roman etc. Just down the street.
Fascinating insight into history of the Knights of St John. Round the corner
19 locals recommend
The Museum of the Order of St John
26 St John's LnFascinating insight into history of the Knights of St John. Round the corner
The oldest surviving church in London. Also scene of numerous films, not least Three Weddings and a Funeral. Give my regards to Rev Martin Dudley if you see him, we both have served as Masters for a City livery company. The church also plays a key role in my family history, my gt gt grandfather studies as a teacher there in the 1830s.
30 locals recommend
St Bartholomew the Great
West SmithfieldThe oldest surviving church in London. Also scene of numerous films, not least Three Weddings and a Funeral. Give my regards to Rev Martin Dudley if you see him, we both have served as Masters for a City livery company. The church also plays a key role in my family history, my gt gt grandfather studies as a teacher there in the 1830s.
For James Bond fans -in Skyfall the MI6 HQ is blown up s Bond is taken to a standby, underground facility, the entrance to which was via the rotund that leads down to the massive car park beneath Smithfield Market in the City of London. The market is clearly visible in the scene.
However, the underground labyrinth to which MI6 relocated was filmed in the Old Vic Tunnels, a vast network of disused railway vaults beneath Waterloo Station.
Smithfield Car Park
For James Bond fans -in Skyfall the MI6 HQ is blown up s Bond is taken to a standby, underground facility, the entrance to which was via the rotund that leads down to the massive car park beneath Smithfield Market in the City of London. The market is clearly visible in the scene.
However, the underground labyrinth to which MI6 relocated was filmed in the Old Vic Tunnels, a vast network of disused railway vaults beneath Waterloo Station.
Batman fans - George Farmiloe 28-36 St John ST is the bbuilding used for Gotham City Police Station in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. hurry, it's being redeveloped and no more movies there....(:
34-36 St John St
34-36 Saint John StreetBatman fans - George Farmiloe 28-36 St John ST is the bbuilding used for Gotham City Police Station in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. hurry, it's being redeveloped and no more movies there....(:
Go for some of the best remains of the Roman City Wall. You can find towering remains in the gardens of the Barbican and further, well-labelled structures along Noble Street. An excellent view can be gained from the Museum of London's Roman gallery.
Noble Street
Noble StreetGo for some of the best remains of the Roman City Wall. You can find towering remains in the gardens of the Barbican and further, well-labelled structures along Noble Street. An excellent view can be gained from the Museum of London's Roman gallery.
Charles Dickens describes this location as an “open square in Clerkenwell, which is yet called, by some strange perversion of terms, ‘The Green’.” This is where Oliver Twist – learned art of picking pockets. More recently it was where the late Heath Ledger filmed his final scenes in Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
Several pubs and restaurants to enjoy.
8 locals recommend
Clerkenwell Green
Clerkenwell GreenCharles Dickens describes this location as an “open square in Clerkenwell, which is yet called, by some strange perversion of terms, ‘The Green’.” This is where Oliver Twist – learned art of picking pockets. More recently it was where the late Heath Ledger filmed his final scenes in Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
Several pubs and restaurants to enjoy.
Our most famous fictional resident was probably Charles Dicken's Mister Pickwick. Dickens used many of our local streets in his novels.
Pickwick lodged with Mrs Bardell in The Pickwick Papers (1836-7).
When Pickwick arises on the first morning of his travels, he throws open his chamber window and found, “Goswell Street was at his feet, Goswell Street was on his right hand – as far
as the eye could reach, Goswell Street extended on his left; and the opposite side of Goswell Street was over the way. “
We invite you to do the same.
Goswell Road
Goswell RoadOur most famous fictional resident was probably Charles Dicken's Mister Pickwick. Dickens used many of our local streets in his novels.
Pickwick lodged with Mrs Bardell in The Pickwick Papers (1836-7).
When Pickwick arises on the first morning of his travels, he throws open his chamber window and found, “Goswell Street was at his feet, Goswell Street was on his right hand – as far
as the eye could reach, Goswell Street extended on his left; and the opposite side of Goswell Street was over the way. “
We invite you to do the same.
Parks & Nature
This park is actually on a historic burial ground - but don't let that put you off! Fantastic playgrounds for kids, picnic benches, basketball, outdoor free "gym", table tennis ( bats provided at the flat) ....
18 locals recommend
Spa Fields Park
91 Skinner StThis park is actually on a historic burial ground - but don't let that put you off! Fantastic playgrounds for kids, picnic benches, basketball, outdoor free "gym", table tennis ( bats provided at the flat) ....
This used to be a large orphanage but now a wonderful families-only park, ideal for the under 12s. Sandpits, climbing, a small city farm, cafe..... Meet the world at Coram on a sunny weekend! Only accessible by adults if they have their kids with them.
67 locals recommend
Coram's Fields
93 Guilford StThis used to be a large orphanage but now a wonderful families-only park, ideal for the under 12s. Sandpits, climbing, a small city farm, cafe..... Meet the world at Coram on a sunny weekend! Only accessible by adults if they have their kids with them.
This is a real gem of a park for young kids. Climbing, sandpits, and it's right on the corner of the street (Goswell and Lever).
(balls and sandpit equipment in the apartment)
King Square Gardens
King SquareThis is a real gem of a park for young kids. Climbing, sandpits, and it's right on the corner of the street (Goswell and Lever).
(balls and sandpit equipment in the apartment)
Newly refurbished kids park right round teh corner - toddlers’ slides, a bouncing board and climbing board, two sets of climbing bars, a rope net, some balancing shapes, a small swing and a play tunnel.
ideal for quick run out!
Compton Street
Compton StreetNewly refurbished kids park right round teh corner - toddlers’ slides, a bouncing board and climbing board, two sets of climbing bars, a rope net, some balancing shapes, a small swing and a play tunnel.
ideal for quick run out!
Getting Around
Barbican Station
Aldersgate StreetOld Street station
Also has mainline station, useful north-south journeys - Gatwick, Brighton, Luton, St. Albans....
46 locals recommend
Farringdon Station
Cowcross StreetAlso has mainline station, useful north-south journeys - Gatwick, Brighton, Luton, St. Albans....
Essentials
Britain's favourite up-marker supermarket has a large local branch around the block. Right next to a Tesco metro....which is smaller but opens late-late.
385 locals recommend
Waitrose & Partners
366 Holloway RdBritain's favourite up-marker supermarket has a large local branch around the block. Right next to a Tesco metro....which is smaller but opens late-late.
TSB Bank
69 Old StOur nearest (free) ATM. There are ones that charge in Goawell Coffee and City Supermarket.
Entertainment & Activities
The iconic "Brixton beach" is our favourite skatepark, gritty urban and super friendly. Not the nearest though....
9 locals recommend
Stockwell Skate Park
Stockwell RoadThe iconic "Brixton beach" is our favourite skatepark, gritty urban and super friendly. Not the nearest though....
Bounce Old Street
241 Old StPing pong bar and restaurant. We love it.
Cool independent move theatre.... Book a comfy sofa for two and have food and drink served to your seats. Class.
49 locals recommend
The Screen on the Green
Upper StreetCool independent move theatre.... Book a comfy sofa for two and have food and drink served to your seats. Class.
Multi screen for all your blockbusters. Walking distance.
137 locals recommend
Vue Cinema London - Islington
36 Parkfield StMulti screen for all your blockbusters. Walking distance.
House of Vans London
228-232 Station Approach RdUnderground skatepark. Very cool, intense - and free!
Clerkenwellbeing
178 Goswell RdYoga classes etc on your doorstep. Great chiropractor too!
Our Olympic legacy - please use it. They rent everything (bmx, track, off-road) and they have excellent classes for kids and adults in the skills of bmx etc. and they are vastly under-subscribed in my experience, so really do check it out if you are a two wheel fan. Everything you could wish for on one site and you probably will get coached one-on-one by an Olympic quality coach!
36 locals recommend
Lee Valley VeloPark
Abercrombie RoadOur Olympic legacy - please use it. They rent everything (bmx, track, off-road) and they have excellent classes for kids and adults in the skills of bmx etc. and they are vastly under-subscribed in my experience, so really do check it out if you are a two wheel fan. Everything you could wish for on one site and you probably will get coached one-on-one by an Olympic quality coach!
our favourite spot to play laser tag with pumping dance music in a dayglo and dark dystopia.
The building upstairs has a huge sports area with indoor cricket and ping pong and all sorts. quite a trip :)
Star Command Laser Tag
31-34 Victory Paradeour favourite spot to play laser tag with pumping dance music in a dayglo and dark dystopia.
The building upstairs has a huge sports area with indoor cricket and ping pong and all sorts. quite a trip :)
Good skatepark in north London. great bowl and street sections
Cantelowes Concrete Bowl and Skatepark
212 Camden RdGood skatepark in north London. great bowl and street sections
Skate and bmx park with wooden ramps in a very laid back environment. Some achingly hip bars and restaurants nearby. Check its open before travelling!
Frontside Gardens
43-49 White Post LnSkate and bmx park with wooden ramps in a very laid back environment. Some achingly hip bars and restaurants nearby. Check its open before travelling!
Excellent gym and sports centre across the street, pay by the hour, day or week. Part of City University's campus to very welcoming to visitors, day and night.
CitySport
124 Goswell RdExcellent gym and sports centre across the street, pay by the hour, day or week. Part of City University's campus to very welcoming to visitors, day and night.
Refurbished pool and leisure centre in iconic setting. Two blocks away.
30 locals recommend
Spa Experience Old Street
1 Norman StRefurbished pool and leisure centre in iconic setting. Two blocks away.
Karaoke Box Smithfield
12 Smithfield StOur very own top notch Karaoke venue
This is where my son goes to Ableton mixing classes. They have a proper DJ and mixing school - but of course book ahead in advance!
HUB16 Music School & Recording Studio
24 Stoke Newington RdThis is where my son goes to Ableton mixing classes. They have a proper DJ and mixing school - but of course book ahead in advance!
Arts & Culture
This is a kids theatre, age specific shows. Excellent quality and lots of side activities. Lots more to do in London bridge area.
8 locals recommend
Unicorn Theatre
147 Tooley StThis is a kids theatre, age specific shows. Excellent quality and lots of side activities. Lots more to do in London bridge area.
World class ballet and dance on your doorstep.
253 locals recommend
Sadlers Wells Theatre (Stop UB) station
World class ballet and dance on your doorstep.
London's most complete complex of arts - theatre, music, cinema - down the street.
509 locals recommend
Barbican Centre
Silk StreetLondon's most complete complex of arts - theatre, music, cinema - down the street.
V&A Museum of Childhood
Cambridge Heath RoadWe love this place, a must do for kids of all ages!
Dickens set many of his novels in Clerkenwell and he lived nearby in Doughty Street where the museum now resides.
93 locals recommend
Charles Dickens Museum
48-49 Doughty StDickens set many of his novels in Clerkenwell and he lived nearby in Doughty Street where the museum now resides.
Right now (summer 17) showing the amazing Alice in the Underground. Immersive theatre at its very best.
22 locals recommend
The Vaults Theatre
Launcelot StreetRight now (summer 17) showing the amazing Alice in the Underground. Immersive theatre at its very best.
Shopping
Cass Art
66-67 Colebrooke RowFlagship branch of our second favourite art shop, up in Islington
If you have a few thousands to spend on furniture take a look :). It's literally next door. Tragically Zaha died this eyes and the showroom is a wonderful showcase of her work.
Zaha Hadid Gallery
101 Goswell RdIf you have a few thousands to spend on furniture take a look :). It's literally next door. Tragically Zaha died this eyes and the showroom is a wonderful showcase of her work.
Davenports Magic Shop
A4Best magic shop in London, probably the UK. Also do adult and kids courses
Forbidden Planet
179 Shaftesbury AveQuirky emporium of games, comics, DVDs, toys.....sci if themed.
Orcs Nest
6 Earlham StStrategy and board games specialist
Upscale shopping emporium - less stress than the West End with all the favourites (H&M, Cos, All Saints, Mango, Top shop.....) plus some spectacular eating places.
86 locals recommend
One New Change
New ChangeUpscale shopping emporium - less stress than the West End with all the favourites (H&M, Cos, All Saints, Mango, Top shop.....) plus some spectacular eating places.
In With The Old
31 Exmouth MarketQuirky gift store open seven days a week in our favourite eat-browse street.
Bagman & Robin
47 Exmouth Marketinteresting mix of art and fashion - a unique gift from London.
The Queen's own art shop - UK's leading supplier of arts and gilding materials. Aladdin's Cave of art and craft supplies. Always ready to offer advice. Would be our favourite - but it's not open weekends!!
Stewart R. Stevenson
68 Clerkenwell RdThe Queen's own art shop - UK's leading supplier of arts and gilding materials. Aladdin's Cave of art and craft supplies. Always ready to offer advice. Would be our favourite - but it's not open weekends!!
Worth a visit even if only to see the caged dancers gyrating above the entrance area. The superstore for ravers, cyber punks and anyone who can't get enough dayglo.
The beats are permanently pumping, so not recommended with a hangover.
16 locals recommend
Cyberdog
Chalk Farm RoadWorth a visit even if only to see the caged dancers gyrating above the entrance area. The superstore for ravers, cyber punks and anyone who can't get enough dayglo.
The beats are permanently pumping, so not recommended with a hangover.
The best and most complete toy shop in the world. Head downstairs for tech, gaming and need gunnery......ground for cuddly stuff, up for lego, craft , playmobil.....the upper floors for progressively older, more boyish pursuits, Hornby, scalextric, Airfix....
76 locals recommend
Hamleys
188-196 Regent St.The best and most complete toy shop in the world. Head downstairs for tech, gaming and need gunnery......ground for cuddly stuff, up for lego, craft , playmobil.....the upper floors for progressively older, more boyish pursuits, Hornby, scalextric, Airfix....
"Trade the everyday for something unique" is the motto, and the mix of covered market stalls and cool permanent stores is a must visit. The marker started in the 13th century and remains unique place to visit, with ,lots of great places to eat and drink.
57 locals recommend
CHANEL FRAGRANCE & BEAUTY
105a Commercial St"Trade the everyday for something unique" is the motto, and the mix of covered market stalls and cool permanent stores is a must visit. The marker started in the 13th century and remains unique place to visit, with ,lots of great places to eat and drink.
A beacon for youth worldwide on search of their genre of choice. Endless independent clothing, jewellery and art stalls to fulfil your inner goth, punk, hippie, raver...and loads of places to eat.
1028 locals recommend
Camden Market
54-56 Camden Lock PlA beacon for youth worldwide on search of their genre of choice. Endless independent clothing, jewellery and art stalls to fulfil your inner goth, punk, hippie, raver...and loads of places to eat.
Ocean Leisure
11-14 Northumberland AveThe diving and sailing expert store in London.
Good hunting any day but their famous antique market is Wednesday and Saturday. There's a book market on Thursday and Friday.
213 locals recommend
Camden Passage
Camden PassageGood hunting any day but their famous antique market is Wednesday and Saturday. There's a book market on Thursday and Friday.
The worlds largest antiques market....but a different slant every day - so check before heading over. Saturday is the main day. endless options for refreshment!
860 locals recommend
Portobello Market
73a Lewisham High StThe worlds largest antiques market....but a different slant every day - so check before heading over. Saturday is the main day. endless options for refreshment!
Friendly late opening store for all your essentials. Particularly good for Turkish and Polish specialities!
City Supermarket & Off Licence
194 Goswell RoadFriendly late opening store for all your essentials. Particularly good for Turkish and Polish specialities!
The famous Saturday market in the East End. Best way is to walk up Goswell Road, pick up the canal path near Angel and enjoy the many sights and stops along the canal.
1735 locals recommend
Broadway Market
Broadway MarketThe famous Saturday market in the East End. Best way is to walk up Goswell Road, pick up the canal path near Angel and enjoy the many sights and stops along the canal.