Things to do in Blackfriars

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Green Attractions in London

2009-11-15T21:40:00.001-08:00

As we all know there are quiet popular London attractions which thousands of tourists visit every year. Similarly, there are few green attractions in London and these are supported by Green Tourism. Green Tourism for London is London’s official green accreditation scheme. These are again some of the best places to visit in the capital city.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Kew Gardens are located within an area of 300 acres of beautiful landscaping and it sites beside the famous river Thames. These gardens are world heritage site and houses an extraordinary collection of plants gathered from all over the world including over 14000 trees. The garden incorporates six magnificent glasshouses for plants, thus, making the space greener. Kew gardens offer you a perfect tropical atmosphere and a walk to the iconic pagoda. This is located between the Richmond and Kew in Southwest London. The complete organization of the Kew Gardens employs around 650 scientists and other staff.

London Wetland Centre: This wildlife visitor attraction is ideally located close to central London and is an award winning wildlife attraction. Thousands of wild birds are attracted to this place surrounded by 105 acres of beautiful lakes. It houses many other animals. Moreover, from a tourist point of view there is an exciting café theater, a visitor centre and an exciting wetland themed children’s adventure area. The centre is open for public for 25^th December and is an ideal place for organizing private parties.

London Canal Museum: The colorful story London’s canals, their trade, cargo, boats and carts on the street are revealed by this famous green attraction in London. It is ideally located in the King’s Cross area in London and is regional museum displaying information especially on the history of London’s canals, thus named as London Canal Museum. It was opened in 1992 and is housed in a Victorian ice warehouse used by Carlo Gatti.

These are some of the popular green attractions in London which are worth visiting once.

Discover London Art – Famous Art Galleries

2009-11-08T21:50:00.001-08:00

London is well known for its rich cultural qualities and diverse art forms. The London art is quiet famous and spreads from the mainstream to the underground. Moreover, this diversity shows that London art never fails to impress. Brits have been all around the world collecting various artworks and were the first country to make the concept of museums and art galleries popular. London hosts an impressive range of Italian, Dutch art and other than this the capital city also showcases some biggest and modern art galleries.

Some of such well known art galleries in London are:

Tate Modern: This is the world’s biggest modern art gallery, situated on the South Bank. It is the national repository in London for international modern art. The architecture of the building is quite vibrant featuring three floors. As far as the art collections in the gallery are concerned, various contemporary and modern art dating from 1900 onwards exists here, thus it’s more than an art gallery.

Hayward Gallery: This gallery is well positioned in London at the Southbank centre and is the heart of visual arts. It is one of the most interesting art galleries in London which houses major exhibitions of historical and contemporary works. Moreover, there are no permanent exhibitions in Hayward Gallery. In the past works by old masters such as Leonardo Da Vinci was included.

The Royal Albert Hall: It was opened in the year 1871. It was a part of the national memorial to Prince Albert. Today, it has been turned into one of the famous art venues across the world. It is ideally situated in Central London in South Kensington area. This art venue hosts over 300 events a year. The hall is also used for various ballroom dancing and rock concerts as well.

The National Gallery: This art gallery is situated on the north side of the famous Trafalgar Square containing more than 2300 paintings all of which are owned by the British public. The admission charges are free for the main collection.

Boating and Swimming In London

2009-11-01T22:16:00.001-08:00

You can easily find something or the other for entertainment in London. This vivacious city offers several things to do whether it is related to music, theatre, arts, dance, sports or a simple picnic with friends and family. It hosts a wide variety of venues for all such activities. The city offers beautiful sightseeing and various adventurous attractions. Besides this you can also savor a beautiful outing at the stunning parks in London. Some of these parks also offer pools and lakes for swimming and boating.

Following is the list of some such parks where you can spend a day with your loved ones:

· Hampstead Heath

Address – Superintendent of Hamstead Heath

Hamstead House

432 Archway Road

London

NW6 4JH

With 3 freshwater bathing pools, Hampstead Heath is amongst the best and the most famous parks in the city. Each year thousands of tourists and local visitors are attracted to these beautiful ponds. The park offers 1 pool for male and 1 for female and anyone can dive in the 3^rd one. Children below 8 years of age are not allowed in the pool.

· Hyde Park

Address – Hyde Park

London

W2 2UH

Covering a huge area of Hyde Park, the Serpentine Lake at the park is also extremely popular amongst the kids. This lake is open for boating from June – September. You can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing boat ride in a beautiful environment at the lake. It also offers a swimming club where several events are also organized for the members.

· Regents Park

Address – Regents Park

London

NW1 4NR

Regents Park hosts a large and attractive lake where you can also find several species of water birds including herons. It is one of the most striking locations for boating as it offers a pleasing environment.

Wear it Pink Day in London

2009-10-26T00:05:00.001-07:00

When

Friday 30th October 2009

Come in and join the massive drive to support Breast Cancer in London by celebrating a Wear it Pink Day in London. London is all gearing up for a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign this month as the Londoners are planning to wear Pink colour all day long. The city is prepared for another successful October month of fundraising with a fantastic and eventful day on Friday, the 30^th October, as it drives people al across the city to Wear it Pink all day.

Wear it Pink Day London

Being one of the greatest events in the calendar for Breast Cancer Campaign, Wear it Pink all day event has raised over £6 million since it got launched for this noble cause. Attaining a contributing participation of people from all walks of life, constituting those who have even suffered from this disease or having known someone who has, this glorious event is going to make Londoners be out and flaunting their pink with pride and donating to the charity.

Pink celebrities

With as vital a charity such as this, raising funds for Wear it Pink Day 2009 is guaranteed to be one of the busiest yet a happening event across the city. This year, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps actress Sheridan Smith is only one of the stars who are going to be shining and be present at this event in the city, supporting the cause. The universities, schools, workplaces and communities are putting on their own 2009 Wear it Pink Day London activities, so what are you waiting for? Sign up to this mega event and conquer the disease with your strength and willingness.

Shop pink

A large number of stores and brands are being a part of the cause by displaying a range of pink products. Stylish people can buy a designer wear shirt from Debenhams, with tops in the range designed by the fancies of Julien MacDonald, Jasper Conran, Betty Jackson and John Rocha.

Nutcracker Tickets

2009-10-15T05:17:00.001-07:00

When

Thursday 26th November 2009 - Sunday 3rd January 2010

Where

London Coliseum and the Royal Opera House

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker has strongly developed a hold as a firm Christmas production, evolving as a delight for several audiences with age no bar. Tickets for Nutcracker are on sale for the festive season performances at London. The London Coliseum and the Royal Opera House are playing host to The Nutcracker this season, when it promises to present something all the more special for its visitors. These particular versions are seen as some of the best amongst the rest and a must for all dance fans, so get your tickets as early as possible.

Classic Fun at Christmas

The Nutcracker narrates the magical story of an adventure on Christmas Eve dedicated to a legendary Tchaikovsky score. The production is followed by the tale of a magician with secrets, a Mouse king, a magical gift, a guiding angel and a visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. There's everything you can desire from a festive occasion like this, and it acts as a rejuvenating force for kids and makes them happy.

Family fun with Nutcracker tickets

Kids of all ages are assured of an adventurous ni8ght of live theatre with Nutcracker tickets. Set amidst the impressive Royal Opera House and the London Coliseum, the show exhibits spectacular designs, vibrant costumes and much more, guaranteed to bring smiles on all faces.

A History of The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a perpetually famous production that has been mesmerizing audiences all across the world for several years. Those who like to watch theatre can join in the fun and frolic of Christmas 2009 in the capital which is set to be one of the best productions in London.
The Nutcracker tickets are on sale now for performances of The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum (16 December 2009 - 3rd January 2010) and the Royal Opera House (26th November - 1st January 2010). To buy tickets, call 0844 847 1707.

Chocolate Making Course

2009-10-08T05:20:00.001-07:00

Hands on Chocolate making for a couple, chocolate making course is calling for two people.

Here is a call for all chocolate lovers in London; this chocolate making course is a blessing for anyone who has a sweet tooth and a treasured gift for the people who love to have fine Belgian Chocolate. This is offered by the leaders in the entire United Kingdom and Europe as a complete package for chocolate making courses, corporate chocolate making teambuilding activities, chocolate making demonstrations, gift vouchers and tastings. It has been over 3 years for them to run this extraordinary brilliant chocolate course and it has been a tremendous success amongst couples, groups and individuals.

These courses offer great price value by highly professional and educational people. This two to three hour course works with the best equipment and professional chocolatiers, who have undergone rigorous training in truffle making and presentation of classes. The end result of the course is that everyone becomes highly capable of making the finest Belgian chocolates from the raw ingredients.

Right from the initial stage, chocolatiers will take you on a journey where you can make a filling for your truffles before dipping them into real Belgian chocolates after which, you can decorate and design the toppings for your chocolates. All those people who get enrolled for this course take home 40 – 50 well sized fine authentic Belgian chocolates, all decorated, designed and wrapped by themselves.

Chocolate making courses also enable people to make delicious finger licking chocolates all by yourself, for gifting purposes between family and friends. These chocolate making courses are held in London, Brighton, Bournemouth and Bristol weekly all through the year and teach you the history of chocolate before starting a pleasurable sampling of chocolate fountains.

£109.00 per couple, including VAT

Ruinart Afternoon Tea at Miller Harris

2009-10-01T05:17:00.001-07:00

When
01 October 2009 -
30 October 2009
15:00 - 17:30 Mon - Fri
Where
Miller Harris

Cost
£19.00

Come and be a part of a mushy and fragrant culinary experience at the Ruinart Afternoon Tea at Miller Harris, which exhibits a range of soft French cakes cooked by Primrose Bakery and a carefully selected, blended tea to harmonize the rich flavors of Ruinart Champagne.

Tea time, French style

This most sought after moment is an end result of a cheerful partnership between the perfumer and the oldest champagne house. The Ruinart Afternoon Tea to be held at Miller Harris cheers as it celebrates the merry and floral tones of the Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Created completely from Chardonnay grapes, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is colored in the tint of pale gold and comes with shades of citrus flavours. The tea in the afternoon begins with a glass of champagne, and is later followed by cakes or a selection of teas.

Continental cakes

You can pamper your taste buds by munching on a selection of cakes after the glass of champagne. Choose from a wide range from some Peach Friands or lemon meringues, the former being a traditional French tea cake baked with almond butter.

Floral tea

This great event also features Thè Bergamot, an adaptation of Earl Grey combined by Miller Harris. This tea is made from second flush Darjeeling, and is named as Ceylon tea, along with bergamot and green tangerine from Italy, this tea is an ideal drink to cherish to the experience.
Available from 3 pm to 5.30 pm, The Ruinart Afternoon Tea at Miller Harris will run from Monday - Friday, from Thursday 1st October - Friday 30th October 2009. The tea costs £19.00 per person.

London Café Lounges & More…

2009-09-22T05:14:00.001-07:00

London being a huge city has many, (literally many) eateries for its people .Even though the city is amongst the fastest cities in the world, you will definitely find many café’s and coffee houses where you can relax and surge with the cosy ambience. To help you find some of the nicest coffee houses, here is the list to name a few:

The Ace Café:
Ace Café was originally built way back in 1938, and used to be open 24 hours a day. Down the line the café became a favourite amongst the Bikers, and soon became a hub for the newly coined term “teenagers” and thus was associated with Music, Rock & Roll, Music Bands, Youth and Motorcyclists. Later, the café was shut down in 1969 and was turned into a Bike parts and tyres selling shop. The cafe was reopened in 2001, but since then it is not a 24 Hr café. This café has also been a location to several films in its history and is surely one of the most popular café in London. Cafés are “supposedly” cool and the Ace Café is surely the coolest one!! It is located at the North Circular road, Stone Bridge.

Maison Bertaux

This café is extremely famous for its cakes and pastries. This café has a nice warm ambience with a friendly staff. Their favourite is the Mont Blanc pastry, which is little over priced but is worth the bucks. The café is located at the Greek street, Soho.

Starbucks Cafes!

Ah! This one is surely the most known one of all. Located at every nook and corner of the city, this café is mainly an “on the go” coffee maker. Starbucks followers are in love with the service of the staff, as they find them really quick and still maintain the quality and serve with a big smile, ALWAYS!! The best part of the Starbucks cafes is that they are conveniently located and everyone knows the menu backwards and forwards! Since Starbucks is positioned as a “Daily Coffee”. According to that, it is a little overpriced. Starbucks is famous for its smooth frothy coffees and Starbucks fans are religious drinkers of their coffee. But, it is highly advisable to avoid coffee everyday and not to make it an addiction, so drink Starbucks carefully!

Troubadour Cafe & Deli

This is the place where you can spend some nice hush time with your friends and enjoy their delicacies. This café is famous for its beef burger, steak and of course, coffee. The only problem with the café is that it’s a bit crowded most of the times, but who are to blamed, its just that the place is excellent. The café is suitably located at the Old Brompton road and the best part of the café is that you are allowed to bring your Kucheekoo canines, but beware of the in-house cat here!

Flat White!

It is one of the best coffee houses in Soho, London. They serve excellent frothy coffee; their favorites are cappuccino, Macchiato, and flat white. The snacks menu is well suitable for a coffee house. The food is nice and interesting. The USP of the café is their attention towards detail, be it their simple coffee or a multifaceted food item.

Café Coffee Day

With a friendly staff, Café Coffee Day is surely a very cozy place to relax and enjoy your cup of coffee. The snack menu is not very elaborative but still goes well with a smooth cup of coffee. The ambience is very unruffled and the interiors are smartly done, more than that, this café is quite reasonable and intelligently priced. This café is located at the Twickenham on the York Street.

Take a break from your fast paced life and soothe yourself with a warm brew in the perfect ambience of cafes in London.