Regular Eventstag:www.londonisfree.com,2007-10-25:/ongoing-events//152008-01-08T17:23:59ZMovable Type Publishing Platform 4.0The Old Baileytag:www.londonisfree.com,2008:/ongoing-events//15.17802008-01-08T17:17:28Z2008-01-08T17:23:59ZStep back in time at the Old Bailey, the worlds most famous courthouseLowri WilliamsThe Old Bailey is quite possibly the world's most famous criminal court and has been London's principal criminal court for centuries.
The Newgate gaol stood on the site of the Old Bailey in Medieval times; the original Old Bailey was built in 1539 on the site of the original fortified wall or bailey of the City. The building was added to and reshaped throughout the years before being destroyed in the Great Fire and the courthouse was rebuilt as an Italianate brick building with a courtroom open to the elements in a bid to minimise the spread of gaol fever.
Later the Old Bailey was redesigned yet again enclosing the open courtroom and refacing the exterior of the building. Despite this George Danceat rebuilt the court in 1774 and a semi-circular brick wall was constructed around the court in a bid to control the access of the public and limit communication between the public and the prisoners.
The Old Bailey as we know if today was designed by Edward Mountford and was opened by King Edward VII in 1907. Mountford designed the dome of the Old Bailey to mirror that of the nearby St Paul's. On the dome above the court resides the stature of Lady Justice by sculptor F.W.Pomeroy. Lady Justice holds a sword in her right hand and weighing scales in her left supposedly representing Blind Justice.
Famous trials to have taken place at the Old Bailey include those of Oscar Wilde, The Krays and the Yorkshire Ripper.
Although there is no public access to the precincts of the Central Criminal Court the public galleries are open each day for viewing of trials in session. Opening times are Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and 2pm to 5pm. No reservations are held and visitors must be over the age of 14 years old.
Find out more about the Old Bailey including daily case listings.
How to get there
The closest tube station is at St Paul's. If travelling by bus the 4, 8, 11, 15, 17, 23, 25, 26, 56, 76, 100, 172, 242, 388 and the 521 serve St Paul's and the surrounding area.
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The Monumenttag:www.londonisfree.com,2008:/ongoing-events//15.17772008-01-08T16:08:48Z2008-01-08T16:24:30ZVisit the magnificent 202 feet high monument to the Great Fire of LondonLowri WilliamsThe Monument was designed by Sir Christopher Wren to commemorate the victims of the Great Fire of London in 1666.
The Monument was erected between 1671 and 1677, it is made out of Portland Stone and stands 202 feet high, the same height at which the Great Fire broke out. The Monument is located on the spot the Great Fire is believed to have started at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, the road then known as Pudding Lane.
The Great Fire caused London to come to a standstill as it raged from September 2nd until September 5th leaving little in its wake as it consumed timber houses and businesses. As the city began to rebuild itself it was decided that there should be a permanent memorial. The finished design was a colossal Doric column in the antique tradition surmounted by a drum and a copper urn from which flames emerged, symbolising the Great Fire.
The Latin inscription on the north panel of the pedestal translates as "In the year of Christ 1666, on 2 September, at a distance eastward from this place of 202 ft, which is the height of this column, a fire broke out in the dead of night which, the wind blowing, devoured even distant buildings, and rushed devastating through every quarter with astonishing swiftness and noise ... On the third day ... at the bidding, we may well believe, of heaven, the fire stayed its course and everywhere died out."
Entrance to the Monument is unfortunately not free and visitors will have to pay £2 to climb the spiral staircase, however, The Monument can be appreciated from the ground. Find out more about Monument.
The Monument will be closed for major refurbishment from 30 July 2007 and is due to re-open December 2008.
How to get there
The closest tube station is at Monument. If travelling by bus the 15, 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 344 and 521 all serve the area.
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Southwark Cathedraltag:www.londonisfree.com,2008:/ongoing-events//15.17732008-01-08T15:10:56Z2008-01-09T10:49:12ZStep back in time when you visit the historical Southwark CathedralLowri WilliamsSouthwark Cathedral may not be as famous at St Paul's but it is nevertheless one of the most important spiritual centres of London.
The cathedral resides on a site where a church is believed to have stood for over 1000 years and prior to that a Roman villa stood on the site. A college of priests was founded on the site of the cathedral by the Bishop of Winchester between 852 and 867, a new church was founded in 1106 by two knights and was named St Mary Overie; the church went on to hold an important function within the community as it had its own wharf for unloading river goods.
The home of the Bishop, Winchester Palace, was just a two minute walk from the cathedral allowing the cathedral to rely on the patronage of the Bishop, the palace was in use up until 1626 and remains of the building are even today in existence and viewable to the general public. St Mary Overie was badly damaged in 1212 when an almighty fire engulfed Southwark, the cathedral was rebuilt, but in the 1390's yet another fire caused serious damage meaning that, once again, the church was in need of urgent reconstruction, this work was not completed until 1420.
The reformation brought great change to the church; men were sentenced to death within its walls and for a while it was rented out as a bakery and pigsty! Buildings were sold off and residential homes were built around it. An act of Parliament in the 16th Century made the church a parish church, of St Saviour, Southwark and in 1614 the parishioners banded together and bought the church from James I. During this time the church stood in the midst of Shakespearean England and homage is paid to its link with Elizabethan theatre with monuments to Edmund Shakespeare, John Fletcher and Phillip Massinger.
The church once again came under threat by the reconstruction of the Old London Bridge, parishioners fought a battle to save the church as many had already written it off as a 'damp old monastery', the church was eventually saved despite the demolition of several Chapels. Throughout the 19th Century however, the church fell into a state of disrepair as the nave roof was demolished leaving the church open to the elements for seven years, after a new nave was completed and the repairs finished St Saviour's became the pro-cathedral of South London and Parliament created the new diocese of Southwark and the first Bishop of Southwark was enthroned.
Today the Cathedral is not only a beautiful place of worship; it is a site of historical significance, educational centre and venue for concerts and festivals. The cathedral is open to visitors from 8am to 6pm although main visiting times are from 10am until 4.30pm there is a mandatory charge for group visits, individuals are asked to make a voluntary contribution.
The cathedral does occasionally hold family and music events, you can find out more about these in our Family and Music sections. Find out more about Southwark Cathedral.
How to get there
The closest tube stations are at London Bridge or Southwark. If travelling by bus the 21, 35, 40, 133, 343 and C10 serve London Bridge and Borough High Street.
Images reproduced with the kind permission of the Dean and Chapter of Southwark.
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The Globe Theatretag:www.londonisfree.com,2008:/ongoing-events//15.17722008-01-08T14:57:13Z2008-01-09T10:50:18ZTake a look at the exterior of the newly constructed Globe Theatre on BanksideLowri WilliamsThe Globe Theatre on Bankside is a faithful reconstruction of the open air theatre dating back to 1599 where William Shakespeare wrote many of his most famous plays.
The original Globe Theatre went up in flames in 1613 when a theatrical cannon misfired and set the wooden and thatched building alight. In 1970 American actor Sam Wannamaker set up the Shakespeare Globe Trust and in 1987 building work began on the new site 225 yards away from the site of the original, building work was completed in 1997 and the new Globe Theatre was born.
Today plays run in the open-air theatre from May to September and visitors from all over the world delight in the new, modern version of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. The new building remains faithful to the original is almost every way, the only differences being an attached visitors centre, lighting and the fact that the theatre is slightly smaller than the original.
Although there are admission charges to take a tour of the inside of the globe you are able to buy tickets for plays from as little as £5...if you don't mind standing up that is! However, the theatre can be appreciated from the surrounding foyer which is free to enter so go in and take a look; it is open from 10am until 6pm.
Free family events do occasionally take place at the theatre, you can find out more about these in our Family section. Find out more about The Globe Theatre.
How to get there
The closest tube stations are a ten-minute walk away at London Bridge and Cannon Street.
If travelling by bus the 344, 381 and RV1 all serve the nearby Southwark Bridge and the 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 343, 381 and 521 all serve London Bridge.
Images by Nik Milner.
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St Paul's Cathedraltag:www.londonisfree.com,2008:/ongoing-events//15.17652008-01-08T11:57:29Z2008-01-08T12:06:49ZDiscover the FREE way to see St Paul's Cathedral in all its gloryLowri WilliamsSt Paul's Cathedral is a landmark that has represented London in its present form for over 300 years and is an international symbol of the strength, creativity and pride that makes London and its people so special.
The cathedral is much more than an Anglican church, a cathedral dedicated to St Paul has watched over the City of London since 604AD, the current cathedral is the fourth to occupy the present site; it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 to replace the cathedral lost in the Great Fire of London.
Today St Paul's is a magnificent record of the changing tastes of Great Britain over the past 300 years and the pillars, arches and artwork residing in the cathedral rivals the beauty of the exterior design. Although the cathedral has been consistently updated since being rebuilt by Wren, many original features remain including Jean Tijou's wrought iron gates and the organ that was installed in 1695.
The most striking feature of Wren's St Paul's has to be the huge dome that is instantly recognisable and which can be seen from all over London. The dome is one of the largest cathedral domes in the world; it is 113,3 metres in height and weights 65,000 tonnes - quite a weight, one that is supported by eight pillars and decorated with scenes of St Paul's life that were painted by Sir James Thornhill between 1715 and 1719.
Queen Victoria introduced the mosaics that are now such an integral part of the cathedral's interior in the mid-19th century after complaining that the cathedral was "most dreary, dingy and undevotional." Other recent additions to the cathedral include the American Memorial Chapel that stands in an area that was damaged during the Second World War and is a gesture of gratitude from the people of Britain to the American soldiers that died during the conflict.
As a venue for the celebration of births, deaths and marriage St Paul's is the number one choice for any self-respecting Royal and over the years the cathedral has played host to the jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria, services marking the end of both World Wars and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. The Cathedral is as popular with tourists as it is with royalty and all through the year you can expect to see a steady stream of visitors in and outside of the cathedral, so either get there early or attend a evening service to see the building in its full glory.
A hefty admission fee is charged for entering the cathedral however; you can appreciate the beauty of the exterior of the building or why not attend a service and experience all that St Paul's has to offer including its magnificent choir.
Regular free music and family events take place at the cathedral, you can find out more about these in our Music and Family sections. Find out more about St Paul's.
How to get there
The closest tube station is at St Paul's on the Central Line, if travelling by over-ground the closest stations are at Blackfriars and Cannon Street.
If travelling by bus the 4, 8, 11, 15, 17, 23, 25, 26, 56, 76, 100, 172, 242, 388 and the 521 serve St Paul's and the surrounding area.
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Wellcome Collectiontag:www.londonisfree.com,2008:/ongoing-events//15.17612008-01-07T17:27:34Z2008-01-07T17:47:05ZDiscover and enjoy the trove of medical history at the Wellcome Collection on Euston RoadLowri WilliamsThe Wellcome Collection on Euston Road is a fascinating venue where visitors can take a look at an ancient mummy; Napoleon's toothbrush, Darwin's walking stick, a DNA-sequencing robot and a Marc Quinn sculpture all under one roof.
The Wellcome Collection is part of the Wellcome Trust that was founded by Sir Henry Wellcome, a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and collector. Wellcome lived from 1853 to 1936; he was one of the first to market medicine in tablet form and formed a multinational pharmaceutical company that changed the way we lived. Wellcome spent his life exploring the realms of science and medicine and throughout his lifetime he amassed a huge collection of artefacts relating to medicine and health.
Sir Henry first showcased his collection of medical paraphernalia at the Historical Medical Museum in Wigmore Street from 1913. With the museum Sir Henry aimed to trace the history of medicine from ancient times to the present day. It featured a Hall of Primitive Medicine, a Hall of Statuary, a Portrait Gallery and a series of period rooms and reconstructions.
Today visitors to the Wellcome Collection can view over 1500 exhibits that span six centuries, all of which help portray the development of our understanding of what it means to be human.
The Wellcome Collection regularly holds temporary exhibitions, talks and events. You find out more about these in our Exhibitions and Literary sections.
The venue is open Monday to Sunday from 10am until 6pm, the galleries are not open on Mondays and on Thursday galleries are open until 10pm. Find out more about the Wellcome Collection including Library opening hours.
How to get there
The nearest tube stops to the Wellcome Collection are Euston Station, Euston Square Station, Warren Street Station and Kings Cross. If travelling by bus you can jump on the 10, 18, 24, 27, 29, 30, 59, 68, 73, 88, 91, 134, 168, 205, 253 and 390
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Clapham Commontag:www.londonisfree.com,2007:/ongoing-events//15.15772007-12-06T17:43:25Z2007-12-06T17:50:25ZVisit the Grade II listed bandstand at Clapham CommonLowri WilliamsClapham Common is made up of 220-acres of grassland that is situated between Clapham, Balham and Battersea.
Clapham Common was originally owned by the Manor of Clapham but was a piece of land that common folk were given access to in order to graze their cattle and collect firewood. An Act of Parliament passed in 1878 protects Clapham Common and other open spaces from being enclosed or sold off, thus meaning that the common will always be a place for the local people to enjoy and conserve. Over the centuries many attempts have been made to push through railway schemes and road systems that would affect the common, these have in the main been successfully rejected and the common has been protected.
The Common is a triangular area of land that features various ponds; Eagle Pond and Mount Pond are mainly used for angling as they contact carp, roach, tench and bream. Long Pond is used for model boating. The main feature of the common however is the Grade II listed bandstand that is the largest of its kind in London, after years of neglect the bandstand was restored to its full glory in 2006. The common boasts a number of avenues of mature trees, up until the 1980s there were a many more, but the Great Storm of 1987 caused over 400 mature trees to be uprooted, despite this the common remains a green area where locals and visitors can observe nature and wildlife.
Many sporting activities take place on the common, including football, rugby and crickets, the common is also popular with runners and cyclists. In the summer months the grass is teaming with people looking for a little bit of greenspace in South London to enjoy some sunshine and R & R.
The closest tube stations are at Clapham Common and Clapham South.
If travelling by bus 35, 37, 88, 137, 155, 255, 322, 345 and 417 all serve the common.
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Epping Foresttag:www.londonisfree.com,2007:/ongoing-events//15.15752007-12-06T16:43:46Z2007-12-06T16:53:33ZExplore the ancients trees of Epping ForestLowri WilliamsEpping Forest is absolutely huge, measuring a whopping 6,000 acres and stretching from Manor Park to Epping in Essex.
Since 1878 Epping Forest has been under the protection of the City of London after the City joined forces with local people to stop the forest from becoming enclosed. The legal battle that followed culminated in two Acts of Parliament that made provisions for other open spaces in London that were under similar threat.
The forest is of extreme historical significance, it is home to Wanstead Park, Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge and the remains of two Iron Age earthworks. Wanstead Park is a beautifully landscaped piece of land that was attached to Wanstead House; the house is now gone but the park remains along with its original boathouse and stunning temple. The park's formality is a stark contract to the rest of the forest with a number of ornamental water features where herons live, remnants from the heronry that was established at the beginning of the 20th century. You can find out more about Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge is our museums section.
Today the forest is an area of conservation; the wildlife living there exists in harmony with regular events and visitors. Many of the trees in the forest are ancient Oaks, Beech and Hornbeam trees that support insect life and fungi. Animals living in the forest include deer, Adders, newts, frogs, squirrels, rabbits and a myriad of birdlife.
Sports facilities in the forest include football pitches, a golf course and cricket pitches; there are also designated areas for fishing, boating and flying model aircrafts. Cycling, horse riding and cross-country running are also popular forest pastimes. Numerous events take place in the forest including heritage events, exhibitions, theatre performance and guided walks.
The closest tube station is a short walk away at Buckhurst Hill; the closest main line railway station is at Chingford, train from Liverpool Street station take around 25 minutes to reach Chingford.
If travelling by bus the 179, 212, 397 and 444 serve Chingford main line station.
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Crystal Palace Parktag:www.londonisfree.com,2007:/ongoing-events//15.15712007-12-06T15:13:45Z2007-12-06T15:41:20ZWhether you want sport or history, Crystal Palace Park has both in abundanceLowri WilliamsCrystal Palace is home to a 200-acre park that houses a National Sports Centre and Stadium alongside a historical wooded landscape.
Formerly the home of the Great North Wood, the park is situated on one of the highest points in London and offers stunning views across central London.
Crystal Palace Park came into being as the permanent home for the Crystal Palace that housed the Great Exhibition in 1851. In 1854 the park opened and was described as 'the worlds first theme park', people from London and further a field flooded in to see the exhibitions and events held there. Unfortunately the Palace burned down in 1936 and was never replaced, however the terraces and retaining walls of the palace can still be seen.
Motor racing was a big part of the parks history, up until the 1970s regular races took place on the track there and the park was used to film car scenes from the film 'The Italian Job'. Other sporting activities to take place in the park include football (the FA Cup final was held in the park between 1895 and 1914), as well as the events that take place in the Grade II listed National Sports Centre.
The Grand Central Walk runs from the site of the Palace to the steps of the National Sports Centre, however the original walkway linked the Palace to the Penge Gate and was 2,660 feet long. The park also houses London's largest maze, boating lake, a swimming pool, a museum, children's farm, several Waterhouse Hawkins Grade I listed dinosaur models, the South Basin Pool, a railway station and much more.
The closest mainline train stations are situated at Crystal Palace and Sydenham Hill.
If travelling by bus the 3, 122, 157, 202, 227, 249, 322, 358, 363, 410, 417, 432 and 450 all serve the area.
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Hampstead Heathtag:www.londonisfree.com,2007:/ongoing-events//15.15682007-12-06T13:05:39Z2007-12-06T14:59:15ZDiscover the natural bathing ponds and hundreds of Kingfishers at Hampstead HeathLowri WilliamsHampstead Heath is a true favourite of Londoners and a popular greenspace for families, picnickers and sporting enthusiasts.
The 791-acres that makes up Hampstead Heath, made up of ponds, woodland and meadows, welcomes over 10 million visitors a year. The land was originally owned by the Manor of Hampstead while the rest was the part if the estate of Kenwood House and is today managed by the Corporation of London and maintained by English Heritage.
A number of monuments, buildings and archaeological sites exist on the heath and all contribute to its character. These include Kenwood House, a former stately home located on the northern boundary of the Heath, the Edwardian Pergola which has recently been restored to its former glory and the Tumulus which was previously thought to have been the grave of Queen Boudicca but is now believed to the site of a 17th Century windmill.
The natural bathing ponds (that are still used today), lakes and large areas of grassland on the heath attract wildlife including Kingfishers, woodpeckers and bats. Like many of London's greenspaces, the Heath is a popular place for sporting activity and houses and outdoor swimming pool, athletics track, tennis courts, bowling green and petanque pitch. The Heath is also a popular location for outdoor concerts and events.
The Heath is open all day, all year round. Find out more about Hampstead Heath.
How to get there
The closest tube stations are located at Hampstead, Golders Green, Tuffnell Park and Belsize Park.
If travelling by bus the 46, 210, 268 and 603 all serve Hampstead.
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Wimbledon and Putney Commonstag:www.londonisfree.com,2007:/ongoing-events//15.15542007-12-06T12:11:09Z2007-12-06T12:19:30ZSee if you can spot a Womble at the Wimbledon and Putney CommonsLowri WilliamsWimbledon and Putney Commons are some of the most famous greenspaces in all of London thanks to the little furry animals that live on Wimbledon Common.
The commons are a tranquil area with sprawling meadows and grasslands. Although 'common land' Wimbledon Common was normally owned by the Lord of the Manor and those allowed to use the land were tenants of the Lord who were granted 'common rights' that included the grazing of animals and collecting of firewood. However, after a court case during which the current landowner Earl Spencer fought to enclose the land of the common, the local residents became subject to levies that would enable them to preserve and use the land of the common.
Wimbledon and Putney Commons feature numerous ponds, some that are extremely old dating back to Medieval times. The Rushmere supported the local community up until Edwardian time and is today home to a shoal of Japanese Koi Carp. The Bluegate Gravel Pit is a place where Dragonflies thrive and the Hookhamslade Pond is a breeding ground for frogs and newts; others include the Ravine Pond and the 7 Post Pond. Animals thrive in the commons natural habitat and eagle eyes visitors could spot shrews, moles, bats, rats, weasels, stoats, rabbits, badgers and a array of birds include geese, ducks and herrings.
It most prominent feature of the commons is the Wimbledon Windmill. The mill was built by local carpenter Charles March 1817 and worked by three millers up until the 1860s, these millers combined their role with that on constable of the common and kept an eye out for any illegal duels that often took place on the common. Today the Windmill Museum is popular with visitors wanting to find out more the workings of the windmill and its history, however a small admission fee is charged. The commons also feature a nature trail that enables visitors to take on a cross section of the nature the commons have to offer.
Sport is a very popular activity on the commons, two golf clubs call it home, as does the oldest cross country running club in the world, cyclists, joggers, horse riders and rugby players.
The common is open to the public 24 hours a days, 365 days a year. Find out more about Wimbledon and Putney Commons.
How to get there
The closest tube stations are at Wimbledon, Wimbledon Park and Southfields.
If travelling by bus the 93 and 200 serve the Parkside of the Common.
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Kensington Gardenstag:www.londonisfree.com,2007:/ongoing-events//15.15442007-12-05T17:44:36Z2007-12-05T17:56:29ZTry and discover the magical world of J M Barrie in London's Kensington GardensLowri WilliamsKensington Gardens is a formal park covering 275-acres of land made up of formal avenues of trees and ornamental gardens.
The land that the gardens reside on was once part of the much larger near-by Hyde Park, however, in 1689 William III bought up the land as he felt the quiet location and clean air would be beneficial to his asthma. After Christopher Wren transformed Nottingham House into what we now know as Kensington Palace, William III transferred land from Hyde Park. The palace quickly became popular with subsequent royals, wife of George II Queen Caroline created the gardens that Londoners know and love by transferring more land from Hyde Park to the gardens and creating the Serpentine and the Long Water from the Westbourne stream. Kensington Palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and she in turn improved the gardens by adding the Italian Gardens and Albert Memorial.
The most significant recent development at Kensington Gardens was the creation of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain Playground. The playground is hugely popular receiving thousands of visitors every year. It is located next to Kensington Palace where the late Princess lived and features teepees, a sensory trail, beach and various play sculptures.
Other popular monuments in the gardens include statues of Peter Pan and Queen Victoria, you can discover these gems of the gardens during regular organised walks. Although there are cycle paths running through the gardens sports are discouraged due to the historic importance of the landscape and to maintain the serenity of the greenspace.
The gardens are open from 6am until dusk every day all year round. Find out more about Kensington Gardens.
How to get there
The closest tube stations are at Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Bayswater and High Street Kensington.
If travelling by bus the 9, 10, 27, 28, 31, 49, 52, 70, 94, 148, 274, 360 and 390 all serve the area.
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Green Parktag:www.londonisfree.com,2007:/ongoing-events//15.15402007-12-05T16:11:27Z2007-12-05T17:33:27ZVisit Green Park, the site of many a historical duel and rebellionLowri WilliamsGreen Park is adjacent to the 47-acre greenspace of St James's Park, but benefits from mature trees and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Although the park is now a peaceful place, this was not always the case. Green Park it was first a burial ground for the leper hospital at the nearby St James's Park. Then once it was enclosed became a famous duelling site and the place where many a rebellion took place including one against the marriage of Queen Mary I to Philip II of Spain. Much has changed in the park, the buildings and lodges that once stood there are now all gone, as are the temples that were destroyed during two particularly raucous fireworks displays 60 years apart!
Like most Royal Parks in London Green Park was a royal hunting ground stocked with deer by Charles II; however by the 18th Century various improvements were made in order to make the park more pleasure garden like; the Tyburn Pool and the Queens Walk all added to the park where the King enjoyed his daily constitutionals. In the 1820s John Nash was commissioned to make improvement to St James's Park that affected Green Park, trees were planted in the park for the first time and the Wellington Arch was placed at the boundary of Hyde Park and Green Park on Constitution Hill. In more recent years the park has become a memorial to whose who have lost their lives in battle, with new memorial added for Canadian servicemen in 1994 and one in 2002 for the five million servicemen from the Indian Sub-Continent, Africa and the Caribbean.
Green Park is a greenspace dedicated to rest and relaxation, therefore sport is not encourages and large scale events rare, if you are looking for a greenspace that offers these facilities then check out our page on Hyde Park. Although Green Park does not have an abundance of wildlife there are a number of birds living there and The Royal Parks are currently looking at ways to introduce new species to the area.
The park is open to the public all day every day. Find out more about Green Park.
How to get there
The closest tube stations are located at Green Park and Hyde Park Corner.
If travelling by bus the 2, 8, 9, 14, 16, 19, 22, 36, 38, 52, 73, 82, 148 and 436 all serve the area.
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Victoria Parktag:www.londonisfree.com,2007:/ongoing-events//15.15362007-12-05T15:06:17Z2007-12-05T16:31:15ZCheck out the delightful Victoria Park in the heart of the East EndLowri WilliamsVictoria Park in East London came into being when 218-acres of land was bought bu the Crown Estate; between the years of 1842 and 1846 this land was planned and laid out by architect James Pennethorne; a pupil of the much lauded architect John Nash.
The park was made public in 1845 and has always been referred to as 'the people's park'. Once opened the park became an essential part of life for the poor people living and working in the heavily polluted East End of London and was the only large greenspace in the area open for public use. The bathing pond in the park was popular with 19th Century park goers; however, this has not been used for bathing since 1836 and is today mainly frequented by anglers.
Although the park was a place for relaxation and recreation, it was also put to political uses and quickly became a meeting place for political rallies. The political nature of the park was reinforced when it became a Prisoner of War camp for both Italian and German soldiers during World War II. To this day the park remains a place for the local community to meet and stage events such as the Rock Against Racism concerts in the 1980's.
Despite its working class roots Victoria Park does bear resemblances to the grand Royal Parks, including deer enclosures, ornamental gardens and lakes. Notable areas of interest in the park include two canals running to the west and south of the park and two surviving fragments of the original London Bridge, Grade II listed pedestrian alcoves, that are located at the East end of the park where they have stood since 1860. The park's Pagoda has become a popular venue for open air concerts in summer months, while the sporting enjoy the lido, tennis courts, cricket pitches, bowling green and cycle paths.
The park is open every day from 6am until dusk. Find out more about events at Victoria Park.
How to get there
The closest tube stations are at Mile End and Bow. The closest main line station is at Stratford and DLR station at Bow Church.
If travelling by bus the 26, 30, 236, 276, 388 and S2 all serve the area.
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St James's Parktag:www.londonisfree.com,2007:/ongoing-events//15.15312007-12-05T12:52:46Z2007-12-05T13:01:34ZExplore the green heart of London at St James's ParkLowri WilliamsSt James's Park is a Royal Park situated in the very heart of London covering 58-acres of land and providing a green oasis in an often clogged up city.
The park is the oldest Royal Park in London and is surrounded by three palaces, Westminster (now the Houses of Parliament), St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace. Originally the site of a leper hospital; Henry VIII acquired the land in 1532 for a deer park where he and his court could hunt; his daughter Elizabeth I also used the park to indulge her whims, throwing fetes and events. James I drained and developed the land on the park when he took to the throne. He managed to create the first incarnation of the road we now know as the Mall and used the park as his own private zoo housing elephants, crocodiles and camels! The park really started to change however when Charles II had it redesigned planting lawns and avenues of trees before opening the park to the public.
In the early 1800s John Nash was commissioned to again change the look and feel of the park, hanging the park to look more naturalistic which was a popular look of the day, transforming the canal into a lake and introducing birds, bird keeper and bird keeper cottage to the park. He also built Clarence House which has remained as a royal residence ever since. It was during this time that Buckingham House was given a major facelift enlarged to create a palace and the Mall was turned into a grand processional route to the new palace.
The former canal that is now a lake is today home to geese, ducks, swans and pelicans! Facilities include a children's play area, a popular cafe and deck chairs in the summer months. Many events take place in the park and the adjacent Mall these events take the form of parade, march, concerts, guided tours and much more.
The park is open from 5am to midnight all year round. Find out more about St James's Park.
How to get there
The closest tube stations are at St James's Park, Charring Cross, Westminster, Green Park and Victoria.
If travelling by bus the 3, 11, 12, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 148, 159, 211 and 453 all serve the area.
The Old Bailey is quite possibly the world's most famous criminal court and has been London's principal criminal court for centuries.
The Monument was designed by Sir Christopher Wren to commemorate the victims of the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Southwark Cathedral may not be as famous at St Paul's but it is nevertheless one of the most important spiritual centres of London.
The Globe Theatre on Bankside is a faithful reconstruction of the open air theatre dating back to 1599 where William Shakespeare wrote many of his most famous plays.
St Paul's Cathedral is a landmark that has represented London in its present form for over 300 years and is an international symbol of the strength, creativity and pride that makes London and its people so special.
The Wellcome Collection on Euston Road is a fascinating venue where visitors can take a look at an ancient mummy; Napoleon's toothbrush, Darwin's walking stick, a DNA-sequencing robot and a Marc Quinn sculpture all under one roof.
Clapham Common is made up of 220-acres of grassland that is situated between Clapham, Balham and Battersea.
Epping Forest is absolutely huge, measuring a whopping 6,000 acres and stretching from Manor Park to Epping in Essex.
Crystal Palace is home to a 200-acre park that houses a National Sports Centre and Stadium alongside a historical wooded landscape.
Hampstead Heath is a true favourite of Londoners and a popular greenspace for families, picnickers and sporting enthusiasts.
Wimbledon and Putney Commons are some of the most famous greenspaces in all of London thanks to the little furry animals that live on Wimbledon Common.
Kensington Gardens is a formal park covering 275-acres of land made up of formal avenues of trees and ornamental gardens.
Green Park is adjacent to the 47-acre greenspace of St James's Park, but benefits from mature trees and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Victoria Park in East London came into being when 218-acres of land was bought bu the Crown Estate; between the years of 1842 and 1846 this land was planned and laid out by architect James Pennethorne; a pupil of the much lauded architect John Nash.
St James's Park is a Royal Park situated in the very heart of London covering 58-acres of land and providing a green oasis in an often clogged up city.