A couple of days as tourists in London arriving by train at Paddington Station where we stay at the Premier Inn near the entrance to the Elizabeth Line.
We investigate Little Venice an affluent residential district in West London, England, around the junction of the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal, the Regent's Canal, and the entrance to Paddington Basin. The junction, also known as Little Venice and Browning's Pool, forms a triangular shape basin designed to allow long canal boats to turn around. Many of the buildings in the vicinity are Regency white painted stucco terraced town houses and taller blocks (mansions) in the same style.
An interesting amphi-theatre construction where we picnic for lunch. Today the canal has become a leisure corridor navigated by leisure boats and lined with live-aboard houseboats. We take the Waterbus which provides a classic one-way Regents Canal trip operating in either direction and each take around 45 minutes at a cost of £14 per adult.
Our route travels between Little Venice in Maida Vale and vibrant Camden Town where you’ll find the world-famous Camden Market.
We pass through the grounds of London Zoo and through the echoey depths of the Madia Hill tunnel
Each boat has large slide-to-open windows, so everyone gets a view.
As we pass through the grounds of London Zoo, look out for the African hunting dogs known as painted wolves, which can often be seen as we pass their canal-side enclosure, as well as their warthog neighbours. On the opposite side, you can see the imposing structure of the repurposed Snowdon Aviary which is now part of Monkey Valley, home to playful Colobus monkeys, as a walk through zoo exhibit.
You can see expansive landscaped gardens of stately mansion houses and classic modern villas contrasted with industrial buildings, a power station and historical architecture including ornamental iron bridges such Macclesfield ‘blow up’ bridge.
From modern-day urban graffiti, unique architecture and industrial heritage to landscaped gardens and wildlife, the route gives an insight into the unique mix that forms this part of London.
Camden Town is famed for its market, a warren of fashion and curiosities by the Regent’s Canal. A haven of counter culture, the area is popular with tourists, teenagers and punks. The thriving nightlife scene includes live music in alternative clubs and old-school pubs, and major stars playing at the Jazz Cafe and the Roundhouse. Cafes bustle during the day. Nearby Regent’s Park has formal gardens and the London Zoo. Camden market has more than 1,000 places to shop, eat, drink and dance. Discover vintage fashion and original gift ideas, or simply pause for a bite to eat at one of the many cafes, bars and street-food stalls. It is vibrant, colourful and jam packed with tourists.
We head on the tube as we had tickets for the Agatha Christie play:
Witness for the Prosecution.
Originally published as a short story named Traitor's Hands, Witness for the Prosecution was later adapted into a play by Christie herself. The County Hall based show is now running into its seventh year, having received high praise from critics and theatregoers alike.
The story follows a gripping murder trial, as a young man is tried for the killing of a wealthy older woman. The show features a cast of characters including the accused Leonard Vole, his German wife, a cantankerous housekeeper, and the courthouse judge and barristers. The jury is comprised of several audience members, and it’s their job to decide if Leonard is innocent or guilty.
The play begins with an electric courthouse scene, performed in slow motion with dramatic lighting that had me on the edge of my seat. From there the scenes mostly flip between the defence barrister’s office and the courtroom, with clever use of props and staging showing the difference between the two.
One of the things that immediately drew me to this play was its unique setting. Witness for the Prosecution is performed in London’s County Hall, inside a historic octagonal Council Chamber. It’s a grand setting that easily resembles what a courtroom looks like, creating the feeling that the audience members are sat in the actual setting of the play. It’s a unique way to engage with a show, and makes for a very immersive experience.
I found the plot itself to be gripping and portrayed with superb acting that plunged the audience into the intensity of the story. I didn’t predict the ending either, and found myself guessing whether the accused was innocent or guilty throughout the show. The lighting was also well utilised for dramatic effect, and really added to the emotion of the scenes.
The following day we get on the tube and head for Tower Hill where we disembark and make our way to the Gunpowder Plot Experience,
Gunpowder Plot Experience in Tower Hill Vaults brings the pivotal events of 1605 to life; immersing you in the story of Guy Fawkes and the conspiracy that sparked the annual Bonfire Night.
Through a combination of live actors, virtual reality and authentic sets the experience takes you on an interactive journey where you’ll “play an integral role in the Gunpowder Plot”. So, in dire need of a history refresher and, let’s be honest, desperate for some more cloak and dagger after that dramatic Traitors finale, we headed over to experience it for ourselves.
The trip back in time begins before you even step foot inside the experience. Handily setting the scene, the centuries-old fortress of the Tower of London sits just opposite the entrance, its weathered facade speaking of a storied history that spans decades. But it’s just one piece of its chequered past you’ll live out at The Gunpowder Plot Experience.
Leaving daylight behind, you wander through looming dungeon-esque doors and descend into the moodily-lit Tower Hill Vaults. No need to be scared though, awaiting at the bottom of the stairs is a well-stocked bar and time-warped interiors that resemble a 17th-century tavern – well, one ahead of the times if the trendy exposed brick and electrics are anything to go by. You could easily just pop in for a drink if you fancied it…but then you’d be missing out on the main event.
is an exciting and enlightening adventure that immerses you effectively in the turbulent times of the past. The actors embody their characters well and adapt to your group, while the special effects and virtual reality add extra dimension and thrills. It honestly felt like I had left reality for a while and stepped through a wormhole onto the street of 1605 London, the fact they are based in the murky labyrinth of Tower Hill Vaults is definitely their not-so-secret weapon and they used it artfully. Equal parts fun and educational, it is a fantastic experience for all ages!
This afternoon a trip around The Tower of London,
The Tower is officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic citadel and castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which is separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It was founded toward the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was initially a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new Norman ruling class. The castle was also used as a prison from 1100 (Ranulf Flambard) until 1952 (Kray twins),[3] although that was not its primary purpose. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under kings Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The general layout established by the late 13th century remains despite later activity on the site.
The Tower of London has played a prominent role in English history. It was besieged several times, and controlling it has been important to controlling the country. The Tower has served variously as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. From the early 14th century until the reign of Charles II in the 17th century, the monarch would traditionally prepare for several nights at the Tower, and lead a procession from there to Westminster Abbey for their coronation. In the absence of the monarch, the Constable of the Tower was in charge of the castle. This was a powerful and trusted position in the medieval period. In the late 15th century, the Princes in the Tower were housed at the castle when they mysteriously disappeared, presumed murdered. Under the Tudors, the Tower became used less as a royal residence, and despite attempts to refortify and repair the castle, its defences lagged behind developments to deal with artillery.
The zenith of the castle's use as a prison was the 16th and 17th centuries, when many figures who had fallen into disgrace, such as Elizabeth I before she became queen, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Elizabeth Throckmorton, were held within its walls. This use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower". Despite its enduring reputation as a place of torture and death, popularised by 16th-century religious propagandists and 19th-century writers, only seven people were executed within the Tower before the world wars of the 20th century. Executions were more commonly held on the notorious Tower Hill to the north of the castle, with 112 occurring there over a 400-year period. In the latter half of the 19th century, institutions such as the Royal Mint moved out of the castle to other locations, leaving many buildings empty.
Anthony Salvin and John Taylor took the opportunity to restore the Tower to what was felt to be its medieval appearance, clearing out many of the vacant post-medieval structures.
In the First and Second World Wars, the Tower was again used as a prison and witnessed the executions of 12 men for espionage. After the Second World War, damage caused during the Blitz was repaired, and the castle reopened to the public. Today, the Tower of London is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. Under the ceremonial charge of the Constable of the Tower, operated by the Resident Governor of the Tower of London and Keeper of the Jewel House, and guarded by the Yeomen Warders, the property is cared for by the charity Historic Royal Palaces and is protected as a World Heritage Site.
Walking a few yards past Paddington Station outside the Mecure Hotel is The Wild Table of Love.
This is a captivating bronze sculpture by the talented artists Gillie and Marc, has found its home at the corner of Eastbourne Terrace and Praed Street, at the exit of the Elizabeth Line at Paddington Station.
Prepare to be amazed as this extraordinary artwork breathes new life into the area, elevating Paddington to new heights of culture, conversation and community.
Paddington is no longer just a transportation hub but becoming a vibrant hub of artistic expression and cultural engagement. The Wild Table of Love sits in juxtaposition to the Maarten Baas Real Time Clock transforming a once sparse and grey corner of Paddington in to an uplifting and inspiring space.
The stunning sculpture also carries a powerful message of unity, reminding us of the importance of embracing our shared humanity and protecting the precious ecosystems that sustain us all. It serves as a poignant reminder that art has the ability to provoke thought, ignite passion, and inspire positive change.
The new sculpture was brought to the area by PaddingtonNow Business Improvement District in their effort to enhance Paddingtons’ streetscape. From residents seeking solace in art to busy workers finding inspiration during their daily commute, the Wild Table of Love has become a focal point of cultural engagement for all already.
Visitors are encouraged to take photo’s and interact with the artwork, there are two spare seats at the table inviting you to join the conversation!
