If the title of this article seems too high for your reach, let us just say that this is the right place to read and learn about how to turn a tourist into a traveller by simply deciding to visit a certain city in a different manner. And this is the case of London seen upside down, or rather from North to South, from a London Luton Transfer to the, let us say, Surrey National Golf Course (CR3 5AA). This means that we are going to focus on the following areas: Luton, Edgware, Central London and Croydon.
Luton does not present many famous touristic attractions, but nonetheless, has Luton Airport, a provider of low cost flights and three great smaller sights that will sort of make time freeze and even take you back to your childhood. First of all, Whipsnade Wild Animal Park will definitely make an impression on you. It is not the usual zoo, as the animals are actually very happy here due to the large space. The parkland is stunning and those 2.000 animals cannot wait to enjoy your company. Still passionate about airplanes? Visit Royal Air Force Museum London and witness hundreds of related items, from full-sized aircrafts to all kinds of lapel badges. You will be especially amazed by the war bombers. Still passionate about history? Visit Avenue House and its impressive Victorian architecture. Its history goes back to the year 1200 and it will show you how to “time travel” until 1540.
Next comes Edgware area and its infinite entertainment possibilities. Within a ten minute walk, you can find the following sights: Speakers’ Corner (the best time would be on Sunday, when you will listen to interesting people and their various beliefs), Michael Werner Gallery (received plenty of positive reviews and its galleries can also be found in other great cities such as New York and Berlin), Gallery Elena Shchukina (it is one of the most original galleries, as it combines paintings, pieces of furniture and other objects, thus creating a complete exhibition), Wallace Collection (with over 20 galleries and items that range from paintings to sculptures), Diana, Princess Of Wales Memorial Playground (it represents a sort of little heaven for children, being a beloved playground with themes such as pirate ships and Neverland) and Oxford Street (probably the most busiest street in London, filled with shops for every taste, need and budget).
And we have arrived to Central London, maybe the most visited area in London, as the locations here are mentioned in every travel brochure, blog and forum. However, from all there is to see and do here, we consider a must see the following objectives: British Museum (any description would be in vain, as it is one of the largest and most beautiful museums in the world, with amazing galleries that range from Egyptian art to items from Medieval Europe), National Portrait Gallery (a reflection of contemporary art, presenting portraits of the most significant personalities from the 15th century onward), Sir John Soane’s Museum (for a tour that costs less than 5 pounds you get the chance to see thousands of wonderful antiquities), Apsley House (the location where some of the most elegant banquets took place in the 70’s and where you can also view masterpieces by Velazquez and Rubens).
Croydon area is your best friend when it comes to Gatwick Airport, another important travelling hub. Because it is not such a familiar part of London, the tourists tend to ignore it and go straight to the more central districts. However, make sure to visit Croydon Town Hall, The Queen’s Gardens, Croydon Clocktower, Museum of Croydon and Old Palace, Croydon and I promise that you will find something for your own taste. A museum does not only impress by its size, but by its collections, by what they represent and how they are represented.
Of course, I can pour down a long series of art galleries and other cultural venues. However, these are my favourite ones. And it is time for you to create your own list with beautiful photos and live memories. The great thing about cities like London is that they give you the possibility to write your own journey. There are so many local attractions that it is almost impossible to not find something that will leave an impression on you. And in order for them to be as fun as possible and less tiring, take it “down the hill” and see where the road leads you.