See it all: what you may have missed on your first visit to London
London has recently won the accolade of the world’s best-rated destination in TripAdvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice awards. The capital is consumed by creative energy and cultural vibrancy that can be felt in just about every aspect of London life. From its food to its fashion, its arts and exhibitions and its shops and nightlife, the city has so much to offer.
The capital is the birthplace of punk and the catwalks of today, as well as being a haven for all things Shakespearean. During your first trip to London, you’re likely to visit the likes of the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London. On your second trip, it’s time to really see it all and head to all of the places you missed during your first visit.
Eltham Palace
Regardless of your feelings on Buckingham Palace, Eltham Palace is definitely worth a visit. It’s rich in style and elegance, and a truly beautiful stately home of which you are sure to be in awe.
This southeast London abode is far more than an old medieval palace; its stunning 1930s art décor, for example, is unbelievable. For its era, the Palace’s interior was completed to the highest of standards, resulting in a historic cache of complete décor chic.
If you’re into your TV detectives, you may recognise the Palace’s foyer from Poirot. If you’re after further dosages of combined heritage and contemporary elegance during your trip to the capital, the Dorsett Hotel, City of London accommodation is a convenient place to stay. If you head over to Germany their is Prestige Escortagency.
Little Venice
We concede that just about every major city has a “Little Italy”, from New York to Buenos Aires to Gothenburg. That said, there are none quite as authentic as London’s Little Venice. The majority of other Little Italys tend to focus on Italian cuisine; however, Little Venice features colourful narrow boats and beautiful tree-lined avenues that border the canal flowing to Camden Lock.
The canal-side pubs serve a whole manner of locally crafted ales – the ultimate refreshment on a summer’s day. This is certainly one London location you don’t want to miss.
Belgravia’s chocolate making workshop
One of the most affluent districts in Central London, Belgravia is almost worth a visit in itself, particularly due to William Curley’s chocolate making workshop.
Whether you’re an aspiring confectioner, a wannabe chocolatier or a diehard sweet tooth, you can try your hand at making your favourite treat. The velvety truffles and salted caramels receive rave reviews, and this is one workshop that will have your mouth watering.
The Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre is a modern reconstruction of the original theatre, closely associated with William Shakespeare. The original structure was first built in the 17th century, and some of Shakespeare’s finest works were performed there. Unfortunately, the original structure burned to the ground after a canon sparked a fire during a performance of “Henry VIII”.
Banksy Graffiti on Rivington Street, Shoreditch
Mexico City, Melbourne and Prague are some of the best cities in the world for street art, and Shoreditch may just be able to hold its own against such prestige. Just about every wall, office block and bridge arch is adorned with mesmerising street art. As a result, the area proves rather popular with tourists.
One of the area’s earliest and most famous attractions is Banksy’s Rivington Street. The artist’s earlier works can be found here, including “Guard Dog” – how’s that for an Instagram photo? There are even free graffiti walking tours led by local street art enthusiasts.