3. Markets...markets...markets...London is spoiled for choice in this department and if you have limited time pick a few and spend more time rather than try to cover too many. Portebello Road, Smithfields, Covent Garden, Leather lane..etc...all of the guidebooks list a massive variety. One market however which is very special in its diversity of food, clothing, books etc ...is the Camden Lock market in Camden Town...
Camden Town is on the northern line and is a part of London that is quirky, bustling and awash with character and personality. The locals wear every type of tattoo and piercings with hairstyles that are wild and zany. Don't attempt to photograph the locals however, as you may find yourself confronted by some angry responses. Ask first BUT be prepared for a no! The Camden Lock Market is on the Regent's Canal and is part of the waterway network that leads to Little Venice. There is nothing better than a window seat in the Cafe Chula a delightful Mexican cafe that overlooks the water...sipping a white wine or a beer..either or...and watch the crazy Camden world pass you by. The shops and stalls are numerous under the covered market and reflect the theme of the stables and horses. FOOD!! Where do you start??? Every cuisine is there in street food....Mexican, Asian, Turkish, Spanish, Irish, Middle Eastern, French, American....on and on it goes so making the decision for lunch takes time. There are stalls and shops in the basement level as well and there you can find second hand book and magazine stalls selling every type of publication. The vast spread takes time and several hours can fly by while you explore these unique and lively outlets. Enjoy!
4. Museums aplenty.....so many...too many! BE SELECTIVE!
Two all time favourite London museums are the Imperial War Museum and (I.W.M) the British Museum and like so many in this amazing city, they are free. Newly revamped, the I.W.M has exhibits of the First World War, WW2 and the permanent top level Holocaust exhibition. Due to the confronting nature of the Holocaust exhibits, there is an age restriction on entry. The public move through this section slowly and quietly with the reverence that is appropriate for this traumatic story. The trenches of WW1 have been reconstructed and make for a realistic version of the life of the soldiers fighting in the Great War.
The British Museum is a MUST SEE. You could spend days in its many galleries and levels and still not cover it completely. Cultures and eras from across the many parts of the globe are on display and of interest to school groups and younger visitors are the 'Hands On' additions to the displays thus adding a wonderful teaching tool to the study of History. The Egyptian section is always popular as groups take in one of the largest collections of mummified remains outside of Cairo. Teachers can access the education section online prior to a visit thus making the preparation of worksheets and activities a relevant learning experience.
One little known, small but unusual museum, is found across the Thames not far from London Bridge, the Operating Museum. It shows some fearful and rather grim reminders of the days of surgery when pain relief was non-existant. More like a parade of horrors, it is intriguing.
And of course the big three names such as the Victoria and Albert, the Science Museum and the Natural History all close by to each other could easily fill in a day or two. Accommodation in Kensington makes seeing these three really convenient all within walking distance and all free except for special visiting exhibitions. It pays to purchase a reputable guide book such as the 'Eye Witness' series and do some reading and planning before you get to London so you make the most of your time. Accept that you will never see them all so make your time one of considered immersion ...you can always return to the city that never sleeps on your next trip to the UK!
