By Intrepid Traveller Nicky Connolly
The next time you are in London or contemplating places to visit during a stopover, let it be a time of discovery as we lead you to some of our favourite, sometimes lesser- known places to visit.
1. Words on the Water
This one is for the real romantics. This quirky bookshop is situated on a 1920's Dutch barge behind King’s Cross Granary, London.
Absolutely jam packed with books, friendly dogs and cosy nooks to sit as you browse. Words on the Water regularly host poetry readings and awesome Jazz sessions on the barge rooftop.
The shop opening hours are midday- 7PM everyday except Christmas Day.
2. Eel Pie Island
Eel Pie island is a mudlfat island accessible by footbridge in Twickenham. Once home to the movers and shakers in the 60's. Hippy communes dotted the 3.6ha with a rich history of jazz and Rock 'n' Roll. It is said that the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and many other bands frequented the island.
This countercultural lifestyle is much quieter now and home to over 26 artist studios full of painters, potters and sculptors and a couple of boatyards.
This quaint island visit will be enhanced if you can time it with the open studio days which are held a couple of times a year.
3. Neal's Yard
This colourful corner of Covent Garden’s is dedicated to wholefood, ethical beauty and health products. Home to the infamous Neal’s Yard Remedies, St. John’s Bakery, quaint coffee shops, healers and spiritual guides.
It wasn't long ago this little alley way was filled with waste bins. Entrepeneur Nicholas Saunder's took a huge chance opening a wholefoods. Years later it is an instagrammers delight and house to a number of independent London businesses.
Be sure to let us know what your favourite places were.
4. Seven Dial's Market
Just around the corner of Covent Garden is Seven’s Dial’s market. Home to 20 independent London traders and 2 bars. Bookable tables and event space hire are available if you are planning a special occasion or reunion with friends and family.
The food and drink offerings are delicious. Have you tried a Wheelcake? They are soft, moist, fluffy Taiwanese pancakes with creamy fillings in flavours like adzuki bean, chocolate, matcha and vanilla custard.
5. Little Nan's Bar
Little Nan’s is neon craziness mixed with a charity shop feel and the cosiness of visiting your Nan. Their fully stocked bar has over 90 Signature cocktails, Including mulled apple juice, slushies, vodka candy shots, draft beer, tea, coffee and much more. But seriously, it’s all about the disco fries and the fish finger sarnie’s.
This little den is a real treat and you will feel high falutin' sipping your cocktails out of teapots whilst sitting having a little chitty chat.
A couple more for the kids.........big and small!
Warner Bros. The Making of Harry Potter
Step into the sets of Harry Potter - the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest and Diagaon Alley. Discover the iconically crafted props and be memerised by the original costumes.
The imagination runs wild as your relive movies scenes every step of the way.
Royal Observatory Greenwich - Peter Harrison Planetarium
The Plantetarium takes you on amazing journeys of the universe. Explore the night sky and experience the wonders along with commentary from leading astronomers. A visit to the Peter Harrison Planetarium can fly you into the heart of the sun, transport you to distant galaxies, show you the birth of a star or land you on Mars.
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