Calista's Guidebook
Food scene
Borough Market
Borough High StreetAn amazing food market dating back to the 13th century.
The famous enlarged glass dome of 20 Fenchurch Street is dedicated to three storeys of exquisitely landscaped public gardens and London's most exclusive social spaces, including observation decks and an open air terrace. Sky Garden also houses restaurants Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Seafood Bar & Grill and Sky Pod Bar.
300 locals recommend
Sky Garden
The famous enlarged glass dome of 20 Fenchurch Street is dedicated to three storeys of exquisitely landscaped public gardens and London's most exclusive social spaces, including observation decks and an open air terrace. Sky Garden also houses restaurants Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Seafood Bar & Grill and Sky Pod Bar.
"A street food market with produce, bars and seating inside and out. Visit us on the flag-lined Ropewalk in the heart of Bermondsey."
Maltby Street Market opened in 2010. This unlikely south-east London backwater quickly became a popular weekend destination.
The Ropewalk bears this name as a reference to a nearby ropewalk owned by notable Bermondsey eccentric Robert Rich in the eighteenth century and marked thus on John Roques' map of 1746. The area was disrupted by the the construction of the London to Greenwich railway completed in 1836. The viaduct that carried the railway consisting of 40,000,000 bricks now provides a home for both Maltby Street Market and many other food and beverage traders in Bermondsey.
Maltby Street Market has been fully subscribed since its origination. Its very limited size and the picturesque character of the railway arches and decoration encourages and allows for careful curation and a churn of start ups and star traders.
292 locals recommend
Maltby Street Market
Maltby Street"A street food market with produce, bars and seating inside and out. Visit us on the flag-lined Ropewalk in the heart of Bermondsey."
Maltby Street Market opened in 2010. This unlikely south-east London backwater quickly became a popular weekend destination.
The Ropewalk bears this name as a reference to a nearby ropewalk owned by notable Bermondsey eccentric Robert Rich in the eighteenth century and marked thus on John Roques' map of 1746. The area was disrupted by the the construction of the London to Greenwich railway completed in 1836. The viaduct that carried the railway consisting of 40,000,000 bricks now provides a home for both Maltby Street Market and many other food and beverage traders in Bermondsey.
Maltby Street Market has been fully subscribed since its origination. Its very limited size and the picturesque character of the railway arches and decoration encourages and allows for careful curation and a churn of start ups and star traders.
Sightseeing
This 90-acre park, the oldest Royal Park in London, features a large lake that is a wildlife sanctuary for ducks, geese, swans and even pelicans.
250 locals recommend
St. James's Park
This 90-acre park, the oldest Royal Park in London, features a large lake that is a wildlife sanctuary for ducks, geese, swans and even pelicans.
The National Gallery houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. It is on show 361 days a year, free of charge.
796 locals recommend
The National Gallery
Trafalgar SquareThe National Gallery houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. It is on show 361 days a year, free of charge.
Rebuilt by Christopher Wren after the great Fire of 1666, St. Paul's has been the site of many historic state occasions; including Sir Winston Churchill's state funeral and the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. A busy working Christian community with several daily services at which all are welcome. St Paul’s also welcomes visitors with access to five levels of the Cathedral including the Whispering Gallery with its unique acoustics and the Stone and Golden Galleries atop the Dome offering breathtaking panoramic views over London. Multimedia guides in eight languages for adults and children are included with sightseeing admission as well as free guided tours to join upon arrival.
845 locals recommend
St. Paul's Cathedral
Rebuilt by Christopher Wren after the great Fire of 1666, St. Paul's has been the site of many historic state occasions; including Sir Winston Churchill's state funeral and the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. A busy working Christian community with several daily services at which all are welcome. St Paul’s also welcomes visitors with access to five levels of the Cathedral including the Whispering Gallery with its unique acoustics and the Stone and Golden Galleries atop the Dome offering breathtaking panoramic views over London. Multimedia guides in eight languages for adults and children are included with sightseeing admission as well as free guided tours to join upon arrival.
Discover London’s castle – a secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison where you can explore 1000 years of history. Prepare to be dazzled by the breathtaking, world famous Crown Jewels. Take a Yeoman Warder tour and hear captivating stories of pain and passion, treachery and torture. Meet the famous ravens and discover why they are known as the guardians of the Tower and marvel at the imposing White Tower, a magnificent example of Normal architecture at the heart of the Tower of London.
1372 locals recommend
Tower of London
Discover London’s castle – a secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison where you can explore 1000 years of history. Prepare to be dazzled by the breathtaking, world famous Crown Jewels. Take a Yeoman Warder tour and hear captivating stories of pain and passion, treachery and torture. Meet the famous ravens and discover why they are known as the guardians of the Tower and marvel at the imposing White Tower, a magnificent example of Normal architecture at the heart of the Tower of London.
An iconic London landmark and one of Britain's best loved historic sites, Tower Bridge is open to the public 363 days a year. Within the Bridge's iconic structure and magnificent Victorian Engine rooms, the Tower Bridge Exhibition is the best way of exploring the most famous bridge in the world! Come learn about this incredible feat of Victorian engineering, discover how the Bridge is raised and enjoy stunning panoramic views across London from our high-level walkways, 42 metres above the River Thames. Opening Times: 09:30 - 17:00 (last admission )
1577 locals recommend
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge RoadAn iconic London landmark and one of Britain's best loved historic sites, Tower Bridge is open to the public 363 days a year. Within the Bridge's iconic structure and magnificent Victorian Engine rooms, the Tower Bridge Exhibition is the best way of exploring the most famous bridge in the world! Come learn about this incredible feat of Victorian engineering, discover how the Bridge is raised and enjoy stunning panoramic views across London from our high-level walkways, 42 metres above the River Thames. Opening Times: 09:30 - 17:00 (last admission )
Located 800ft above the ground, The View from The Shard is the highest viewing platform in London and is the only place to see the entire city all at once. The viewing galleries on Level 69 and the open-air Skydeck on Level 72 provide spectacular 360° views of London and beyond. In fact, on a clear day, visitors can see for 40 miles. Friendly and knowledgeable guest ambassadors are on hand to answer questions about this iconic building and the breath-taking views. Fall in love with the iconic skyline and spot famous sites including The Houses of Parliament, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Olympic Park and Wembley Stadium. Ideal for London’s culture seekers as well as those on their first trip to the capital.
154 locals recommend
The View from The Shard
32 London Bridge StLocated 800ft above the ground, The View from The Shard is the highest viewing platform in London and is the only place to see the entire city all at once. The viewing galleries on Level 69 and the open-air Skydeck on Level 72 provide spectacular 360° views of London and beyond. In fact, on a clear day, visitors can see for 40 miles. Friendly and knowledgeable guest ambassadors are on hand to answer questions about this iconic building and the breath-taking views. Fall in love with the iconic skyline and spot famous sites including The Houses of Parliament, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Olympic Park and Wembley Stadium. Ideal for London’s culture seekers as well as those on their first trip to the capital.
Most of this iconic building was built in the mid-19th century following a devastating fire in 1834. Westminster Hall survived the fire and dates from 1097. All visits are currently suspended. For the latest updates and online content, please go to the website and sign-up to the e-newsletter.
222 locals recommend
Houses of Parliament Shop
12 Bridge StMost of this iconic building was built in the mid-19th century following a devastating fire in 1834. Westminster Hall survived the fire and dates from 1097. All visits are currently suspended. For the latest updates and online content, please go to the website and sign-up to the e-newsletter.
A museum of the world, for the world. Discover over two million years of human history and culture. Some of the world-famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies.
1546 locals recommend
British Museum
Great Russell StreetA museum of the world, for the world. Discover over two million years of human history and culture. Some of the world-famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies.
Westminster Abbey was initially built by Henry III in 1245 and it is one of the most important Gothic buildings of England. At first home of Benedictine monks, the coronation church since 1066 and the final resting place of 17 monarchs. It contains a treasury full of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles, books and various other artefacts plus the most significant collection of monumental sculptures of the UK. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries in the Abbey's Triforium opened in June 2018. Explore over 1,000 years of history in this truly unique space, high above the Abbey floor.
668 locals recommend
Westminster Abbey
20 Deans YdWestminster Abbey was initially built by Henry III in 1245 and it is one of the most important Gothic buildings of England. At first home of Benedictine monks, the coronation church since 1066 and the final resting place of 17 monarchs. It contains a treasury full of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles, books and various other artefacts plus the most significant collection of monumental sculptures of the UK. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries in the Abbey's Triforium opened in June 2018. Explore over 1,000 years of history in this truly unique space, high above the Abbey floor.
Tate Modern
BanksideNeighbourhoods
Southwark Park, opened in 1869, was one of the first parks created by London's Metropolitan Board of Works, the first London wide public government authority, created in 1855 . Given its date, the dominant tree is the plane tree, which was popular at the time, and the park has a bandstand dating from 1884, a wildlife and boating lake from 1885, wildlife areas and an Old English Cottage Garden opened in 1936 (now called the Ada Salter Rose Garden).
New discrete buildings house an art gallery, café, and toilets.
There are a variety of different areas to enjoy, including tennis courts, athlectics track and sports pitches.
164 locals recommend
Southwark Park
Gomm RoadSouthwark Park, opened in 1869, was one of the first parks created by London's Metropolitan Board of Works, the first London wide public government authority, created in 1855 . Given its date, the dominant tree is the plane tree, which was popular at the time, and the park has a bandstand dating from 1884, a wildlife and boating lake from 1885, wildlife areas and an Old English Cottage Garden opened in 1936 (now called the Ada Salter Rose Garden).
New discrete buildings house an art gallery, café, and toilets.
There are a variety of different areas to enjoy, including tennis courts, athlectics track and sports pitches.
Imperial War Museums
Lambeth RoadLondon Eye River Cruise
Westminster Bridge Road