Physical Energy
by thecatsmeow
While touring around London one thing that I noticed was the many statues. I am a huge art lover and took many pictures of these beautiful works of art. Once I returned home I started researching some of them. I am going to add general tips about those I have been able to find information on because I think they are worth some mention. This gorgeous bronze statue is named "Physical Energy". George Frederick Watts, R.A., 1817-1904,was the creator. The statue was erected in 1908 at Kensington Gardens. For more information on the artist check here : http://www.angelfire.com/moon/darkchamber/visuarts/watts.htm
Foreign Currency: Competitive rates for US$ and Eu
by UKDaisy
I've discovered this place that offers very competitive rates for US dollars and Euros, with no commission charge or service charges. They have 2 branches in London, one in Victoria and one on the Strand.
http://www.thomasexchangeglobal.co.uk/
The changing city skyline
by alucas
Wherever you go in London, you'll soon pass a building site. Not many tourists will pass this one though - it's at the north end of Liverpool Street station. In fact it is over the railway tracks as they leave the station, just before they turn east and head for Essex.
The Broadgate tower will eventually be 36 stories tall, and will be a dramatic addition to the city skyline. At the moment (9th August 2006) it's only up to the eighth floor, and most of what you can see is the massive steelwork structure that will carry the building across the railway tracks. The bare (red) steelwork forms a massive "A"-frame across the tracks, the grey steelwork is only temporary to hold it all in place during construction. It is scheduled for completion in 2008.
Update 25 April 2007
The tower is now almost at its full height, and the curtain walling is being installed. I stood and watched for ten minutes whilst one panel was lifted into position on the fifth floor of the lower block - at the same time a triangular panel was installed on the 11th floor of the tower block. I expect it will all look very different again in another couple of months.
Theatres - Old Vic
by yooperprof
Originally opened as the "Royal Coburg Theatre" in 1818, the Old Vic is a genuine theatrical landmark - and still an important venue for high quality drama in England. Edmund Kean, Lilian Baylis, and John Gielgud are just three of the legends who have been associated with this theatre. Now Kevein Spacey is artistic director of the theatre, and fine actors from both sides of the Atlantic may be seen on its famous stage. I had the good fortune of catching a production here put on by the "Bridge Project", a venture whose guru is film director Mr. Kate Winslet (aka Sam Mendes). I saw Shakespeare's "Winter Tale" with Ethan Hawke, Simon Russell Beale, Sinead Cusack and Victoria Hall - I thought it was excellent.
The location of the Old Vic is a little peculiar - an area south of Waterloo Station where a lot of people pass through in a hurry. Post-theatre options for dining or drinking are limited. The Old Vic seats 1067 patrons; it's a nice theatre and it should be mentioned that its seats are somewhat more spacious and comfortable than those at some well-known West End Theatres. The Old Vic is located at the intersection of "The Cut" and Waterloo Road. It's about a five minute walk from Waterloo Station - if you know where you're going!
A free children's playground in Kensington Gardens
by avanutria
I just discovered this area yesterday, but as I didn't have any children with me I couldn't enter to take a look. In the northwest corner of Kensington Gardens, there is a children's playground as a memorial to Princess Diana. It looks really big and interesting. You can go in between 9:30 and 10 AM without kids to check out the facilities but after that only people with children are permitted to enter the gated area.
If you go, please leave me a comment and let me know how it is! And if you find this tip useful please rate it, thank you.
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St Katherines Dock
Carnaby Street Decorations - 2008
The canal and houseboats.
Open top bus tour
