Not everything can be St Paul’s with its protected sight lines, Occupy protesters and that ragingly egotistical dome that says look at me as if it built itself. Some sights have to be content with their small place in the grand scheme of things, like London’s oldest pillar boxes that support our infrastructure more than some wacky cathedral could ever hope to. Ask yourself who’s cooler. Cathedral or pillar-box? Correct… Secret culture of London, we salute you!
Sir John Soane’s Museum
This London relic at Lincoln’s Inn Fields celebrates the life and work of the architect, Sir John Soane. Wander back to the 1800’s and delve into the antiquities, sketches, books and peculiarities of the time. See regular exhibitions and presentations in the home of a man who was busy turning the house he built and the treasures he amassed into a museum even before his own death in 1837. Try the monthly candle-lit tour for something truly special.
Hackney Marshes
For such a huge expanse of earth slap-bang on the edge of accessible east London you don’t hear enough about what is truly one of the city’s most spectacular sights. Internationally recognized as the spiritual home of Sunday League football – seventy matches played simultaneously every week is enough for a visit in itself – the marshes offer more than the talents of teams like the Haggerston Nomads. Cycle paths, tree nurseries and bird watching all light it up. So, don’t let Premiership prices spoil your love of the game, the marshes are free and the quality’s exactly the same. Honestly...
The Monument
With all the buildings going up around the river and focus stolen by some of the more contemporary architectural statements in the vicinity, it can often feel as if London’s forgetting about the old Monument. Well you know what? Reality check. This place remembers the dead of the Great Fire of ‘66 and I’ll never forget! Not never! Also, who doesn’t love an awesome view of the river, a fairytale spiral staircase and a gatekeeper who’ll admit a twenty-eight-year-old as a child? Bargain.
Petersham Nurseries
The sad fact is that most Londoners don’t have their own garden and if they do they’re probably too busy making money to enjoy it. So thank the heavens for parks and then thank them again for Petersham Nurseries, Richmond’s own patch of garden par-tay excellence. You’ll find incredibly beautiful meadows, all manner of shrubs and flowers and a tea-room and café to help you enjoy the outside like it’s your own back yard. Roasts, afternoon tea and candle lit supper-clubs. Mum says it’s just MAAAGICAL!
London’s Turkish Baths
Escape the stress and anxiety of modern life with a trip to one of London’s few remaining original Turkish Baths. Culture? Yes, and certainly a sight. York Hall in Bethnal Green is a good choice for first timers having recently been renovated. Then following on from that toe dipping you may or may not feel like progressing to the more boisterous baths elsewhere. Wherever you go; freezing plunge pools, steam rooms and saunas all help you bring back that fresh feeling.
