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Green London Spaces: Grosvenor Square in Mayfair
© 2020 Visiting London Guide.com – Photograph by Alan Kean
Grosvenor Square is one of the largest garden squares in the Mayfair district, the square was first developed in the 18th century. Sir Richard Grosvenor began to develop Grosvenor Square and the surrounding streets in 1710, and development continued throughout the 18th century. It soon began to attract leading members of the aristocracy and became of the most fashionable residential addresses in London.
© 2020 Visiting London Guide.com – Photograph by Alan Kean
Many of the houses were rebuilt the 19th century and 20th century when many of the older houses were demolished to make way for up market blocks of flats, hotels and embassies.
© 2020 Visiting London Guide.com – Photograph by Alan Kean
Grosvenor Square has long been associated with the official American presence in London, John Adams who established the first American mission to the Court of St. James’s in 1785 lived in the house which still stands on the corner of Brook and Duke Streets. During the Second World War, Dwight D. Eisenhower established a military headquarters at 20 Grosvenor Square. Until 2009, the United States Navy continued to use this building as its headquarters for United States Naval Forces Europe. The former American Embassy of 1938–1960 on the square was purchased by the Canadian government and renamed Macdonald House.
In 1960, a new United States Embassy was built on the western side of Grosvenor Square, it was not without controversy with many people suggesting that a large embassy inserted in a large residential area was a recipe for disaster. The critics did not have to wait long before being proven correct, in 1968, there were large violent demonstrations in the square against US involvement in the Vietnam War. Security was tightened with a number of anti-terrorist devices have been installed around the embassy.
© 2020 Visiting London Guide.com – Photograph by Alan Kean
In 2008, the United States Government chose a site for a new embassy south of the River Thames and the building was sold, however the new owners will not be allowed to change the façade, which includes the 35-foot-wingspread gilded-aluminium eagle that hovers above the main entrance.
© 2020 Visiting London Guide.com – Photograph by Alan Kean
The square includes a number of American related statues including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and a Eagle Squadrons Memorial.
© 2020 Visiting London Guide.com – Photograph by Alan Kean
The central garden, which was originally reserved for the use of the residents of the houses is now a public park managed by The Royal Parks. At the eastern end of the garden there is a small memorial dedicated to the British victims of the September 11 attacks. The memorial includes a granite block engraved with the names of the victims and the poem by Henry van Dyke.
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Preview : RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2018 Highlights
From the 2nd to 8th July, The Royal Horticultural Society’s largest flower festival will return to the grounds of Hampton Court Palace with exciting new content for 2018 including iconic horticulture, a mass planting of Verbena bonariensis and an immersive feature taking visitors on an explorative journey through time.
For the first time ever at the show, RHS Hampton will be celebrating iconic figures of the horticultural world, welcoming influential landscape designer, nurseryman and author Piet Oudolf. Internationally acclaimed for transforming urban spaces, the Dutch designer will be bringing his iconic naturalistic style to the show, creating a whimsical walk through feature.
Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a purple meadow of Verbena bonariensis. Thousands of these delicate flowers will create a dazzling display of lilac, lavender and violet shades sweeping along the Long Water for visitors to wander through and enjoy this elegant summer flower.
The show will take visitors on a journey through time, exploring the evolution of plants on earth. ‘Evolve: Through the Roots of Time’ will guide visitors through barren landscapes prior to the Cambrian era over 500 million years ago, to the lush tropical jungles of the Jurassic period, and into the present day where visitors will walk through a meadow of flowering plants which first appeared during the Cretaceous time. Housed inside a dome structure and spilling out into the showground, the theatrical and educational experience will open curious minds to see how fossils were formed and seeds developed.
Floral Marquee highlights will see 85 specialist nurseries including eight National Plant Collection holders from Plant Heritage who will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. Salutation gardens, Moore & Moore, English Iris Company, Hedgehog Plant and Garden Nursery, Limecross and New Forest Hosta are amongst the new floral exhibitors at this year’s Show, alongside Hampshire Carnivorous Plants who will return as the Master Grower 2018.
Other highlights include the inspirational gardens and annual Festival of Roses which will bring an incredible mix of colour and scent.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (2 – 8 July 2018)
2 July Preview Evening, 5 – 10.30pm
3 – 4 July RHS members only
5 – 8 July RHS members and non-members
3 – 7 July 10am – 7.30pm
8 July 10am – 5.30pm (sell off starts at 4.00pm)
Venue: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU
Ticket prices range from £19.50 to £39.50.
Each full-paying adult may bring two children aged 16 and under free of charge to the show. Please note this does not apply to the Preview Evening where no under 16s are permitted.
For more information or to book tickets for London Shows, visit the RHS website here
London Visitors is the official blog for the Visiting London Guide .com website. The website was developed to bring practical advice and the latest up to date news and reviews of events in London.
Since our launch in 2014, we have attracted thousands of readers each month, the site is constantly updated.
We have sections on Museums and Art Galleries, Transport, Food and Drink, Places to Stay, Security, Music, Sport, Books and many more.
There are also hundreds of links to interesting articles on our blog.
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Review : RHS Spring Plant and Orchid Show at the RHS Horticultural Halls – 29th to 30th March 2017
It may have been a grey morning, however walking into the RHS Lindley and Lawrence Halls, there was plenty of evidence that spring had finally arrived.
The RHS Spring Plant and Orchid Show provide an interesting mix of fresh spring plants and exotic orchid displays.
Lindley Hall hosts the prestigious Orchid Show with a collection of orchid exhibitors from overseas and the UK which include British orchid growers Laurence Hobbs Orchids Ltd and Burnham Nurseries. For visitors who want to find out more about growing Orchids there is plenty of advice and a series of dedicated talks programme on Orchids.
In Lawrence Hall, the focus is on the finest Spring plants, including new exhibitors Summerdale Garden Nursery and The Tiny Plant Co. The show includes a wide range of tradestands, with new exhibitors to London Shows such as Garden Brocante (horticultural antiques) along with new nurseries including The Tiny Plant Co, English Iris Company and Summerdale Garden Nursery as well as a full talks programme around spring plants.
Other Highlights of the Show include :
Young Designer of the Year 2017 Finalists will be designing a Pocket Park within the Show to tie in with our Greening Grey Britain Campaign
RHS London Floral Artist in Residence Fiona Haser Bizony will be creating a magnificent hanging floral wave using flowers from her flower farm near Bath.
The RHS Lindley Library will be hosting daily afternoon tours featuring of our latest exhibition ‘Potted’, as well as a Spring Showcase that will feature a collection of seasonal images from RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Floral Spring Wreath Workshops with Helen Cranmer will be available to join for £15 on both days at 11:30am and 2:30pm.
A full programme of Spring Plant and Orchid Talks will be available throughout the Show featuring high-profile speakers such as Pippa Greenwood and Noel Kingsbury. The talks take place throughout both days in both the Lindley and the Lawrence Hall.
As part of the RHS’ commitment to grow the next generation of gardeners, from 2017, shows held in both RHS Halls (such as the RHS Spring Plant and Orchid Show), will have a small entry charge for members (£5) and the public (£6 advance, £9 on the day). Shows held in one hall only will be free to RHS members and the public (the Late event will be £5 in advance and on the day for both members and the public).
Funds from ticket sales will go towards helping to pay for RHS Apprentices, to kick-start and enable young people’s careers in horticulture.
The London Shows provide plenty of ideas and inspiration for serious or new gardeners, there is plenty of friendly advice from growers and RHS experts and a large number of events to keep visitors entertained.
Our Video review available here
Visiting London Guide Rating – Highly Recommended
For more information or to book tickets for London Shows, visit the RHS website here
London Visitors is the official blog for the Visiting London Guide .com website. The website was developed to bring practical advice and the latest up to date news and reviews of events in London.
Since our launch in 2014, we have attracted thousands of readers each month, the site is constantly updated.
We have sections on Museums and Art Galleries, Transport, Food and Drink, Places to Stay, Security, Music, Sport, Books and many more.
There are also hundreds of links to interesting articles on our blog.
To find out more visit the website here
RHS Gardens near London Summer Events Programme – June to August 2017
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) presents a number of exciting talks and events at its gardens this summer, the two nearest to London are the RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey and RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex.
June
1-4 June: Family Gardening Show, RHS Garden Wisley
The whole family can enjoy this fantastic event which will see fascinating talks, workshops and a special In The Night Garden zone, hosting plenty of children’s activities.
17-18 June: Plant Society Show, RHS Garden Wisley
A chance to chat to the experts for plant advice while enjoying lovely displays of colourful and unusual plants from specialist societies. There will also be plant care demonstrations and the opportunity to purchase plants and seeds which aren’t widely available.
17-18 June: Rose Weekend, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Discover RHS Garden Hyde Hall in full bloom this weekend which offers a series of walks and talks showcasing the beautiful Rose Garden.
24 June-30 July: Surrey Sculpture Society Exhibition, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Discover the range of creations showcasing a huge variety of materials and styles from the Surrey Sculpture Society as it returns to the gardens for this delightful exhibition.
July
1 July: Jazz Evening, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Back by popular demand, the Sunshine Kings return for an evening of jazz as visitors sit back, relax and enjoy as they take in the stunning views of the garden.
1-31 July: Alison Catchlove Sculpture Exhibition, RHS Garden Wisley
An exhibition of Alison’s quirky nature-inspired sculptures will be on display around the garden throughout the month.
14-15 July: Summer Nights Film Screening, RHS Garden Wisley
A chance to experience your favourite films in the beautiful surroundings of RHS Garden Wisley with classics Greece and Top Gun.
15-16 July: Global Growth Vegetable Garden Opening Weekend, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Join RHS Garden Hyde Hall to celebrate the opening of their major new garden development. Designed by Lady Xa Tollemache, the garden will harvest fruit and vegetables from around the world. There will be a variety of talks and tours, cooking demonstrations, and tastings taking place and little visitors can also discover salad dressing making.
15-16 July: ArtsFest, RHS Garden Wisley
This event celebrates the summer with music, dance, magic, craft and performances as it showcases the beautiful Garden in the summer.
22 July: Outdoor Cinema Evening – Bridesmaids, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Partnering with Essex Outdoor Cinema, RHS Garden Hyde Hall will be screening this popular film for one evening only. Food and drink will also be available to buy or guests are welcome to bring their own picnic.
2017 celebrates 75 years since Enid Blyton’s very first Famous Five book, ‘Five On A Treasure Island’, was published. To mark the occasion the RHS has teamed up with Enid Blyton Entertainment and Hodder Children’s Books to offer a range of events and activities this summer, from themed crafts to garden games and storytelling.
August
3-6 Aug: Hyde Hall Flower Show, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
A beautiful presentation of specialist nurseries, floral displays and trade stands, including many RHS Chelsea Flower Show medal winners. There will be a shopping emporium of quality plants, a floral art marquee, an artist’s pavilion, a variety of food and drink plus live music – this show is not to be missed!
12 Aug: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Theatre Evening, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
The Pantaloons are back to give Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream a fresh twist. Guests can experience this new exciting performance as the sun sets over the gardens.
17 Aug: Summer Shopping Evening, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
A chance to browse the RHS Shop and Plant Centre’s summer sale offering up to 50% off and a chilled glass of prosecco for the early birds.
19 Aug-24 Sep: Surrey Sculpture Society Trail, RHS Garden Wisley
Visitors can take a late summer wander around Wisley with this unique art experience featuring over 60 sculptures by some of the South East’s finest artists.
20 Aug: Classic Car Day, RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Welcoming an array of local Classic and Sports Car Clubs, this event will see Jaguar Cars, Morgans, Porsches and Austin 7’s come together for car lovers and families alike.
For more information or to book tickets for London Shows, visit the RHS website here
London Visitors is the official blog for the Visiting London Guide .com website. The website was developed to bring practical advice and the latest up to date news and reviews of events in London.
Since our launch in 2014, we have attracted thousands of readers each month, the site is constantly updated.
We have sections on Museums and Art Galleries, Transport, Food and Drink, Places to Stay, Security, Music, Sport, Books and many more.
There are also hundreds of links to interesting articles on our blog.
To find out more visit the website here
Review : RHS London Early Spring Plant Fair at the RHS Horticultural Halls – 14th and 15th February 2017
It is always a sign that spring is on its way when the RHS open their first London Show of the year, The RHS London Early Spring Plant Fair seeks to inspire the large number of visitors with a number of attractions in both the Lindley and Lawrence Halls.
A large number of winter colour and early-flowering plants are on display by leading UK nurseries and growers who were selling plants and bulbs such as snowdrops and daffodils.
It is not just flowers on display, carrying on the tradition of previous years there is a large potato display with plenty of different varieties for sale.
In the halls, there are plenty of shopping opportunities available, with stalls selling books, tools, outdoor furniture, crafts, plants, gardening accessories and prints.
Designs for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017 are previewed at an exclusive exhibition in the Lindley Hall, which includes images, design sketches and items that have inspired gardens and some of the designers were attending answering questions.
As usual the standard of the displays are very high and you can notice the occasional Gold Medal awarded by the RHS amongst the plants.
Perhaps as a reference to Valentine’s Day , above the hall hung a stunning floral installation of an anatomical heart, created by RHS Floral Artist in Residence Fiona Haser Bizony from flowers grown on her own farm near Bath. For those with large gardens, a large variety of pots were available.
One of the most popular aspects of the RHS London Shows is series of talks on a number of gardening subjects and RHS experts are always on hand to answer those gardening queries to enable you to get in good shape for the main growing season.
It might have been a freezing cold day, but the bright winter sunshine encouraged a large crowd to attend the first RHS London show of the year. The London Shows provide plenty of ideas and inspiration for serious or new gardeners, there is plenty of friendly advice from growers and RHS experts and a large number of events to keep visitors entertained.
Our Video review available here
Visiting London Guide Rating – Highly Recommended
For more information or to book tickets for London Shows, visit the RHS website here
London Visitors is the official blog for the Visiting London Guide .com website. The website was developed to bring practical advice and the latest up to date news and reviews of events in London.
Since our launch in 2014, we have attracted thousands of readers each month, the site is constantly updated.
We have sections on Museums and Art Galleries, Transport, Food and Drink, Places to Stay, Security, Music, Sport, Books and many more.
There are also hundreds of links to interesting articles on our blog.
To find out more visit the website here
RHS London Flower Show Season 2017
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) stages a series of London flower shows, each with its own distinct character, bringing together new and established talent and creating wonderful displays and gardens to inspire and bring horticulture to a wider audience as possible. This year a number of the shows are free to attend and others very reasonable priced. The Chelsea and Hampton Court Flowers shows are world famous and very popular.
RHS London Early Spring Plant Fair, 14-15 February. Late event 13 February
Where: RHS Lindley & Lawrence Hall, 10am – 5pm, Late event 6pm – 9pm
Tickets: £5 RHS Members (£5 on the day), £6 non-members (£9 on the day). Late Event £5
A show to kick start the gardening season featuring early spring plants, advice and inspiration to get back outside after months of hibernation. Fresh winter colour and early flowering plants including snowdrops, hellebores and irises will be on display by some of the UK’s best nurserymen and growers with an abundance of bulbs and plants to purchase. Visitors will also have the chance to meet some of the top garden designers who will be featuring at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show with a designer Q&A session and an exhibition of their exciting plans.
RHS London Botanical Art Show, 24-25 February. Preview Evening 23 February
Where: RHS Lindley Hall, 10am-5pm
Tickets: Free, Late event £5
Looking at horticulture in a different form, this show is focused on the beauty of plants captured by some of the world’s finest botanical artists. As well as viewing the fine art on display inspired visitors will be able to chat to the artists, buy artwork and materials, take part in workshops and join in the full programme of talks.
RHS London Spring Plant & Orchid Show, 29 -30 March. Late event 28 March
Where: RHS Lindley & Lawrence Hall, 10am – 5pm, Late event 6pm – 9pm
Tickets: £5 RHS Members (£5 on the day), £6 non-members (£9 on the day). Late Event £5
Bursting with top nurseries showing their spring wares this show gives visitors the opportunity to stock up on plants and take home tips and advice from the full programme of talks on spring flowers, given by the growers themselves. The RHS Lindley Hall will be full of a spectacular array of exotic orchids including some highly collectable and new species available for sale.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 23-27 May
Where: Royal Hospital, Chelsea, SW3 4LW, am-8pm
Tickets: from £27 – £72
The world’s most famous flower show, showcasing the finest examples of horticultural excellence. Spectacular show gardens, inspirational small gardens and vibrant horticultural displays transform the grounds of the Royal Hospital, showcasing the latest trends in garden and landscape design.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, 4-9 July. Preview Evening 3 July
Where: Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU, 10am-7:30pm
Tickets: from £19 – £39.00The world’s largest flower show boasting an eclectic mix of gardens, displays and shopping opportunities spanning over 34 acres either side of the dramatic Long Water with the stunning façade of the historical palace in the background. It is the best place for budding and expert gardeners who want ideas, inspiration and an abundance of plants and gardening merchandise to enhance their outside spaces.
RHS London Summer Urban Garden Show 12 -13 July. Late event 11 July
Where: RHS Lawrence Hall, 10am – 5pm, Late event 6pm – 10pm
Tickets: Free, Late event £5.
The perfect place to browse and buy plants from some of the country’s best plant growers for small gardens, balconies, windowsills and indoor plants – including succulents, citrus, olives, chillies and exotic ornamental plants. Stunning house plants and accessories will be on sale for those looking to green their urban space.
RHS London Harvest Festival Show 3-4 October
Where: RHS Lindley Hall, 10am-5:00pm
Tickets: Free, Late event £5
Celebrating the autumn harvest this show is packed full of seasonal delights including an abundance of prizewinning produce from some of the UK’s best growers. Visitors have the chance to see, taste and buy fresh autumnal produce from some of the UK’s leading nurseries, growers and independent food producers. Plus admire the entrants of the RHS Heaviest Pumpkin Competition!
RHS London Autumn Garden Show, 25-26 October. Late event 24 October
Where: RHS Lindley & Lawrence Hall, 10am – 5pm, Late event 6pm – 9pm
Tickets: £5 RHS Members (£5 on the day), £6 non-members (£9 on the day). Late Event £5
Packed full of inspirational planting ideas to extend the gardening season, with sensational autumnal plant displays and opportunities to buy from the UK’s top specialist nurseries, including a wide range of spring-flowering bulbs, garden accessories and art.
For more information or to book tickets, visit the RHS website here
London Visitors is the official blog for the Visiting London Guide .com website. The website was developed to bring practical advice and the latest up to date news and reviews of events in London.
Since our launch in 2014, we have attracted thousands of readers each month, the site is constantly updated.
We have sections on Museums and Art Galleries, Transport, Food and Drink, Places to Stay, Security, Music, Sport, Books and many more.
There are also hundreds of links to interesting articles on our blog.
To find out more visit the website here
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Lindley Library Displays 2017
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Lindley Library is a treasure-trove of the history of gardening, with books, prints and botanical art from the 16th century to the present day. In 2017 the library will be staging a full programme of displays, revealing many artworks and manuscripts from its historic collections that have never been seen in public.
The forthcoming displays will include floral paintings by the 19th century flower painter Caroline Maria Applebee, key houseplants in pots designed by students at Central St
Pigments and Petals
11 January – 10 March
RHS Lindley Library, Vincent Square, London, admission free
Caroline Maria Applebee was a 19th century flower painter from Colchester, Essex, about whom little is known. Between 1808 to1852 she painted 300 beautiful watercolour drawings of both native and exotic flowers such as pelargoniums and dahlias, which were purchased in three albums by the Royal Horticultural Society in the early 20th century. Her work spans 40 years when this leisure pastime was at the height of its popularity. The many artworks she produced cast light on the floral world that was available to artists at the time whilst keeping Caroline’s own life tantalisingly shrouded in mystery. Several of her most beautiful works will be on display, from primulas and fuchsias to strawberries and irises.
Potted
16 March – 20 May
RHS Lindley Library, Vincent Square, London, admission free
To celebrate the houseplant, ceramics students from Central St Martins are designing pots for a range of key houseplants, responding to the aesthetics of the plant, its history and origins and its cultivation needs. The resulting display will include a selection of their pots and an outline of the students’ creative processes, and will showcase key houseplants that have been significant in their relatively recent history, telling the story of their first introduction to the country and the characteristics that make them popular and ideally suited to survive indoors.
Apples Through Time
21 August – 27 October
RHS Lindley Library, Vincent Square, London, admission free
To accompany the planting of a new orchard of heritage Devon apples at RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon, this display showcases the history of apples, from its first known cultivation in the Tien Shan mountain range in Kazakhstan to the present day. It will look at the many myths and legends surrounding apples, and how they have been used as a tool for social change by people from Puritans to modern-day Guerrilla gardeners. It will include apple growing manuals from the 1500s onwards, as well as the beautiful apple portraits of William Hooker, commissioned by the RHS from 1814-1836.
RHS Lindley Library
The RHS Lindley Library’s headquarters are at Vincent Square, London was founded in the early 19th century, it holds unique collections of early printed books on gardening, botanical art and photographs, as well as the archives of the RHS and of notable gardeners and garden designers. It includes 80,000 books, with a rare books collection dating back to 1514; about 30,000 original botanical illustrations and oil portraits, including the world’s finest collection of orchid portraits; and approximately 200,000 photographs.
If you would like further information or book tickets, visit the Library website here
London Visitors is the official blog for the Visiting London Guide .com website. The website was developed to bring practical advice and latest up to date news and reviews of events in London.
Since our launch in 2014, we have attracted thousands of readers each month, the site is constantly updated.
We have sections on Museums and Art Galleries, Transport, Food and Drink, Places to Stay, Security, Music, Sport, Books and many more.
There are also hundreds of links to interesting articles on our blog.
To find out more visit the website here
A Short Guide to Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is a hill of 213 feet (65 m) which is located on the northern side of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill is also the surrounding neighbourhood. The top of the hill is one of the most popular vantage points in London giving clear views of central London.
This part of London was part of a large forest and there is evidence that trees populated the hill’s slopes until the fourteenth century. The summit had been cleared long before that and there are suggestions part of the hill was used as a burial mound, this part of Primrose Hill became known as ‘Barrow Hill’ which survived until the 19th century when it was levelled to accommodate a large water reservoir.
Like many London parks, Primrose Hill was once part of a great chase which was appropriated by Henry VIII and was then owned by Eton College until 1841 when it became Crown property and secured as a public open space. Primrose Hill with its proximity to central London has been a popular landmark for centuries attracting a large number of writers, poets and artists.
On the summit is a stone with a William Blake inscription, which reads: I have conversed with the spiritual sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill. Watching the sunrise or the sunset from the top of the hill is a popular attraction for a large number of people. The hill has been popular for less savoury pastimes, Duels and prize-fights have taken place and in the 17th century, Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey was found mysteriously murdered on the hill.
From the 19th century, residential development around Primrose Hill has created one of the more fashionable districts in London between the centre and the suburbs. Fortunately this development all around the hill did not to fulfilment of the prophecy of Mother Shipton, England’s most famous prophetess of the 16th century who said that when London shall surround Primrose Hill the streets of the metropolis will run with blood.
The hill and the area has been a popular place to live for a large number of writers and have featured in a large number of books. It has also been popular with musicians, the Beatles, Madness and Loudon Wainwright III are just a few to be inspired.
The Primrose Hill district is surrounded by St Johns Wood, Swiss Cottage, Belsize park, Chalk Farm, Camden and Regent’s Park is south of the hill. The nearest underground stations to Primrose Hill are Chalk Farm and Swiss Cottage.
London Visitors is the official blog for the Visiting London Guide .com website. The website was developed to bring practical advice and latest up to date news and reviews of events in London.
Since our launch in 2014 , we have attracted thousands of readers each month, the site is constantly updated.
We have sections on Museums and Art Galleries, Transport, Food and Drink, Places to Stay, Security, Music, Sport, Books and many more.
There are also hundreds of links to interesting articles on our blog.
To find out more visit the website here
A Short Guide to Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is one of London’s largest and most popular open spaces, over time the area of the park has grown to cover 790 acres. The Heath is located in North London on a high ridge between Hampstead and Highgate, it is an area of great diversity with hills, large ponds, modern and ancient woodlands and features the stately home of Kenwood House and its grounds. One of the most popular parts of the Heath is Parliament Hill , from where you can enjoy panoramic views over London.
The Heath was first recorded in 13th century and was generally known as Hampstead Heath from the 16th century. A number of hollows were excavated to extract sand and gravel that gradually became ponds throughout the park. From the 18th century, the Heath became a popular place for Londoners to frequent including poets such as Shelley and painters, Constable made a series of paintings of the area. The quiet rural idyll was changed by the arrival of the railways in the late 19th century when thousands of Londoners made their way to the area to enjoy the country air.
Hampstead Heath John Constable 1820 (Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge)
The Heath gradually became a recognized beauty spot away from the grime and dirt of industrial London. However its popularity amongst the young workers from the city led to accusations of rowdiness and violence especially on Bank Holidays and Bonfire nights. These concerns began to reduce at the start of the 20th century when the large crowds of visitors began to behave in a more respectable manner.
The Heath was bought under public ownership in the late 19th century and various additions of land made throughout the 20th century, most notably Kenwood House and its grounds to the north of the heath. Other developments have included turning some of the ponds into swimming areas and the creation of a number of havens for wildlife.
In the 21st century, Hampstead Heath probably does not attract the thousands of visitors from all over London, but as the north suburbs have grown considerably, the heath has become an important open space in an increasingly developed North London. The Heath is very popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists, swimmers and those who enjoy the wide open spaces.
Public transport near the Heath includes the London Overground railway stations of Hampstead Heath and Gospel Oak, Underground stations Hampstead, Belsize Park, Golders Green, Highgate and Archway. A number of bus routes serve the various parts of the Heath.
If you would like further information, visit the City of London website here
London Visitors is the official blog for the Visiting London Guide .com website. The website was developed to bring practical advice and latest up to date news and reviews of events in London.
Since our launch in January 2014, we have attracted thousands of readers each month, the site is constantly updated.
We have sections on Museums and Art Galleries, Transport, Food and Drink, Places to Stay, Security, Music, Sport, Books and many more.
There are also hundreds of links to interesting articles on our blog.
To find out more visit the website here
Review : RHS London Early Spring Plant Fair at the RHS Horticultural Halls – 16th and 17th February 2016
It is always a sign that spring is on its way when the RHS open their first London Show of the year, The RHS London Early Spring Plant Fair seeks to inspire the large number of visitors with a number of attractions in both the Lindley and Lawrence Halls.
A large number of winter colour and early-flowering plants are on display by leading UK nurseries and growers who are be selling plants and bulbs such as snowdrops and daffodils.
It is not just flowers on display, carrying on the tradition of previous years there is a large potato display with plenty of different varieties for sale.
In the Lawrence Hall, a new boutique shopping experience is available, selling books, tools, outdoor furniture, crafts, plants, gardening accessories and prints.
For the first time, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016, will be previewed at an exclusive exhibition in the Lindley Hall, which includes images and design sketches and items that have inspired gardens featuring in the world’s most famous flower show this May.
Visitors will have the chance to meet and hear from the likes of the internationally acclaimed garden designer Hay Joung Hwang and multi-RHS award winning designers such as Sarah Eberle and Juliet Sargeant through live Q&A sessions held throughout both days of the show.
The show offers a range of free activities for children and parents. The Southbank Printmakers Association will be teaching potato printing; the Secret Adventurer’s Club will be running drop-in workshops where you can learn how to create your own miniature garden; you can sow vegetable seeds with the Growing Communities Group and NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arranging Societies) will also host workshops.
There will also be an exhibition of the photographic work by talented schoolchildren taking part in the RHS Young Photographer of the Year competition, as part of the Campaign for School Gardening.
As usual at the RHS London Shows, there are a series of talks on a number of gardening subjects and RHS experts will be on hand to answer those gardening queries to enable you to get in good shape for the main growing season.
It might have been a freezing cold day, but the bright winter sunshine encouraged a large crowd to attend the first RHS London show of the year. The London Shows provide plenty of ideas and inspiration for serious or new gardeners, there is plenty of friendly advice from growers and RHS experts and a large number of events to keep the whole family entertained.
Visiting London Guide Rating – Highly Recommended
For more information or book tickets, visit the RHS website here
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