There is no shortage of coffee shops in Stoke Newington. I counted at least 10, before settling on a café set at the back of a flower shop with a large peaceful courtyard garden. Away from the hustle and bustle, it seemed the perfect place to reflect – […]
Saturday morning joggers huff and puff as they rattle along the Parkland Walk – the capital’s longest nature reserve – in north London. But once it was trains that let off steam on this urban, yet green, route connecting Highgate and Finsbury Park (there is also a northern […]
Harrow is an area of north London in the shadow of Wembley Stadium that’s full of contrasts. Step out of the station at Sudbury Hill and you are greeted by a shabby high street with bookies and fried chicken shops, but a mere 10 minutes walk up the […]
Before the railways, canals brought a transport revolution to Britain in the 18th century. In 1793-4 alone, some 30 new canal projects were started and some towns – particularly in the Midlands close to coal supplies – were criss-crossed by were a number of competing companies. Built by […]
Walking across the wilds of Wimbledon Common, four white sails at the top of a wooden tower and red brick building glimmer in the afternoon sun. Even though Wimbledon Windmill ceased to function long ago, the distinctive structure –which is now a museum dedicated to windmills – remains […]
Standing on the upper lawned terrace of The Rookery and looking to the ornamental gardens below, you have the feeling of being in the grounds of a great English country house. Wide steps lead down to a series of themed areas, with secluded spots where you can read […]
Eltham Palace in 1828 was in sorry state. “This stately hall is now used as barn, and the men thresh the corn where, in ancient days, Edward III held a Parliament, and gave a sumptuous entertainment to the captive King John of France,” reported the Sussex Advertiser. And […]
The entrance to Woolwich foot tunnel on the south bank of the Thames is not the most pleasant of places to start a Bank Holiday walk. While Waterfront Leisure Centre – the first landmark I spotted bar some public toilets – may be a fun place for children […]
Landing at London City Airport is an absolute pleasure. I’ve flown in and out of there a few times recently and each time I’ve been on the platform at the adjoining DLR station within minutes of my plane touching down. If I’d have gone to Gatwick or Heathrow, […]
Abbey Mills Pumping Station cuts a striking impression on the east London skyline. The palatial Victorian monument near Stratford will be familiar to many given it has featured on both the small and big screens in everything from Batman to The Bill, but there is nothing quite like […]
Past In The Present 