Our Guide to London Christmas Markets

By Seren Morris

There's much festive frolicking to be had at the best London Christmas Markets and we're on hand to help you plan your visits!

It's beginning to look a lot like we need a mug of mulled wine. There's no place better to grab one than London's Christmas markets and there are options galore this season. Whether you're keen on the traditional with the family or on the lookout for a quirky adventure with a special someone, you'll find them all here in the capital!

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Market

This Christmas stalwart is in its eleventh year and has long been a favourite of families everywhere; transforming Hyde Park’s pristine landscape into something not even Santa could have cooked up. The market is undoubtedly one of the biggest with over 200 dreamily lit traditional Bavarian stalls, offering everything from decadent hot chocolate to stocking-stuffers to remember. Address: Hyde Park, London Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm Dates: 23 November – 6 January 2019 Prices: Free

Southbank Winter Market

As part of Southbank’s annual Winter Festival, the Winter Market takes Londoners away from the bustling high rises and into a village of wooden chalets. Nestled by the River Thames and right around the corner from The National Theatre, the charming stalls are packed with handmade gifts and merry culinary delights perfect for a mellow adventure. Pick up a little something for the tree and a mince pie to get into the Christmas feeling. Address: Southbank Centre, Hungerford Car park Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm Dates: 9 November – 27 December 2018 Prices: Free

Christmas in Leicester Square Market

Just up the street from The National Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery, Leicester Square is bringing a taste of Bavaria to the London Christmas market scene with bratwurst and gluhwein to spare. Fall in love with delicately crafted Christmas decorations and make ordering a grilled sausage covered in molten raclette cheese a priority. This market is ready to give the real stuff in Germany a run for its money. Address: Leicester Square Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 12pm – 8pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 8pm Dates: 9 November – 6 January 2019 Prices: Free

Camden Christmas Market

Surprise, surprise – Camden’s taken an alternative approach to the festive market. Running every weekend from now till Christmas week, each Saturday and Sunday bring choirs, fairground games and even snow. Camden Market is also hosting a Santa’s Grotto and Gingerbread workshop, which is ticketed. Once you’re in Camden, you’re not far from London Zoo - why not go see their light show to round off the evening? Address: The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AH Opening Hours: 1pm-6pm Dates: Saturday and Sundays, 1 – 23 December 2018 Prices: Free

Christmas by the River at London Bridge City

For a market that won’t let you forget you’re in London, head to London Bridge City. Browse Christmas by the River’s 68 stalls selling festive gifts, food and drinks against the backdrop of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as Tower of London, Tower Bridge and The Shard. If the stalls are not enough to get you in the Christmas spirit, you can take part in various workshops such as food tastings or arts and crafts - all with a picture-perfect view. Address: London Bridge, SE1 2DB Opening Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 11am - 7pm, Thursday – Saturday: 11am - 9pm Dates: 29 November to 2 January 2019 Prices: Free

Greenwich Christmas Market

Greenwich Market is worth visiting all year round - but even more so in the lead up to Christmas. Every Wednesday until Christmas, Greenwich Market is staying open late to celebrate the festive season - allowing you more time to find that perfect gift! Expect to find handmade jewellery, scarves, cushions and artwork - and Christmas music and mulled wine, of course. Visit the market after spending a day in Greenwich, visiting the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Fan Museum or Royal Observatory - just make sure you leave yourselves enough time to get that gift! Address: Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ Opening Hours: 11am-9pm Dates: Wednesdays, (5, 12 and 19 December 2018) Prices: Free

Winterville, Clapham

Head south to Clapham and visit the Solo Craft Fair at Winterville. Shop for the perfect gift and choose from a range of affordable and unique art, jewellery, ceramics, and clothes. After the craft fair, enjoy the rest Winterville as to offer, with food stalls, DJs, comedy shows, magicians, a Christmas show, a fairground, roller disco, mini-golf, an adult puppet show, an ice rink and even a maze. One thing’s for certain - you won’t run out of things to do at Winterville. Address: Windmill Dr, SW4 9DE. Dates: 15 November - 23 December 2018 Prices: Tuesday – free, Wednesday – free, Thursday – £2, Friday – £2 after 3pm & £5 after 6pm, Saturday – £2 after 12pm & £5 after 6pm, Sunday – £2 after 12pm

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Christopher Wren and The London He Gave Us

All things change. London’s iconic buses have grown flashier, more modern, more economical and environmentally sound, bendier and distinctly less red over the years. Those recognisably red telephone boxes we’re so desperate to take a selfie with are disappearing at great pace. Mobiles make their whole MO a little archaic. Some get so badly defaced and dismantled, it’s not worth the time or money required to refurb or replace them. But one aspect of London that possesses a longevity and a permanence that often outstrips concepts of use and progress is its architecture. Yes, bombs broke many during the Blitz. Time has made the upkeep of some too costly. But few things have reined as icons of the city and its people for as long as its architectural landmarks. And many of them came from the mind of just one man: Sir Christopher Wren. Christopher Wren Strange as it may seem, considering the impact he had on the architectural history of a nation, it’s not as though Christopher Wren was born to be an architect. Born in 1632, he belongs to an esteemed, exclusive tribe of British polymaths: men and women of prodigious intellect who can seemingly direct their talents into whichever field of study holds their interest the longest. As a teen he liked to spend his time making sun dials. Oxford University appointed him Savilian Professor of Astronomy before he turned 30. A founding member of the Royal Society, Wren is credited with conducting anatomical research which helped pave the way for pioneering blood transfusions. Turning his attention to architecture, in 1664 he was commissioned to design the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, then a chapel in Cambridge a year later. However, the real impetus behind Wren’s architectural work came from two cataclysmic moments of great change: the plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London in 1666. The plague led him to flee the country for Paris, where he became greatly inspired by the Baroque architecture of the city. And the fire a year later encouraged him to return to London, where he presented his ambitious building plans for a city so devastatingly damaged during the disaster. While many of his plans for the rebuilding of the city were too ambitious to be put into practice, he was tasked with rebuilding 52 churches in the City of London, including his best known work and the centrepiece of his initial plans, St. Paul’s Cathedral. The work he went on to complete during the course of his life has left an indelible mark on London. Sir Christopher Wren died in March 1723, his remains placed in the crypt of St. Paul’s. The plaque marking the spot reads: Here in its foundations lies the architect of this church and city, Christopher Wren, who lived beyond ninety years, not for his own profit but for the public good. Reader, if you seek his monument – look around you. The Masterpieces of Christopher Wren St. Paul’s Cathedral Undoubtedly Christopher Wren’s crowning achievement, St. Paul’s Cathedral became the first cathedral built in Britain since Medieval times. It is also the country’s first such building completed within the lifetime of its chief architect. It stands firstly as a testament to Wren’s dedication to his work. But it means so much more to so many others. The English Baroque-style cathedral holds many important ceremonies each year. Past events include the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, and the funerals of Sir Winston Churchill, the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson. During the Blitz, it became a symbol of the resilience of London and Londoners. The image of it standing stoically as a firestorm whips around it, refusing to be consumed by flames akin to those that birthed it is just as powerful today as it was when first published on Tuesday 31 December 1940. The Monument Many see St. Paul’s Cathedral as Sir Christopher Wren’s great gift to a London grieving following the Great Fire of 1666. In fact, he built a direct tribute to who lost their homes, livelihoods and lives during the horrendous blaze. Built between 1671 and 1677, The Monument is a Doric column that rises proudly out from the City of London. It stands where the first church razed by the fire - St. Margaret’s, Fish Street - once stood. The 62m tall Portland stone column looks magnificent from street level, though a trip up the 311 steps of its curling, tight staircase is definitely worth it. You get an exceptional view of the City at the top. Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Designed and built by Wren and his assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor as a home for retired Royal Navy sailors, this architectural gem takes pride of place on the banks of the Thames. It is one of the highlights of the highlight-heavy Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. Its riverside placement and the pleasing symmetry of its two main domes ensure that, while its use has changed over the years - it was a training college for the Royal Navy from 1873 to 1998 - its looks have been well-maintained. A look around the grounds and visit to the impressive Painted Hall and Chapel are a particular treat. Hampton Court Palace In 1689, William III and Mary II commissioned Wren to replace Hampton Court with a Baroque-style palace. He scrapped initial plans to totally demolish and rebuild it, and set about updating it a section at a time. Wren’s East and South Facades, along with the inner Fountain Court, feature bold baroque elements. Such features stand out because of the contrast between the white Portland stone and pink brick. William III fell out of love with the project when Mary II died in late 1694. Building ceased and the palace remained a mix of Tudor and baroque styles. Today, this allows visitors to step into two distinct historical periods. Hampton Court Palace also displays many important works of art, cherry-picked from the Royal Collection. It is also famed for its late 17th-century hedge maze. Fancy seeing all these attractions? Do it for less with The London Pass.
Matthew Pearson
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The Best Summer Events In London

Sun’s out, fun’s out. That’s how the saying I just made up goes. And what better place to enjoy all of England’s summer delights than its fair capital. Grab your factor 50 (don’t pretend you don’t need it). Pack an umbrella and put on your finest shorts? Whether you’re visiting or just getting out of the house, this list should do you good. Here are some of the best summer events in London. Festive Fun If music in your ears is music to your ears, you probably appreciate a good music festival. Luckily, London is absolutely full of the things. If classic and contemporary pop hits are your thing, then Hyde Park’s British Summer Time should be top of your list. This year, pop juggernauts like Florence and the Machine and Barbara Streisand are headlining, alongside a wealth of worldwide talent. If you prefer your beats a little fresher, Finsbury Park’s Wireless festival boasts hip-hop stars Cardi B, Future, and A$AP Rocky. If you’re seeking an eclectic mix of genres, Lovebox has you covered. Solange, Cypress Hill, and Four Tet are some of the many varied acts gracing Victoria Park this July. A Carnival Of Colour Fancy your good times with a little less structure? Why not celebrate diversity and equality at the Pride in London Parade? On 6th July, join thousands of people as they march through the streets of London for the year’s most colourful event! There’s plenty of places to eat and drink throughout the day, and as the sun sets, expect the party to pick up in Trafalgar Square. Don’t forget to pack your rainbow flag. Alternatively, see our the summer at one of the world’s biggest street parties at Notting Hill Carnival. The two-day celebration of Caribbean culture kicks off on 25th August, and you can expect a wealth of street food, music performances, and of course, the parade. Definitely one of the best summer events in London. Rooftop Bars For A Few Jars Fancy a tipple or two while basking in the erratic magnificence – or malevolence - of Britain’s summertime? Take a trip up to any number of rooftop bars across the capital. Bussey Building in Peckham has a delightful rooftop bar with cocktails, food, and a ’90s themed bottomless brunch to let you relive the glory days of the Spice Girls and middle partings. If you prefer a little sand with your sun, Brixton Beach has an entirely fabricated beach to roll around in. Maybe don’t roll around though; instead, pick from a decent range of pop up foodie joints, as well as craft beer stalls and cocktail ‘bars’. Or if you’re looking for the best view around, take a trip up to the top of The Shard. Look down on all the little people rushing around central London, and take in the magnificence of the city skyline atop your ivory tower, maybe with a cocktail or two. A Summer Of Sport Know your ace’s from your deuce’s? I don’t, but if you do, there’s plenty of sporty fun to be had in London this summer. The world-famous Wimbledon tennis tournament is currently in full swing, but you’ve still got a few more weeks to grab tickets. Who knows, you could be rubbing shoulders with the elite, eating strawberries, and watching some of the earth’s most exciting athletes battle it out for the trophy. Or if you’d rather take a trip back in time to the tournaments most exciting moments, you can visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Alternatively, if you’re itching for the football season to kick off, try a stadium tour around Stamford Bridge or The Emirates. Cinema Under The Stars If you want to relive the glory days of drive-in cinema then the next best thing is open-air entertainment! You’ve got plenty to choose from too. Rooftop Film Club in Stratford will be playing a sing-a-long viewing of Freddie Mercury biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ if you wanna flex your lungs and/or embarrass yourself because you are tone-deaf. You could also check out Film4’s ‘Summer Screen Festival’ at Somerset House for an eclectic mix of cult classics, new releases and lesser-known indie hits. Or if you’re feeling particularly brave, why not take to the sea with Timeout’s ‘Movies on the River’, and cruise through some cinematic greats like ‘The Shape of Water’. Those are just some of the best summer events in London. But there are so many to choose from, so did we miss any you’re looking forward to? Let us know in the comments right down there.
Dom Bewley
Kew Gardens
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Top Facts about Kew Gardens

Founded in 1840, The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, commonly known as Kew Gardens, is one of the most extensive and important botanical gardens in the world. It's a stunning sanctuary less than 30 minutes from central London, offering a perfect escape from the city buzz. Housing the "largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections" globally, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of London's most popular attractions. Kew Gardens has more than 50,000 different plants in its living collection and over 7 million preserved specimens. It's not just a pretty space; it's a veritable treasure trove of plant-based knowledge, with over 750,000 volumes and illustrations contained in its library. Discover more about this historical botanical landmark with some of our favourite facts about Kew Gardens below. A stroll through time A little tidbit on the history of Kew Gardens: It's been around for quite a while! Its growth and development over the years have made it one of the most famous gardens in London and indeed, the world. 1. The world's oldest potted plant resides at Kew Housed inside the famous Palm House, the world's oldest pot plant, a huge Jurassic cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii) originally came to Kew in 1775. Plant-hunter, Frances Masson, collected the specimen during one of Captain Cook's voyages from the Eastern Cape of South Africa. 2. It's home to the smallest royal palace in the country After a decade-long restoration project, the Grade I listed Kew Palace was reopened in 2006. The smallest of British royal residences, it was a popular getaway of George III (1760 - 1820). The same size as a small manor house, the palace was gifted to the people by Queen Victoria in 1837. So, Kew Gardens is not just one of the best gardens in London, but also a royal one. 3. It has its own police force For over 150 years, Kew Gardens has had its own police force responsible for on-site security. Established in the mid-1840s, it initially consisted of part-time gardeners and veterans from the Crimean War. The Kew Constabulary originally possessed the same powers as the Metropolitan Police. This meant they were permitted to exercise their force in most London parks, including Battersea Park and Parliament Square. As of 2022, the Kew Constabulary has 20 members of staff and one vehicle, making it one of the smallest police forces in the world.  4. Suffragettes burned the Tea House down On 20 February 1913, Suffragettes Lilian Lenton and Olive Wharry burned down the Tea House at Kew Gardens in one of several arson attacks in the capital. After being caught, they were sentenced to 18 months at Holloway prison. During their incarceration, they both went on hunger strike. They ended up being released within a month. 5. The tube station has its own pub Getting to Kew Botanical Gardens is even more fun knowing that Kew Gardens station has its very own pub! Previously called The Railway, The Tap on the Line pub reopened in 2013. There is still a door near the bar that leads directly to platform one, but it's no longer open to the public. 6. It includes part of the old London Bridge In 1968, the American entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch bought the 19th-century London Bridge and attempted to move it to Arizona’s Lake Havasu. He thought he was buying Tower Bridge, but alas, no. Around 200 granite blocks didn't make the trip across the Atlantic. Four of those blocks were taken by Kew Gardens and placed on the banks of the big lake near the Sackler Crossing. Consider adding the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to your itinerary during your trip with The London Pass®. You'll make great savings on combined admission vs. paying at the gate, and your pass includes entry to dozens more top attractions in the city! 7. Commemorative coins Kew Gardens celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2009 and to commemorate this event, the Royal Mint released a commemorative 50p coin. Only 210,000 Kew coins were minted. This resulted in them soaring in value, selling for over 100 times their monetary worth. 8. Climate control Discover 10 different climate zones at the Princess of Wales Conservatory. From the dry tropics and wet tropics to eight smaller micro-climates, the conservatory ensures that each set of plants' needs are met. 9. Rare heist In 1987, the world's smallest water lily (Nymphaea thermarum) was discovered in Mashyuza, Rwanda. Conservationists saved the plant from extinction after it was grown from seeds at Kew Gardens. In 2014, one of these rare water lilies was stolen from the Princess of Wales Conservatory. 10. An explosive history During the Second World War, the Great Pagoda became the perfect place to test the aerodynamics of bombs in secret. Around 30 high-explosives dropped onto the gardens during the Blitz and the Herbarium, Temperate Houses, Palm House and Waterlily House suffered damage. Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® Planning your London trip? With The London Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️
Suz Pathmanathan

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