Recently in London Category

If you're looking for cutting edge art in the city of London - and you've already visited the Tate Modern - set aside an hour or two for a tour of the Saatchi Gallery. A gift to the city of London from collector Charles Saatchi (the founder, with his brother, of the ad agency that bears his name), it has 70,000 square feet of floor space dedicated to the very best contemporary art. Located on King's Road in Chelsea, the gallery boasts high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and a collection that runs the gamut from traditional portraiture to works that cause a stir around the world, such as Damien Hirst's The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, in which a shark is suspended in a formaldehyde solution. It's currently showing an exhibition entitled The Empire Strikes Back: Indian Art Today, which features colorful neon, tumbleweed, and aluminum sculptures by Shezad Dawood; mind-bending comic panels from Chitra Ganesh, and selected works by Yamini Nayar that blend sculpture, photography, and architecture in ways that defy categorization. Drop by this dynamic art space and see what you can make of it all. Starwood has hotels throughout London, including The Lanesborough, a St. Regis Hotel.

[image via Saatchi Gallery]

There are dozens of accents throughout the British Isles, but few are more colorful than the rhyming slang of the Cockneys, residents of London's East End who, according to history, were "born within the sound of the Bow Bells" (bells of the Church of St Mary-le-Bow). Its rhyming substitutions for certain words - skin-and-blister for sister, apples-and-pears for upstairs, etc. - was originally designed to confuse the authorities when some criminal mischief was afoot, but now it serves mostly to highlight the quick wit and steely resolve of the historically working class citizens of the area. Discover the heart of the Cockney tradition with a stroll through the East End and along the canals, hitting several landmarks and hearing enough quizzical verse to make you scratch your head. This helpful walking tour suggests several major milestones, including Mile End, the site of a Peasant's Revolt in 1381, Mile End Lock, one of many mechanical locks that raise and lower barges through the canals, and the canalside pubs that offer a pint with a view of the action and a constant soundtrack of Cockney slang. And to really put yourself in the center of the action, stroll through Victoria Park (pictured), which was the city's first park dedicated to the common people rather than the royals. Long a hangout of east-enders, it boasts a boating lake, English flower garden, and a Chinese pagoda, a perfect place to duck into if you get caught in the France and Spain (rain). Starwood has hotels throughout London, including Le Méridien Piccadilly.

[image via London is Free]

Winston Churchill is one of the most heroic figures of the World War II era, embodying the British ideal of the stiff upper lip and passionate resolve to never give up, no matter the odds. Visitors to London can learn more about the man and his struggles during the war at the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, a delightful museum near St. James Park filled with an eclectic collection of Churchill memorabilia and artifacts. Start off at the Lifeline exhibit, a 15-meter-long interactive table on which visitors can access information from every year of Churchill's life, down to specific weeks and days. Then, armed with historical perspective, venture into the Cabinet War Rooms, which were used as shelter for the heart of government and military command. Built in the basement of a Whitehall building in 1938, it housed Churchill and his advisers as they plotted their strategy amid sustained aerial bombardments. The Map Room, Cabinet Room, Transatlantic Telephone Room, and Churchill's Room have all been preserved in the condition they were left when the war ended in 1945, providing a vivid glimpse into his "finest hour." There's even a recreation of his wife Clementine's bedroom, part of a suite of nine rooms opened only in 2003 containing the original furnishings and items from the war years. It's one of London's most fascinating museums and a must-see for students of 20th century history. Starwood has hotels throughout London, including the Sheraton Park Tower, London.

[image via Churchill Museum]

Here's a fun way to get into the holiday spirit in London this month. Hyde Park, one of central London's largest and most historic parks, has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland, with holiday-themed activities, shows, and goodies that are sure to bring warmth and cheer even on the coldest days. Start off with a few turns on central London's largest ice rink, or a few revolutions on 95.8 Capital FM's Giant Wheel (pictured), which gives riders full 360-degree panoramic views 200 feet above the park. Take in a performance of Zippos Christmas Circus, a special festive circus show with magic, comedy, and a special appearance by Timoni the Elf and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Thrill seekers can go on several rides, ranging from alpine slides to a massive roller coaster called the Black Hole. Shoppers will find plenty of gift ideas in the German Christmas Market, with over 50 decorated chalets offering continental crafts and refreshments, while those looking for some hearty holiday fare served in a traditional German setting can drop by the Bavarian Village, just the place to warm up with a hot drink. Of course, you'll want to explore Santa Land, where the big guy oversees a collection of gentle rides and attractions like the Christmas Jumper and Elves Workshop, perfect for the little ones. Starwood has hotels throughout London, including the nearby Sheraton Park Tower, a member of the Luxury Collection.

[image via Hyde Park Winter Wonderland]

Opened in 1903 by brothers William and Gilbert Foyle, Foyles (113-119 Charing Cross Road) is a preeminent bookshop in London's literary scene. With more than a hundred years of history under its belt, it is the logical first stop in any physical book search. But it's also a great place to take in an author reading or sample a slice of London culture: Slow Down London, a leisurely local organization, is one of the creative societies that holds events here. The current owner, who is still part of the founding family, understands that people need create tunes in proximity to great books, and Foyles now encompasses the critically acclaimed live venue Ray's Jazz, which books musicians from across the jazzy globe.

A staggering 30 miles/50 kilometers of book shelf space once earned Foyles a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest book store. Though it may not technically hold that record anymore, we can promise that there'll be enough books there for you. I recommend visiting the flagship location of Foyles on Charing Cross Road for its sheer scope, but when you're staying at Le Méridien Piccadilly, you're so centrally located that you are also within easy reach of the three other satellite locations if you still need more to read. Foyles also offers an Internet storefront for online ordering. What are your favorite veteran booksellers around the world?

[image via Wikipedia]