Showing posts with label Central London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Central London. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Regent's Park

The last place I went on my last day in London was The Regent's Park, another huge open area in the city. At the end of the day, I'm certain my feet were planning to revolt. At any rate, I think The Regent's Park was my favorite of the parks I visited. More can be learned by visiting the Royal Parks' site; there's a link in the British Landmarks I've Visited section.

Map of the park.

Just after entering the park near Baker Street.


Water fowl abound in the park.


As well do thousands of flowers.


One of the many planting beds specializing in many varieties of tulips.


The bandstand.


Park-supplied seating near the bandstand. Not as many people were in the park today since it was a workday.


Boating Lake in the background.


Lots of families seem to frequent the park.


Another planting bed.


If memory serves, this is one of the gates into Queen Mary's Gardens.


The gate.


More detail on the gate.


Entering Queen Mary's Gardens, just inside the gate.


A small island inside Queen Mary's Gardens.


A duck swims peacefully by.


A bridge leads to the small island.


An interesting tree I found on the island.


Flower close-up.


I came across some black swans.


I assume this is the mate of the previous swan.


Entering a rose garden. There were millions of buds ready to open, but alas, I was too early for most of them.


This one was ready.


As was this.


Wide angle view approaching a fountain area.


The fountain is directly behind me as I took this photo. I include it because it's very peaceful.


The fountain.


An iris.


I believe this was called Long Bridge.


A wide angle shot of some of the playing fields at The Regent's Park.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

I'm back in London after about 30 hours in Paris. It's my last day here, and I still haven't been to Regent's Park. It's decided then - I'll go there, and stop by the Sherlock Holmes Museum on the way. Need to take the Piccadilly line to Green Park Station, and then take the Jubilee line to Baker Street Station.

When you see this, you know you've arrived.


The museum features period actors; this constable was having a little fun with a fellow museum patron.


Exterior of the Museum and shop, complete with a period actor.


Sherlock Holmes's bed.


Inside Sherlock Holmes's bedroom. The pictures on the wall are all famous criminals from the time.


The famous study Holmes shared with Dr. Watson.


Holmes shot the initials of Queen Victoria into the wall with an air gun.


Dr. Watson's desk.


The breakfast table.


Mrs. Hudson's room (the landlady).


Bulldog revolver in the bible of ex-reverend Williamson.


Additional displays.


Inside Dr. Watson's Room.


Apparently, Dr. Watson must have had a condition requiring him to have a loo in his room. That's it in the corner.


Another display upstairs.


More displays.


It just wouldn't be me if I didn't include a photo of Sherlock Holmes's loo.


The blue dot conveys the significance of 221b Baker Street.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is a famously recognizable name, and a very popular spot in London. Yes, it is a very 'tourist' place to go, but I had time constraints! More information about Piccadilly Circus can be found by following the link in the British Landmarks I've Visited section.


I thought the curved buildings around the street were interesting.


How did I get there? The underground, of course. The Piccadilly Line to be exact. Actually, the Piccadilly Line is the service which goes to Heathrow, so I used it every time I went into central London.


Around the London Pavilion (center of the circus).


Piccadilly Circus as been referred to as the Times Square of London.


More of the circus.


Lillywhite's store.


The London location of Ripley's Believe It or Not.


A large monitor sits atop this building.


Taking their lived into their own hands crossing the street.


More of the big sign.


Street view.


Pizza Hut?


Another street view.


It means detour, I think.


I liked this view.


London Pavilion, center of Piccadilly Circus.


London Trocadero.


Yet another street view.