While during the week the City of London is packed with workers there’s still plenty to see and do come the weekend. We had a look at some of the best things to go see and do, all unique to the Square Mile.
Horizon 22
The newly opened the Horizon 22 viewing platform has quicky become a must see in the City. It boasts some of the most impressive views of London as it is the highest free viewing platform in Europe, even topping the Shard’s platform by 10 metres. The only taller viewing platforms in Europe are the Eiffel Tower and the Ostankino Tower in Moscow and they both charge for entry. Horizon 22 stands at 254 metres tall, with the trip to the platform using the high-speed lifts taking you the 254 metre distance in just 42 seconds, that’s roughly eight metres a second. The views from the top are second to none, while not quite a 360 degree view the stunning height paired with the massive viewing room offer an experience unparalleled in all of London. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better there is also a small café to grab a drink or a pastry as you soak in the view. Overall, Horizon 22 is outstanding in not only its views but also its atmosphere and for being 100% free of charge.
Guildhall Art Gallery
The Guildhall Art Gallery is a hidden gem in the City, definitely deserving of more attention. Located next to the Guildhall the Guildhall Art Gallery is steeped in history going back nearly two thousand years. The gallery itself is filled with evocative Victorian paintings depicting Victorian London, as well as a large collection of Sir Matthew Smith paintings, a prominent British painter in the 20th century. The gallery also has one of the most surprising exhibitions in London, a Roman Amphitheatre in the basement. Discovered during a redevelopment in 1985 the Roman Amphitheatre is now an integral part of the gallery and it’s very foundations. On top of all that the gallery is constantly running family events, such as the second Saturday of every month being dedicated to family themed events. Once again all of this is completely free of charge, perfect addition to a weekend in the City.
Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is home a number of delightful of shows and events, often for lower prices than what you might find in most other areas of London. From the latest film premieres in its cinema to theatre productions on par with any West End performance the Barbican hits well above its weight for entertainment. Alongside that it also has a number of art exhibitions that it hosts over the year, often from international renown artists, many of which are free to go see. To top it all off the Barbican Conservatory has recently re-opened after a spectacular new exhibition was installed there by Indian sculpture Ranjani Shettar. That’s not even mentioning the stunning architecture and design of the Barbican Centre and the Estate as well as the public library, there is so much to see and do at the Barbican.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is right in the beating heart of the Square Mile and has so much to do and see in a weekend trip. It hosts a number of unique and quirky shops, pubs and restaurants, all with their own charm to keep you interested. Not only that but you can enjoy its beautiful architecture, and rich heritage dating all the way back to the 14th century when it used to be a running meat market. The market has also been the site for a number of notable films including the first Harry Potter film and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, make sure to dodge the film tours as they potter about the market. Whether you’re there for a quick bite to eat or a drink in Old Tom’s Bar, Leadenhall Market is the perfect place to explore when in the City for a weekend excursion.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
Built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London this impressive monument now stands in stark contrast to its surrounding modern counter pieces. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren (the same architect that designed St Paul’s Cathedral and 51 other City buildings) the monument stands at 62 metres high; this is to coincide with the location where the fire began on Pudding Lane, exactly 62 metres away from the monument. Visitors to the monument can climb up the 311 steps through the column (the tallest isolated stone column in the world) to stand on a viewpoint that has changed little in the past 346 years. As a little bonus for all those that do venture to the top you are awarded a certificate to prove that you made it, a great little memento of your trip to the Monument to the Great Fire of London.
The Ivy City Gardens
Located just a short walk from Liverpool Street station the Ivy City Gardens offers a relaxed location to grab a bite to eat right next to one of the Square Mile’s busiest stations. Whether you’re after a classic British roast, or Asian inspired cuisine, there’s something for everyone there. Not only that but they also offer afternoon tea as well as cocktails, a perfect finish to a lazy day discovering the City. The restaurant is famous for hosting celebrities with such icons as Elizabeth Hurley and Luke Evans. They also run an annual ‘One Night Only’ charity event where the stars try their hand behind the bar and as servers, some notable names from previous years include Kim Cattrall and Dame Maggie Smith. So why not try your luck, grab a cocktail and who knows what the next person to walk through the door might be.
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