Despite a reputation, accurate in many respects, for being expensive, London remains one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet. The city is without a doubt, one of the most complete in the world. Other than a boundless supply of tropical weather, London has it all. Since the advent of the European Union, the rise of China and India and the cultural and economic stagnation of the United States, the metropolis has emerged as the defacto world capital. From fashion and style to commerce and cuisine, London is on top. The action takes place in the city boroughs, which is where we commence anew in the third and last installment of our London guide.
For many, the borough of Merton is notable for one reason: Wimbledon. Without a doubt, the Lawn Tennis Championship held here every year draws the eyes of the world, if not the best tennis players around. The stadium complex and museum is a top draw with tourists. Do not however, overlook Merton Park and the banks of the River Wandle.
Home to a recent influx of industrial investment that will connect London by rail to the continent, the borough of Newham is home to the historic docklands district. It also claims to be the most ethnically diverse area in England, with large Muslim and African populations. Home to West Ham United Football Club, Newham will also host several Olympic events in 2012.
On the perimeter of London proper, the eclectic borough of Redbridge offers a littany of outdoor attractions, from parks and lakes, to conservation areas and trails that lure hikers and cyclists alike. More than most boroughs, Redbridge is an ideal destination for the family, with a number of cultural performances for everyone throughout the year.
The borough of Richmond upon Thames is remarkable as a haven for the elite and wealthy and as a result, offers voyeuristic pleasures few can rival. Why do stars such as Mick Jagger call the area home? The homes for one, are palatial and the borough contains immense, open spaces and gardens, devoid of urban development. The borough is the only one in London that straddles two sides of the River Thames.
With one of the best arts districts in the world, Southwark is worth a visit for a number of reasons. William Shakespeare for one. It astounds the mind to consider that The Bard’s plays made their debut here, in Southwark. You can still catch performances in some of the very same halls. The Tate Modern, one of the best art museums in the world, is perhaps the most popular attraction in Southwark.
South of London proper is a gem of a borough in Sutton. Although not on the map of the London Underground, the borough is still worth a trip. With more of a village feel than most in the city, Sutton makes for a wonderful respite. Escape to Carshalton or Cheam Village and spend some quality time in one of the expansive parks in the borough.
Though not an official borough, we would be remiss to exclude the City of London proper. With a tiny population of just under 8,000, the historic core of the city nonetheless swells by day as workers head to some of the most powerful financial corporations in the world. Indeed, the area is on par with Wall Street in New York City as a global economic force. A shell by nightfall, by day the attraction of record is without question, St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Home to Canary Wharf and some of the most distinctive skyscrapers in London on the Isle of Dogs, the borough of Tower Hamlets will play host at the 2012 Summer Games. The borough boasts several famous attractions, such as the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, iconic Tower Bridge and Flower Market on Columbia Road. Random fact alert: over 30% of the borough’s 200,000 plus residents are Bangladeshi.
One of five borough hosts of the 2012 London Olympics, Waltham Forest is on the outer edge of the city. Street markets are the main attraction here, as the borough has stalls that stretch over a section of road that spans a mile. Several quaint village museums dot the area, not to mention Stone Age relics that remind us that Roman occupation here was not a myth. A vibrant ethnic community typical of modern London permeates Waltham Forest and ensures the borough is one of the most diverse. Yet another random fact: David Beckham was born here.
Wandsworth is one of the most photogenic boroughs in London. It helps when your location is on the shores of the River Thames and your borders contain such attractions as Battersea Power Station and Park and Buddhist Peace Pagoda. A great borough for a long stroll, there are scores of restaurants and pubs here to satiate your hunger and quench your thirst.
When most people envision London, more often than not what comes to mind probably has a Westminster address. The borough has more iconic landmarks than any other in the city. Start with Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, which together represent the heart of London. Other major attractions of note include Buckingham Palace - home of the Queen - Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Lord’s Cricket Ground and of course, Westminster Abbey.
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