Explore London's Neighbourhoods
From Backstreets to Village Greens with Travel Smart Card
Nov 5, 2008
London is a city so lavishly rich in cultural treasures and world-class entertainment that it is tempting, particularly with limited time, to dash from attraction to attraction with maximum efficiency and minimal time for idle wandering.
But one of the greatest pleasures any city can offer is a leisurely, aimless exploration of an unfamiliar neighbourhood; and London is perhaps unique in its tremendous collection of distinct areas surprisingly compact within its urban sprawl. The Oyster card, a travel smart pass which replaces individual tickets for easy, discounted bus and underground fares, makes exploring the whole city, from the dense urban clusters of the central districts to the pastoral serenity of London’s suburban “villages,” convenient and inexpensive.
Central London Districts
Central London is an astounding conglomeration of fascinating neighbourhoods. Soho, Knightsbridge and the West End will all no doubt feature prominently in most visitors’ plans; but just beyond every major destination’s boundaries lie myriad smaller communities, perhaps less prominent but all the more worth exploring.
Lying between Soho and Covent Garden is the delightful Seven Dials (Holborn tube stop). A network of narrow, charming streets radiating from a small central plaza punctuated by a tall sundial pillar, Seven Dials has developed into one of the best shopping districts in London. The intimate, fashionable shops lining the cobblestone streets include Orla Kiely, G-Star, Benefit Cosmetics, Coco de Mer, Miss Sixty, Addict, Diesel and Kiehl’s.
Chelsea: Trendy Shops and Art Galleries
Behind the bustle of Knightsbridge’s mega-department stores, Sloane Square (Sloane Square tube stop) is the portal to the grand mansions of Belgravia on one side, and the trendy shops and restaurants of Chelsea on the other. Just off Sloane Square along the King’s Road is the recently developed Duke of York Square shopping plaza, featuring such high-end retailers as Ted Baker, Joseph, Agnes B and Yves Delorme, and free-admission contemporary art museum the Saatchi Gallery.
North London and South Bank
North London boasts several diverse, exciting neighbourhoods ripe for exploration: Islington (Angel tube stop), Camden Town and Notting Hill (both with eponymous tube stations) are all prime walking areas, liberally dotted with stylish cafes, ethnic restaurants and gastro-pubs, antiques dealers and shops.
Across the River Thames, Southwark offers a unique blend of old and new, with such historical landmarks as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre adjacent to the cutting-edge art of the Tate Modern and the many nearby contemporary and modern art galleries. The area is most dramatically approached by crossing the pedestrian Millennium Bridge from the City (Bank or Cannon Street stations).
London’s Villages
Further afield – in some cases quite literally – Greater London encompasses a number of amazingly pastoral “villages” within easy reach by tube. The riverside community of Richmond (Richmond station), South London’s hip Clapham (Clapham Common), and well-heeled celebrity enclave Hampstead all offer perfect opportunities for whiling away an afternoon far removed from the city centre vibe.
Whether to recharge batteries between frantic rounds of sightseeing or to expand horizons off the beaten path, it is worth taking the time to explore the many diverse neighbourhoods of London at a leisurely pace.
Source: Visitors can buy Oyster cards and find useful London maps and information at Visit Britain.
