Londonist
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The latest news in London, what's on and events, the best London food and pubs, history and trivia, what's free and cheap in London. Londonist is about London and everything that happens in it. That means news, reviews and events; the history and future of London.
Londonist
13h ago
See our Beyond London section for further inspiration for trips out of London for a day, a weekend, or longer.
Colchester Castle is easy to visit from London. Image: © Rodger Tamblyn Photography and Colchester City Council
Despite its sprawling coastline, Essex isn't as well-endowed with castles as its neighbours in Kent or Sussex. That said, there are a few fortifications sprinkled around the country, for casual day trippers and dedicated historians alike.
Colchester Castle
Colchester was once the capital of England, making Colchester Castle a sort-of former Tower of London — though with f ..read more
Londonist
13h ago
It's the Glastonbury Festival of the horticultural world. Image: RHS
What is the Chelsea Flower Show exactly?
The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Chelsea Flower Show is a five-day-long annual spectacular of flowers, plants and show gardens, hosted in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
For visitors, it's one of the places to see cutting-edge garden design, discover new plants and trends, and take home a wheelbarrow of flowers/tools/inspiration. For exhibitors, it's the chance to show off their concepts/green fingers, and maybe scoop a coveted award or two.
TL;DR: Think of it as the ..read more
Londonist
1d ago
Love a bit of art? Check out our free weekly newsletter Londonist: Urban Palette for tips, recommendations and features.
Britain's greatest living illustrator is back with another free exhibition.
Fans of the great Quentin Blake are having a bumper year. February brought the Quentin Blake: Now exhibition, which showcased his most recent work. It was such a success that a sequel is now lined up for the same venue in April.
Quentin Blake: The QB Papers presents over 60 illustrations, drawn between 2017 and 2019. Many of them have never been seen before. The artist groups this collection into f ..read more
Londonist
1d ago
Have you discovered our sister publication Londonist: Time Machine? As an Easter treat, you can now enjoy some of the best bits for free.
Londonist: Time Machine does something different with the capital's history. Each instalment peeks into the past from a slightly jaunty angle, in a way you won't find elsewhere. There's a lovely community of history fans and London-lovers building up, and we're getting such wonderful feedback:
"I love maps and I love all the quirky things about London. This fills me with glee." - Antonia S
"Your notes, history and recommendations are unique. Thank you f ..read more
Londonist
1d ago
The Fox, Hanwell
Foxes are a familiar part of the urban landscape, often glimpsed on a morning walk. They're regularly maligned for upending bins, menacing small pets, leaving smelly poos, and engaging in loud nocturnal gekkering. Yet there's something magical about spotting a fox in an unexpected location.
Here, then, is a skulk of London foxes we've encountered on our wanderings.
See also: Around London in 12 elephants - Around London in 12 dragons - Around London in 13 tigers - Around London in 11 swans - Around London in 11 horses - Around London in 12 rabbits and hares - Around London ..read more
Londonist
2d ago
Hampton Court Palace is home to some of the best tulip displays in London. © Historic Royal Palaces.
Love tulips? Us too. The colourful flowers — more closely associated with the Netherlands than here — come into bloom in London in mid-April, often lasting into May. While you won't find sprawling tulip fields here in the capital, there are still plenty of parks and gardens, from palaces to Royal Parks, where you can get your fill of tulip-mania. And if you're willing to travel a little beyond London? Even better! Here's your guide on where and when to see tulips this year:
Hampton Court Pal ..read more
Londonist
2d ago
For more from London's art world, sign up for our new (free) newsletter and community: Londonist: Urban Palette.
Talk about a glossy coat... Image: Matt Crossick/PA wire.
London's latest sculpture trail has bounded into town — and this one's for the dog lovers.
Paws on the Wharf sees 25 sculptures of guide dogs scattered around Canary Wharf and the wider Tower Hamlets area — each painted by an artist with a uniquely colourful coat.
Five of the artists — Angela Charles, Alex Devlin, Kevin Gavaghan, Sian Healey and Clarke Reynolds — are visually impaired themselves. Children from Ben Jonson P ..read more
Londonist
2d ago
For more from London's art world, sign up for our new (free) newsletter and community: Londonist: Urban Palette.
Looking for an awesome London exhibition this April? Here's our roundup of must-see shows in the capital, plus an addition from outside of the capital.
1. Art that hits hard: Jerwood Survey III at Southwark Park Galleries
One of the selected artists. © Alliyah Enyo
Colonialism, climate change & healing, gender, sexuality, folklore and spirituality are some of the hot topics addressed at Southwark Park Galleries by the work of 10 early career artists in a group exhibition that ..read more
Londonist
3d ago
All weekend
Hunt out the bunnies at Hampton Court Palace © Historic Royal Palaces.
EASTER BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: It's Easter weekend. Make the most of it with our guide to spending a bank holiday weekend in London. We've got you covered, come rain or shine, whether you want culture, the great outdoors, or fantastic day trips. We've also got a guide to special Easter weekend events too. 29 March-1 April
EASTER HOLIDAYS: And of course, with Easter weekend comes the school Easter holidays. Exact dates vary from school to school, but here's a guide to family-friendly holiday events in London over ..read more
Londonist
3d ago
Budget-friendly things to do in London this week for £5 or less.
Take a free tour at Fitzrovia Chapel. Photo: Londonist
Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London.
Check out Dan Maier's glow-up of Southgate station
A few years back, Dan Maier gave Southgate station a wonderful glow-up with her vibrant arty wraps. Now they're back, this time adorning Southgate Library. These new designs take inspiration from Cuthbert's Seeds, a local business started by James Cuthbert in 1797. Various flowers, chillies and pea p ..read more