London September 2016

September 2016
A short but fine adventure by The Vacationist Read more
  • 5footprints
  • 1countries
  • 4days
  • 28photos
  • 0videos
  • 34kilometers
  • Day 1

    King's Cross St. Pancras

    September 24, 2016 in England ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Its autumn here. Not as cold as the last time I came. Nice weather to explore London yet again.
    This time I stayed in King's Cross with my cousin who got enrolled in UCL here.

    Started my day as early as 4am as I couldn't sleep due to jetlag. Went to Pret A Manger by 7am and had ourselves some breakfast. Then we walked around aimlessly and stumbled across Regent's Park. This place is refreshing. Joggers on a Saturday morning. Squirrels and pigeons everywhere. Even managed to touch a squirrel as they are friendly.

    Following that, we ate again at 11.30am. Sort of like a late breakfast before we headed back to the apartment and continued our nerding session. Will continue exploring again tomorrow.
    Read more

  • Day 2

    Kew Gardens

    September 25, 2016 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    This is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world. Known for its variety of floral species. Also famous currently is their bee exhibition known as "The Hive". Some tropical greenhouses are open for viewing but didn't interest me much as palm and rubber trees are native to Malaysia.

    I managed to take many pictures of plants I have never seen before. I have to say, I love the photo quality of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Made me feel like I had a DSLR camera.

    One of the attractions that interests me the most was the treetop walkway. Located about 5 storeys high, this place makes you feel like you are one with the trees. The view is spectacular.

    There is also a bamboo forest here. Makes you feel like a damn panda when you walk through it. Since we are on the topic of oriental stuff, there is also a pagoda in this garden. Apparently its been there since the 1800 or something and has been reconstructed over the ages in order to keep it standing.

    A number of different species of ducks and birds were spotted too as there is quite a bit of ponds and lakes here. Oh, and how can I forget, the squirrels. Friendly little creatures they are. Or rather, greedy and hungry for food. They come running to you if you put a hand out. They think you are giving them food.

    And enjoyable experience. To me, Kew Gardens is a must go if you are one with nature. Just that transport there is a bit of a hassle, if you are based in Central London.
    Read more

  • Day 3

    Parliament Hill

    September 26, 2016 in England ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Located in Hampstead Heath, this hill standing at the height of 95 meters is located in one of the busiest parks in London.

    Other than the beautiful view of the city of London from atop this hill, you will also see many joggers and people playing catch with their dogs. It is a rather lively place to be. Pretty packed for a Monday morning I would say.

    I spent about an hour here and then headed back. It was a rather cloudy day and the wind was kind of chilly.
    Read more

  • Day 4

    Camden Town

    September 27, 2016 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    This afternoon we signed up with Unseen Tours to explore Camden Town. Our tour guide, Mike, took us around to experience the sights and sounds of Camden Town. Alot of history in this place apparently. From the covered up Banksey paintings to pubs with live music. The iTunes music festival was going on at the Roundhouse.

    Also, not forgetting the one of a kind, Primrose Hill Village with its strong sense of community. The view of London from Primrose Hill was breathtaking.

    We then walked along the ancient Regent's Canal. There are tour boats as well as private boats in this canal. People around these parts are kind of rich.

    We finally ended our tour at Camden Market and bid farewell to Mike near the Amy Winehouse statue. There is food, souvenirs and live music here. Pretty lively place. We didn't spend much time here though. It was getting crowded and noisy so we left soon after.
    Read more

  • Day 4

    Sky Garden

    September 27, 2016 in England ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    The Sky Garden, located on the 35th floor of the walkie talkie shaped building (20 Fenchurch Street) is a 5 minute walk from Monument Underground Station.

    This place, is a 3 storey indoor garden 155 meters above ground, offering spectacular views of London. We made a reservation at 7pm-9pm, but didn't stay long. Again, because it was crowded. I managed to get some good shots of the city below though. Well, even the interior was worth taking pictures of.

    The best part about it is..ITS FREE. But of course there is a catch. If you arrive late or never show up at all, you get charged £25. So be there, or pay up!
    Read more