Fed up of not being able to travel, bored of the daily exercise locations, and desperately trying to make the best of the time in lockdown! That was me last month. So I decided to journal a virtual sketch tour of London – aiming to visit a new location every week. I’m nearly done with the route through Westminster, having just reached Big Ben. Whilst I finish this off, here’s the first part of of what I’ve been up to. The plan, once the stay at home rule is lifted, will involve re-tracing my route on location.
If you are looking for ideas of where to spend time when visiting London, I would recommend this route to both tourists and locals, so check out the map (you will need to open the link in a browser).
Please share any recommendations from along the way. Particularly if they are sketch worthy.
Part 1 – Start: Embankment tube station
Served by the Circle, District, Northern and Bakerloo lines, you can walk over the bridge from Waterloo station or wander down from Charing Cross station. There are 2 entrances on Victoria Embankment and Villiers Street.
Victoria Embankment side of Embankment tube station
Last time I was here, the fruit and veg stall on Villiers Street was a great spot to grab a fresh fruit smoothie drink and then wander into…
Victoria Embankment Gardens
The gardens are situated on reclaimed land which was previously under the Thames. Popular at lunchtimes with office workers, in the summer months there are usually deck chairs scattered here, so can be busy.
A reminder of the riverside mansions whose rear garden access to the Thames would have been close by, is the York Watergate, now located within the gardens and likely to feature in my on location sketching visit here in the coming months.
Through the gardens and out on the embankment you will find:
Cleopatras needle and sphinxes
This is a location I have stopped at many a time. Whilst scouting out photo’s for my virtual sketching tour, I spotted a great view across the river with the London Eye in shot – how did I not see this before?
An interesting spot with a lot of history to read up on
Cutting back through the Victoria Embankment Gardens and aiming for the Savoy. Look out for the sewer lamp that often goes un-noticed by pedestrians. Originally designed to burn off gas from the sewers.
The Savoy
Turning right into The Strand I’m reminded that the road in front of the Savoy is the only road in the UK where vehicles drive on the ‘wrong’ (right hand) side. There are a few theories on why – apparently it’s actually a practical reason relating to dropping people off and picking people up from the theatre.
Kaspar the cat, the 14th dinner guest
Avoid being unlucky with your 13 dinner guests and have Kaspar join your meal. Find out more here.
Covent Garden
A visit to London wouldn’t be right without a wander up and through Covent Garden. There is always plenty to look at along with live entertainment – just follow the crowds. Those looking for souvenirs or gifts should check out the Jubilee Market.
Wondering if this one needs a bit of colour?
Stop for brunch, lunch or a pre-theatre dinner. There are plenty of choices and various budget options for places to eat. Nearby, theatre land offers many shows and something to suit everyone. A great way to spend the rest of the day/evening.
Check back for the second part of my Virtual sketch tour of London or subscribe to my posts. I’ll be checking out a little bit of Hidden London on my way to a couple of key sights, including Trafalgar Square and of course Big Ben.
If you’re looking for other recommendations for London in the meantime why not check out my post 10 things to do in Southwark, London and London on a Budget.
Pin for later:
