CITY SAFARI - London & Partners

London’s CompassWhether it’s central, north, south, east or west, all of London’s regions have treasures to offer.Tooting Bec Lido, south LondonCentral londonlondon’s heart is made up of manydistricts including camden, islingtonand the city of Westminster, plus thecity of london – the main financialarea of the capital. this buzzingregion has a dense concentrationof offices, embassies, theatres,museums, nightspots, shops andstate buildings and is the officialhome of the Queen. it’s also famedfor its arts hubs such as the Westend and bloomsbury.Hidden Gem: Roman Bath. Anold public plunge bath which wasmentioned in charles dickens’s noveldavid copperfield. Fed by a naturalspring, the bath’s remains are 17thcentury, but thought to have romanorigins. Peek through the grille from09.00 to dusk, or book to get inside.5 Strand Lane, WC2. % 020 76415264. : nationaltrust.org.ukË Temple. Map C6.north londonMore than 120 languages are spokenin this multiethnic and vibrant region,which is steeped in history, renownedfor its culture and boasting excellenttransport links. Areas of interestinclude hampstead heath (p. 29) andthe spectacular views from Parliamenthill, high above regent’s Park (p. 29).Hidden Gem: Highgate Ponds.swimmers and sunbathers enjoythree freshwater ponds: hampsteadPond (mixed bathing), highgate Pondfor men and Kenwood ladies Pond.Hampstead Heath, near MillfieldLane, NW6. % 020 7332 3773.: cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadË Hampstead/Kentish Town.Off map.South londonotherwise known as ‘south ofthe river’, this area is less built upthan the north and appreciated forits array of open spaces such asclapham common and richmondPark. it’s popular for sportingattractions such as the Wimbledonlawn tennis Museum (p. 49) andthe World rugby Museum (p. 49).it’s also home to glorious greenwich(map inset), perhaps the mostfamous maritime site in the country.Hidden Gem: Tooting Bec Lido.With its 90m stretch the pool isthe largest open-air freshwaterswimming bath in england. nowmore than 100 years old, therecently modernised lido boastsa kids’ paddling pool, changingcubicles, a shady gazebo and a café.brad Pitt filmed a scene there for thebritish film crime caper, snatch.Tooting Bec Road, SW16. % 0208871 7198. : wandsworth.gov.ukt Streatham. Off map.eaSt londononce the centre of working classlondon, the east is going through aperiod of regeneration and will playa huge part in the london 2012olympic games and Paralympicgames (p. 32). Factories andworking docks have given way to aunique arts scene, funky bars andclubs, and popular markets like oldspitalfields (p. 74).Hidden Gem: Ranger’s House.this elegant georgian villa ingreenwich Park houses the artcollection of sir Julius Wernher.numbering nearly 700 pieces, thereis plenty to see with works rangingfrom early religious paintings todutch old Masters.Chesterfield Walk, SE1.% 020 8853 0035.: english-heritage.org.ukt Blackheath. Off map.WeSt londonParts of west london run alongsidethe leafy end of the river thames.it’s where you’ll find affluent andelegant districts like chelsea andKnightsbridge, making it a highlydesirable area to visit. it’s alsohome to notting hill’s fashionablerestaurants, shops and Portobelloroad, the site of one of the capital’sbest-loved markets (p. 74).Hidden Gem: Carlyle’s House.this charming Queen Anne-erahome and garden tells the story ofthomas and Jane carlyle, a literarycouple who moved from scotland in1834. carlyle’s irascible prose stylemade him a celebrity of the day andinfluenced charles dickens. thehouse is just as it was in their timeand filled with delightful Victoriana.24 Cheyne Row, SW3. % 020 73527087. : nationaltrust.org.ukË Sloane Square. Off map.tooting bec lido iMAge © WAndsWorth council8| visitlondon.com | LONDON PLANNER | June 2011