The stay at home rules here in the UK were lifted earlier this week. So I’ve finished off my virtual sketch tour of London and am ready to brave a visit on location in the coming weeks. 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) and my previous post for more details on the route.
Part 2 – Start: Covent Garden
After hanging out in Covent Garden (see part 1) maybe taking brunch, a show or doing a spot of shopping, the next location is popular whatever the weather or time of year. The plan is to pass through Trafalgar Square which is a great meeting spot, and fairly central. Rather than heading straight there I recommend wandering through a little bit of hidden London on the way…
Goodwin’s Court
A pedestrian only alley, you are unlikely to see many people here other that the occasional tour group. Goodwin’s Court is rumoured to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. Although it wasn’t used for filming. Certainly worth a wander and those with their sketchbooks will probably be inspired by the bow fronted windows. The peace and quiet from the nearby busy streets is also a draw.
Afterwards, cross St Martins Lane and pass through into another possible inspiration for Diagon Alley:
Cecil Court
A book lovers paradise – at least for those looking for older books, maps or just wanting to window shop. There’s quite a bit of history to read about but for those who just want a snippet to remember this location for, Mozart lived here.
In the past I’ve often wandered down here, usually after hours when everything is shut, but it’s certainly got some sketch appeal.
Trafalgar Square
There are numerous bits of info a tour guide would share with you at this location if you had one with you. I personally quite like just sitting and people watching, or sketching of course.
This famous square is named after the Battle of Trafalgar. The column centrepiece commemorates Lord Nelson, a naval commander who led British troops to win the Battle. Everything here has a story to tell, the fountains, the lions and the Police Box, to name a few. Plenty to sketch for a vignette:
In the distance you can spy Big Ben. Head down Whitehall, stopping along the way (especially if it’s busy) at the various vantage points.
Horse Guards
The House Guards Parade is worth a stop. If you head through the archway the parade ground leads into St James’ Park which is a nice area to wander or stop for a picnic. The Household Cavalry Museum may be of interest to those interested in a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the role of the guards. It’s not currently open due to the Covid restrictions, but there’s plenty of activities and resources available for a virtual visit here.
Big Ben
A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without seeing Big Ben. Although unfortunately it’s currently undergoing renovations and is covered up. However, the great thing about a virtual tour is that you can see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in all their glory. I picked my favourite photograph spot to finish with a quick sketch…
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the clock tower. The official name of the tower is Elizabeth Tower. A fact that every visitor to London should make sure they know!
My on location visit will follow soon (I hope). If I get a chance I’ll share any extra recommendations I spot along the way. Please do the same if you have any other suggestions on the route, and in particular any sketch worthy stops. There are so many choices. It’s going to take a few visits to complete unless I speed up and sketch a little more loosely than I have done during my virtual tour ;).
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Simply stunning. Are you going to publish?
Thanks Sue. I’m taking small steps with sharing my sketches, mainly as I’m short of creative travel content with the latter simply just not having been possible this past year.