Driven by crowds in search of a unique new find, the Old Spitalfields Market is one of these gems and is open seven days a week.

Today, I'm taking you on a hunt for useful and almost impossible-to-find items in this old city market.

Old Spitalfields Market: article summary

Old Spitalfields Market: at a glance

The Old Spitalfields Market is one of the city's busiest markets, and once you've visited it, you'll be sure to find something to suit your taste, you'll certainly understand why!

Built in the 1800s, the venue underwent a major renovation project in the 2000s, restoring it to its former glory.

As well as being historic, the market is also unique It offers a fantastic range of shopping, eating and drinking venues.

Situated under one roof, it's the ideal market to stroll through, rain or shine, all within easy reach of our hotels near Hogarth Road.

History of Old Spitalfields Market

Although the market only really began to take shape in the 1800s, there has been a market in the same area since the 1600s, thanks to a royal license to buy and sell in the neighborhood.

The market is enormous, comprising two listed buildings dating from 1885 to 1893. During a rebuild in the 2000s, the Victorian sections of Old Spitalfields Market underwent a major transformation.

This animated the space and transformed it into a one of London's most important market areas.

What stores can you see at Old Spitalfields Market?

There seems to be an endless variety of stores and stalls you'll find at the market, so get ready for lots of surprises.

This vast market includes not only a large number of permanent stores such as Chanel, Dr Martens and Tag Heuer.

However, you'll also find an array of artisans and shopkeepers, all selling everything from clothing to handicrafts, souvenir gifts and much more!

Throughout the week, specific days are dedicated to different niche markets. As a result you don't find the product you're looking for if you go on the wrong day.

Finally, you can grab a bite to eat in one of the on-site restaurants, or grab something to nibble on while you stroll around.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the market is open all week, there's always a lot going on.

From Saturday to Wednesday, you can expect to find the daily market which has a lively atmosphere and many offers :

• Fashion
• Home products
• Art

Thursday is reserved for the antiques market. Visitors can expect a wide range of vintage and retro finds.

Fridays return to the traditional daily market. On the first and third Friday of each month, you can also enjoy a vinyl record fair, perfect for music lovers.

How do I get there?

To get there, I recommend taking public transport. You can get close to the site by :

• Visit train to Liverpool Street station
• Visit bus with lines 8, 26, 35, 48, 78, 135, 149, 205, 242, 388 to the Primrose stop

The Old Spitalfields Market is a historic shopping center. I recommend a visit if you want to do a little shopping in the city. You'll find everything you're looking for and even more on your trip to London.

London is full of unusual and original things to see and do, but if it's your first visit to London, you need to discover the area's main attractions.

Let's discover them together.

Attraction in London: article summary

Attraction in London: the Tower of London

Visit Tower of London is the world's oldest tourist attraction for good reason.

The tower is incredible. You could spend hours wandering through the narrow corridors and large halls. imagining what life was like in the tower nearly 1,000 years ago.

You'll also discover the bloody history of murder and torture, the amazing animal models that represent London's first zoo, as well as armor and the chance to visit the King's apartments.

And let's not forget the crown jewels, which are safely stored in the Jewel House, ready to dazzle the crowds. two million visitors every year.

Buckingham Palace

You can't visit London without seeing the Queen's official residence. Visit Buckingham Palace is open to visitors from July to September. You'll be able to see the ceremonial rooms and the royal gardens.

The state rooms are beautifully furnished with sumptuous ornaments and are still used by the royal family to entertain their guests.

If you visit the palace between May and July, you'll have the chance to attend the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

It takes place at around 11:30 a.m., and you can watch this tradition, which regularly attracts huge crowds of spectators.

London attractions: the London Eye

If you want to see London from a different angle, a stroll along the London Eye is essential.

At 135 metres high, it is the tallest wheel in Europe, and the highest in the world. the UK's most popular ticketed attraction.

The best time to ride the London Eye is at sunset. You'll also see London come alive in the evening, when all the lights start to twinkle.

Saint Paul's Cathedral, London

Arguably one of London's most spectacular buildings, St. Paul's Cathedral stands proudly as an iconic landmark in the center of the city.

You can admire the magnificent domed cathedral from the outside or from the inside. take a tour inside to learn all about the site.

If you're not afraid of climbing a few steps, you can go up into the dome, by first visiting the Whispering Gallery and the Golden Gallery.

From here, you can enjoy the view incredible panoramic view of London.

London attraction: visit London's iconic Big Ben

Big Ben is the world's largest four-sided clock and another iconic symbol of London.

You can take a tour up to the top of the bell which is located in the Elizabeth Tower. It's another London tour that takes you up the 334 spiral steps.

Go behind the clock face and visit the mechanism room to see how Ben works.

You can also take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. Finally, we invite you to have tea at 5 h.

There's an awful lot to do in London. However, by concentrating on these places, you are sure to enjoy the very essence of the city. What to do spend a wonderful vacation in the English capital.

Neal's Yard is a charming little London store hidden away from tourists.

Today, I'm going to tell you more about this place.

Neal's Yard: article summary

Neal's Yard: at a glance

The neighborhood hasn't always been so charming. It was originally owned by developer Thomas Neale (hence the name), and had little use for it except as a dumping ground for Covent Garden.

Things weren't looking too good. But just before its shelf life was about to expire, contractor Nicholas Saunders came along and breathed new life into the site.

Starting in 1976, he cleaned it up and turned one of the local warehouses into a full-service food store. From there, he grew and has grown into the organic oasis it is today.

Where to eat and drink in Neal's Yard?

There are lots of little stalls selling their wares. However, there are some places I appreciate more than others.

Homeslice

Neal's Yard is where Homeslice began offering its huge New York-style pizzas, and where London has become obsessed with it.

This is the team's first lounge where the pizzas come out of the wood-fired oven and the toppings straddle the line between classics and unconventional creations. like braised beef with beet and goat's cheese.

If you're attracted to both flavors and don't know which way to turn, there's an intermediate option: make half-and-half.

The venue opens :

• Monday to Sunday 12 pm to 10 pm

The Barbary Next Door

Believe it or not, The Barbary Next Door is located next to The Barbary. It's the same team, with the same motifs, the same culinary beliefs and the same love of African cuisine.

The difference here is that the capacity is reduced to just ten seats. Find a table may seem a little more difficult.

On site, you can try :

• The famous flatbreads
• Quail eggs salted with cumin
• Filo tart with crispy chicken pastilla
• Oxtail tagine

Wine also plays a key role in the experience. Honey Spencer one of London's leading sommeliers, offers you its best bottles.

The restaurant opens :

• Tuesday to Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Thursday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Neal's Yard: the Company of Supernatural Wines

The Francophones who created the Soho's Experimental Cocktail Club are behind another portal to Paris, here at Neal's Yard.

In this sumptuously decorated two-storey wine bar and restaurant, they have switched their allegiance from spirits to wine, and offer over 400 bottles.

If you don't know the first thing about wine, the sommeliers are on hand to talk you through it. The food is also worth trying, covering mainly French classics such as :

• Charcuterie
• Beef tartare
• The croque-madame

The restaurant opens :

• Monday to Wednesday from 4 p.m. to midnight
• Thursday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to midnight
• Sunday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

What can you buy on site?

At Neal's Yard, you also have the opportunity to do a little shopping. This way, you can find unique stores that will sell you pieces you won't find anywhere else.

Take a tour of Neal's Yard Dairy

The cheese makers at Neal's Yard Dairy have been in business for over 40 years and do an admirable job. to put the spotlight on British cheese.

Their Neal's Yard store is a paradise for picnickers looking to stock up on farmhouse cheeses.

Some of the most sought-after varieties include :

• Red Leicester
• Montgomery's Cheddar
• The Colston Bassett Stilton

The venue opens :

• Monday to Wednesday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday to Saturday 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

The famous remedies from Neal's Yard

Can't sleep, have itchy feet or a lot of dandruff? Chances area visit here will cure one of these ailments.

Neal's Yard Remedies supplies all kinds of health and beauty products, from essential oils and herbal remedies to shower gels.

If you're looking for an immediate solution, on-site therapy rooms will help you heal. Here you can find services such as :

• Acupuncture
• Facial care
• Massages

You can visit us on site:

• Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Neal's Yard is a veritable shopping mall, where you can enjoy food and drink for less. During your visit, I advise you to spend a few hours here to discover the charm of the place.

The musical from Lion King in London tells the story of Simba's life-changing journey to become King of the Pridelands, following in his father's footsteps.

To find out more about this modern adaptation of the work, I've put together a short article.

Here we go!

The Lion King in London: article summary

The Lion King in London: what's it all about?

At the start of the musical, Rafiki sets the scene, a wise creature who portrays the life of animals in the African lands.

On the plains of the Serengeti, a lion cub named Simba becomes heir to Pride Rock, replacing his uncle Scar.

Annoyed by his lineage, Scar plots to get rid of Mufasa and Simba, and a battle for the kingdom's power ensues.

Traveling through the Pridelands, Simba has to grow up fast. He's not alone either, as he's joined by Timon and Pumbaa, as well as the lioness Nala. His goal: become the future king of the savannah.

When was The Lion King created?

The Lion King premiered at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis on July 8, 1997. Despite mixed success, The Lion King went on to take Broadway by storm, with performances at the New Amsterdam Theatre. from October 15, 1997.

The Lion King arrived in London on October 19, 1999It was one of the last West End shows to open in the 20th century. Since its Broadway premiere, productions of The Lion King have been seen on every continent.

Who wrote The Lion King?

The Lion King features a screenplay by Roger Allers and Irène Mecchi, who co-wrote the original 1994 animated film.

Roger Allers also directed the first Lion King film, but also worked on the scripts for Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.

Mecchi's screenwriting credits for Disney include Hercules, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Rebelle.

Who wrote the songs for The Lion King?

The Lion King features music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. Elton John, one of the most popular British singers of all time, is a five-time Grammy Award winner, behind such titles as "Candle in the Wind and Crocodile Rock.

In addition to The Lion King, Elton John also composed for Billy Elliot and Aida.

Usually collaborating with Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice's lyric credits include Evita and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

More recently, he worked on From Here to Eternity and the Disney adaptation of Aladdin.

In which London theater does The Lion King play?

The Lion King is at the Lyceum Theatre. The Lyceum Theatre has opened in its present form in 1904.

In Victorian times, Charles Dickens often appeared in shows. Previous shows at the Lyceum Theatre include Oklahoma! and Jesus Christ Superstar.

How long does the piece last?

You're looking at 2 hours and 30 minutes, including 1 15-minute interval. That's not very long, unless you choose to stand.

What are the songs from The Lion King?

As The Lion King is one of the most popular musicals of all time, you'll recognize many songs from the series. Expect Timon and Pumba in the invigorating "Hakuna Matata", Nala's beautiful vocals in "Shadowland" or the heartbreaking "Can You Feel The Love Tonight".

Are there any differences between the musical and the film?

Apart from the obvious difference that one is a film and the other a stage production, there are significant differences between the two.

There's no animation in the theatrical production of The Lion King. Everything has been replaced by genius costumes and scenic design.

A woman plays the role of Rafiki, despite her other gender in the film.

As you'd expect from a musical, there are extra songs in The Lion King on stage. The new songs include "The Lioness Hunt" sung by lionesses.

The Lion King in London is a great excuse for a family outing. On site, you can discover the magic of the stage and appreciate the work of the actors. A good time to spend in town.

Once you arrive at Heathrow airport, you'll probably want to quickly find a transfer to London.

Today, I'm talking about the quickest and most practical solutions available to you.

Transfer between Heathtow and London: article summary

Heathtow to London: take the Heathrow Express

Visit Heathrow Expressis certainly the fastest way to get from Heathrow to London.

The Heathrow Express to London runs every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and midnight. Better still, the journey to London Paddington station takes just 15 minutes on the Heathrow Express!

Tickets for the Heathrow Express cost £22 per journey for adults. However, if you buy your ticket on the train, it will cost around £27. I therefore recommend that you buy your tickets online in advance.

Use Heathrow Connect

Between 5.20 a.m. and 11 p.m., you can take the Heathrow Connect to Paddington station. Visit trains stop at the stations:

• Hayes & Harlington
• Southall
• Hanwell
• West Ealing
• Ealing Broadway

Travel time to Heathrow Connect is approximately 25 minutes from Heathrow Central to Paddington station.

Transfer between Heathtow and London: simply take the Underground

The cheapest way to get to London from Heathrow is by metro. It's cheaper than Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect.

The London Underground serves Heathrow from the Piccadilly line. The drawbacks: the journey is considerably slower, carriages can be crowded and queues at ticket machines are extremely long.

Thanks to this means of transport, you can visit in central London from £5.70.

The Oyster Card for London

As long queues tend to form at the ticket machines of the London Underground, one of the oldest underground rail systems in the world, we recommend that you buy a ticket for the London Underground. Oyster Card.

You can order it in advance and it will be mailed to your door. This way, you can take the metro directly to the airport without having to queue.

What's more, you can use it to explore the city by public transport later in your stay.

Transfer between Heathtow and London: the Heathrow shuttle bus

A quick and easy way to get from Heathrow to London is the Heathrow shuttle transfer, available 24 hours a day. From £20 per person, you'll be taken directly to your hotel.

The journey to the city center takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. One of its advantages is that you can book the transfer online in advance.

No doubt this will be a load off your mind, as you won't have to worry about a thing once you arrive at Heathrow airport.

The shuttle service is door-to-door. Just hop on the shuttle at Heathrow airport and you'll be on your way. your London vacation can begin.

Take a cab from Heathrow to London

World-renowned London Black Cabs are as iconic as they are expensive. Take a cab direct from Heathrow airport to central London seems to be the most convenient way to get to the city.

For many tourists, being a passenger in a Black Cab is on their list of things to do in London. However, it's also one of the most expensive options of all.

For the Black Cab journey to central London, you'll pay between £45 and £60. And with an approximate time of 50 minutes to get there, it's certainly not one of the fastest options either.

Transferring between London and Heathrow is simple and seamless. All you need to do is choose the option that suits you best. You'll be off to a great start on your London vacation!

Visit horror museums can be found all over London.

Here you can discover places with a dark history.

These places are perfect if you're looking to scare yourself.

Today, I'm going to tell you all about it.

London Horror Museum: article summary

London Horror Museum: The Clink Prison Museum

Built on the original site of its namesake, the Musée de Clink Prison takes you on a journey a heart-rending journey through 600 years of activity.

The experience includes handling the torture devices used on its inhabitants. You'll hear tales of the misfortunes that befell its captives.

Not interactive enough? You can spend a night as a paranormal detective, trying to contact prisoners who are still serving their sentences, even in the afterlife.

Horniman Museum and Gardens

Originally, it was the curiosity collection of Victorian tea merchant Frederick John Horniman. Today, the museum houses over 80,000 pieces, all of national and international significance.

One of its most famous artifacts is the stuffed walrus from Horniman's taxidermist.

To provide a little context, few Londoners at the end of the 19ᵉ century had already seen a real walrus! That's why this one-of-a-kind piece has been such a crowd-pleaser for so long.

London horror museum: The Royal Museum of London

Dedicated to the history of its predecessor hospital, the Royal London Museum was once home to Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man. It now presents a forensic exhibition linked to the "Jack the Ripper" murders.

The museum's rich collection is complemented by related objects:

• On X-ray
• Pediatrics
• Nursing care
• To surgery

The Hunterian Museum

Considered one of the leading figures in the scientific surgical community, John Hunter was the first to establish its collection of specimens and plants in the 18th century.

Today, the museum boasts the country's oldest zoological and anatomical collection. Visitors can put their stomachs to the test by ogling the pitted back of a Surinam toad, a condom made from sheep intestines and the head of a rooster cut in half.

London Horror Museum: Pollock's Toy Museum

At once spooky and nostalgic, this six-room time capsule filled with Victorian toys might be better suited for for all those who don't have a phobia of dolls.

However, once you get past the penetrating gaze of its specimens, the museum's teddy bears, tin toys, dolls and dollhouses have an old-fashioned charm that testifies to the joys of childhood innocence.

The Grant Museum of Technology

The latest of its kind, this university zoology museum offers a full-length, full-width view of the animal kingdom. through its collection of 67,000 specimens.

Highlights of the museum include the incredibly rare skeleton of a Quagga, a type of South African zebra that became extinct in 1883, a collection of brains and other objects that intrigue and disturb.

There are many horror museums in London. If you're looking for a good scare, visit one of these museums, I recommend you visit each of them.