In this article, I present Milton Keynes, une ville du sud-est de l’Angleterre qui possède un patrimoine étonnant.

Here you'll find

• Une présentation de Milton Keynes
• What to see and do in this city
• Comment rejoindre Milton Keynes facilement
• Practical information and tour tips
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

Si vous cherchez des informations sur Milton Keynes, vous allez adorer cet article.

Follow the guide!

Milton Keynes : sommaire de l’article

Milton Keynes : une ville nouvelle à l’urbanisme détonnant

Au cours des années 60, de nombreuses villes nouvelles ont été construites au Royaume-Uni, pour accueillir une population de travailleurs et des familles au sein d’un espace urbain moderne. Milton Keynes, à seulement 72 km de Londres, fait partie de ces villes !

Moquée par les Anglais pour ses constructions très éloignées de la tradition anglaise, c’est une ville vivace, devenue un exemple de modèle économique florissant sur les dernières décennies.

Visit visit to London, vous pourrez faire une excursion dans la ville pour la découvrir !

Présentation de Milton Keynes

La ville se trouve dans le comté de Buckinghamshire, au nord-ouest de Londres, et il s’agit d’un espace urbain créé par le regroupement de plusieurs villes et villages. De fait, on y croise des quartiers bien distincts, délimités par les anciennes frontières de chaque commune. On passe ainsi d’un centre-ville moderne à des zones plus authentiques, très rapidement.

Parmi les villes qui ont fusionné en 1967 pour devenir Milton Keynes, on peut citer Stony Stratford, Wolverton ou encore Bletchley. C’est un exemple parfait de ville nouvelle comme on en trouve d’autres en Angleterre, mais celle-ci est la plus célèbre, pour son expansion commerciale exemplaire et certaines caractéristiques qui la rendent unique.

Milton Keynes compte de nombreux ronds-points, du fait d’un agencement des routes considéré comme étrange par les Anglais, mais ce sont surtout les sculptures qu’on y voit qui font sa renommée. En effet, des vaches de béton sont disposées tout autour et forment un ensemble…surprenant !

Si ce n’est pas le premier choix des touristes, la ville est appréciée pour son cadre de vie et son dynamisme en matière d’emploi. De nombreux Français viennent s’y installer, pour profiter de ces vertus sans devoir faire avec les tarifs exorbitants des locations londoniennes.

Chiffres et anecdotes sur la ville

• Milton Keynes compte environ 190 000 habitants
• C’est ici que se trouve le siège de l’écurie de Formule 1 Red Bull Racing
• L’espace extérieur de concert National Bowl a vu passer des artistes majeurs, comme Queen, Linking Park ou the Prodigy
• Le siège de l’entreprise d’ampli Marshall, qui fait également des enceintes portables qu’on voit partout, est à Milton Keynes !

Que peut-on voir et faire à Milton Keynes ?

Bien que la ville soit moderne, avec ses hauts bâtiments et un aspect qu’on pourrait trouver assez froid au premier abord, elle compte de nombreux points d’intérêt. Si vous venez visiter Milton Keynes, voici ce qu’il ne faut pas manquer !

Des vaches de bétons

Comme évoqué plus haut, les vaches de Béton de Milton Keynes sont considérées comme des emblèmes de la ville. Qu’on aime ou pas, il faut les voir, au moins pour prendre des photos amusantes.

On peut en voir des répliques au parc Bancroft mais les originales se trouvent dans le musée de la ville, que je vous présente ci-dessous.

Le Musée Milton Keynes

À l’origine, ce musée se nommait Stacey Hill Museum et il regroupait de nombreux accessoires et machines agricoles. Des trésors témoignant du passé tout à fait différent de la ville, qu’on peut voir dans ce lieu désormais connu sous le nom de Musée de Milton Keynes.

En plus des fameuses vaches, on trouve des installations fonctionnelles qui vous feront voyager dans le temps. Entre les vieux téléphones, des poêles à charbon, une réplique de la vieille poste ou des engins du XIXe siècle, c’est une bible de la campagne anglaise qui enchantera les plus curieux.

• Adresse : McConnell Drive, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5EL
• Horaires : Du mercredi au dimanche, de 10h30 à 16h30
• Tarifs : adulte – 15 £ / enfant 12 £ / tarif famille 2 adultes + 2 enfants – 40 £

Le Musée national de l’informatique

Le musée national de l’information de la ville est une véritable merveille pour les amateurs de technologies. On peut découvrir l’évolution des ordinateurs, des modèles massifs du début aux PC les plus compacts d’aujourd’hui, au sein d’une exposition très ludique.

On y croise le plus vieux modèle d’ordinateur encore en marche (Harwell Dekatron/WITCH) ainsi qu’une réplique d’un ordinateur qui permit aux anglais de déchiffrer le code secret Enigma, utilisé par les nazis au cours de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

Il se trouve au sein du Domaine de Bletchley Park, avec son impressionnant musée du Renseignements qui permet de découvrir le travail des opérateurs britanniques des années 40, chargés de traiter les informations les plus confidentielles. Passionnant !

• Adresse : Block H, Bletchley Park, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB
• Horaires : Tous les jours de 10 h 30 à 17 h 00
• Tarifs : 10£ / enfant 5£ / gratuit pour les moins de 5 ans

Le lac de Willen

Parmi les spécificités de la ville, on notera le grand nombre d’espaces verts qui s’étendent à Milton Keynes. Pour en profiter, je vous invite à faire un tour du côté du lac Willen, pour vous promener au calme ou prendre part à l’une des activités nautiques disponibles sur place !

Du shopping à Milton Keynes

On trouve de nombreux magasins dans le centre-ville et dans les centres commerciaux les plus vastes de Milton Keynes. Pour les amateurs de mode, qui veulent éviter la foule d’Oxford Street et les prix élevés de chez Harrods, c’est une alternative intéressante.

With ses 240 boutiques, le centre MK est le plus connu, et il compte un marché extérieur de type bazar où vous pourrez peut-être faire de bonnes affaires.

Le centre Xscape 

Envie de Skier à Milton Keynes ? C’est possible, dans le plus grand complexe indoor d’Europe. De quoi profiter de la poudreuse via des leçons de ski ou de snowboard, pour une activité à partager en famille.

• Address: 602 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3XS
• Horaires : du lundi au vendredi, de 9h à 23h, samedi et dimanche de 8h à 20h
• Tarifs : forfaits dès 99 £

La Woburn Abbey

C’est la résidence familiale du duc et de la duchesse de Bedford et l’abbaye d’antan n’est plus. Vous pourrez admirer les sculptures du parc aux abords du lac Camélia, la collection d’art du propriétaire, les jardins soignés et le parc aux cerfs voisin avec ses cervidés qui s’y promènent, comme au Richmond Park from London!

Gulliver Land

Si vous voyagez avec des enfants, une visite au Gulliver Land pourrait être l’occasion de ravir votre progéniture. Il s’agit d’un parc d’attraction amusant et bien entretenu, qui devrait faire le bonheur des moins de 12 ans.

Il y a une zone dédiée aux dinosaures, pour les amateurs, et une zone à thème fermier, pour une après-midi bien remplie en famille.

• Address: Livingstone Dr, Milton Keynes MK15 0DT
• Horaires : ouvert le weekend de 10h à 17h
• Tarifs : dès 27£ / gratuit pour les moins de 90 cm

Comment rejoindre Milton Keynes facilement ?

La ville se trouve à environ 70 km au sud-Est de Londres. Pour vous y rendre, vous aurez les options suivantes :

• By train, via la ligne qui mène à Birmingham. Comptez entre 35 et 45 minutes depuis la gare d’Euston à Londres
• By bus par le biais de la compagnie National express qui effectue le trajet depuis Londres. Lignes 440, A11, 450, 451. Comptez 1h20 de trajet
• With une voiture, en empruntant l’autoroute M1, pour un trajet de 35 minutes environ

Faut-il visiter Milton Keynes en 2023 ?

Si vous ne restez que quelques jours à Londres, vous aurez déjà fort à faire et Milton Keynes ne devrait pas être votre priorité.

On est assez loin de l’image traditionnelle qu’offre la capitale britannique dans certains de its neighborhoods les plus authentiques ou via ses monuments les plus fameux. Pourtant, c’est une ville qui ne manque pas d’attraits !

Si vous séjournez plus longtemps au Royaume-Uni, prenez le temps de faire une halte dans cette ville qui saura vous surprendre, par ses musées atypiques et particulièrement intéressants, ses sculptures loufoques, ses espaces verts ou ses temples du shopping.

What to see and do in the area?

Avant de repartir à la conquête de Londres, vous pourrez faire une halte dans certaines villes de la zone, telles que :

• Birmingham, une ville parsemée de bâtiments datant de la révolution industrielle et de petits canaux
• Bedford, pour son centre-ville atypique et son canal
• Cambridge, pour visiter sa fameuse université, 2^e plus ancienne du Royaume-Uni et l’une des plus vieilles au monde !

In this article, I present Hyde Parkthe largest park in central London!

Here you'll find

• A presentation of Hyde Park
• What you can see and do in the park
• How to reach Hyde Park easily
• Practical information and tour tips
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about Hyde Park, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Hyde Park: article summary

Hyde Park: an immense green space in the heart of the capital  

London is home to many parksand 8 of them belong to the British crown, earning them the appellation of Parc Royaux. Such is the case of Hyde Park, which I present to you below!

Introducing Hyde Park

Hype Park is located in the heart of the city of Westminster and is the largest park in central London. This immense green space extends over over 140 hectaresnot to mention the neighbouring gardens of the Kensington that surround it, making it 250 hectares of greenery.

Originally, it belonged to at Ebury Manor and covered an area of 1 hidea unit of measurement used in the Kingdom in the Middle Ages. That's how it got its name! Before Henry XVIII reclaimed the space, it was the property of Westminster Abbey nearby. The king used it mainly for hunting.

Considered one of London's oldest parksIt's a place that has always hosted major events. For the 1851 Universal Exhibition, the Crystal Palacean architectural marvel that was later dismantled and rebuilt in the neighborhood of the same name, before being burned to the ground. in 1936. You can see it on period documents (and via an augmented reality app) and admire the major work it was for the period.

From numerous concerts take place in Hyde Park, but it's also one of the most popular places for Londoners and tourists to come for a breath of fresh air between visits. When you come visit Londondon't miss it!

Facts and figures about the park   

• The Charles I who opened the park to the public in 1637
• There are more than 4,000 trees in Hyde Park
• Iconic concerts held in Hyde Park include those by the Rolling Stones in 1969, by Pink Floyd the following year, or the Queen concert in 1976
• The album cover Beatles for Sale from Beatlesrepresenting the 4 members of the group, was taken in this park.
• Serpentine is an artificial lake in which you can swim; it separates Hyde Park from Kensington Gardens.

What can you see and do in Hyde Park?

During your visit to London, you'll certainly be tempted to take a break from the crowds. The English capital is very lively and the main monuments are crowded. In fact, a walk in Hyde Park can do you a world of good.

Here are a few things you won't want to miss!

Its monumental entrance

The main entrance to Hype Park is called Apsley GateIt was built just a stone's throw from Apsley. It was designed by Decimus Burton, the architect responsible for the park as we see it today.

It dates back to 1825 and extends over a length of 32.5 meters. Look up to see the beautiful engravings of a naval procession at the top.

Activities in Hyde Park

Hype Park offers a wide range of activities. Some are completely free, such as a family picnic or Frisbee; others, for a fee, if you'd like to hire a boat to cruise the Serpentine, ride a bike or climb a horse.

It's possible to simply stroll around, to see the squirrels, the abundant local flora and the many English people who lead their daily lives.

The speaker's corner

A particularly atypical area can be found in the north-east of the park, known as speaker's corner. speakers' corner. Since 1872It's a place where everyone can speak out and express their opinions, freely (in accordance with the law, after all!).

Many famous orators have debated here, including such greats as Karl Marx, Lenin and Orwell. At the turn of the century, many women came here to campaign for the right to vote. obtain the right to vote. And today, every Sunday morning, you have the opportunity to speak face-to-face with listeners, if you feel like it.

If you see a crowd, you'll know why!

Lady Di's memorial fountain

Visit Princess of Wales is commemorated in the store HarrodsA statue of her as Dodi Al-Fayed's companion has been erected, but the official tribute monument is in Hyde Park.

It was inaugurated in July 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II and takes the form of a oval fountainaccessible to all, to recall the kindness of the late Lady Di. The two sides that meet symbolize the two aspects of the princess's life: the happy days and the troubled ones.

The rose garden

Stroll through Hyde Park and discover this magnificent, colorful and perfectly maintained rose garden. The paths are lined with beautiful statues, including that of the Garçon et du Dauphin directed by Alexander Munro. Munro was a close friend of Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland!

The Wellington Arch

A beautiful triumphal arch, named to pay tribute to the 1st Duke of Wellingtonwho emerged victorious from the famous Battle of Waterloo against the French. It was completed in 1830 and it's possible to climb to the top for a view of London, if the trees don't obscure it.

How do I get to Hyde Park?

Hyde Park is right in the center of London, and is easy to get to on foot as you stroll around the area. Or take one of the following means of transport:

• By metroCentral line, Queensway, Lancaster Gate, and Marble Arch stops; Picadilly line, Hyde Park Corner stop
• By busvia the many bus routes serving the park, such as routes 2, 6, 13, 19, 22, 36, 38, 52, 137, 148, 390, 452, N2, N19, N22, N32, N38 or N137
• By taking a London cab

Hyde Park: prices, opening hours and practical information

Here's some additional information to help you visit Hyde Park without a hitch!

Rates and booking

No reservation is required by Hyde Park and its activities.

It's free; you'll only be charged for the activities you decide to take part in.

Opening hours

The park is open to the public from 5 a.m. to midnight throughout the year.

Allow two hours for a partial tour. More if you wish to visit it in greater depth.

Practical information

6 cafés and kiosks are spread throughout the park. You'll find it easy to eat and buy snacks in the green spaces provided.

For parents, there's a play area made from natural materials, where you can let your toddlers loose before continuing their tour!

What to see and do in the area?

Hyde Park is in in the heart of the City of Westminster and the surrounding area is bursting with activity. Here are a few suggestions:

• Kensington Palace to the west, a magnificent royal residence with a fascinating history
• Buckingham Palace to the east, where you can watch the changing the guard
• The Natural History Museum, to the south, with its superb dinosaur bones (and lots more!).
• Oxford Street to the north-east, for an unforgettable shopping experience!

In this article, I present Harrods shopping center in Londonone of the largest in the world!

Here you'll find

• A presentation of Harrods London
• What you can see and do inside
• How to reach him easily
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, visit tips
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about Harrods London, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Harrods London: article summary

Harrods London: the UK's largest department store

There's plenty to do when you come visit London and one of the major pleasures for tourists is to take advantage of the British capital to go shopping. For that, nothing beats a trip to Harrods.

It's one of the biggest stores on the planet, and it's the UK's largest. A veritable shopping temple where you can find everything, as its motto reminds us (Omnia Ubique omnibus or Everything, everywhere, for everyone), it's a must for shopping in a sumptuous setting.

Here it is!

Introducing Harrods London

In the beginning, Harrods was just a small grocery founded in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod, on Brompton Road in the Knightsbridge district of central London. It benefits from the dynamism created by World's Fair planned for 1851 at Hyde Park to start a fast-growing business.

In just a few years, Harrod's expanded and new premises were built after a fire destroyed the previous ones in 1883. A few years later, in 1889, Harrods became Harrod's Store Limited. A company floated on the stock exchange by its new CEO Alfred James Newton, which is about to experience a new era. a real boom in the early 20th century, under the impetus of Richard Burbidge.

The latter launches a policy of expansion for the store, which underwent major renovations in the years that followed, to become ever more bigger and better. It was here that the world's first in-store escalator was installed, contributing to the store's renown.

After successive takeovers by the House of Fraser company, then by the Egyptian Al-Fayed familyHarrods goes Qatari in 2010.

It's an emblematic place that you can visit as much for the pleasure of taking in the sights as for unlimited shopping!

Facts and figures about this shopping temple   

• There are more than 3,500 employees in this department store
• It covers an area of 92 000 m²spread over 7 levels!
• Alfred Hitchcok had herrings delivered from Harrods to Hollywood
• Following the Lady Di (linked to Mohamed Al-Fayed), Harrods lost its royal seal, allowing it to be an official supplier to the royal family.
• It is the official supplier of prestigious school uniforms such as Kings Court or Alton Covent

What can you see and do at Harrods in London?

Harrods is more than just a gigantic shopping center. It's an impressively decorated place to browse, simply for the pleasure of it. Here are a few must-sees!

Luxury boutiques

With over 350 storesWith Harrods, you certainly won't be able to find everything you're looking for when it comes to shopping. But know that its motto is not misleading and that you will find absolutely everything.

From designer clothes to cutting-edge fashion, books, home accessories, jewelry and diamonds, gifts of all kinds and more. The store's reputation is second to none, and you're sure to get lost in its maze!

Don't miss Salon du ParfumIf you'd like to discover some of the world's most unique fragrances. Or the children's toy area, with its giant teddy bears!

The Egyptian hall

It's simple Egyptian decoration spread over several floors, will transport you to Egypt. When the Al-Fayed family ran Harrods, they had the walls, floors and ceilings of part of the store redesigned in the colors of their homeland.

Just stroll down the aisles to discover this amazing area.

Lady Di and Dodi Al-Fayed Memorial

Lady Di is one of the world's most beloved personalities, and we still remember her tragic end under the Pont de l'Alma, Paris. She was accompanied by Dodi Al-Fayed, son of the then owner of Harrods.

As a man, his father had these two statues who represent them, for a work entitled Innocent Victims. A book of condolences is available, and you'll see the ring given by Dodi Al-FAyed to Diana on the eve of the tragedy, and a glass bearing a trace of lipstick from the most famous of the Princesses of Wales.

Halles for fine dining

On a happier note, you can take a stroll along the Harrods basementDiscover one of the most impressive food courts in the country. The window displays will tempt you to indulge in a pastry, caviar or pizza, depending on your taste and budget.

From restaurants are available if you want a break between frenetic shopping sessions. All the ingredients used in these establishments are sourced from the halles, for guaranteed excellence.

The Harrods precinct in London is also home to a number of bars, cafés and ads to refresh yourself.

Sales at Harrods London

Harrods is famous for its crazy saleswith promotions of up to -80 %. Take advantage of this opportunity to purchase luxury clothing or jewelry at knock-down prices.

These sales take place in winter, during the boxinx day (December 26), when the stores are packed (both here and on Oxford Street). In summer, discounts are less attractive, but you can take advantage of 50 /60% reductions on a good number of items.

London's celebrity hangout?

Want to bump into celebrities in London? Many stars come to Harrods to shop! Keep your eyes peeled for the likes of Kylie Jenner, Halle Berry, Justin Bieber or Jennifer LopesThey're not the only ones. They're not the only ones, but most prefer not to be noticed.

How to get to Harrods in London easily?

Harrods is located at the following address: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL

It's right in the center of town and easy to get to via :

• By Metro Knightsbridge, Piccadilly line / South Kensington, District, Circle and Piccadilly lines, then 14-minute walk
• By bus with lines 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 137, 414, 452 and C1
• With a London cab

Harrods London: prices, opening hours and practical information

Here's some additional information to complete your visit to Harrods in London.

Budgets

Overall, rates are very high at Harrods (where admission is, of course, free). And unless they have a very large shopping budget, visitors usually buy small souvenirs, such as a teddy bear or a book from Harrods bookseller.

Opening hours

The store is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 9pm. It opens on Sundays between 1.30 pm and 6 pm.

Practical information

If ever there was a time to visit Harrods, it's now, it's Christmas. Between sales and illuminations, both inside and out, and sparkling decorations, the store is decked out in its finest finery, and you'll have stars in your eyes.

There's one rule you need to know before entering Harrods in London: there are a dress code to shop here! To put it simply, you can't shop in flip-flops, bathing suits or swimming shorts. And if that ever crossed your mind, you should know that you could be refused entry.

Finally, if you missed the opportunity to discover Harrods in London, you should know that there are no fewer than 5 stores in 4 of the Heathrow airport.

What to see and do in the area?

Thanks to its central location, there's no shortage of things to do in the area around Harrods. Here are a few suggestions for things to do in the area:

• To the east, the unmissable Buckingham Palace is just a twenty-minute walk away. You can then continue on to the wonders of Westminster !
• To the south, you can head for the Chelsea district. Here you'll see the iconic Stamford Bridgewhere the Blues
• To the west, you can visit the superb Kensington Palacehome of Lady Di
• To the north, Hyde Park awaits you with its countless treasures, including the fountain dedicated to Princess Diana

In this article, I present the Mandir of London, also known as the Neasden Temple, a Hindu temple on the outskirts of the capital.

Here you'll find

• A presentation of the Mandir temple
• What you can see and do on your visit
• How to reach Mandir easily
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, visit tips
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about Mandir, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Mandir: article summary

Mandir, a masterly Hindu temple that bears witness to London's cultural diversity

London is a city where the world's cultures as evidenced by the street food stalls of the Camden Marketthe famous Brick Lane also known as Banglatownand the diversity of the people you will meet on your journey. visit London.

One of the best-known monuments is the superb Temple MandirYou'll be able to visit it when you leave London for a few hours. A marvel of art and architecture, not to be missed!

Presentation of the Mandir temple  

The Mandir temple is called temple Neasden (the name of the neighbourhood in which it is located) or Shri Swaminarayan Mandirin reference to the Hindu master BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, who conceived the idea for its construction. It was built between 1992 and 1995, the year of its opening.

It is the second largest Hindu temple in the world. outside India (after that of Tividale), and for a long time was No. 1. This is the site of many Hindu celebrations stemming from the cult of Bhagwan SwaminarayanIt offers visitors a genuine journey to India.

More than 2,000 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and over 2,000 tonnes of marble from Italy and India were used in its construction. not a trace of steelThis is because iron disrupts meditation activities in Hindu beliefs. Other notable records for the Mandir include 4,500 tonnes of concrete which was poured in 24 hours to create the slab on which it rests: the largest quantity ever used in one go in the UK!

Whether for the mystical atmosphere that emanates from the Mandir temple, to attend a ceremony, to taste good Indian food and to offer you a voyage within the voyage, I invite you to make a small excursion on the side of the Mandir temple. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir you won't be disappointed!

Facts and figures about this temple   

• Every year, more than 500,000 visitors go there every year
• Visit 26,300 stones of which it is composed are all uniquely patterned
• It's a huge complexto familiarize ourselves with Indian culture and to enable those who do not have the means or the opportunity to travel to India to celebrate certain events to do so close to London.

What can you see and do in Mandir?

Even if Mandir isn't the first thing you look out for when you visit London, it's still a must. an exceptional place a must-see. More zen than Buckingham Palaceless distraught than Piccadilly CircusIt's a space full of surprises, as I explain below.

The Mandir temple

This is Mandir's main attraction. It is a place of worship which testifies to the richness of Indian art, with admirable architecture both inside and out.

Access is via white steps leading up to the temple, easily recognizable with its traditional towers. The structure is magnificent, with a facade adorned with statues of divinities and a a wealth of details engraved in marble. Then enter, for a breathtaking discovery.

The interior of the Mandir is made of wood and marble and you won't know where to turn, so refined is everything. You'll feel the spirituality emanating from the place, and the visit will leave a lasting impression. It's an ideal compromise for those who dream of visiting India but haven't yet been able to do so.

The Understanding Hinduism exhibition

In addition to being a major place of worship for Hindu culture, Mandir offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in traditions and origins Hindu movements, through a permanent exhibition called Understanding Hinduism.

In this space of 278 m²Here, you'll come across explanatory panels, works of art celebrating Hinduism, handicrafts and a variety of play materials to help you better understand the roots of this religion.

Shayona, a restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine

One of London's strengths is the diversity of its gastronomy. You'll find excellent restaurants and there's no shortage of good Indian restaurants. If you'd like to explore some of its facets, you can have lunch at the Shayona from Mandirupstairs.

The facility offers vegetarian cuisinewithout onion or garlic, based on the Yogi diet called Saatvic. A treat, with dishes to suit all tastes!

Haveni cultural center

For further exploration of the temple and Hindu culture, don't miss the Haveni cultural space. It contains an impressive libraryAll in a building made entirely of wood.

How do I reach Mandir easily?

The Mandir can be found at the following address, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 105-119 Brentfield route, Neasden, London NW10 8LD.

It's about 15 kilometers from central London, in the north-west. For easy access, just take :

• The bus, with lines 18, 112, 224, 206, 232 and 611
• By metroto Neasden station (Jubilee lines), then walk about 15 minutes
• You will find cabs on site

Mandir: prices, opening hours and practical information

Here's what you need to know before visiting the Mandir temple, for the perfect visit to the heart of Hindu culture.

Rates and booking

It is no need to reserve your visit to the Mandir temple.

The entrance is free of charge for the temple; you'll be asked to pay a small fee of £2.00 to see the permanent exhibition on Hinduism.

Opening hours

The temple is open daily from 9am to 6pm.

Please note that during Hindu calendar celebrations, timetables may be subject to change.

You can easily spend 2 hours there.

Practical information

Inside, volunteers can accompany you and provide you with explanations of your surroundings.

However, there are rules to respect. No photos inside (you'll be asked to leave your bag in the locker). And dress appropriately, with shoulders covered and no clothes too short or too bare.

What to see and do in the area?

Although Mandir is a little out of the way, you can choose between two interesting activities in the area:

• A visit to the emblematic Wembley Stadiumthe temple of the English national soccer team. For fans of the round ball, it's a must.
• Continue east towards the Hampstead districtdiscover its parks and buildings, in the heights of the capital

In this article, I present Oxford Street, la principale avenue commerçante de Londres, pour les amateurs de shopping !

Here you'll find

• Une présentation d’Oxford Street
• What you can see and do on this street
• Comment rejoindre Oxford Street facilement
• Practical information and tour tips
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

Si vous cherchez des informations sur Oxford Street, vous allez adorer cet article.

Follow the guide!

Oxford Street : sommaire de l’article

Oxford Street, la rue commerçante la plus fréquentée d’Europe

During your visit London, il y a des immanquables et des rues que vous traverserez presque à coup sûr : Oxford Street en fait partie !

Cette longue avenue est un véritable paradis pour les amateurs de shopping, qui hébergent les plus grandes marques. Vous souhaitez faire des emplettes dans la capitale ? Laissez-moi vous présenter Oxford Street.

Présentation d’Oxford Street

Oxford Street est une longue rue commerçante qui s’étend sur 2 kilomètres. Elle se trouve entre Tottenham Court Road / Charing Cross Road (à l’est) et Marble Arch (à l’ouest). Insérée dans l’arrondissement de la Cité de Westminster, en plein cœur de la capitale, elle serait la rue de shopping la plus fréquentée d’Europe avec près de 500 000 passants quotidiens.

Elle doit son nom au comte d’Oxford, Edward Harley, qui possédait les terres au XVIIIe siècle. Elle fut aménagée en 1720, en mentionnée pour la première fois par l’écrivain William Defoe en 1725.

À la même époque, elle passe de zone résidentielle à rue commerciale. Elle attire alors les traders de rue, les prostituées et les arnaqueurs de rues. Ce n’est qu’à partir du début de XXe siècle que les boutiques commencent à investir les lieux, autant des grands magasins que des petites boutiques. La plus ancienne est Selfridges, qui date de 1909 et qui est toujours présente de nos jours.

Little by little, les grandes boutiques s’étalent et on croise également les sièges de grandes banques, des magasins d’accessoires, de la mode, ads et des librairies. De quoi faire des emplettes sans limite pour le pendant de la 5^e Avenue de New York.

Désormais, elle fait partie d’un ensemble de rues qu’on qualifiera de quartier du Shopping, avec Covent Garden ou la fameuse Piccadilly Circus.

Chiffres et anecdotes sur cette avenue  

• En 1847, Oxford Street est prolongée et on trouve désormais une New Oxford Street, principalement constituée de bâtiments d’affaire
• There are more than 300 magasins sur l’avenue
• Sur l’année, on compte près de 1 milliard de visiteurs, ce qui en fait l’une des zones les plus prisées chez les touristes
• Enter 7h et 19h, la circulation est limitée et le maire souhaite arriver à en faire une zone piétonne

Que peut-on voir et faire à Oxford Street ?

On va à Oxford Street pour faire du shopping, principalement, mais aussi pour admirer les façades de ses plus beaux bâtiments et pour prendre la température de l’un des quartiers emblématiques de Londres. Voici un petit tour d’Horizon des possibilités !

Faire du shopping 

Avec son nombre de boutiques colossal, Oxford Street est un vrai paradis pour celles et ceux qui aiment se faire plaisir en voyage.

On croise les plus grandes marques (Adidas, Clarks, Nike, Mango, Samsung, Disney, etc.), des grands magasins aussi fameux que Mark & Spencer (les galeries Lafayette britanniques), Harrods (où l’on trouve de tout), Fenwick pour les amateurs de mode, le fameux Selfridges qui a plus de 100 ans, et d’innombrables magasins de rue.

C’est l’une des rues commerçantes les plus imposantes du monde et bien que les boutiques classiques soient les mêmes que dans les rues principales d’autres capitales, vous pourrez aisément passer plusieurs heures à vous perdre dans les plus beaux établissements.

Admirer les plus belles façades

Du fait de son ancienneté, Oxford Street possède encore de superbes édifices aux façades remarquables.

Il faut savoir que de nombreux bâtiments ont été endommagés lors des bombardements de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, mais on peut encore admirer certains d’entre eux comme le Liberty London et sa façade de style médiéval ou l’United Kingdom House qui est un monument classé.

Boire un verre ou se restaurer

On peut manger sur le pouce ici ou trouver un bon restaurant pour faire un break entre deux intenses sessions de shopping.

Mieux encore, certains pubs historiques et des salles de concert siègent dans la rue, comme le mythique 100 club qui a vu passer The Who ou les Sex Pistols, ou le Flying Horse, pour déguster une pinte dans un cadre très british.

Oxford Street est une rue animée jusqu’à tard dans la soirée, très peuplée, et à moins d’être totalement allergique à la foule, elle mérite une petite visite !

Comment rejoindre Oxford Street facilement ?

La rue se situe en plein centre-ville et elle est desservie par de nombreux moyens de transport. Pour vous y rendre, vous n’aurez qu’à emprunter :

• Visit metro, avec 4 arrêts à Oxford Street : Marble Arch (ligne central) ; Bond Street (ligne central, Jubilee et Elizabeth) ; Oxford Circus (Ligne central, Victoria et Bakerloo) ; Tottenham Court Road (ligne central, Northern et Elizabeth)
• By bus, via les lignes 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 23, 25, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139 et 159
• By cab

Je vous recommande d’opter pour le métro – c est la solution la plus simple – mais de garder en tête que la station Oxford Circus est la plus fréquentée. Au total, ses 4 arrêts du métro voient passer chaque année plus de 100 millions de passagers !

Oxford Street : Budgets, horaires et informations pratiques

Voici quelques informations complémentaires pour bien préparer votre visite à Oxford Street.

Budget

Contrairement à certaines idées reçues, il y en a pour toutes les bourses dans la rue. Vous pourrez aussi bien faire du shopping de luxe, trouver des marques célèbres aux tarifs habituels que dénicher des boutiques de créateurs ou d’accessoires à bas prix au sein de cette longue avenue.

Opening hours

Les boutiques ouvrent à 10h et la plupart ne ferment leurs portes qu’à 20h, du lundi au samedi. Le dimanche, la plupart ouvrent entre 12h et 18h.

Les restaurants et les lieux de divertissement prolongent le plaisir plus tard, ce qui permet de passer la soirée dans la rue sans souci.

Visiting tips

Dès 1959, la rue devient encore plus célèbre pour ses décorations de Noël. C’est une période que les visiteurs adorent toujours ! Si vous passez par là durant les fêtes de fin d’année, n’hésitez pas !

Pendant le boxing day (26 décembre), il y a un monde fou dans la rue et je déconseille la visite ce jour-là, si vous ne voulez pas avoir à jouer des coudes.

What to see and do in the area?

Il n’est pas difficile de trouver quoi faire dans les environs, car l’artère traverse une des zones centrales de la capitale. Voici quelques suggestions dans les environs :

• Vous rendre au British Museum pour découvrir ses collections d’exception
• Walk to the Chinatown local et être dépaysé dans cette mini-Chine
• Prendre une bouffée d’air frais à Hyde Park, l’un des espaces verts les plus célèbres de la capitale
• Découvrir l’ensemble du Soho district neighbor!

In this article, I present Brick Lanesometimes nicknamed Banglatown due to the large Bengali, Pakistani and Indian communities that populate this long avenue!

Here you'll find

• A presentation of Brick Lane
• What you can see and do in this area
• How to reach the zone easily
• Practical information and tour tips
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about Brick Lane, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Brick Lane: article summary

Brick Lane: a trendy, multicultural avenue for discovering flavors from elsewhere

London is one of the world's the most multicultural Europe and Brick Lanewith its evolution over the centuries and its current face, is the perfect representation of this.

Let me introduce you to this long, unusual street, famous as much for its curry restaurants and its street art and fashion boutiques, which should delight the most curious among you.

Introducing Brick Lane

Brick Lane is located in East London, and is an avenue that stretches for approximately 1.2 km.

In the 15th century, the street was called Whitechapel Lane, after the main avenue it intersects further south and the neighborhood of the same name. For those in the know, it was here that the notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper in the 19th century.

However, it was renamed Brick Lane when brick factories and the street has kept this name to this day, even though the bricks have disappeared. Over the years, the street has welcomed beer brewersthen the famous Brick Lane market that you can discover by visiting this neighborhood.

As early as the 17th century, Brick Lane was a popular area for by immigrantsFirst French, then Irish, Jewish, Flemish, until it became the neighborhood of the Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani communities.

It's here that these cultures have spread, notably through gastronomy and clothing traditions, and the importance of this street for their spread and acceptance is undeniable.

Today, it's a cosmopolitan neighborhoodA recent artistic renaissance has given it a new lease of life. Young, trendy Londoners now rub shoulders with old Hindus in a friendly atmosphere!

Facts and figures about Brick Lane

• After the great fire of London of 1666, when demand for bricks exploded in the capital, that Brick Lane was named
• Visit Black Eagle Brewerycreated in Brick Lane in the 17th century, was the world's largest brewery in 1853. It later became the Old Truman Brewery and hosts art exhibitions

What's on and around Brick Lane?

Stroll down Brick Lane during your visit London is an excellent idea for discovering another facet of the capital. With its atypical population and the delicious smells emanating from many of its establishments, you're sure to enjoy a change of scenery!

Brick Lane Market

This market is almost as well-known and popular as the Camden Market from Camden Town and as in the latter, you'll find absolutely everything!

In reality, the market can be broken down into several small markets each with its own special features: vintage fashion, gastronomy, crafts, tea, world specialties, etc.

The main market is held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the other markets open on weekdays and Saturdays at the same times.

It's huge, and you'll easily spend 3 hours there if you get caught up in the clothing stalls or take several culinary breaks. I invite you to a visit before noonThe crowds gather in the afternoon, especially at weekends.

Taste excellent curries or discover other flavours

You can't visit Brick Lane without eating out a good curry. There are plenty of restaurants offering them, but not all are created equal. According to many sources, the Aladin Brick Lane restaurant is the best of them all!

If you're not a fan of curries or Asian specialties that are sometimes a little too spicy, you'll be pleased to know that there's a Bagels famous throughout London: the Beigel Bake, open every day, 24 hours a day!

Street art everywhere

The Brick Lane neighborhood is attracting more and more visitors, artists and art lovers, who exhibit in the galleries or express themselves on the walls. You'll come across works by talented unknown artists, as well as celebrities such as Banksy, D-Face and Stik.

Stroll around freely to discover the most beautiful graffiti!

Stroll at your own pace

Brick Lane is one of these London districts where it's good to wander at your own pace, to come across an unusual store, a stall, to enjoy unfamiliar smells and flavors... Take a stroll and you might just discover the little secrets of the place!

Good to know Nomadic Community Gardens, a collaborative space and pillar of Brick Lane's alternative culture, has sadly closed. in December 2020. You'll certainly hear about it, but there's not much left to see on site...

How do I get to Brick Lane?

The street is in the East London areawhich you can easily reach by any of the following means of transport:

• By metrowith the Hammersmith & City, Central, Circle or Metropolitan lines to the Liverpool Street or Aldgate East stop / with the District and Hammersmith & City lines to the Whitechapel or Aldgate East stop
• By busTake one of the many lines serving the area: 8, 55, 242, 26, 48, 57, 388, 35, 47, 78, 149, 243.
• Via the overground, getting off at Shoreditch High Street

Brick Lane: practical tips and information

You could easily spend a whole day here, as there's so much to discover and so much going on all the time.

I recommend that you come as soon as possibleEnjoy the morning calm before the crowds of locals and tourists arrive. Around midday, you can grab a bite to eat in a restaurant, or nibble on world specialties as you pass from stall to stall, before going bargain-hunting in the markets.

There are numerous cafés along the avenue, where you can recharge your batteries after lunch, and hold out until the first pint of the evening, or a late-afternoon cocktail. For some time now, there have been very good local bars - but few ads ! - to round off your exploration of the area in style.

It may not be a priority for people on a short stay in London, but it's still a must. a neighborhood to discover if you've got a little time on your hands and are looking for something a little different from the usual itineraries.

What to see and do in the area?

There are plenty of opportunities to visit the surrounding areawith some rather unusual activities, such as :

• Visit Allen Gardenfor its often-changing urban frescoes that will appeal to street art enthusiasts
• Visit Spitalfields educational farmwith its cafés, picnic area and opportunity to interact with the animals, sure to entertain the youngest visitors.
• The old Spitalfields marketa trendy covered market where you'll find everything you need for a snack or a shopping session.