Kensington – London’s Romantic Getaway

 

Hyde Park in London

Located right in the heart of London, the Kensington can easily be called the museum hub and a perfect getaway spot for locals. From bustling market places to serene gardens to top-notch museums, there is a lot that you can do here with your special someone.

You can also read: Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

Highlights of Kensington

Stroll through the Kensington Gardens to the Hyde Park

If you and your partner love being out in the nature and are up for a romantic stroll, then this something that you must do. Kensington has a ton of green space, so make the most of it and get going through the Kensington Gardens, which has become a popular tourist spot for many. As it is counted as one of the eight Royal Parks of the UK capital, you’ll easily some majestic structures and find yourself relaxing in the vast green pastures.

The park is also a favorite spot for picnics as it has vast lush green lands and blooming flora that refreshes the mind, body, and spirit. In-fact Londoners often visit Hyde Park and stay in budget hotels in Kensington for affordable long stays in London. Hyde Park is full of adventure and a nice outing spot for your all-day.

How to Get There?

·         Notting Hill Gate Station (20-25 minutes walk)

·         Queensway station (10 minutes)

·         High Street Kensington station (10 minute walk)

A Musical Evening at the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is an immaculate spot for live music and professional artists. Built in 1871 by Queen Victoria, this hall has come a long way from showcasing live opera shows to now permitting a number of different musical genres. Enjoy the vintage vibes of  the old architecture, tall ceilings with classic music playing in the background, and spend a romantic evening with your spouse.

How to Get There?

Underground tubestations near High Street Kensington and South Kensington are the quickest ways to get to the Albert Hall and take about 10-15 minutes.

Shop at the Kensington High Street

Looking for ways to spoil your spouse and spend a little on yourself too? Then head to the Kensington High Street for a some good old retail therapy. Since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, you will see heavy discounts and amazing deals on your favorite brands. Apart from shopping you can also find a selection of chic restaurants here. So do not miss out on this one!

How to Get There?

·         By train: Chiltern railways, Great Western Railway

·         By tube: Circle

Visit the Portobello Market

Visit the vibrant Portobello Market and immerse in its hustle and bustle. This place is the best to refresh yourselves from the mundane lives and revitalize yourselves with great food, fresh produce, and lots of thrift shopping. Not only will you find classic British cuisine here, you will also come across many Indian and Chinese delicacies that are made on the spot and are popular for its unique taste. Moreover, you will also stumble upon some extraordinary street performers that will put in awe with their talents and tricks. Portobello Market is the must visit place which can be easily accessible from Park City Grand Plaza Kensington hotel in central London.

How to Get There?

From Nottinghill gate take the District (green), Circle (yellow), Central (red) lines.

Conclusion

With so many things listed to do, you and your loved one will definitely have a great time in Kensington. Think no more and plan a day trip today!

 

 

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Find Your Zen at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

 

Kyoto Garden London

Japanese gardens are known to be a thing of beauty. The lush and charming greenery in these gardens can transcend us on a visual as well as a psychological journey.

Nature has been a source of tranquility and serenity for years and years. Nothing beats the feelings we get from outdoors, especially in a garden. The intricate aesthetics that a garden designer puts together to create a natural landscape of contemplation is pure art. But, if you live in a hustling and bustling city like London, where can you find such a place?

The answer to that is the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. This beautiful Japanese Park is a must-go if you are on the look for some quiet me-time. The park's design evokes a sense of wonder and calmness, which is difficult for us to capture in our daily lives. Kyoto Garden is famous amongst the Londoners as a picnic spot where they enjoy their precious time and often book a stay in one of the budget hotels in Kensington High Street for easy access to Kyoto Garden.

You can also read: Top London Picnic Areas with a Mouthwatering View in Sunshine

Thinking of visiting Kyoto Park? Here are a few things that you must know before going.

The Story Behind Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden

Let’s begin with the history of this place. Kyoto Garden is situated in Holland Park, formerly known as Cope Castle – a space where diplomats and their families would live in. The castle was destroyed in 1940, and the lands were bought twelve years after by London Country Council. It now serves as a huge park, including many other gardens, eateries, sports, and entertainment facilities.

Kyoto Garden was formed in 1991 as a symbol of remembrance and celebration of the friendship between Great Britain and Japan.

What Will I See at the Kyoto Garden?

Well, let’s put it like that; Kyoto Garden is your quick getaway to Japan. This place is a treat for West Londoners looking for a break from chaotic city life to breathe in some fresh air. Here you can find;

• Beautiful Asian koi carp in waters that flows all around the garden
•  Freely roaming peacocks that might put on a show for you and display their gorgeous feathers
• Adorable squirrels carelessly running around, enjoying their natural habitat
•  An Ecology Center, where you can learn about the flora that you see in the garden
• Huge, impressive maple trees that give you an impression of the real Japan

Londoners frequently book a stay at Park City Grand Plaza Kensington to enjoy their staycation time in London.

Where Is It and How Do I Get There?

Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden is at Ilchester PI, London W8 6LU, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. As there is limited or no parking, you might want to hop on a Tube to Holland Park, Kensington High Street, or Notting Hill Gate.

Plus, point if you're a cycler! Because there's a London Cycle Hire docking station right at the corner of the park's entrance.

Things to Remember When Visiting Kyoto Garden

·         Leave your furry friend at home because this is not a pet-friendly garden

·         There is no entry fee. However, the entry fee of Opera Holland Park ranges from £17 to £70 (adults)

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your picnic essentials and find your zen at the beautiful Kyoto Garden.

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Top London Picnic Areas with a Mouthwatering View in Sunshine

 

Nothing beats getting outside and appreciating any of London's lovely parks or landscapes whenever the weather is clear.

The fact that London has so many green places is wonderful. The city provides plenty of locations to park for a picnic, from large parks to small areas, beautiful gardens to broad commons.

Having a picnic is also a terrific way to experience the outdoors, and when the weather warms up in the spring, there will be more options for picnics. Regardless of where you are in the city, you won't have to drive far to enjoy your meal while admiring the scenery. You'll be building moments with friends and relatives while having fantastic appetizing food and beverage drinks and breathtaking views of London picnic sites, whether you're spending time on sunny hillsides or shaded riverbanks.

You can also read: SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT BRENT CROSS

 

Here are top London picnic areas that you will surely enjoy:

1.     Hyde Park

Witness pedalos and birds fly past the beautiful river in Hyde Park, or find a hidden spot in the charming rose garden. If you don't want to carry your baskets, there are lots of shops serving snacks and desserts.

Hyde Park is perfect for picnics and is easily accessible from Hyde Park Corner Tube Station. It is also within a short walk of the posh boutiques of Knightsbridge. Because of its vastness, it is usually simpler to locate a calmer spot. This is the perfect time to plan your picnic in London and what’s best when your accommodation Park City Grand Plaza Kensington London is near your favourite picnic spots. In fact, in some parts of Hyde Park, you might easily imagine yourself in the countryside rather than in the heart of London. It makes the Hyde Park perfect spot for your picnic holiday.

2.     Greenwich Park

Climb the slope in Greenwich Park to reach the Royal Observation deck, which offers magnificent scenery of the Thames and central London. The following tube stations are the closest to Greenwich Park: Greenwich (follow signs to the Park), Maze Hill (for the play area), and Blackheath (for Deer Park, Flower Garden & Rose Garden).

3.     St. James Park

The 90-acre park, London's oldest Royal Park, includes a big lake that serves as a wildlife reserve for swans, birds, ducks, and even gulls.It is easily accessible from St James's Park Tube Station and is within a short walk of Buckingham Palace to the west and the Houses of Parliament to the southeast.

4.     Richmond Park

Richmond Parks, a UK Conservation Area and the biggest Royal Park in London, is a local favorite with plenty of green spaces great for a picnic. Enjoy your meal beneath the shadow of old trees, surrounded by the natural scenery of hills and forests.

To get to Richmond Park, take the Richmond rail from Waterloo and get out at Kingston's Norbiton station. Directly out of the station, one street left, or follow the road and ask people. Save on accommodation by booking your stay in one of the budget hotels in Kensington. The preferred location for the Londoners comes to stay in London during this time in summer holidays.

If you take the tube station to Richmond, you should take a bus or cab to the Richmond entrance on Richmond Hill.

5.     Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill, situated on the northern edge of Regent's Park, offers spectacular panoramic views as you eat snacks. Enjoy the summertime, and take in the natural scenery.

Take the Chalk Farm Station to get there. Turn right at the crossing, walk down the street to the right, and then turn left at the Bridge Approach. Cross the bridge and keep heading up the hill.

Conclusion

Despite its reputation as a large metropolis, London offers several green spots where you can relax and enjoy a picnic. Whether it's a garden or a park, you may choose a peaceful area, pack a picnic lunch with delicious picnic meals, bring your loved ones, and enjoy the great weather outdoors.

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Beauty and the Beast: The Musical at the London Palladium

 

'Beauty and the Beast' by Disney maintains legendary to this day, due largely to the popularity of the 2017 live-action adaptation of the original 1991 animation sensation. So, the theatrical stage adaptation is long past due for a revival: it fared well in the late 1990s but hasn't been around in London for over two decades, having closed in 1999.

After an incredibly successful UK tour, a dazzling new production of Disney's ageless Beauty and the Beast performs a summer holiday at the London Palladium.

You can also read: SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT BRENT CROSS

 

This 'tale as ancient as time' relates the narrative of Belle, a bright and passionate young woman who is kidnapped by a Prince who has been changed into a monstrous and terrible Beast while attempting to rescue her captive father. Belle and the Beast should find love before the last petal of a magical rose falls to end the spell.

This summer, the London Palladium will host a tour of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, recreated in an original production presented by original cast members theatrical production team. The dates for the events are June 24-September 17.

The London Palladium is just a tube away from the budget hotel in Kensington. Book your stay in the luxury yet budget hotel at the most affordable price you can ever found in London.

The Palladium event tickets are in ongoing sale. You can book your tickets online from June 24 to September 17, 2022. The ticket price starts from £24.00 to £54.00 accordingly.

About the tour

You've probably heard of Belle, a lovely young lady who doesn't fit in in the little town where she resides with her honorable and playful father, Maurice. Belle bargains her freedom for her father's when he displeases the master of a magical castle.

She honors her pledge and returns to the castle to be held captive by the Beast who controls it. Unexpectedly, she befriends the castle residents, who go out of their way to make her feel welcome. This performance has delighted fans all around the world with music from the film such as "Be Our Guest," "Gaston," and "Something There," as well as original songs written particularly for the theater play. The Beauty and the Beast musical run time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Anybody ages six and above are invited to watch Beauty and the Beast the Musical; minors aged Sixteen and under must be supervised and reclined with an adult. Kids under the age of four are not allowed in the theater.

Ways & nearest tube to reach

The London Palladium is accessible by tube via Oxford Circus and Bond Street. The center, northwest, and eastern areas of London are served by underground stations.

Save a great deal on accommodation and commute as London Palladium is near to Grand Plaza Hotel London. The central London is the preferred location for the tourist come to visit London.

You may also take the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria trains, and the Oxford Circus tube station is near the London Palladium, making it one of London's primary transportation hubs. Exit the station through Argyll Street and go to the theatre door. Turn left and go straight across the highway to the theatre.

Conclusion

Beauty and the Beast are widely regarded as one of the best musicals of all time. With fantastic costumes, excellent lighting and stage decorations, fascinating music, and superb actors. It is one of the greatest musical plays to see with your family. This is a fantastic performance to experience with children, and because it is touring the UK, you may see it in your city. I'd suggest it to anyone who likes old animated or live-action films. It reveals more information about the servants in the castle than the movies do, and it beautifully brings all of the fantastic scenes to life.

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Romeo and Juliet: 400 Years of Existence, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

 

Did you know that the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is older than your great, great, great grandparents? Believe it or not, it has been existing for 400 years now ever since 1599!

This Globe Theatre was built between 1597 and 1599 on the south bank of London’s River Thames. Unfortunately, this Globe Theatre only lasted for a couple of years. Why? Well, because it was destroyed by fire in 1613. It’s kinda sad, really.

But! Fortunately, a year later, it was rebuilt but it was then turned into tenement buildings in 1644. Sad turn out of events, yeah?

Again, but! I promise this is the last but – in 1997, the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was built for the third time and this time, it was made to be a carbon copy of the first one in 1599. Only just a few streets ahead of the previous location of the first theatre but (okay I lied…) still the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare, right? Yay!

Why Is It So Famous in London?

Shakespeare. Simple answer. I mean, everyone knows this legend! A great playwright, actor, and poet of many masterpieces like Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet.

How was he involved in this Globe Theatre exactly? You know, in the 1500s, the Lord Chamberlain's Men (was later known as King's Men), the theatre company Shakespeare was in, built the original Globe. He also helped in financing the building of the Globe which later became a summer playhouse.

You can also read: SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT BRENT CROSS

 

Plays at this Globe were MAJOR hits. They attracted crowds!

The Globe Theatre is just a tube away from the budget hotel south Kensington in order to save the money and have a luxury stay in budget.

The Globe was also the first to house some of Shakespeare’s works and by the end of the century, viola! Shakespeare became the most popular playwright in London.

Of course, it does not end with that! With Shakespeare mentioning the Globe in some of his works like in Henry V and The Tempest, it is not impossible for the Globe to be noticed.

I mean, of course, Shakespeare would include this Globe in his works. It is a tribute to where he started. To his journey towards becoming the most renowned playwright in the world.

What Places Nearby Can I Visit?

There are so many spots to visit near the Globe Theatre!

The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse which is just next to the Shakespeare Globe Theatre is a must-visit place! This playhouse resonates with the layout and theme of the Blackfriars Playhouse which was used by Shakespeare’s theatre company back in 1609. Classic and nostalgic, yeah?

Oh, do you want to just relax and stroll around? If yes, then visit the Bankside! This is a lovely place to chill and just enjoy the beautiful scenery of London. Plus points for the delightful food places!

There are so many places to visit just near Shakespeare's Global Theatre! So why don't you come and enjoy?

Double your enjoyment by saving a great deal on the accommodation and book your stay in the heart of London at Park City Grand Plaza Kensington. The preferred hotel by Londoners for a short and long stay in London.

Where Are the Nearest Tubes?

Of course, you need means of transportation!

The nearest tubes in the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre are:

Mansion House (10-minute walk)

London Bridge (9-minute walk)

ENJOY!

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