If you’re coming up to London to do our tour this weekend, or even if you’re not doing the tour but are still planning to come up to London, then there are some great things you can do during the day.
This weekend is Open House Weekend 2012 and some truly unique places are going to be open to the public, several of them in the vicinity of our Jack the Ripper Walking Tour.
Predominant amongst these is 30 St Mary Axe, better known as the Gherkin. This striking landmark really is an eye catcher and those of you who have been on our tour will have seen its distinctive form looming before you as you approach Mitre Square the final destination on our walk. It’s open this Sunday – 23rd September 2012 – from 9am to 5pm and admission is strictly on a first come first serve basis.
Sadly the Abbey Mills Pumping Station tours are by ballot only and the ballot is now closed. But all is not lost. You might not be able to get inside but you can most certainly make your way over to the Greenway (closest Underground West Ham) and admire this awe-inducing Victorian achievement which has been described as a “cathedral to sewage.” Whilst you’re there you can also take a look at the Olympic Stadium which, although not open to the public is worth admiring from the outside. This was covered this is a previous blog and included directions for your own self-guided walk around the area.
For something completely different why not pop along to the wonderful Apothecaries Hall, which will be open Sunday 23rd September 2012 from 10am to 3pm. The closest underground to this is Blackfrairs and it’s very close to St Paul’s Cathedral.
If you’re coming up on Saturday 22nd September then you might like to pop out to Ilford and visit Barking Abbey with St Margaret’s Church which will be open 10am to 5pm with special guided tours at 10am and 3pm.
Also in Ilford and open on both Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd from 10am to 5pm is Barnardo’s Garden Village, a Victorian village which was begun in the 1870’s and which consists of over 7o cottages. It also boasts the only children’s church in the country inside which you will find lower pews and child themed stained glass windows. Admission is on a first come first serve basis. The closest Underground Station is Barkingside.
So there you have a few ideas to enhance you enjoyment during your time in London this weekend. And, don’t forget, you can round your day off nicely by booking onto our acclaimed Jack the Ripper Tour around East London.