Issue:
July
2010

Story and Photos by Susan McKee
additional Photos by Manos Angelakis

London

If the museums, theaters, restaurants and palaces of London aren’t enough to lure you across the pond this year, what about history? This year marks several anniversaries of events that have reverberated not only in England, but also across the world.

Take Charles Darwin for example. Not only is this the bicentenary of the English naturalist’s birth (he was born on the same day – February 12, 1809 – as Abraham Lincoln), but 2009 also marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin’s seminal work, “On the origin of Species”.

You’ll have to hurry across the pond for “Darwin: Big Ideas Big Exhibition”. It’s on display in London’s Natural History Museum only through April 19. Here, you can learn more about both the man and his scientific research.

Then there’s Henry VIII – he of the six wives. This year marks the 500^th anniversary of his accession to the throne. Both Hampton Court (his favorite palace) and the Tower of London have special exhibits in his honor.

For 2009, the palace is “hosting” the wedding party for Henry’s marriage to Kathryn Parr, his sixth (and final) wife. Visitors will be “guests” at the marriage, which took place in 1543. In addition to the usual exhibits throughout the sprawling complex, there’ll be special exhibits related to his happy event.

Things are a bit more somber at the Tower of London, where two of the king’s wives were beheaded. “Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill” opens April 3 on all three floors of the White Tower. It brings together objects and items known to have belonged to Henry VIII, including key paintings from Henry's reign.

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are celebrating their 250^th anniversary in 2009. The Gardens were founded in 1759 by Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III.

Spring is a great time to wander among the 300 acres alongside the Thames between Richmond and Kew in south-west London. The Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) have six glasshouses, and more than 14,000 trees. My favorite place is the Palm House (dating to the 19^th century), and I never miss the chance to climb up the stairs for a birds-eye view at the new Xstrata Treetop Walkway. (There’s an elevator, but it never seems to be working.)

Kew’s entrances are being transformed with new garden displays to mark the anniversary year, beginning April 4. A Seed Walk with huge willow sculptures will line the mini-Broadwalk at Main Gate. Reaching more than 13 feet tall and about 16 feet wide, there’ll be five sculptures at first: a sycamore seed, coco de mer, a conker and a lotus seed head. They’ll be set against tropical display beds planted specially for the anniversary. By the end of the summer, all 10 sculptures by artist Tom Hare will be complete.

The Seed Walk is inspired by Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank (MSB), which aims to collect and bank seeds from 10 per cent of the world’s wild flowering plant species by 2010. An exhibition about Kew’s MSB Partnership will run next to the Seed Walk in the Nash Conservatory until September.

Is your first name George? Then you have to be in London on April 25 for this year’s St George’s Day celebration (the saint’s day is really April 23, but a Saturday is ever so much better for a party than a Thursday). Parades, food festivals and theatrical events mark the day honoring the guy who slew that dragon – and ended up as the patron saint of England. His flag – a red cross on a white background – is incorporated into the Union Jack, along with the Scottish St Andrew's Cross and Irish St Patrick's Cross.

London has a wealth of fine hotels. Two of my favorites are the Mayfair and the Sofitel St. James. The Mayfair (located in the neighborhood of the same name) is a five-star facility with free wireless internet, a spa and fitness center. Don’t miss the Baccarat chandelier in the lobby!

More intimate, the St. James (also rated with five stars) is in a converted bank building just a couple of blocks from Piccadilly Circus. While women gravitate to the pink-and-cream Rose Lounge (especially for afternoon tea), men tend to end up in the Anglo-French chic of the St. James Bar.

For a personal tour of London, check the offerings of Urban Gentry. This tour company specializes in the insider’s view of London. Whether you’re interested in 21^st century architecture, cutting edge fashion or fabulous food finds, they’ve got the itinerary (and the perfect guide) to show you what sophisticated locals know about this most eclectic international city. Kevin Caruth, the founder of Urban Gentry, took me on a walking tour of East End art galleries I never could have found on my own (some didn’t even have signs out in front!). Tell him what you want to see, and he’ll set it up.

Then, there’s the food. Years ago, London had a reputation for boring cuisine: no more! Restaurants tempt the palate – no matter what you’re in the mood for. Carnivores delight in the offerings at Roast (specializing in – surprise – roasted meat). Artistic design is as important as taste at Arbutus. Classic Anglo-Indian cuisine reigns at Veeraswamy, which has been a Regent Street fixture since 1926.

FOR DETAILS –

Start your trip at http://www.VisitLondon.com, the web portal of the London tourist office.

Darwin: Big Ideas Big Exhibition: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/darwin/index.html

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: http://www.kew.org/

Hampton Court Palace and Tower of London: http://www.hrp.org.uk/

Mayfair Hotel: http://www.radissonedwardian.com/londonuk_mayfair

Sofitel St. James:  http://www.sofitelstjames.com/

Urban Gentry: http://www.urbangentry.com/

Roast: http://www.roast-restaurant.com/home.cfm

Arbutus: http://www.arbutusrestaurant.co.uk/

Veeraswamy: http://www.veeraswamy.com/

© March 2009 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.