Category : London
Anyone who had to struggle through Physics, Chemistry and Biology classes in school might not put spending time in a science museum at the top of their list. But with the amazing array of science museums throughout Europe, you’d be missing out by skipping them. From sci-fi futuristic architecture in Valencia’s Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències to the arcane-bordering-on-macabre ancient cabinets in Leiden’s Museum Boerhaave, there’s a wide range of science museums, covering a wide range of interests. Here are some of the most interesting.
Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, Valencia, Spain
Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences is located in the dry riverbed of the River Turia, whose recent de-watering has given Valencia the opportunity to create a vast network of modern buildings and parks. The already classic museum, designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, has been thrilling visitors with its exterior and interior since opening in 1998. Actually made up of many buildings, the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències features the 13,000 square metre eye-shaped L’Hemisfèric (featuring an Imax Cinema, Planetarium and Laserium), the 40,000 square metre El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (an interactive museum resembling the skeleton of a whale) and L’Umbracle (a landscaped walk with lush gardens and an outdoor art gallery with work by Miquel from Navarre and Yoko Ono). There’s also L’Oceanogràfic, El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia and El Puente de l’Assut de l’Or, huge bridge spanning the former river. Nearby hotels provide excellent views of the complex.
Cité de l’espace, Toulouse, France
Going from the future to the world of outer space, we go to Toulouse and its famous Cité de l’espace. More of a theme park, the City of Space features many full-scale models, ranging from Ariane 5 to the Mir space station, to a collection of Soyuz modules. You can look to the stars in two planetariums, one with 140 seats and the other with 280, and the control room for the Ariane 5 lets you experience the thrill of a rocket launch. The Terradome presents the history of space in an exciting way, and there’s an IMAX screen showing Space Station 3D, which was filmed on board the International Space Station. There’s much more to see in this three and a half hectare park featuring 2,000 square metres of exhibition space, and there are plenty of great Toulouse hotels that put you close to the museum.
Science Museum, London, United Kingdom
From space to history, London’s Science Museum is part of the famous Museum Row, set in South Kensington, close to Hyde Park. Part of the National Museum of Science and Industry, the museum was founded in 1857 and features a mind-boggling 300,000 exhibits, enough to last the whole day. If you don’t have the whole day, you might want to skip ahead to such historically important exhibits as Stephenson’s Rocket, Puffing Billy (the oldest surviving steam locomotive), the first jet engine and a reconstruction of Francis Crick and James Watson’s model of DNA. You can also see the first prototype of the 10,000-year Clock of the Long Now, along with such modern interactive features as the IMAX 3D Cinema, which seems to be a staple of most science museums. If you’re traveling with kids, you might want to take advantage of ”Science Night,” an all-night extravaganza where up to 380 children, accompanied by adults, are invited to spend the night sleeping in the museum galleries amongst the exhibits. Otherwise you’ll have to settle for all the excellent, though less interesting, hotels in the area.
Museum Boerhaave, Leiden, the Netherlands
To delve back further into history, step right up folks, into the Museum Boerhaave. Though this natural history museum only dates back to 1907, the collection in the Museum Boerhaave stretches all the way back to the 1500s, when the Netherlands began several centuries as one of the planet’s leaders in the sciences. In addition to the world’s oldest herbarium, the Museum Boerhaave boasts Willem Blaeu’s giant 17th century quadrant, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek’s microscopes and the planetarium and telescope of the iconic Christiaan Huygens. You can step back to the 18th century in the cabinets of professors ‘s Gravesande and Van Musschenbroek, and there are also physiotherapeutic devices and the papier-mâché anatomical models from the 19th century. And don’t miss the Theatrum Anatomicum, a reproduction a 1596 anatomical theatre where corpses were dissected. If that’s not creepy enough for you, look up to the wall to see three ancient paintings, one of which shows a Prussian peasant from whom a 10 inch sword, swallowed in a drinking bout, has surgically been removed. Leiden also features many great hotels, both inside and outside the canals of the Old City.
Nikola Tesla Museum, Belgrade, Serbia
The scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla has developed quite the loyal following, and the Nikola Tesla Museum, set in the heart of Belgrade pays homage to the man and his work. Here in this 1927 villa, you’ll find over 160,000 original documents, over 2,000 books and journals and, more interestingly, over 1,200 historical technical exhibits. In 2006, in honor of Tesla’s 150th birthday, the museum started an exhibition called “Tesla’s everyday life” which features a collection of textiles and other objects that he used in his everyday life. There are also over 1,500 photos, over 1,000 drawings and plans and many models of Tesla’s inventions. The museum’s archive was inscribed on UNESCO’s 2003 Memory of the World Programme Register for its role in the history of electrification of the world. Due to its central location, the museum is surrounded by many of the best of the city’s hotels.
The Millennium Hotel London
The Millennium Hotel provides top-of-the-line luxury and service in five exclusive locations throughout the British capital. The Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge puts you close the iconic Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores and also close to the green of Hyde Park and the famous Museum Row.
Providing a more traditional atmosphere, the Millennium Hotel Baileys London Kensington is set in a magnificently restored Victorian townhouse in the heart of Kensington. Here you’ll find authentic Victorian décor combined with modern hotel amenities, all close to such famous London sites as the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Palace.
Located in London’s very heart, the Millennium Hotel London Mayfair also overflows with history, as it’s housed in a magnificent 18th century mansion that started out as a stately private townhouse. From here you can stroll to world-famous shopping Mecca Oxford Street, as well as Park Lane, Bond Street and of course Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace.
The Rembrandt London
The Rembrandt London is a hotel situated in the Knightsbridge area of town. Its Edwardian interior and exterior design reflects the exclusivity of the place. With only four out of five stars you can’t really tell the difference because the service is outstanding and the drinks are even better.
The food is exquisite in the Palette Restaurant as they have recently brought on board a team of Spanish Michelin starred chefs, who create the best of fusion cuisine for a relatively and considerably affordable London Price. Do not miss out on the summer special, either, if you are going between June and August, the signature dish of the house, banana split.
If you feel like you’ve eaten too much or want to get rid of a few extra pounds and keep in shape, then join the Aquilla gym of the hotel, which is situated in the bottom of the building. The private health club’s services include massages in the spa, a conservatory, bubble baths and fitness drinks at the lounge bar. The rooms itself are fully equipped with satellite TV, pay per view, Internet and a minibar, which will even satisfy Lenny from Motorhead. Outside in the neighbourhood you can enjoy going to museums, which are very centrally located.
If you are coming to the Royal Wedding next month, be assured that Buckingham Palace is just a walking distance away and so is Harrods, from where you can get you Royal memorabilia. When you are checking out we have a 24-hour front desk reception waiting for you happy to order a taxi, which will take you to Heathrow airport, which is only a half hour drive away from the hotel. Thanks to The Rembrandt London’s wake up service, you don’t have to worry that you’re going to miss your flight as well.
Many of Europe’s most prized works of art—its brilliant paintings, ancient tapestries, awe-inspiring sculptures—are kept indoors. However, the grounds surrounding the best museums and landmarks of Europe can be equally incredible. With springtime just around the corner, it is the perfect time to explore the most beautiful gardens in Europe. Here are favorites:
Royal Botanic Gardens – Kew, London
Covering over 300 acres in the heart of London, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew can easily fill a whole day. It is home to over 38,000 species of flora and fauna—some of which are completely extinct in the wild! A few of the magnificent garden’s major highlights are the Queens Garden (located directly behind Kew Palace, and designed in the 1960’s) and the Aquatic Garden (supposedly inspired by the sunken Garden at Hampton Court Palace.) The ten-story Pagoda and the Aroid House (a humid facility that houses an array of tropical plants) are also worth a visit.
Recommended hotels in London: Saint Georges Hotel, Best Western Premier Shaftesbury Piccadilly
the Aquatic Garden at the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew
Royal Botanic Gardens – Edinburgh
Actually comprised of both indoor and outdoor spaces, the Royal Botanic Gardens spreads out over 70 acres. The fascinating rock garden is a major draw, as is the beautiful Scottish-Heath garden. The colorful Queen Mother’s garden showcases plants from all around the world, and the Chinese hillside is especially extensive. Tropical flowers and indigenous European species mingle throughout Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Meanwhile, lovely glass houses (including the popular Victoria glass house) welcome you indoors to marvel at other unique exhibits.
Recommended hotels in Edinburgh: Barcelo Edinburgh Carlton, Apex International Hotel
Generalife – Granada
The elegant Generalife compound is often said to have been the summer palace of the Sultans. However, the charming villa overlooking the Alhambra was actually built as a hunting lodge and country retreat. Spanish aristocrats once occupied the upper floor of the 19th-century buildings, and sought refuge in the shade of surrounding trees. Today, the extensive gardens of the Generalife provide the same tranquility and beauty to visitors. Fountains and flourishing flora fill the romantic Generalife courtyard and enhance adjacent panoramic patios. The colorful gardens and accompanying views make this one of the most picturesque places in Spain.
Recommended hotels in Granada: Saray Hotel, Melia Granada
the Generalife villa
Nymphenburg Palace Gardens – Munich
Impeccably manicured and perfectly maintained, the park adjacent to Nymphenburg Palace is truly fit for a king. The grounds of the Nymphenburg Palace Gardens, originally Italienesque, were beautifully transformed and expanded in the 17th century. They still retain all of their Old World glamour and opulence. Imposing statues of the Greek Gods oversee verdant lawns and large, crystal-clear ponds. Meanwhile, diverse flowerbeds and roaming birds add flair. This is an ideal spot in which to enjoy a picnic with your family or friends after taking a tour of the palace’s interior.
Recommended hotels in Munich: Hotel Polo, Four Points By Sheraton Munich Central
Monet’s Garden – Giverny
A far cry from the manicured lawns surrounding Europe’s palaces, Monet’s Garden is known for its wildly rustic atmosphere. The untamed hedges and overgrown flowerbeds create a lush, romantic atmosphere that art-lovers will immediately connect to Monet’s messy brush strokes. The colorful gardens that surround Claude Monet’s mansion are truly indicative of his paintings and personality. Take a leisurely stroll around the fragrant homestead to follow in the master’s footsteps. Located in Giverny, about 50 miles from Paris, Monet’s Garden is a wonderful place to spend a quiet afternoon.
Recommended hotels in Paris: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Emeraude Lodge du Centre
Claude Monet's greatest inspiration
You could spend a day in the Victoria and Albert Museum, another day in all the museums of the Tower of London and two full days in the British Museum. And if you’ve been to London before, chances are you’ve visited all these museums, along with the Tate Gallery, the National Gallery and the Imperial War Museum. So what then? What indeed! Did you know that London boasts over 240 museums? London museums come in every different size and run the gamut from the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum to the Wimbledon Windmill Museum. Here are five London museums that are well worth the visit.
The Cartoon Museum
If you thought cartoons started with Blondie, Alley Oop and Charlie Brown, a visit to the Cartoon Museum will show you the error of your ways. This museum features British cartoons, caricature, and cartoon art going all the way back to the 1700s. At any one time over 250 pieces from the museum’s collection of 1,700 original cartoons and prints are on display, and the museum library boast 5,000 books and 4,000 comics. A recent addition to the galaxy of London museums, the Cartoon Museum was opened in 2006 by the Duke of Edinburgh himself. The work of Ronald Searle, Pont, Fougasse, Rowland Emett, Beano and Dandy, Mike Williams and Mel Calma has been featured in the past, and the museum also boasts animation.
Crofton Roman Villa
If you don’t think of London as being a Roman city, that just means you haven’t visited the Crofton Roman Villa, where you can see the remains of 10 rooms of a luxurious Roman residence that was used between the years 140 and 400 CE. Protected from the elements by a modern building, the Villas once stood in the middle of a 500 acres farming estate covered with buildings, fields, meadows and forests. Tile floors and ancient concrete floors can be seen, as well as an amazing central heating system beneath the floors. The site wasn’t discovered until 1926 and can be viewed via a guided tour. Replicas of Roman pots, jewelry, lamps and writing tablets contribute to the ancient ambience.
The Golden Hinde
Reflecting England’s Golden Age of Exploration is the Golden Hinde, a full-scale reproduction of the ship that Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe between 1577 and 1580. Built by traditional craftsmen, the ship first hit the water in 1973 and has since traveled over 225,000 kilometres, which equals over five times around the planet – a number that Sir Francis himself would have appreciated. You can now take a guided or self-guided tour of the ship, and classic workmanship, from the complicated rigging to the crest featuring the female deer from which it gets its name. The ship is also the site of special events, and it can be rented for your own special event or party. If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s been used in several films, including Swashbuckler in 1976 and Shogun in 1979.
The Library and Museum of Freemasonry
Freemasonry has a long rich history in the United Kingdom, and the best way to experience it is to visit the Library and Museum of Freemasonry. From the distinctive 1933 Art Deco façade to the Grand Temple inside, the museum gives unique insight into the history of Freemasons in the United Kingdom. On display are items that belonged to past Freemasons like King Edward VII and Winston Churchill. There’s also a vast collection of a collection of objects with Masonic decoration, including clocks, furniture, glassware, jewelry, porcelain, pottery and silver. You can experience the exhibits on your own, and there are five guided tours a day as well. The library itself boasts a large collection of books and manuscripts on Freemasonry worldwide, and you may find your own relatives through the museum’s genealogical enquiry service.
The World Rugby Museum
If you’re ready to get down and dirty, then head out to Twickenham to spend some time in the World Rugby Museum. Opening in 1996, the museum takes you on a journey through the famously rough team sport that had its origins right here in England. Boasting the finest collection of rugby memorabilia on the planet, the World Rugby Museum takes you through the history of the sport from its origins to the present day. Interactive displays can be found side by side with rugby paintings, caps scrapbooks, medals and Harlequins. To complete your rugby day, you can also take one of the Twickenham Stadium Tours, which allow you to visit the England Rugby changing room and go through the Twickenham Tunnel to pitch side.
No matter which museum you end up choosing, there are plenty of London hotels in which you can rest your head at the end of the day.
What road trips are to the USA, railroad trips are to Europe. Let the Americans keep their Route 66. I’ll hop aboard the Orient Express anytime. Yes, the Orient Express is still running, and so are dozens of other European train routes. So allow yourself to sit back and leave the driving to someone else as you enjoy awesome natural panoramas and the fruits of thousands of years of civilization going by outside your window.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, London, UK to Venice, Italy
Two days, one night, one way
Okay, why not start with the Orient Express? Although the official name of this world-famous odyssey is the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. You’ll be stepping aboard the train in London’s lovely Victoria Station and feeling the calendar turn back to the 1920s, the golden age of rail on European rail travel. Sixteen million dollars was spent restoring 35 sleeping cars to their original art deco sophistication, and the elegant on-board dinner dress code also hearkens back to those more sophisticated days. A suit and tie for men and the equivalent for women, though black tie and gowns encouraged. Outside you’ll see the snowcapped Alps passing by as inside you learn the story behind each of the restored carriages.
London hotels.
Venice hotels.
The Chocolate Train, Montreux, Switzerland to Broc, Switzerland
Nine hours, 45 minutes, round-trip
No, the train is not made of chocolate. But the Chocolate Train offers the next best thing by providing two of Switzerland’s most famous exports at the beginning, middle and end of the ride; chocolate and cheese. Running in the summer and fall, this charming train climbs from Montreux, providing spectacular views of Lake Geneva and arriving at the tiny medieval town of Gruyères, home to the cheese of the same name. Here you’ll disembark to tour the cheese factory and the local castle, have lunch, then re-board the train and continue on to Broc, where you’ll be bussed to the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory, tucked between Lake Gruyères and the mountain peaks, for free samples, before heading back to Montreux.
Montreux hotels.
Broc hotels.
The Bernina Express, Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy
Four hours, 14 minutes, one way
After experiencing the 55 tunnels and 196 bridges of the unbelievably beautiful Bernina Express, you will truly feel like you’ve experienced the Alps. The 360-degree spiral and the seven-percent inclines are sure to produce a giddy feeling as you climb to a peak height of 7,391 feet and then drop 5,905 feet on your descent to Tirano. This narrow-gauge railway provides an experience that you will never forget that is not quite a train ride and not quite a roller coaster ride. If you think that the Alpine vistas you see passing by outside your window are especially beautiful, you’re not alone. Part of the route is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. And it’s not just about the journey. Chur, your starting point is Switzerland’s oldest city, and the charming town of Tirano boasts just under 10,000 people.
Chur hotels.
Tirano hotels.
The Transylvanian Odyssey, Budapest, Hungary to Istanbul, Turkey
Eight days.
To really get an idea of what train travel was like at its peak, one must experience the Danube Express, and taking the Transylvanian Odyssey is a great way to do it. A private train swimming in classical elegance, the Danube Express offers fine dining and modern conveniences. Starting in the magnificent city of Budapest, the train takes you through the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, though the fabled land of Transylvania. Here you’ll pause for a walking tour of the medieval town that was the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler before re-boarding and continuing your journey to that crossroads of cultures, Istanbul. You’ll know you’re getting close when you see the Bosporus out your window, and the beautiful Topkapi Palace marking the skyline.
Budapest hotels.
Istanbul hotels.
Trans-Siberian Railway, Moscow, Russia to Vladivostok, Russia
Nineteen days, one-way
One of the greatest engineering feats and the most iconic European train ride, the Trans-Siberian Railway is also the longest trip at 19 days. A Russian icon dating back to the days of the Czar, the Trans-Siberian Railway crosses eight time zones and many cultures to connect the Russian capital with the Pacific port of Vladivostok, whose closest major city is Pyongyang, North Korea. On board, poor mingle with rich, young with old, foreigners with locals. Social barriers disappear as passengers share a unique rail experience. And the shots of $3-a-liter vodka don’t hurt either. For added comfort, you can book a private car via a tour operator, and while you’re there you can schedule many side excursions from trekking and scuba diving to city tours. After all, when is the next time you’ll be in Siberia?
Moscow hotels.
Vladivostock hotels.
From royal hunting grounds to mass graves for plague victims, London’s parks boast the most unique histories. And from the 142 hectare Hyde Park to the smallest Bloomsbury garden, London parks come in all sizes, shapes and even colors, though the prevailing color is green. A trip to London would not be complete without exploring some of the unique London parks, and the locals might go a little insane if they didn’t have these miniature worlds of green to which to escape from the gray of the city. Here are a few parks worth visiting.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
History, royalty and nature have been colliding with the most beautiful results since the 1759 opening of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, or more simply, Kew Gardens. One hundred twenty-one and over 250 years are on display at this lovely green area in Richmond. An internationally important botanical research and education institution with a 700 person staff and a £56 million annual budget, Kew Gardens is absolutely stunning, boasting over 30,000 different kinds of plants. The Herbarium is one of the largest in the world, with over 7 million preserved plant specimens, and the library contains over 750,000 volumes, including an illustrations collection with over 175,000 plant prints and drawings. For those born without green thumbs, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew offers many magnificent architectural gems including four Grade I listed buildings and 36 Grade II listed structures. This London suburb also offers many great accommodations that will save you the trip back to the city centre.
Fenton House Garden
Quite smaller in scale and dating to 1756, Fenton House Garden surround a historical merchant’s house in North London’s Hampstead and now belongs to the National Trust. Terrace walks circle a formal lawn and a sunken rose garden in this hillside park which also features a structure of trimmed yew and box hedges. This walled-in garden is what you picture when you think of a traditional private London garden, only in this case it’s open to the public. The garden’s most charming feature is a sunken, walled oasis of orchard, glasshouse, culinary herb border, cut-flower beds and vegetables. If you visit in September, you’ll get to experience the rare treat of tasting historical varieties of apples that have been lost over time. Thirty different varieties are grown in the garden, and there’s also a working kitchen garden. The inside of the 1693 house also features many historical gems from its long history, including some amazing works of art and royal portraiture. When you’re through here you can choose from a variety of Hampstead restaurants before retiring to the comfort of your Hampstead hotel.
Gordon Square
London in general is known for its garden squares, and Bloomsbury in particular is known for its gardens. To experience both at once, one can visit Bloomsbury’s Gordon Square. Developed by Thomas Cubitt in the 1820s, the central garden was originally for the private use of the residents of the surrounding houses, much like Gramercy Park in Manhattan. Now the property of the University of London, Gordon Square is open to the public. This beautiful park is surrounded by other historical landmarks, from the home of economist John Maynard Keynes to the Institute of Archaeology to the listed church of Christ the King. The Bloomsbury Theatre is also close by. If the square looks familiar you may have seen it in the 2000 movie The Mummy Returns. Other nearby Bloomsbury squares include Bedford Square, Russell Square, Torrington Square and Gordon Square’s mirror image, Tavistock Square. You’ll also find many hotels in Bloomsbury.
The Chelsea Physic Garden
Of course London gardens have not always been for show. In the old days, this is where many Londoners got their food and their medicine, a fact made clear by a visit to the Chelsea Physic Garden. Dating to 1673, which makes it the second oldest botanical garden in Britain, it was originally established as the Apothecaries’ Garden with the purpose of training apprentices in identifying plants. It’s located in a microclimate made warm by its proximity to the river, and as a result it boasts plants that would not survive in the rest of the city, like the largest outdoor fruiting olive tree in Britain and the world’s northernmost outdoor grapefruit tree. The rock garden is the oldest English garden devoted to alpine plants, and there’s also a new pharmaceutical garden. A member of the London Museums of Health & Medicine, the Garden has also participated in a seed exchange program with the Leiden Botanical Garden since 1682. This one and a half hectare wonder is one of the most unique venues for exploring London’s past, and there are also many historical Chelsea hotels not far away.
The Garden Museum
Set inside and outside the medieval church of St Mary-at-Lambeth and adjacent to Lambeth Palace, the Garden Museum also provides an exhaustive look back at the history of the gardens of London. The burial place of Queen Anne Boleyn’s mother Elizabeth Boleyn and many other 15th and 16th personalities of note, the Garden Museum is also the first museum in the world dedicated to the history of gardening. Divided into exhibits covering tools and ephemera like prints, photographs, bills, catalogues and brochures, the museum also hosts a library with a vast collection of both historical and contemporary books. But the museum’s main attraction is the 17th style knot garden planted with authentic plants of the period, which was created in the early 1980s. After your trip in this garden time machine, you can return to the present in one of many Lambeth accommodations.
One of the best ways – and one of the most inexpensive – to experience the history of a new place is to visit its cemeteries. Even the smallest village graveyard will tell you which winter had a major blizzard, how big the families were from generation to generation and who the town’s have’s and have-not’s were. It’s all there, written in stone. As it would be impossible to sum up every cemetery in Europe, I’ll have to leave the explorations to you and concentrate on five of the most impressive resting places on the continent.
American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-mere, France
A humongous operation like D-Day deserves a humongous memorial, Colleville-sur-mere’s American Cemetery does a great job of paying tribute to all the men who lost their lives storming Hitler’s Fortress Europe. Set majestically on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach, site of some of the day’s fiercest fighting, the cemetery contains the remains of almost 9,500 American military personnel. The cemetery was established on June 8, 1944, just days after the invasion. The rows and rows of simple white crosses and Jewish stars have been immortalized in such films as “Saving Private Ryan,” and the impressive Memorial consists of a semicircular colonnade featuring maps of the military operations, all surrounding a bronze statue. There’s also a reflecting pool, the names of 1,557 Americans who lost their lives in the conflict but could not be located and/or identified and a time capsule to be opened on June 6, 2044. Though the cemetery and the landing beaches are within striking distance of several major cities, the closest hotels can also let you experience the charm of the villages of Normandy.
Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, Paris, France
Though known primarily as the final resting place of Jim Morrison, the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is so much more. As international as the city of Paris, the cemetery is home to the American Doors singer, the Irish novelist, poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde and the French-Polish composer Frédéric François Chopin, as well as such French luminaries as Edith Piaf, Honoré Daumier and Eugène Delacroix. Thought to be the world’s most-visited cemetery, Père-Lachaise attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The cemetery is home to three World War I memorials, and you can visit the 1682 Jesuit house belonging to Père François de la Chaise himself, the confessor to Louis XIV in the 17th century. The cemetery was established by Napoleon in 1804 but was considered to be too far outside the city to attract many funerals. Now in the centre of the city, this cemetery of over 300,000 residents is close to many great Paris hotels.
Catacombe di Roma, Rome, Italy
If you’d like to go further back in history and you’d like to get closer to the permanent residents of a cemetery, then come on down to the Catacombe di Roma. Dating from the 2nd century CE, this vast network of tunnels has seen much pillaging, sacking, destruction and expansion over the centuries. Those most widely known for its Christian burials, there are also many Pagans and many Jews, reflecting the ever-changing Roman population, located both separately and mixed all together. Up to four stories of tunnels run for many kilometres, and in addition to the many generations of Romans, the tunnels feature stunning examples of early Christian art dating from before 400 CD, as well as much Jewish art. Responsibility for the catacombs presently rests with the Pope, and excavations are constantly underway, increasing our knowledge of some very interesting periods of Roman history. Once you return to the land of the living, you’ll find a wide variety of Rome hotels.
Old Jewish Cemetery, Prague, Czech Republic
The oldest preserved tombstone in the Old Jewish Cemetery of Prague is of one Avigdor Kara, who did in 1489. Over the next 300 years, tens of thousands of the city’s Jewish residents were laid to rest here. Though there are 12,000 tombstones that can be identified, the cemetery contains layer upon layer upon layer of graves (12 layers in some places), and the number of occupants is thought to be closer to 100,000. The sight of the masses of graves, piled atop each other and sticking in every direction like crooked teeth is a truly unique sight. Set in the Jewish Quarter of Prague, the cemetery is the final resting place of Renaissance scholar, historian, mathematician and astronomer David Gans, Mayor of the Jewish Town Mordechai Maisel and Rabbi Löw, forever famous for his association with Prague’s mythical clay creature, the Golem. Set in the centre of the old city, the cemetery is conveniently located for many Prague hotels.
Highgate Cemetery, London, UK
As disorderly as the cemetery of Prague is, that’s how orderly London’s Highgate Cemetery is. Don’t get me wrong, this classic English graveyard is filled to the brim with gothic graves, tombs and buildings. It’s also the final resting place of such diverse personalities as novelist George Eliot, author of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” Douglas Adams and that grand old communist himself, Karl Marx himself. Two more recent arrivals are Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren and the actor Sir Ralph Richardson. The cemetery is also infamous as being the site of the Highgate Vampire of the 1970′s. Set in the north of London, the cemetery has been designated Grade I on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. The northwestern wooded area was opened in 1839, as part of a plan to provide seven large around the outside of London, and it quickly became a fashionable address in which to spend eternity. The grounds are full of trees, shrubbery and wild flowers and are a haven for birds and small animals like foxes, giving it the feeling of a park, and the oldest section boasts an impressive collection of Victorian mausoleums and gravestones. The nearest transport link, the Archway Tube Station, but there are also many excellent hotels in the area.
After all the museums, churches and art galleries you’ve been dragging the kids to, it’s time to do something that they’ll want to do. But where to find entertainment for the kids that the parents can also look forward to? If you’re in London, you’re in luck, because the British capital boasts some of the world’s best children’s theatres. From original productions to the classics, from puppets to marionettes to real live people, from stage plays to workshops, let’s explore the world of London children theatre.
Little Angel Puppet Theatre
The Little Angel Puppet Theatre will be marking its 50th anniversary in 2011, and the intimate 100-seat venue is celebrating in style by continuing to put on its trademark variety of entertainment. Skilled puppeteers put on shows all year round with puppets created in its next-door workshop. There’s a regular Saturday Club and puppet-making workshops as well, and “the Home of British Puppetry” also welcomes puppetry companies from around the world. Located in Islington, the Little Angel Puppet Theatre is also home to the annual HATCH Festival, which showcases new plays designed for puppet.
The Puppet Theatre Barge
In the summer, the Puppet Theatre Barge is literally a moving target, as it travels up and down the waterways of London. You can check their website to see where they’ll be playing. But in the winter, this unique water-borne theatre makes its home in Central London’s Little Venice. But wherever you visit them, you’ll be enchanted by the marionette and rod puppet shows, which include such classics as the Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood and Scrooge and a variety of original work as well. The troupe’s been at it since 1982, and the floating 50 seat theatre offers comfy seating, winter heating, summer cooling and some truly imaginative stage shows.
Polka Theatre
Tennis isn’t the only action in the city of Wimbledon, and the Polka Theatre presents live action entertainment that appeals to the youngest of audiences, from the ages of 0 to 13. Over 100,000 kids a year are entertained here, and the theatre’s been going strong since first opening its doors in 1979. Both drama and comedy are presented on the stage, and the Polka Theatre also offers a playground, a café, a toyshop, exhibition areas and reading corners, all designed for the constant stimulation of the young mind. There are two theatre spaces, the Main Theatre and the Adventure Theatre, presenting such fare as Stamping, Shouting and Singing Home, Flat Stanley and Cloud Pictures. For the smallest of the small, the theatre brings children as young as nine months and their families into a colourful and stimulating environment where simple stories are told in a fashion both sensory and visual. The idea here is to cultivate young theatre-goers.
Half Moon Theatre
Heading to East London, we find the Half Moon Theatre, another live venue catering to kids up to 17 years old. In addition to the professional theatre productions, the Half Moon provides many programs that get the kids involved in creating their own theatrical productions. Funded by the Arts Council London and Tower Hamlets, the Half Moon Theatre specializes in exposing those to theatre who might not otherwise be exposed. To this end, 60% of the children involved are from ethnic minorities, and 10% are disabled. Since the 1980s this little theatre has been making a big impact on the lives of young people, and the result is truly something to be seen.
Unicorn Theatre
Heading to the South Bank of the River Thames, right between Tower Bridge and London Bridge is the brand-spanking-new Unicorn Theatre, a thoroughly modern venue that first opened its doors in 2005. Set in a state-of-the-art building, the Unicorn stages over 620 performances per year. There are also special events and workshops designed to get the kids involved. International children’s theatre groups are constantly performing here, coming from as close as the Netherlands, Denmark and Italy and as far as South Africa and Japan. The Unicorn has a Learning and Participation program, which gets out to the schools.
No matter which of these wonderful theatres you decide to visit, there’s a wide range of London hotels close by, as well as hotels in Wimbledon.
It is no secret that the people of England love the theatre. The country has given us some of the greatest playwrights of all time, and the artform was once the main staple of cultural entertainment. To this day, England offers great diversity when it comes to theatrical productions. From edgy West End premiers to classic renditions of Shakespeare’s greatest hits, there is a wide range to choose from. Book a room at one of the best hotels in London (ie. The Rembrandt or the Lancaster Gate Hotel) or another major city in England, and get ready to fall in love (or back in love) with live theatre.
The Old Vic – London
True to its name, the Old Vic is one of the oldest theatres in London. It was founded by the Royal Coburg all the way back in 1818. Then, it was built with the promise to offer the city’s gentry and nobility an “entirely new entertainment… on a scale of magnitude and great expense.” After its hey day, the Old Vic experienced a lull in popularity and grandeur. However, in 2004, an enterprising group of artists (among them Artistic Director Kevin Spacey) launched the Old Vic Theatre Company and subsequently revitalized the venue.
The National Theatre – London
Opened by the Queen herself in 1976, the National Theatre in London is among the country’s newer venues. The building is actually comprised of three separate theatres: There is the Olivier, which is the largest of the group; it can accommodate up to 1,600 spectators. The Lyttelton can hold 890, and the intimate Cottesloe 400. Its structure allows the National Theatre to show plays in repertoire, which means that you can typically enjoy more than one production in a given week. Classics, musicals, new works—the theatre has it all.
The Royal Opera House – London
Arguably one of the most famous theatres in the world, London’s Royal Opera House is an integral part of the cultural landscape. Since 1728, it has been a major contributor to European art. It has welcomed a wide range of touring shows and companies over the years. Today, it is home to the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera. It is also possible to arrange for a behind-the-scenes, backstage tour of the Royal Opera House—a real treat for any lover of the arts!
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre – Stratford-upon-Avon
One of the most famous performance venues ever built, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre was obviously designed with one writer in mind. Each year, the iconic proscenium arch stage welcomes leading actors from Britain and around the world to pay homage to England’s most lauded playwright. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre (or RST, as it is often abbreviated) was first opened in 1932; since then, it has attracted countless visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon.
York Theatre Royal – York
Despite its being a regional theatre, the York Theatre Royal has built quite a far-reaching reputation for itself. Its calendar tends to offer a little something for everyone, from knowledgeable theatre veterans to tourists visiting with small children. Even before earning its Royal Patent years ago, the theatre led an interesting life. The stage was build on the ruins of the medieval Leonard’s Hospital in 1744, and it continues to feature a unique blend of old and new elements.
The Bristol Old Vic – Bristol
Not to be confused with the more formal Old Vic theatre in London, the Bristol Old Vic boasts a fascinating history all its own. It was founded in 1766, when over a hundred philanthropic locals (among them politicians, merchants and lawyers) came together to open an illegal, backstreet theatre in the seedy docks’ district. Once hidden down a dark alley off King Street, the Bristol Old Vic is now quite easy to find. The impressive venue actually incorporates two landmarks: Its foyer is the 18th-century Coopers’ Hall, and its stage is housed within the Theatre Royal. The latter is supposedly the oldest continually operating theatre in all of England.
