A Bit Of Culture
Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, The Golden Hinde, The Globe, Tate Modern
Bankside
On Saturday we decided on a bit of culture. Our starting point again is London Bridge Station. When you exit the main entrance you take the left street (when standing with your back to the station) named: "Railway Approach". When you reach Borough High street cross the street and walk to the left. You can now take one of the first three side streets on your right to reach the very hip Borough Market. Here you will be in the midst of the bustle of London and you will be amazed at the produce. It's of such good quality and (unfortunatly also quite expensive). I've tried many of these delights and can honestly say that the pies, bread, burgers and fish wraps are very good. The cake and fudge get the highest scores on my list, although that might be because I'm very fond of cake and fudge. However for the Very Best Ever Brownies you go to Konditor & Cook. It's this little shop on the southside of the market. They do a Brownie with Chocolate chips in it. MMmmmmm!! If you buy something nice to eat, be it lunch or a nice treat, exit the market on the West side. Here you will find the garden of Southwark Catherdral. It is a very nice place to sit down and is very popular. Especially in summer you will have trouble spotting a bit of grass inbetween the people. The atmosphere is relaxed and cosy. After the munch-munch you might want to visit the Cathedral and it's well worth it.
Exit the Church yard on the south side and turn right towards the Thames. Follow the street and you will discover, just around the corner, a dock with The Golden Hinde. This is a replica of the Tudor warship in which Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world. You can get a closer look by getting on the ship. If you continue your walk you will pass a very old ruined wall on your left. This is the remains of an old Winchester Palace and althought there isn't much left, the Rose window is very beautiful. If you walk on you will pass underneath some Victorian railway arches and then turn right towards the thames. Follow the walk along the river, pass underneath the bridge and walk on. You will now reach some restaurants where you would have a nice bite to eat. We grabbed a bite at Pizza Express which serves very lovely and affordable italian food. You also have a nice view on the first floor.
Just long you will not be able to escape The Globe Theatre. This is the great Shakespeare's Theatre, rebuild a stone's throw away from the orignal site of the Globe. They made quite a good job of it to be honest. When my friend Rigtje came over last November we had a peek in the theatre itself, where they still preform great plays, and it is fantastic. If you get the chance go and look inside. To see a performance there is still on my wish list. And last but not least we move on to the Tate Modern. I love this bit along the Thames. The Tate looks great, this huge building and the nice piazza in front, then the millenium Bridge over the river and on the other bank St. Pauls. Sigh! A great view. An a visit to the Tate is a must. Even though I'm not keen on modern art, it is quite an experience. The highlight from me where the huge slides they had last winter. Fantastic. At the moment of this writing a giant crack in the floor is the attraction. Not as nice as slides though. ;)
From this point on I advise walking back to London Bridge Station and if there is time, go to Londen Charing Cross for a bit more culture. All that in Part 3 of The London Sites.
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