London By Linda®

Mum’s the Word

londonbylinda — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:00:27 +0000

You’ve heard it before: talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words. In London they celebrate action–visual theatre–at the International Mime Festival. Until 29 January you can experience the circus athletes of Sugar Beast Circus, mask theatre of Kulunka Teatro, the light and shadow of Fleur Elise Noble, acrobat-dancer and magician Claudio Stellato and object theatre of Théâtre Tête de Pioche. In short, a feast for the senses.

First Time Opening of London Mansion

londonbylinda — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:08:46 +0000

Two Temple Place, the neo-gothic mansion on London’s Embankment once owned by financier William Waldorf Astor, has opened to the public for the first time. Now an exhibition space, the magnificent dwelling will also be the first venue in London to showcase regional collections. Admission to the gallery is free.

Extreme Driving in London

londonbylinda — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:44:34 +0000

London’s International Horse Show at Olympia hardly sounds like the venue to be associated with extreme driving. Yet that’s exactly what’s happening for the first time at this year’s event. Extreme driving is a high speed indoor driving competition featuring the world’s top three drivers. A new equestrian disicpline, the action will take place on the evening of 15 December and the afternoon of 16 December. Sure gives new meaning to the expression, hold your horses.

Trafalgar Day

londonbylinda — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:49:08 +0000

October 21 is Trafalgar Day, celebrating Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson’s victory over the French and Spanish in battle near the Cape of Trafalgar near Cadiz in southern Spain. The Sea Cadet Corps leads the Trafalgar Day Parade through Trafalgar Square in London from 11 a.m.

1066 Redux

londonbylinda — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:00:37 +0000

In the mood for a joust? If so, the Battle of Hastings reenactment on 15 and 16 October may be just the ticket for you. The annual event in Britain’s East Sussex features 400 soldiers clashing in the annual re-enactment of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, on the very battlefield where it took place. A decisive Norman victory, the battle took place between the Norman-French army of Duke William II of Normandy and the English army under King Harold II. The living history encampment will immerse you in medieval life. The cavalry awaits you.

Fashion, Food and Frolic at Stratford

londonbylinda — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:08:29 +0000

UK shoppers are no strangers to the Westfield Group, one of the world’s largest shopping centre portfolios boasting approximately 25,000 retailers in more than 10.5 million square metres of retail space. The new Westfield in East London’s Stratford is Europe’s largest urban shopping mall with 222 stores, a fresh food court and leisure and entertainment activities like a bowling alley, casino and cinema. Sign up before 31 October for two weeks of free parking. Sign up for sneak peeks and you could win 1000 GBP.

Thames Festival

londonbylinda — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:00:27 +0000

English poet John Denham described the Thames this way: “Though deep, yet clear; though gentle, yet not dull; strong without rage, without o’erflowing full.” This year’s Thames Festival tomorrow and 11 September marks the 15th homage to the majestic river, and this year’s event promises to be bigger than ever. Where else will you find four geographical zones of activity ranging from a European Village cultural showcase to a nighttime carnival procession and electro tango? Of course, it’s the river we’re honoring here, so let’s not forget the Thames Parade, a flotilla of over 100 working recreational and historic boats with live music. A host of river-inspired artworks from around the world will also be exhibited. The fun ends with a bang on 11 September with the fireworks finale, a stunning display of over a ton of fireworks from two barges positioned mid-river between Blackfriars and Waterloo bridges.

Scotsman Soars from Edinburgh to London

londonbylinda — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:15:49 +0000

The Flying Scotsman is arguably the world’s best known steam locomotive, having dutifully plied the route between London and Edinburgh for decades. Purchased for the nation, it found a home at the National Railway Museum where it is undergoing restoration to full mainline running condition. In the meanwhile, what’s a busy traveler between Edinburgh and London to do? East Coast has the answer. In May, the train operator introduced a Flying Scotsman express service, a four-hour jaunt calling only at Newcastle in its route between Edinburgh and London’s King’s Cross station. The new service is the cream of the puff, you might say. Other improvements include a new early-morning service from Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth and Morpeth, which connects into the Flying Scotsman service at Newcastle.

UK Dining Discounts

londonbylinda — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:00:40 +0000

There’s a dining revolution taking place in the UK. A Tastecard membership gives you 50% off the total food bill or 2 meals for the price of one at all 5,000+ participating restaurants. You can always order from the full a la carte menu, so your choice will not be restricted in any way. Buy the card online or at the Visitor Centre at Regent Street.

London’s Sweetest Attraction

londonbylinda — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:00:22 +0000

Now the candy that “melts in your mouth and not in your hand” has its own showcase across the pond. Opening earlier this month, M&M’s World in London’s Leicester Square is the first overseas attraction for the brand’s candy maker. The 35,000-square feet behemoth features a Union Jack comprising M&M’s logos, a Wall of Chocolate and a range of merchandise from apparel to bedding.