My London: Exploring the Capital with Levison Wood
Words by
Sphere Life
15th August 2017
British explorer, writer and photographer Levison Wood has weathered some of the world’s most challenging and dangerous terrains. When not abroad Levison lives in London. He shares his top 10 spots to explore this summer
Of course as an explorer I am always looking for something green and a bit wild. Bushy Park near Hampton Court Palace is an expansive park on the outskirts of London. It’s huge and full of deer. You feel as though you are out in the real countryside.
Highgate Cemetery
Swain’s Lane, N6 6PJ
Highgate Cemetery in north London is an impressive (an slightly eerie) place for a wander. The Victorian architecture looks like something out of a movie and it’s actually a nature reserve.
The Royal Geographical Society
1 Kensington Gore, SW7 2AR
The Royal Geographical Society is tucked away next to the Albert Hall. Only a few people actually know it’s there. It has great photography exhibitions and if you join up as a member you can get access to its lecture series and its extensive map collection.
Squirrel
11 Harrington Road, SW7 3ES
Located in South Kensington Squirrel is a favourite for its super healthy grub and it’s very near to the Natural History Museum.
Camden Passage
1 Camden Passage, N1 8EA
This pedestrianised passage is lined with antique shops and is a great place to pick up unusual pieces of furniture or vintage pieces.
Borough Market
8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL
For the best variety of food (and a few free samples!) Borough Market the place to go. Monmouth has fantastic coffee, Richard Haward has phenomenal oysters and the Rake is a tiny bar with speciality beers.
South Bank Book Market
Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
For bookworms, browsing the second hand book stalls along South Bank is a must. They are great for a bargain and for picking up books that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.
Horniman Museum
100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
For something a bit weird and wacky, the Horniman museum in southeast London is good fun. It has an eclectic collection that includes animals in jars, musical instruments and even a gigantic stuffed walrus!
Portobello Road
Portobello Road, W11
Good for ambling around, picking up bits and bobs and having a drink in the sun. It’s also great for antiques, as well as unusual artworks and one-off books. The market is constantly changing too, so always worth a scout.
Bunga Bunga
167 Drury Lane, WC2B 5PG
For a fun and alternative night out, Bunga Bunga is a good pick. They have actors who greet you when you arrive and then the whole thing turns into a cabaret show – it’s a laugh.
