Explore London 2 have again been very active this month, making their second trip to Battersea and the Lift 109 Experience (spot this atop the chimney in a photo below), plus Lincoln’s Inn Fields and the Sir John Soane Museum.
Below you will find Battersea photos by Jackie Wiggins and the museum photos by Maggie Reeve, my thanks to both for sharing with us all.
Battersea Park Power Station had proved such a popular attraction, that a second trip was organised for the Lift 109 experience. Again, the weather was very kind and there was plenty of time to be fascinated by the Power Station transformation and be wowed by the views from the platform at the top of one of the chimneys. Jackie Wiggins commented: “I found it exhilarating. It is a well-designed tourist attraction, combining history, science and technology, art and architecture, as well as wonderful views. To be able to share my amazement with a group of friends was a privilege.” There was time for lunch and shopping before heading back to Windsor. Battersea Park itself has so much to offer, that there will definitely be a separate visit, probably in the Spring.
Maggie Reeve
Our other September outing was to Lincoln’s Inn Fields and the Sir John Soane Museum. A small group of 16, the maximum for the guided tour in the museum, travelled from Farringdon (via bus to Holborn) and then enjoyed a leisurely stroll first through Lincoln’s Inn Fields and then past the Inns of Court to Middle Temple Gardens. The whole area is full of history, interesting architecture and fascinating finds around each corner. We passed Tudor gateways, one of the last remaining Victorian cast iron urinals, impressive gardens and a pub named the Ship Inn, which appeared to be nowhere near any water. Apparently, the site has been the home to a pub since 1549 and was in fact next to the River Fleet, which is now one of the many subterranean rivers in London.
Lunch in the café in Middle Temple Gardens was a real treat, as the weather was good enough for the group to sit under shades on the terrace. We then made our way back past the Templar Church and Dr Johnson’s house to the Sir John Soane’s Museum. The house is full of art, sculptures and furniture and has been left exactly as it was in Sir John Soane’s day. There are paintings to marvel at – two of William Hogarth’s “sets”, a Canaletto and plenty more. Floating ceilings, arches which a later architect used to design the red telephone boxes, and even an Egyptian sarcophagus. After the guided tour, there was time to explore the rest of the house and then we made our way back to Farringdon and via the Elizabeth Line to Slough. A good day of exploration!
Maggie Reeve
