Where to Find The Top London Art Exhibitions

© National Gallery, London

With the New Year come new resolutions, promises, plans – and best of all – new art exhibitions in London! From the Impressionists to the Modernists, sculpture to fashion, London honors all forms of art, and this year’s upcoming exhibitions are guaranteed to impress. 

 the Natural History Museum

Come see art and silence collide in this photographic exhibit by Michael Benson celebrating the past six decades of space exploration. The exhibit features original music by Brian Eno and NASA and ESA have provided raw data for the exhibit. So if you’ve ever wanted to see outer space for yourself, now’s your chance. Visit theOtherworlds exhibition website for more information.

 Somerset House

 The Museum of Innocence.  Find out more here.

 Royal Academy of Arts

Some of the most beautiful and important paintings from the Impressionists, Post-Impressionists and Avant-Garde artists come together in this exhibition examining the role of the garden. From Monet to Renoir, Klimt to Van Gogh, this exhibit won’t disappoint. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended for this show since it will surely be a popular event. Find out more and book tickets in advance on the Royal Academy of Arts website. 

 Science Museum

You know Leonardo da Vinci as a painter – but how well do you know him as an engineer? In 2016, the Science Museum will showcase his incredible talent through historical models of Leonardo’s inventions, large-scale reproductions of his famous drawings and sketches, interactive games, bio-inspired robotics and more. Find out all the exhibition details here.

 National Portrait Gallery

Ahh, Vogue. The illustrious fashion magazine turns a century old this year, so you can expect a range of photographs celebrating iconic looks and trends since 1916 on display at the equally stylish National Portrait Gallery. Find out more here.

 National Gallery

Eugène Delacroix is considered one of the most, if not the most, influential artist of his era. This exhibition, the first of its kind in over 50 years in the UK, celebrates Delacroix, as well as examines his influence on contemporaries including Courbet and Géricault, who would later go on to influence the likes of Manet and Van Gogh. Read more about this exhibition here.

 The Courtauld Gallery

Two major exhibitions are paying homage to Botticelli this year. This one focuses on the stunning drawings Botticelli created for Dante’s Divine Comedy, as well as a collection of exquisite Renaissance illuminated manuscripts. Find out more at theCourtauld Gallery website.

V&A

Florentine artist Sandro Botticelli gifted the world with his exquisite painting, the Birth of Venus. But he also greatly influenced artists who would follow in his footsteps – an impact that will be on display come March. Find out all the exhibition information here.

 British Museum

How much do you know about ancient Egypt? What about ancient Greece? This groundbreaking exhibition will shed light on new discoveries found lurking at the bottom of the sea. Two cities that have been lost to time are about to see daylight once more. Book your tickets online here.

 Tate Modern

Georgia O’Keeffe Black Mesa Landscape, New Mexico / Out Back of Marie’s II 1930 Oil on canvas mounted on board Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Gift of The Burnett Foundation © Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

From her paintings of New Mexico to erotic flowers, Georgia O’Keeffe helped define American modernism. The landscape painter and feminist artist’s work will grace the Tate this July, a century after her New York debut. Find out more information and book your tickets online in advance by visiting the Tate Modern website.

Contributed by Alex, www.Londonperfect.Com

Travelore News: Travelers To London Heathrow, Gatwick Face Rail Closures During Holiday Travel

LONDON (AP) — Travelers bound to and from London's two busiest airports will be hit by closures of major rail links over the holiday period.

The Gatwick Express that usually takes people from London Victoria Station to the airport in 30 minutes will be shut from Christmas Eve until Jan. 4 for major engineering work.

Officials said Thursday that normal service would resume several hours before rush hour on that day when many people return to work following a break over Christmas and New Year.

The Heathrow Express which links central London to the city's biggest airport also faces a four-day closure after Christmas Eve for work projects. Similar closures on Britain's rail network this time last year dragged on and caused misery for commuters on their return to work.

'Tis The Season: What's On In London Over Winter

London in winter has an atmosphere all of its own. Festivals, sales and sporting events illuminate the dark evenings, cosy pubs come into their own and ice rinks and carol concerts ring in the Christmas spirit. Many attractions, meanwhile, are far quieter than they are in summer.

And while locals love to grumble about the weather, it's actually comparatively mild, with average temperatures of between 3 and 9°C and 20 dry days per month.

Skating at Somerset House. Image by Getty / Roger Cracknell Photography

Get into the Christmas spirit

Christmas in London is a big deal, with happenings across town from November to January. Open-air ice rinks pop up at famous landmarks like the Tower of London, Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace and the Natural History Museum, while craft fairs and Christmas markets appear on the South Bank and at Greenwich, among other places. Festive lights spectacularly illuminate the classic central shopping zone around Oxford and Regent streets, while Westfield Stratford City shopping mall by the Olympic Park throws a big party for the turning-on of its lights.

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Image by Rictor Norton & David Allen / CC BY 2.0

More traditional Christmas music is to be heard at Trafalgar Square, which resonates with carols through much of December, sung alongside its giant spruce. Hyde Park’s family-favourite Winter Wonderland features rides, a circus, ice sculptures, a market and the big man himself, Santa Claus. On New Year’s Eve, the riverbank by the London Eyeerupts in a soul-stirring fireworks display.

Everything must go!

Looking up Brompton Rd, from Hyde Park to Harrods. Image by Nicolas Stefanni / CC BY-SA 2.0

London is famous globally as a shopping paradise and the sharpest prices are found during the annual sales. From backstreet boutiques toHarrods, stock clears at big discounts, and while things traditionally get going in early January, stores are increasingly starting their sales before Christmas. Winter is also a great time to explore historic covered shopping arcades, such as Leadenhall Market or Burlington Arcade, which offer retail respite from the chilly clime and a glimpse back to the London of old.

Down the local

The cosiness of a typical London pub is a blessing in winter. Heading downtown for a good night out? Not so fast – many of London’s best pubs are a little removed from the centre. Each neighbourhood invites discovering, with its own character, characters and excellent local boozers. It’s the best way to meet Londoners and get a feel for what their city is about. Try the Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell, the Holly Bush in Hampstead or the Carpenter's Arms in Shoreditch, but in a city full of great pubs you’re bound to unearth your own gems.

Catch a match

AFC Wimbledon and FC United compete for possession. Image by Matthew Wilkinson / CC BY 2.0

Watched by hundreds of millions around the world, British football is iconic. The capital’s most successful sides of late, Chelsea and Arsenal, are globally renowned, but smaller clubs like Fulham – whose Craven Cottage home ground is the city’s most beautiful – Brentford or QPR offer a more authentic atmosphere, plus tickets are cheaper and easier to come by. Drop a couple of divisions and match days at Leyton Orient or AFC Wimbledon are great grassroots experiences. If the oval ball is more your thing, the Six Nations kicks off in February, guaranteeing a great atmosphere during any of England’s matches in pubs or atTwickenham itself.

Putting on a show

From cutting-edge drama to a Christmas pantomime’s nostalgic camp, London’s winter entertainment caters to every taste. The West Endalways has an incredible variety of musicals and plays showing, but some gems are out in the suburbs too, particularly in the north, around Camden, Highgate and Kilburn. Check local listings for what’s currently showing.

Similarly, London’s marvellous roster of galleries and museums is fattened further by cracking temporary exhibitions. In winter 2015–2016, just for starters, there’s Ai Weiwei’s first British retrospective at the Royal Academy of Arts, a Turbine Hall installation from Abraham Cruzvillegas at Tate Modern and the breathtaking Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards at the Natural History Museum. If you’re in the mood to decorate, head to the London Art Fair (londonartfair.co.uk), held over five days in January.

Stroll the streets

The Underground and city buses are handy, but in winter they can get crowded  as commuters seek to escape the cooler temperatures. For a fresher perspective, buy a pocket map and take to the streets: you’ll see so much more of the city. Distances around the centre aren’t as far as they seem; Camden to Kensington, for example, a good half-hour or more on the Tube, is less than an hour’s stroll across two of the city’s classic parks and via numerous famous landmarks and shops.

By ANDY SYMINGTON

Lonely Planet Writer

This article was first published in November 2012 and updated by James Smart in November 2015. 

Quirky Bars In London, Underground And Sometimes Hidden

For a really fun night out in London, go off the beaten track and find London’s quirky bars.

When darkness falls across the city, find yourself a quirky basement bar, secret bar or themed bar to enjoy.

Cahoots

Don your best vintage outfit and step back in time at Cahoots, a charming 1940’s themed bar in Soho. This former bunker has been transformed into an underground station bar complete with trains and sandbags. Sip on dazzling cocktails as you soak up the atmosphere of post-war Britain, accompanied by jazz, swing, rock ‘n’ roll, electro-swing and vintage discs.

The Attendant

Sit back, relax and watch exciting food and drinks being created in the unique underground surroundings of the former Victorian gent’s lavatory, The Attendant. Inspired by its past, the bar’s original porcelain urinals are now used as inspired coffee benches, complete with green seating to match the Victorian tiling.

BYOC West End

There are no alcohol or drinks menus served at the quirky, underground bar in Covent Garden,BYOC West End. Bring your own alcohol and the skilled bartenders will conjure up drinks tailored to your taste. Soak up the speakeasy atmosphere as cocktails are served from an antique drinking trolley.

WC – Wine & Charcuterie

Sample fine wine and cheese in the underground Victorian setting of WC - Wine & Charcuterie. Located underneath Clapham Common station, this former Victorian lavatory has preserved the original wall tiles and floor mosaics from its past and cubicle doors have been laid flat and turned into tables. Choose from extensive wine list and accompany with a delectable selection of cheese and meat from around the UK and Europe.

Barts

Can you keep a secret? Travel back in time as Bart’s brings 1920’s Chicago to 21st-century London. Ring the bell, offer the secret password and step inside to sample a riot of cocktails and quirky cartoon decor. Choose from an extensive list of illicit cocktails enjoyed by the lawbreakers of London and keep your eyes peeled for secret cocktail menus hidden within work or literature.

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

Ask to see The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town at this ordinary looking café in the City of London and an entrance down to the bar will provide a very unique experience (we won’t ruin the surprise). Find a darkened room with luscious cocktails, beers and bar snacks. When you’re done, don’t forget to leave through the secret exit. Be in the know and impress your friends with tales from this secret bar.

Worship Street Whistling Shop

Sip cocktails from a bygone era at late 19th-century-themed bar, Worship Street Whistling Shop in Shoreditch. The décor is inspired by Victorian drinking lounges, complete with bespoke lampposts. Sample old time flavours like marmalade and rhubarb concocted from ingredients produced in house. Beyond cocktails there is a full range of fine wines, craft beer and sparkling wines.

Callooh Callay

Sip unusually-named cocktails out of a gramophone at Callooh Callay, an unusual bar in Shoreditch. Journey through a magical wardrobe where you’ll find fun vibes and quirky décor, a great place for a fun night out with friends. Toilets are hidden behind secret doors and menus are kept in old cassette cases.

Evans & Peel Detective Agency

You can be forgiven for thinking that you’ve walked into a scene from a 1930’s crime novel at Evans & Peel Detective Agency, a hidden bar behind a bookshelf. Sample cocktails made with maple bacon and tobacco-infused bourbon, or tequila with smoked oranges. Take your cocktails home in vintage wooden cigar boxes containing bottles of their finest mixes and instructions to concoct your favourite drink.

A Fab Four Fan's Guide To Liverpool & The Beatles

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The Beatles were four young lads from Liverpool who revolutionized pop music and changed the world. Fans can explore their roots on a visit to the city, discovering the houses, parks and streets that inspired the band. Here, we take you through the must-see sights, from John Lennon’s bedroom and Penny Lane to museums and tribute bands.

Pin this imageThe Beatles in the mid-1960s. Image by Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Lennon and McCartney’s childhood homes

The National Trust, the caretaker of palaces and royal estates across the UK, also owns two seemingly nondescript houses in the suburbs of south Liverpool where John and Paul grew up. And if you only have time for one Beatles experience in Liverpool, make it the trust’s tour of the two.

Pin this imageMendips, John Lennon's childhood home. Image by Lauren Wellicome / Lonely Planet

Yoko Ono bought Mendips, the elegant 1930s house at 251 Menlove Ave where John Lennon grew up, in 2002 and donated it to the trust. Stepping inside means entering a time capsule, painstakingly recreated from accounts of lodgers who used to live with the family. You’re transported back to John’s childhood with his Aunt Mimi and Uncle George. The tour guides passionately detail his tumultuous family and school life, after walking you through the back garden door, which is the only way Aunt Mimi allowed scruffy Paul McCartney in.

Don’t miss climbing up the creaking stairs to John’s cramped bedroom where he wrote his first songs or singing at the top of your lungs in the closed off front porch, where Mimi would relegate the boys to practice.

Paul McCartney’s childhood home is not far away, but is a world apart from Mendips. 20 Forthlin Rd is an austere brick-fronted house that was one of hundreds the local council built after World War II. John and Paul would often end up in the cosy living room when they skipped school to write and rehearse some of their earliest songs.

Pin this imagePaul McCartney grew up at 20 Forthlin Rd. Image by Lauren Wellicome / Lonely Planet

Taking the 2½-hour National Trust tour is the only way to see inside the two Beatles’ homes, and you must be picked up and dropped off at Jurys Inn at Albert Dock or at Speke Hall.

Beatles Story museum

Spread across two sites near the River Mersey, the Beatles Story indulges visitors with a full-on history lesson. John Lennon’s sister Julia narrates the audio guide as you wander through a full-size recreation of the Cavern Club and the Abbey Road studio where the Beatles’ first singles were recorded. The bounty of Beatles memorabilia includes John’s famous round spectacles and George’s first guitar.

Above the Beatles Story’s Pier Head location, grab a quick drink and relax on the sunny roof terrace at Matou (matou.co.uk), overlooking the river.

Pub crawl Mathew St and catch a band at the Cavern Club

Pin this imageMathew St, the Cavern Quarter's spine. Image by Lauren Wellicome / Lonely Planet

Mathew St, one of the most famous streets in pop music, is the spine of the Cavern Quarter, a small district filled with shops, bars and pubs that really gets going after dark. A statue of John Lennon casually leans against a wall outside the reconstructed Cavern Club. The Beatles played the original venue nearly 300 times, but that wasn’t enough to save it from demolition in the 1970s to make way for a railway ventilation shaft that was ultimately never built. In addition to a range of local talent, the still dark and intimate Cavern Club hosts a Beatles tribute band that dons their mop-tops and rocks out every Saturday night.

For a quieter drink, stop off at Bar Four, the lounge at the Hard Days Night Hotel just off Mathew St, to sup some Beatles-themed cocktails, such as Daq in the USSR and Honey Can’t Buy Me Love.

Find Ringo Starr in Welsh Streets

Liverpool almost lost a piece of Beatles history forever when the local council decided to demolish and redevelop an area called Welsh Streets, 2 miles southeast of Albert Dock. After public protest, Ringo’s childhood home at 9 Madryn St was spared, but walking through these eerily quiet streets still feels post-apocalyptic. Almost all of the houses are abandoned and covered over with daunting metal grates. Beatles fans and the graffiti they leave behind are the only signs of life.

On the outside, Ringo’s house looks similar to Paul’s, but today it’s worth only a measly £525. The whole derelict Welsh Streets area sits in stark contrast to the more genteel neighbourhoods you’re escorted through with the National Trust.

Penny Lane and George Harrison

All these years later, ‘the shelter in the middle of the roundabout’ on Penny Lane is still there, and you can catch a bus here from the city centre 3.5 miles away, just as the Beatles did when Penny Lane was a major terminus. Snap a picture of the famous street sign before walking to George Harrison’s childhood home a mile away. You can wind your way down the narrow side streets, barely big enough for two cars, to see where George lived until age 6. This homely, bright red ‘two-up two-down’ terraced house at 12 Arnold Grove is still a private residence.

Eleanor Rigby via Strawberry Field

Pin this imageStrawberry Field. Image by Francisco Antunes / CC BY 2.0

Make a quick stop at Strawberry Field, an old Salvation Army children’s home about 6 miles southeast of central Liverpool, to see the bright red, graffiti-covered gates. It’s surreal to imagine a young John Lennon playing in the woods behind these gates, as we’re just around the corner from Aunt Mimi’s house at Mendips. Although Strawberry Field is currently inaccessible beyond the gate, there are plans to develop the site as a museum.

Continue on Menlove Ave and stroll by Mendips or remember the Quarrymen, the band that evolved into the Beatles, on Quarry St, heading for St Peter’s Church. The most important meeting in pop music happened in these pristinely kept church grounds, when John first met Paul at a school fete. But the churchyard has even more Beatles connections: a woman named Eleanor Rigby is buried here, as well as John’s uncle George, who he lived with at Mendips.

Getting around

To tackle all these sights, set aside a couple of days. John and Paul’s childhood homes and the Beatles Story are the most obvious attractions and could be done in a day. The Beatles grew up outside the city centre: if you don't have a car, hire a bike from Liverpool’s CityBike scheme (citybikeliverpool.co.uk) or use local bus 76, which runs from Albert Dock past Penny Lane, Mendips and St Peter’s Church.

By  Lauren Wellicome 

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/northwest-england/liverpool/travel-tips-and-articles/a-fab-four-fans-guide-to-liverpool-the-beatles#ixzz3nXjKQ4gy

Travelore Tips: Top 15 Shopping Hidden Gems In London

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Once you've ticked off London's major shopping destinations, serious shoppers should check out these more offbeat offerings for specialist boutiques and quirky curios.

1. Camden Passage, Islington

The cobblestone laneway of Camden Passage that runs parallel to Islington's Upper Street is a treasure trove of market stalls – mostly selling antiques, vintage clothes and cool products like old pub signs – as well as lots of small shops and cafes.
Don't miss: the African Waistcoat Company for bespoke vests.

2. Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials

This hidden courtyard is a must-visit for cheese and cosmetics! Here you'll find Neal's Yard Dairywith its range of delicious British farm cheeses, and the flagship Neal's Yard Remedies for organic skincare products and treatments.
Don't miss: the Seven Dials area which has regular shopping evenings with big discounts.

3. Broadway Market, Hackney

Visit Hackney's hip Broadway Market on a Saturday for 100 stalls selling food, drink, fresh produce and vintage clothing. Or go during the week when it's more sedate and you can browse boutiques such as 69B women's clothing, William Cheshire jewellery and Lock 7 bicycle shop.
Don't miss: a bite to eat or a pint at The Dove pub.

4. Bermondsey Street

The London Bridge area has had a serious makeover in recent years and Bermondsey Street is no exception. Gems here include Susie Stone bespoke women's couturier, Tin Lid kids clothes and toys and Holly & Lil for handmade dog leads, collars and pet accessories.
Don't miss: the Design Museum shop for stylish gifts and homeware.

5. Marylebone High Street

Marylebone Village contains a fantastic range of off-the-high-street retailers. Shop for cool designer homeware at Skandium, quaint tomes at Daunt Books and art deco antiques at Gallery 1930.
Don't miss: London's only dedicated button retailer The Button Queen.

6. Gabriel's Wharf

Tucked behind London's South Bank you'll find a good mix of independent shops, restaurants and bars at Gabriel's Wharf. Check out contemporary art priced from £25 to £500 at Southbank Printmakers, Wagumi's Japanese design products and Ganesha Indian homeware.
Don't miss: Oxo Tower's small shops and galleries.

7. Redchurch Street, Shoreditch

In hip Shoreditch, it's all about Redchurch Street these days! With hot menswear from Aubin & Wills,Hostem and Sunspel, as well as funky home accoutrements from Labour & Wait and Caravan, you won't be disappointed.
Don't miss: Check out nearby Brick Lane, famous for its authentic curry restaurants and vintage fashion shops.

8. Greenwich Market

Thousands of tourists flock to Greenwich's maritime attractions but many of them may miss the excellent shopping on offer in this historic area of London. The main attraction is Greenwich Market, open Tuesday to Sunday, surrounding which you'll find shops and eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.
Don't miss: Nauticalia for all of your nautical needs!

9. Shepherd Market

Situated in London's Mayfair, the charming Shepherd Market square features small art galleries, Victorian pubs and stylish boutiques. Treat yourself to a Cuban Cigar from Alfie Turmaus Tobacconist, shop for luxury leather at Bill Amberg and enjoy a traditional pub meal at Ye Grapes.
Don't miss: Le Boudin Blanc, one of London's favourite French restaurants.

10. Stoke Newington Church Street

It's easy to see why North London's "Stokey" is firmly on the cool-retail radar. As well as some awesome children's shops, there's an eclectic mix of vintage and modern fashion stores includingStrut for pre-loved designer gear, HUB for cool contemporary clothing and Askew for funky eyewear.
Don't miss: a post-retail ramble in Abney Park Cemetery.

11. King's Road

The King's Road in Chelsea has serious street cred. It was the location for popular hippy hangout The Chelsea Drugstore in the 1960s, the birthplace of punk in the 1970s (Vivienne Westwood's first shop was here) and is today enjoyed by the well-heeled Made in Chelsea set.
Don't miss: Bluebird Restaurant – a Made in Chelsea fave!

12. Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill

A 10-minute walk from buzzing Camden Market, Primrose Hill is a more refined shopping experience. With quality clothing and footwear boutiques, cosy restaurants, pubs and cafes, picturesque canals and city views, you can see why it's so popular with celebs and plebs alike.
Don't miss: The original Primrose Bakery on Gloucester Avenue which has to-die-for cupcakes.

13. Chiswick High Road

South London's antidote to shopping sameness, Chiswick High Road offers independent stores as well as favourite high-street names. From antique and retro furniture at The Old Cinema and luscious chocolates at Philip Neal, you'll be able to find something original here.
Don't miss: Macken Bros meat, for Michelin-starred produce.

14. Walthamstow Market

The longest street market in London, Walthamstow Market (Tuesday to Saturday) has around 500 stalls selling mostly fresh produce and food that reflects the area's ethnic diversity. Walthamstow High Street (where the market is held) is also great for craft supplies, fabric and textiles.
Don't miss: nearby William Morris Gallery, particularly for arts and crafty types!

15. Exmouth Market

Lots of people head to Exmouth Market near London's Kings Cross for food, but it's less well known for its shops. There are some real finds here, including Bagman & Robin leathergoods, Family Treedesigner gifts and bespoke furniture at White & Reid.
Don't miss: Coffee at Caravan or a meal at Moro – after all, it would be a shame to ignore the food completely!