Must Do Visits: National Gallery, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace

National Gallery, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace are my favourite cultural visits. I STRONGLY recommend them; they are MAJESTIC and an integral part of Britain’s heritage.

I have always loved the National Gallery and have visited it countless times. Let me show you my favourite paintings exhibited there: Diego Vélazquez, The Toilet of Venus (1647-51); Thomas Gainsborough, Mrs Siddons (1785); Louis-Léopold Boilly, A Girl at a Window (after 1799); Vincent van Gogh, Sunflowers (1888).

At St. Paul’s Cathedral I learnt that plenty of important events took place there. For instance, Dr. Martin Luther King preached there in 1964 just before receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.  The hardest thing was climbing the steps to the dome, but I was rewarded with stunning views over London.

(Interior photos are not permitted, but I was naughty and couldn’t help taking one photo with my smartphone. God forgive me, but it was for a good cause).

Buckingham Palace is the most beautiful and elegant living palace that I have ever visited. In spite of the loooooong queue and security checks, once inside I forgot all the hassle. I visited the State Rooms, the Picture Gallery, the Palace Gardens, the Dining Room….everything was sublime. (Interior photos are not permitted).

 I hope you enjoy this short tour.

Portobello Market

From their website: “Portobello Market is the world’s largest antiques market with over 1,000 dealers selling every kind of antique and collectible. It is several markets in one. Visitors flock from all over the world to discover one of London’s best loved landmarks which contains the most extensive selection of antiques in Britain.”

Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill

Main market on Saturdays

Tube: Notting Hill Gate Station

Fancy a drink? London Pubs

The Red Lion Pub

Of those that I know, this pub which is near the hotel in Westminster, is my favourite. I was told that the pies here are excellent (I will try them next time). Well, it was crowded with office people coming to chill out, the atmosphere was really nice, and this old medieval tavern converted into a pub is just splendid. I adore the little hanging pots of fresh colourful flowers. They give a fairy tale look to this pub. The Red Lion is probably the best pub in the city for lovers of political history.

The Red Lion

48 Parliament Street

London SW1A 2NH

Tel: +44 20 7930 5826

www.redlionwestminster.co.uk

Imperial Pub

We came here late one night for a pint. We enjoyed a joyful and relaxing evening with a welcoming ambiance.

This 150 year old Victorian pub is nicely situated just a stone's throw from Leicester Square and it is absolutely perfect. Many celebrities, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, have enjoyed a drink here (sadly I learned this after my visit).

Imperial Pub

5 Leicester Street

Soho

London WC2H 7BL

Tel: +44 20 7437 6573

www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub/imperial-soho

The Leicester Arms Pub

Before saying goodbye to London I came here for a Pimm's (a British summer cocktail). I loved the atmosphere of The Leicester Arms and its cachet, a truly charming Victorian pub open since 1898.

The Leicester Arms Pub

44 Glasshouse Street

Piccadilly

London, W1B 5DP

Tel: +44 207 7347 641

www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub/leicester-arms-piccadilly