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These Are the Best Spots in London for History Buffs, Foodies, and Everyone in Between, According to a Top Travel Advisor
These Are the Best Spots in London for History Buffs, Foodies, and Everyone in Between, According to a Top Travel Advisor

Travel + Leisure

time2 days ago

  • Travel + Leisure

These Are the Best Spots in London for History Buffs, Foodies, and Everyone in Between, According to a Top Travel Advisor

I was once asked how many times I have been to London. The answer is that I lost count years ago. But even after 60 years, there's always something new to experience. As a less-seasoned visitor, it can feel overwhelming to make an itinerary for a city so vibrant and expansive, but it doesn't have to be. After decades of planning trips to London for a living, I've gathered my favorite must-visit spots for every type of traveler, so deciding where to go can be a breeze. Plus, some tips and tricks for seeing the sights without the crowds. A sunny day at Westminster Abbey. London is about 2,000 years old, so it's a history lover's heaven. One must-visit spot is the crypt of All Hallows Church, which was founded by the Abbey of Barking in the year 675 AD. It has surprising American connections: William Penn was baptized there, and John Quincy Adams married his British wife, Louisa, there. To experience the historic Westminster Abbey without the crowds—or a ticket—attend a short 8:00 a.m. service in one of the chapels. Tuesday service is particularly special because it's held in St. Edward's Chapel, which is usually off-limits to the public. London's West End theatres at night. London is home to hundreds of museums, but a few stand out from the rest. Sir John Soane's Museum on Lincoln's Inn Field in the Holborn neighborhood is a museum that actually consists of three early-19th-century townhouses. In it, you'll find architectural models that the artist used for his own projects; his personal collection of sculptures, drawings, and paintings, including 18th-century English artist William Hogarth's famous series A Rake's Progress ; and even the famed sculpture, the Sarcophagus of Seti I. The National Gallery is always a must-visit spot, but if it's too crowded, try The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House on the Strand instead—here, the impressionist collection alone is breathtaking. For those who enjoy performance art, West End theatre is iconic, but ticket prices can be quite high. Instead, check out Off West End performances to catch smaller-scale, less traditional productions. Shakespeare's Globe, located on the south bank of the River Thames in Southwark, is another great venue. Standing tickets in the Yard at the foot of the stage are a more affordable option—but just be aware that a ticket in this area means standing in an uncovered area for the entire two- to three-hour performance. Fortnum & Mason's detailed store is a dream in London. My two favorite shops are right next door to each other in the Piccadilly Circus area of the city: Hatchard's and Fortnum & Mason. Hatchard's, one of the oldest book shops in England, is a bookworm's paradise, with five stories full of every genre imaginable. And although Fortnum & Mason is known for its gourmet tea, don't miss the upper floors, which are full of household and decorative treasures. Plus, the on-site restaurant, the Parlour, is perfect for a quick break from shopping. Aside from the restaurant's innovative ice cream sundaes and floats, visitors can snack on classic British treats like Welsh rarebit (melted cheese on toast) and toasted crumpets. When leaving the store, be sure to head across the street right before the hour to watch the clock chime—Mr. Fortnum pops out to bow to Mr. Mason. Experience London sights while enjoying afternoon tea on Brigit's Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. claudiodivizia/Getty Images Although English cuisine is often overlooked, London is a surprisingly robust foodie destination. For modern British fare with a Spanish twist, book a table at Kitty Fisher's in Shepherd Market, which was once a Georgian bakery (the old ovens are still in the basement). And you can't go to London without having afternoon tea, so kill two birds with one stone by booking a table on the top deck of Brigit's Afternoon Tea Bus London Sightseeing Tour, a vintage double decker that takes visitors to see all the sights while indulging on cakes and scones. Despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, there are still plenty of lesser-known treasures in London. For instance, visitors can see the changing of the guard at the much-less-crowded Horse Guards Parade instead of the Buckingham Palace, and go to the Royal Horticultural Society's Hampton Court Garden Festival in July instead of the renowned Chelsea Flower Show in May. If you're visiting in May but can't get tickets to the Chelsea, spend the morning off Sloane Square on Pavilion Road, where local shops create spectacular floral displays of their own. Other, quirkier experiences include Postman's Park, a public park that houses a memorial dedicated to "ordinary" individuals who died saving the lives of others, and The Postal Museum, where visitors can ride through the hidden tunnels of Mail Rail, a narrow, driverless underground railway originally designed to transport mail throughout the city. If you're up for an active challenge, try climbing up the 334-step spiral stairwell of the Elizabeth Tower to see Big Ben up close. Ellen LeCompte is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in U.K. trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with LeCompte by contacting her at [email protected] .

Budget woes jeopardize plan for costly new D.C. Archives building
Budget woes jeopardize plan for costly new D.C. Archives building

Washington Post

time13-07-2025

  • General
  • Washington Post

Budget woes jeopardize plan for costly new D.C. Archives building

Archivist Lopez D. Matthews Jr. took a gray storage box from the safe and withdrew a folder containing a copy of the last will and testament of President John Quincy Adams, who died in Washington in 1848. Among other things, Adams had left his son, Charles Francis, pew number fifty-four in the family church in Quincy, Massachusetts, pew number five in the church gallery, and the family tomb in the adjacent grave yard.

Famous birthdays for July 11: Lil' Kim, Stephen Lang
Famous birthdays for July 11: Lil' Kim, Stephen Lang

Yahoo

time11-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Famous birthdays for July 11: Lil' Kim, Stephen Lang

July 11 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Cancer. They include: -- Scottish King Robert the Bruce in 1274 -- John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the United States, in 1767 -- Writer E.B. White in 1899 -- Actor Yul Brynner in 1920 -- Critic Harold Bloom in 1930 -- Fashion designer Giorgio Armani in 1934 (age 91) -- Musician Bonnie Pointer (Pointer Sisters) in 1950 -- Actor Bruce McGill in 1950 (age 75) -- Actor Stephen Lang in 1952 (age 73) -- Boxer Leon Spinks in 1953 -- Actor Mindy Sterling in 1953 (age 72) -- Actor Sela Ward in 1956 (age 69) -- Musician Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) in 1957 (age 68) -- Musician Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) in 1959 (age 66) -- Musician Suzanne Vega in 1959 (age 66) -- Actor Lisa Rinna in 1963 (age 62) -- Musician Scott Shriner (Weezer) in 1965 (age 60) -- Actor Debbe Dunning in 1966 (age 59) -- Actor Greg Grunberg in 1966 (age 59) -- Writer Jhumpa Lahiri in 1967 (age 58) -- TV personality John Henson in 1967 (age 58) -- TV naturalist Jeff Corwin in 1967 (age 58) -- Actor Justin Chambers in 1970 (age 55) -- Musician Lil' Kim in 1975 (age 50) -- Actor David Henrie in 1989 (age 36) -- Musician Alessia Cara in 1996 (age 29)

Massachusetts Historical Society names new president
Massachusetts Historical Society names new president

Boston Globe

time27-06-2025

  • General
  • Boston Globe

Massachusetts Historical Society names new president

Founded in 1791, the Advertisement Among the MHS's most storied holdings are the Adams Family Papers, which includes the papers of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, and an extensive archive of Thomas Jefferson's papers. One of those papers is Jefferson's hand-written copy of the Declaration of Independence. Although primarily a research and archival institution, the MHS offers programs for the general public, including lectures and exhibitions. Currently on exhibit is Catherine Allgor was MHS president from 2017 to 2024. The interim president, Brenda Lawson, will return to her position as senior vice president in September, when Krassner arrives at the society's Back Bay headquarters, at 1154 Boylston St. Advertisement Mark Feeney can be reached at

Fortifying goodwill, protecting gains
Fortifying goodwill, protecting gains

Business Recorder

time25-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Business Recorder

Fortifying goodwill, protecting gains

Abigail Adams, mother of John Quincy Adams (a founding father and the sixth president of the USA) wrote to him at the height of the revolution, 'It is not in the still calm of life or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed', further she wrote, '...the habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues'. Our leadership has arrived, finally. Pakistan has turned over a new leaf in its foreign policy construction. From several years of being isolated internationally, the phoenix has arisen from the ashes. Now, we must consolidate the gains. From the democratic turmoil that began in 1988, following the air crash of Gen Ziaul Haq and subsequent elections to the politically self-inflicted coup of 1999, Pakistan has been on the see- saw of trying to balance between accusations of being the hotbed of the rise of terrorism to being the front line state, during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and later the war on terror involving Afghanistan. Between the period 1999 and 2008, the semi- Democratic/military dispensation at Islamabad, held us in good stead, at least in terms of the economic growth. The suspicion of the West that we were playing on both sides of the field gained traction, which led to the dilution of support to the then government. Isolation had begun. Benazir Bhutto rallied for 'reconciliation' and almost achieved it. A sad and tragic moment it was for Pakistan that she was taken out by an assassin's bullet. Her martyrdom turned the tables upside down for the then government. The unprecedented sympathy vote allowed for PPP to form the government. Having signed the Charter of Democracy, all parties, particularly PML- N, were less acrimonious towards the government. The guns towards each were defanged—more of ' friendly fire'. However, during this period IK's cannons were blazing full steam. The 2013 elections witnessed an extremely peaceful transition from one democratic setup to another. Till the 2018 elections a lot of water passed under the bridge — crises arising out of Memo-gate, Panama paper leaks, Osama bin Laden' s capture from near Kakul academy, etc., were deftly handled by Pakistan. We survived the onslaught of global criticism. The 2018 elections brought in a new face to the government. Since 1988, there were two parties playing the musical chairs in Islamabad. 30 years later there was no representation of the two major arch rivals in the federal setup. IK's government was learning on the job, most cabinet were first time members. The intent to make Pakistan a stronger country was never in doubt, but the domestic squabbling deeply affected our foreign relationships. Following the success of the no- confidence motion (however dirty it may have been) a coalition government was ushered in. A quick turnaround to the damage caused due to inexperience, to the national economy, became the primary agenda. It paid limited dividends. The 2024 general election was as controversial as can be; it led to the installation of yet another coalition government where PPP refused to take any role in the federal government. There was unquestionable support from the establishment. India, which pinned hopes on perceived divisions in the polity of Pakistan, indulged in adventurism (2025). They thought a miserably divided nation will be a walk through the park. The contrary happened. India united us more formidably than ever before. In the duel initiated by India, the world witnessed in admiration how our armed forces were prepared. The state of preparedness shocked the wits out of the Indians. We struck back to their belligerent attacks by downing their five aircrafts, including the much-touted, pride of Indian air force, the French-built 'Rafale'!! Since then Pakistan has been peaking on the international circuit. Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, in the traditions of a kinetic Z. A. Bhutto, has been ferrying across to Capitals in the region, seeking political support, a fair understanding of our views on Kashmir/India, while simultaneously seeking out economic opportunities, inclusive of overseas investment into Pakistan. On the international landscape, the support from Turkiye and China has been exemplary. The intervention of the United States, in particular President Donald Trump's step to stop and cease the hostilities/ war, is a remarkable event in recent history of the subcontinent. This favoured us to see the USA in the forefront in accepting our narrative. India was nervous and edgy—the leadership was in a state of bewilderment. They asked and submitted to a ceasefire, arranged by Donald Trump. Now they are crying foul that they didn't. The world doesn't buy India's falsehood anymore. Pakistan has been lauded from Dhaka to Baku, from Dushanbe to Abu Dhabi and from Beijing to Washington. This achievement is real. It has come our way after a very long time. The last notable expression of support from the USA was in 1974, when while welcoming Z A Bhutto, at Andrew Air Force Base hangar, Richard Nixon, the President had said: 'the territorial integrity and solidarity of Pakistan is a cornerstone of American foreign policy.' Donald Trump in the last few weeks has publicly appreciated Pakistan and Pakistanis. This augurs well for us. We have a natural tendency to praise and self appreciate ourselves liberally and lavishly. Let's pause our self-appreciation. Pakistan stands tall today in the comity of nations. However, we have still a lot more to do and achieve. Let's not beguile ourselves and lose direction. We must not lose this moment of opportunity. Our Foreign Policy must be revisited to include a target of furthering economic relations while seeking diplomatic engagements of fruitful outcomes. The Deputy Prime Minister has done well to send young Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari as head of the delegation to various important world capitals. He has surprised his critics. He carried himself well, with great maturity, soberity and placid posturing before the carnivorous media. This is an opportune time for us to strengthen economic relations with our friends in Beijing, Washington, Riyadh, Doha, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi in particular and with all other republics of Central Asia. Azerbaijanis openly celebrated our win against India. We must seek them out for greater economic collaboration. Riyadh is experiencing unheard of economic boom; we must engage to look beyond political support. Prime minister Sharif with his personal rapport with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman must translate this friendship into a strong and formidable economic bonds. We must move towards a comprehensive 15- 20 year economic plan, which must offer consolidation of gains made and a new format of the terms of engagement with our overseas investors. Shashi Tharoor's visit to various countries has crashed. They were unable to sell falsehood. The major world Capitals are unwilling to purchase India's narrative regarding the Pahalgam incident. India consistently is making wrong moves. Blinded by the lens of hate, and in a state of spite and anger, the leadership is behaving irrationally and immaturely. If S Jaishanker is at loss words, it speaks volumes of how confused the leadership. Modi was first given a cold shoulder by G- 7. An invitation was literally extracted, which proved to be of little help. He got no chance to meet President Trump. He however faced insulting protests from a large Sikh community whose demand for independent Khalistan is only growing. They have completely alienated the minorities, including the Sikhs. Their demand is compelling. If this wasn't enough to cause ripples in New Delhi, the unprecedented lunch hosted by President Donald Trump in honour of our Field Marshal and army chief Asim Munir ripped the Indian narrative into shreds. President Trump then and since then has on numerous occasions expressed that he loves Pakistan and Pakistanis. He also mentions about the bait thrown at Modi of trade opportunities. Modi is confused to bite the bait or not; both ways, he has already done a political Harakiri. India is stunned!! Pakistan played a master stroke by nominating President Donald Trump for Nobel Peace prize—- an award that will be controversial, given the US complicity seen in Gaza. However, he did successfully broker a ceasefire and doused the fire of a possible nuclear engagement between the two nuclear-charged neighbours. As a footnote to this piece, what needs appreciation is while all this was happening, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister, through the courtesy of Beijing, signed a tripartite agreement with Afghanistan and in the quietness of the Kremlin, Tariq Fatemi, a polished diplomat, who is no stranger to the Russians, progressed well with his diplomacy. Targets achieved. Significant bases covered. All events have stood in favour of Pakistan. We must not squander this goodwill. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

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