 Dear Anglophiles: So, yours truly must take a break from blogging. No, I'm not abandoning ship . . . just letting it stay anchored at the pier for a while. I'll miss all of you! And, with much gratitude in my heart, I thank all who have emailed and sent messages over the years, sharing your fondness of my website and your love of Britain.
Cheerio! Bye for now! Zella
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Britain loves old. Old anything—churches, castles, thatched cottages, traditions. It’s a good thing they are fond of "old," because they have so much of it. Indeed, winning the title of “oldest” carries great weight in Britain. To illustrate the point, I offer this story about the battle by several businesses to win the title of "oldest brewery in Britain.”
The family-owned brewery Shepherd Neame, located in Kent, boasts that it is Britain’s oldest brewery—and it’s holding on to the title with a clinched fist. The Neame family bought their brewery in 1741—but the brewery’s previous owner, Richard Marsh, had been producing beer in the brewery since 1698. Wow! That’s old, right?! Well, actually . . . no. Another brewery, Young’s, now part of Wells & Young’s Brewing Company (UK’s largest private brewers and makers of those Bombadiers we all swill), say they are oldest. They claim, “traditional draught bitter has been produced on the site of Young’s brewery since 1581.” Wow! 1581! Surely, Wells & Young win “the oldest” game! Uhh, nope. Not exactly. First of all, in 1831, Young’s bought the Ram Brewery, located in London, and indeed, Ram had been around since 1581….however, Wells & Young closed that brewing site in 2006. They don’t use it anymore. They changed locations. Consequently, most argue that Wells and Young’s nipped their “oldest” claim in the bud. So in 2006, Shepherd Neame gleefully moved back to first place in the “oldest” game. And to add steroids to their claim, a local historian who is the brewery’s archivist, says he found evidence that the Young site has produced brew since 1573, which beats the Wells & Young’s 1581 date anyway. Game over, right? Haha! Fat chance. The small regional brewery, Adnams, located in Southwold, Suffolk, say they have proof that beer has been produced on their site since 1345. Adnams cites a document declaring that “Johanna de Corby and 17 other ‘ale wives’ of Southwold were charged by the manorial court with breaking the assize of ale.” Wow. 1345. Adnams surely wins the title! Right?.... Well, I'll put it this way: Adnams would snatch the trophy if they could, but they can’t seem to wrest it from Shepherd Neame. Both contenders hold tight to their “oldest” claim, but most news articles cite Shepherd Neame as the oldest. Perhaps Adnam’s “ale wives” court document doesn’t make a strong enough case. Either way, the battle rages on….
I LIKES A DROP OF GOOD BEER, I DOES
by Barclay Perkins
Dear Anglophiles: With the holiday season in full swing, your thoughts, like mine, may be drifting across the pond, leaving you wondering about British Christmas traditions. Just what are they, and where did they come from?
Like in the US, Britain’s most popular traditions include a Christmas tree, gift-giving, hanging stockings, and a special dinner, typically with family and/or close friends. Other traditions, both here and across the pond, include sending Christmas cards (though I think that may be a dying tradition . . . Thanks, Internet), attending church, and singing Christmas carols. But what traditions in the US and the UK differ? Three traditions, unique to the UK, stand out: the annual Queen’s Christmas message, “Christmas crackers,” and dinner foods—especially desserts.
1. THE QUEEN’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
The annual “Queen’s Christmas message” (or “King’s Christmas message,” depending on the gender of the reigning monarch) is a tradition started in 1932, when King George V addressed his empire in a radio broadcast on Christmas day, urging people to work for peace and to seek “prosperity without self-seeking.” (Sound advice yet today, I dare say!) Since 1952, the queen has delivered the Christmas message. This year, her message is expected to last about 10 minutes and to air in Britain on television at 3 pm, on BBC1, ITV, Sky 1, and Sky News—as well as on BBC Radio 4. All right, history buffs, here is the Queen’s very first Christmas message in 1952! And here is the Queen’s Christmas message last year, in 2016. Compare the messages! 2. CHRISTMAS CRACKERS A “Christmas cracker” is a small, decorated, cardboard tube that breaks apart with a snap, revealing a small prize inside—usually a paper crown or hat or a trinket of some kind. (Think: Cracker Jack prize—if anyone still remembers what those are!) Two people, each pulling on different ends, cause the cracker to break unevenly, and whoever gets the larger piece wins the prize inside. Or, more equitably, each person keeps the prize inside his or her own cracker regardless of who breaks off the larger piece. (Whoo-hoo for equality! Who wants to walk away on Christmas with no cracker prize?!) As you undoubtedly know, the dear Duchess of Cambridge (the former Kate Middle), Prince William’s wife, comes from the family that owns Party Pieces, a very successful party-supply company in Britain. Click below to see the Christmas crackers offered by Party Pieces in their online store. 3. CHRISTMAS DINNER The British Study Centres (a group of English language schools) determined that the follow foods are the 10 most common for Christmas dinner in the UK. (There are, however, slight regional variances amongst the menus in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). * Turkey * Stuffing * Gravy * Roasted potatoes * Cranberry sauce * Brussels sprouts * Yorkshire pudding * Trifle * Mince pies * Pigs in Blankets About half of these foods sounds very familiar to American ears, right? If you're unsure what the more unusual items are, check out Anglophiles United's food glossary, below. Similar to the US, villages and towns across the UK decorate with holiday lights, a tradition popular in Nordic and other countries too, to brighten the extra long days with cheerful twinkling. London's Oxford Street, a major shopping area, is renowned for its lights, and each year, a different celebrity is invited to switch them on. (This year, on November 7, Rita Ora had the honor.) Below is a video of Oxford Street all lit up! In fact, much of London is ablaze with lights at this time of year. Check out this video of sites all around central London: If you read about Christmas traditions around the world, you soon realize how countries, far and wide, have adopted customs or foods or drinks from each other—and Britain is no different. The UK has borrowed from countries as far-flung as the Middle East and Mexico. Here is an interesting article from The Telegraph pointing out the countries of origin of Britain’s most common Christmas traditions.
HAPPY HOLIDAY TO ALL THOSE WHO STOP BY ANGLOPHILES UNITED! I APPRECIATE YOU GREATLY!
~ Zella
Dear Anglophiles: I received an email filled with exquisitely pixelated images of Britain. The images brought such a smile to my face, I knew I simply must share them with you. I hope they make you smile, too! I thank Luke Doyle of NeoMam Studios for giving these wonderful British scenes their retro pixel-art treatment and the fine folks at Holiday Cottages, in the UK.
8 ICONIC BRITISH SCENES IN 16-BIT
Are you a child of the '80s? Did you grow up with a Gameboy permanently attached to your hands? Or maybe you were more of a Sega person. Whether you spent your childhood pretending to be an Italian plumber or a blue hedgehog, these pixelated iconic British scenes are likely to get those nostalgia juices flowing. They might even give you an idea for your next day-trip.
White Cliffs of Dover (Kent, England)
No sight is more thoroughly buried into the nation's consciousness as the gateway to Britain than the White Cliffs of Dover. The clifftops have inspired artists and writers for centuries – and it’s not hard to see why. They represent quintessential British ideals like hope and resilience in the most difficult of times. They also make the perfect backdrop for a romantic stroll. A wander along the coastal path provides breathtaking views of both the sea and lush countryside. 
Castlefield Canals with Beetham Tower (Manchester, England)
This area was the bustling terminus of the Bridgewater Canal during the Industrial Revolution. For many, Castlefield is now an oasis of calm within Manchester city centre – a place to eat lunch or escape from the masses. It’s the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park, which protects and preserves its canals and cobbles, making it a tranquil traffic-free haven. Looming in the background is the modern, 48-story Beetham Tower. Standing at 171 metres tall, you can hear it whistling on a windy day. 
Borough Market (London, England)
From fresh bread to fruits and veggies, cakes to oils and teas, Borough Market has it all. Dating back to the 13th century, the market is renowned for its wide selection of produce from all over the world. Thousands of tourists hit the market daily, sampling gourmet food from Britain and beyond at more than 100 shops, stalls, and restaurants. Located right next to London Bridge just a few steps from the Thames, there are few locations that so evocatively epitomise the capital. 
Blackpool Central Pier (Blackpool, England)
If you grew up in the '80s, before the advent of cheap air travel, chances are you spent a few summer holidays on this beach. But it’s not all over for the iconic tower; with 8.6 million visitors last year, Blackpool is the UK’s most popular seaside destination. By night, it is beautifully lit, and from September until November, the whole seafront explodes with light. Stretching for 10 kilometres and using over one million bulbs, the Blackpool Illuminations are an awesome spectacle that must be seen to be believed. 
Riding the West Highland Line over the
Glenfinnan Viaduct (Glenfinnan,Scotland) There’s no better way to see the West Coast of Scotland than by train. The ride is full of stunning views, and none more so than Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument, both of which can be seen while crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This charming railway bridge was immortalised when the Hogwarts Express passed over it in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Take this train journey and we’re sure you’ll agree: the views are truly magical. 
Glastonbury Festival at night (Somerset, England)
Whether it’s music, dance, comedy, theatre, circus, or cabaret that you want, Glastonbury Festival has something for everyone. The five-day festival of contemporary performing arts is sometimes a mudfest and always unforgettable. In recent years, the Pyramid Stage has hosted Beyonce, Radiohead, and Kanye West, amongst others. You’ll have to be up early to secure your tickets though – they usually sell out in under half an hour. 
Angel of the North (Gateshead, England)
Antony Gormley's “Angel of the North” sculpture was made from 200 tonnes of steel and can withstand winds of more than 100 miles per hour. It perfectly evokes northern England's industrial past. Standing 20 metres high with wingspan of 54 metres, the sculpture dominates the skyline and dwarfs all who get up close and personal. It’s an awe inspiring sight and, since spreading its wings in 1998, has become one of the most popular and talked about pieces of public art ever produced. 
Walk up Snowdon (Snowdonia National Park, Wales)
At an elevation of 1,085 metres above sea level, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales. It’s also the busiest mountain in the United Kingdom, with around half a million visitors every year. There are many paths up Snowdon, each catering to a different skill level. Whichever one you choose, it’s sure to be an exhilarating and mind-blowing experience, with breathtaking views every step of the way. These quintessential British scenes are some of the most iconic and popular destinations for visitors looking to find the true spirit of the United Kingdom. There’s truly something for everyone here. Although if the pixel art has you feeling nostalgic, maybe you’ll only get as far as the nearest arcade...
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Many of us are in the clutches of winter right now, but I have a sure remedy for pulling Anglophiles out of their winter doldrums . . . start planning a trip to Britain, of course!
London is the city most tourists fly into when visiting the UK. If you have a short holiday, it’s easy to think time will not allow you to stray from the city, but au contraire! In a previous post, I touted Oxford as one of my favorite day-trips out of London. Trains and buses carry you to Oxford in less than one hour, and they offer frequent departures throughout the day. Easy-peasy, right? While Oxford is an easy day trip from London, the fact is, the town deserves more than a day visit. But either way, you'll never regret seeing this "crown jewel" of Britain. I recently received a promo about Oxford that I'm sharing, below. It made me all wistful and nostalgic, and now, I'm itching to cross the pond (again). You, too, can read it and weep--then book that flight to Britain!
25 Reasons to Visit Oxford
Oxford is renowned worldwide for its University, winding streets, and eclectic architecture. It's one of the most exciting cities to visit in the UK! Here are a just a few of the reasons why you’ll love the City of Dreaming Spires...
1. The famous Oxford skyline. Oxford’s famous skyline is a wonder to behold! It inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to dub Oxford “the city of dreaming spires”. 2. The architecture. Oxford is an ancient place of learning with monastic institutions, schools, and universities—all with marvellous architecture. Visitors are in awe of St. George’s Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Divinity School, Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Observatory, and Ashmolean Museum. 3. It's a movie set. Oxford frequently appears on the silver screen, and you can explore the famous movie locations. Films in Oxford and Oxfordshire range from Harry Potter to Midsomer Murders and from Downton Abbey to Inspector Morse. 4. You can walk or bike everywhere. Oxford scores high on the walkability index. Whether you hire a bike or stay on foot, navigating around town couldn’t be easier. 5. It's a book worm's paradise. Oxford is known for its literary giants including J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carol. Throughout the city, you’ll find haunts of the great Oxford writers—their homes, watering holes, and schools. The city is also home to the world’s largest bookseller! Blackwell’s Bookshop is the largest bookstore chain in the world, and the huge Oxford branch takes up multiple buildings. The shop’s famous Norrington Room alone houses over 100,000 books. 6. The Covered Market. This trading post goes back to 1774 and is today home to over 55 stores, stalls and food outlets. You’ll find a delectable array of fresh foods including fresh fish, flowers, fruits, vegetables and even furniture! 7. Plenty of independent stores. Oxford is packed with indie stores you’ll not find anywhere else. Among the streets, alleys, and markets, you’ll find everything from bespoke furniture to gifts, clothing, and more. 8. Great pubs and restaurants. Oxford is loved by foodies and tipplers alike. As with all the best ancient British cities, Oxford has fabulous pubs, such as the famous Eagle & Child—it also has many independent cafes and restaurants, many of which pride themselves on using local ingredients. As one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse cities, the town offers many exciting eating adventures! 9. The Colleges. Oxford is perhaps best known for its educational institutions and these do not stop with the University. With 38 constituent colleges and 6 permanent private halls, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to visiting these iconic buildings. 10. The University of Oxford. The University of Oxford is one of the oldest, most respected universities in the world. Its illustrious alumni include 26 British Prime Ministers, at least 30 international heads of state, 50 Nobel Prize winners, and 120 Olympic medal winners. And you don’t have to be an alumnus to enjoy the school’s beauty. Anyone can walk around the many colleges and learn about their colourful histories. 11. The Pitt Rivers Museum. The Pitt Rivers Museum boasts one of the best anthropology and archaeology collections in the world. Amongst its collection of over 500,000 items, you’ll find curios from the Pacific Islands, pigeon whistles, and cultural artefacts from all over the globe. 12. Botanic Garden. The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. Founded as a physic garden in 1621, the Botanic Garden grew plants for medicinal research. Today it contains over 8,000 different species on 4.5 acres, making it one of the most diverse—yet compact—collections of plants in the world, with representatives from over 90 percent of the world’s plant families. 13. Ashmolean Museum. The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. Founded in 1683, the world-famous collection ranges from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. The Ashmolean has something for everyone and adds to the city’s gravitas as a place of learning, culture, and history. 14. Oxford Castle. Explore 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle, one of many historical sites that make up the very bones of the city. Let the Castle’s costumed guides take you on an interactive tour through the castle while you learn the history of Oxford. 15. Blenheim Palace. World Heritage Site, historic house, movie location, and home to the Dukes of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is one of England’s most iconic buildings. Located just outside the city, the palace is a great place to explore year round with rooms and gardens that are magical. 16. Old school cinema. If you want an authentic cinematic experience, visit The Ultimate Picture Palace. Watch recent releases from around the world as well as old classics in a beautiful Art Deco auditorium. 17. Spectacular shows. Oxford is home to a variety of theatres and playhouses, both musical and theatrical. New Theatre Oxford is known for its famous Broadway shows, and the Oxford Playhouse showcases the best of British and international drama, family shows, and more. 18. Open air theatre. The Oxford Shakespeare Company is a critically acclaimed, open-air, site-specific theatre that performs fresh and inspiring productions of Shakespeare and other classic playwrights. Their shows are interactive with the environment and place a strong emphasis on music and costume, allowing the audience to enjoy fully the world of the play. 19. Punting down the river. Oxford used to be known as “Oxenford” (“a place where ox cross a river”) because the Isis is like a millpond, making it perfect for punting. This warm-weather, must-do, boating activity is perfect for enjoying the city and sunshine. Fun fact: “Oxford” and “Bosphorus” (the famous strait that separates Europe and Asia) mean the same thing! 20. The countryside. Oxford is surprisingly modest in its urbanisation, so the British countryside is never far away. Drive ten minutes out of the city, and you’re in the expansive green of Oxfordshire or, better yet, take a stroll around the city’s many picturesque parks. Explore Bury Knowle Park, Cutteslowe Park, Christ Church Meadows, Port Meadow, the River Thames, South Park, University Parks, Wolvercote Lakes, and the Oxford. Walk 10 minutes from the city centre in almost any direction and feel like you’re in the country! 21. May Day celebrations. May Morning, celebrated on the 1st of May each year, is an Oxford tradition. This celebration, marking the coming of spring, kicks off at 6am, with the Magdalen College choir singing Hymnus Eucharisticus from the Great Tower. Drink in the atmosphere as the bells ring out across the city for 20 minutes, then immerse yourself in the fun that follows, including Morris Men dancing and live music. 22. Wilderness Festival. Wilderness is a boutique festival for those who like things on the alternative side—a festival that makes you think. This hipsters’ paradise featuring long table banquets, parties in the woods, talks, live music, and much more, kicks off every August just outside of town. The festival offers something for everybody. 23. Cowley Road Carnival. Cowley Road Carnival takes place annually on the first Sunday of July. Carnival celebrates all that is special and unique about the Oxford Community, bringing together different cultures and myriad social backgrounds. With over 30 stages and cultural activity zones, the festival spans across 32 roads and public green spaces—a site over one mile long! 24. Christmas Lights Festival. If you like Christmas, you’ll love Oxford—the town goes the extra mile during this festive season. Be dazzled by light and sound installations, performances, interactive and digital projects, and the iconic lantern parade. 25. The People. In a place like Oxford, rich in history, education, philosophy, and culture, the residents are proud of their community and love sharing experiences. From the pub regulars to the shop assistants to the bus drivers, you’ll always find a friendly face in Oxford!
MORE POSTS ABOUT OXFORD
Dear Anglophiles: The news of Prince Harry's engagment to America's own Meghan Markle just couldn't be more exciting, could it? The couple strike me as well suited: They're both bright, attractive, out-going, genuine, and dedicated to humanitarian causes. Watching them together, one senses their love and deep attraction to each other.
The news is now abuzz with stories about the couple. I found an informative, 47-minute documentary that aired on Britain's Channel 4: When Harry Met Meghan: A Royal Romance. You can watch the documentary in its entirety, below. Enjoy!
Need a holiday gift for an Anglophile? Check out Anglophiles United gift shop! 
Call me old-fashioned, but I rue the day hansom cabs stopped being a form of public transport. As a kid, I was obsessed with Sherlock Holmes books, and those stories resulted in my holding a far more romantic view of hansom cabs than I reasonably should. In reality, I suspect they were cold, drafty, and uncomfortable. But in literature, a reader easily draws a different conclusion, focusing, instead, on the mystery and intrigue so often surrounding the carriages. During Victorian times, a woman riding in a hansom cab was quite scandalous. (A carriage for two--Oh mon dieu!) Proper ladies used the enclosed, four-seater carriage called a “landau.” Yet, when reading Sherlock Holmes novels, I always imagined myself zipping around London in the scandalous hansom, which was much faster and more maneuverable than the cumbersome landau. Weaving in and out of traffic in a forbidden carriage! Ooh la la! What fun! Scandal in London!
In Victorian times, Londoners also had transportation choices of horse-drawn trams and horse-drawn buses, but if one were in a hurry—as Mr. Sherlock Holmes frequently was—the hansom cab was the way to go, if one could afford it. The poor walked. The mass-transit trams and buses provided the lowest fares, but amongst the private carriages one could hire, hansom cabs were cheaper than landaus because they required only one horse, thus lowering the carriage owner’s operating expenses. Joseph Aloysius Hansom patented his cab design in 1834, billing the vehicle as a “safety cab” because the carriage’s center of gravity was lower than in other types of two-wheeled carriages, so the hansom had fewer accidents. Londoners wanting to summon a hansom cab had several options. One could prearrange with a cab driver to arrive at one’s door at a certain time. Or, if a cab was nearby, one could simply shout for it. If a cab was not nearby, one could pay a street urchin to run to the nearest stable or cabstand to fetch one. Or, as an upper-crust gent might do, one could purchase a cab-whistle and toot once for a four-wheeler or twice for a hansom. Check out this video dated 1896 showing various forms of London transportation crossing Blackfriars Bridge—including jaunty hansom cabs!
Dear Anglophiles: Remember Downton Abbey? Of course you do! (#NeverForget) The show, airing in over 250 countries or regions, was a global phenomenon that stole the hearts of Anglophiles everywhere! But still . . . we must be honest with ourselves. As time passes, the show’s fond memory is receding into the recesses of our minds. We remember it in the same way we recall a happy childhood memory. Like the family trip to Santa Claus Land. The bicycle we received for a birthday gift. . . .
Well. Do I have news for you, my Anglophile friends! Check out Downton Abbey, The Exhibition, an interactive, multi-million-dollar, museum-quality exhibit that's coming to New York City! The exhibit, presented by NBCUniversal Studios and Imagine Exhibitions, will be in NYC from November 18, 2017, to January 31, 2018. And don’t fret if you don’t live in NYC; the exhibit may well tour other US cities. The fully-immersive exhibition will allow attendees to tour re-created portions of Downton Abbey, such as Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen, the servant’s quarters, and the Crawley’s dining room. They’ll get to glimpse the lives of the Crawley family and their staff and see lavish costumes worn by the actors, including hats worn by the beloved Maggie Smith, the “dowager countess.” The exhibition will also provide historical context for the artifacts, discussing British culture of the post-Edwardian period, beginning with the sinking of the Titanic to the mid-1920’s. A special bonus will be behind-the-scenes, never-before-seen footage from the show! “Viewers all around the world continue to ask for more,” said Michael Edelstein, NBC studio president, in a released statement. “We are excited to expand the brand in a manner that few TV series could ever dream of doing.” Downton Abbey, The Exhibition will tour across the globe for the next few years, though other dates and locations have not yet been announced. To receive updates on the tours, register HERE. Fingers crossed that the exhibit will come to a city near you! Click the link below to see Downton Abbey, The Exhibition's website and to buy tickets for the event.
When I first moved to New York City over 20 years ago, I never wanted to leave. Not even for the weekend. When I traveled abroad, returning to New York, my beloved adopted city, was a highlight. Friends who had grown up here would ask me to go on weekend getaways to the Hamptons or Fire Island, and I’d look at them like they were crazy and say, “No way! There’s so much to do in the city on weekends!” I remember hearing my London friends express the same sentiment as my New York friends about getting away—writing to me about their great weekend in a little village or on the coast. “London is so gloomy!” they cried. Or, “I needed some peace and quiet!”
I didn’t think I’d ever become one of those people who wanted to get away, but guess what . . . I now am. It happens. A friend here in New York—one who shares my interest in botany and microbiology—and I recently decided we simply must visit “Micropia,” Amsterdam’s museum of microbiology, but we didn’t want to stay in the Netherlands, so after a brief jaunt to see the museum, we zipped over to London (via Eurostar and Thalys) to spend a couple of weeks. And I confess, as soon as I arrived, I felt an itch to flee . . . not from London but to one of the many wonderfully quiet spots within the city limits of London. Sure, I visited some tourist sites, some of my “old favorites.” (Who can go to London and not see a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, I say!) But nowadays, when I visit London, I seek nature and quietude. If you, too, enjoy flora, fauna, and serenity, perhaps you’ll enjoy some of my favorite London quiet spots:
* Kew Gardens (aka, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) – This lush, 300-acre garden features various greenhouses and over 30,000 different kinds of plants. The Garden offers five eateries, ranging from fast-food cafes to eloquent restaurants, and gift shops stocked with wonderful botany-themed items. My favorite spots within Kew Gardens are the Palm House, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, and the botanical art displays in the Marianne North Gallery. Kew Gardens is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
* Richmond Park – This remarkable, 2500-acre park is a nature preserve, conservation area, and a “Site of Special Scientific Interest.” The park teems with wildlife, and as you hike its trails, you’ll likely see many species of birds as well as deer and small game crossing your path. Especially lovely is stately Pembroke Lodge, situated on the park’s grounds, where you can have tea and lunch while looking out across the vast tract of forest and park lands. It doesn’t get more tranquil than this! * Chelsea Physic Garden – This garden (a mere 4 acres), also called “London’s secret garden,” is one of my very favorite London sites. Founded in 1673, the botanic garden’s mission was to train apprentices of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries how to identify and use medicinal plants. Its mission today remains education, albeit for the general public rather than for apothecaries. Plants in the garden bear fascinating labels explaining the plant’s medicinal properties—free tours by knowledgably docents are also offered. I never leave the garden without learning interesting factoids. One of the best features of the Chelsea Physic Garden is its topnotch café, “Tangerine Dream,” which serves scrumptious, fresh, homemade, organic foods. I can’t rave enough about this little treasure, located in Chelsea. * Hampstead Heath – Ahh, Hampstead Heath, where I go to (literally) get lost! This heath—a vast, 790-acre park filled with grasslands and woods—is simply amazing. Its paths zig and zag across the land, and at every turn, you’re choosing which to take. I always get lost in the heath, and I always find my way back. I recommend going on a weekday, when few people are there. Or during a misty rain. It’s magical! (Check the heath’s website and map to find entrance points to the heath. One can enter at numerous locations.) * Highgate Cemetery – If you’re accustomed to proper cemeteries with tidy, upright headstones, your jaw will drop at Highgate. This fabulously Gothic cemetery will make you feel like you’re in a Tim Burton or “Addams’ Family” movie. The cemetery is deathly quiet, fascinating, and beautiful. Its entrance is a bit of a hike from the train station but well worth the walk. (Be sure to check the cemetery’s website before going to get specific directions and hours of operation.)
 Dear Anglophiles: Here at Anglophiles United, my goal is to provide news, information, and entertainment that is British-themed for those who love Britain as much as I do. But today, I have a question for you! I'm heading to London and would like to know your favorite off-the-beaten-track spots in the capital city. Do you know of any hidden gems? Spots that "wow" you? As they say: "Inquiring minds want to know!"
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ZellaI am a writer, artist, and incurable Anglophile! Thank you for reading my blog, and please feel free to join my discussions about Britain. I look forward to hearing your comments and stories! Archives
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