This weekend in London hundreds of properties open their doors to the public. According to their website ‘It is a truly city-wide celebration of the buildings, places and neighbourhoods where we live, work and play, and is your opportunity to get out and get under the skin of London’s amazing architecture.’
I’ve participated in Open House as long as I’ve lived in London and visited the Foreign Office, a Secret Bunker in Neasden, the London Eye, flats in the Barbican, Grimm’s Dyke, the Thames Tunnel, St Stephen’s Hall, the old Kingsway Tunnel, Trellick Tower and many more amazing buildings. I have a passion for history and love the opportunity to look around places not normally open to the public.
Two years ago I had the mis-fortune to break the big toe on my left foot (two weeks before my wedding, but that’s another story). This curtailed our planned list of places to visit and we only managed one – Centre Point. Anyone who visits the West End is aware of the building towering over the east end of Oxford Street. We had a guided tour of the public areas as well as refurbished offices and admired the view from one of the open plan floors at the top of the building.
Last year I was a couple of months pregnant and not keen on traipsing around London. We managed the hidden theatre at Alexandra Palace and that was about it.
This year we have a little one in tow so I’m not sure what we’ll manage. However if you’re in London please seize the opportunity to get out and about and learn something new about our fascinating City! More information, and the building guide, can be found on the Open House London website.
I had no idea they did that, what a lovely idea. Just wish i was in London now to take advantage 🙁 x