Walking with Keilyn: Crystal Palace Park and Wellington Arch

Sunday March 30, 2025.

The day was set to be a warm one, as Keilyn and I set off for Watford Metropolitan station, ready to begin another day in London. However, unlike our usual visits, I had yet to decide where to go. So, we sat on the train, which would be terminating at Baker Street, due to a points failure, still wondering where to go. Approaching Finchley Road, I had an idea, so we left the train and changed to a Jubilee line train, which we took to Green Park. Here we changed to a Victoria line train, heading for Brixton.

On exiting the station we had one minute to get to Bus Stop 'Q', where we hopped aboard the 432 towards Anerley Station. Roughly 30 minutes later we got off the bus, at Thicket Road, with Keilyn still having no idea where we were going.

We entered Crystal Palace Park, via Cintra Gate and found ourselves on the Lower Terrace. Once I had explained where we were we went off to explore the terraces, sphinxes, ruins and, of course, the BBC Transmitter.

Much of the structure is now protected, by metal railings, with some of the statues in a sorry state. Walking along the upper terrace you get a sense of how massive the site is. Standing at the top of the steps we were both amazed by how far we could see, so stunning was the view.

We then headed down the park towards the National Sports Centre, where people were running around the track, while others were practising Beach Volley Ball.

Following the path we descended the steps and turned south, heading around the lakes in search of the dinosaurs and other extinct animals. We spent a good forty-five minutes wandering around, spotting as many of the animals as we could, with only the Pterodactyle being obscured by the overgrowth.

We then headed towards the Crystal Palace Park Market, that we had spotted earlier, in search of some lunch. The market had food stalls from various corners of the Earth, while other traders were here to sell their unique wares: cheese. chili, wines, pastries, herbs and the like. The smells were incredible, as we made our way through the market, making us hungrier than ever. 

It was then that Keilyn noticed a Hot Dog stall. The sausages were thick and a foot long and looked amazing. Keilyn ordered a six-inch one, with ketchup, while I had the foot-long, with onions, gherkins and chili sauce. With food in hand we sat on the grass, in the shade of a tree, and tucked in. They were delicious!

Feeling like our bellies were going to burst, we headed off around the Lower Lake, making our wat back towards the Bus Stop, stopping at a local shop to buy some more drinks and an ice cream for Keilyn.

Smithfield Market: V-2 Rocket attack memorial

On Thursday March 8, 1945, at 11:30, a V-2 Rocket struck the Harts Corner part of Smithfield Market, on the corner of Charterhouse Street and Farringdon Road.

The rocket went through the Victorian market and penetrated the railway tunnels below, causing the market buildings to fall into the resulting crater, along with many of the workers and visitors to the market.

The market had been extra busy, that morning, as many women and children had been queueing in the hopes of obtaining a rabbit, from a consignment that had just gone on sale.

In total 110 people died, while countless others were seriously injured.

This attack happened just weeks before the last V-2 fell on London.

Harts Corner was originally a market for fruit and vegetables, then fish and then a part of the meat market. It had been designed by Sir Horace Jones, but was impossible to salvage after the rocket struck.

Coal Drops Yard & Granary Square

Granary Square, looking towards Coal Drops buildings.

Wednesday February 16, 2022

Walking along the Regent's Canal from St John's Wood station Keilyn and I ended up at Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross. This historic area of London has gone through a major overhaul and is fast becoming one of the top destinations in the area.

Coal Drops Yard

This historic area of London has a history dating back to the 1850s, when London ran on coal, earning her the nickname of the 'Big Smoke'. The buildings would have been full of people, cargo and coal. Outside would have been a throng of workers, sellers, businessmen and the such, too.

But, as invention and new technologies took hold, her buildings became empty and were soon left derelict. The throng of people diminishing, much like the buildings

Fortunately, these buildings have now been repurposed and the area is once again a bustling hub.

The entire area is a wonderful place to explore. From shops and restaurants, to bars and cafes and boutique retail outlets. The coal drops and the square, which incorporates a water feature that is wonderfully lit with coloured lights, gets a lot of use in warm weather.

The Fish and Coal buildings, now known as The Coal Office.

And we explored most of it. Keilyn, obviously, was more interested in exploring the water feature, but without getting too wet.

A terraced seating area allows for people to sit by the calm water, on summer's evenings, to enjoy the peace or, perhaps, catch a movie at the pop-up cinema.

Keilyn in the water feature.

The entire area is split into five distinct area: Canopy Market, Coal Drops Yard, Gasholder Park, Granary Square and Lewis Cubitt Park.

Once we had explored what we could we made our way, via St Pancras Old Church, to Euston station, from where we caught a train home.

Borough Market

The finest food market in London.

I have come to love my visits to Borough Market, where I invariably stop off for a late breakfast or an early lunch. With a truly great selection of fresh produce, exotic meats and street food from around the globe, there is something here for everyone. It is a vibrant, busy market, where I always discover something new to try. 

Although the market is always busy, it is worth visiting on a Sunday, when the stalls are closed, as you get an even greater understanding of its size. Plus, if you are very lucky, you may just spot a Harris Hawk, and his handler, who patrols the market to keep the pigeons away. 

Gallery

Leadenhall Market

Arcade of Iron and Glass.

Friday March 4, 2016.

It was a strangely quiet Friday lunchtime, wandering around the Unfinished City, when I found myself heading toward the City of London.

This is an area hat I am the least familiar with, so I decided to take a look at Leadenhall Market and its immediate environs.

Old Billingsgate Market

Old Billingsgate Fish Market.

Sunday November 1, 2015.

I had seen this building from the south bank, and had always been fascinated by it. 

So, on a remarkably warm November afternoon, as I was walking along the north bank, I found myself in front of this remarkable building. 

One of the first things that struck me were its arches and ornate ironwork.

A Free and Open Market for all sorts of fish whatsoever.

Walking with family: A Halloween Stroll

Looking North, from below the MillenniuM Footbridge.

Friday 29th October, 2010.

It was an early start for us, as we were going to London with my Mum. The plan was go with her to Queen Square for her appointment, then we would all go around London as a family.

So, we got up, had a coffee and got to my Mums for 9 O'clock. We then booked a taxi to take us to Croxley Station. Then Alysha called. She had evidently changed her mind and wanted to come with us to London.