2025: A Year in Review

HMS Belfast 'fires' her guns.

What a year 2025 turned out to be!

I surpassed last year's walking and underground distances, while visiting new places, and some familiar places, with family and friends.

January

Almost good enough to eat.

Some of the highlights from January included visiting Paddington and Kensington, where we saw 'The Wild Table of Love', 'Man in a Clock', Kensington Gardens, Gnome Land (again), the Design Museum and Japan House. At Japan House Keilyn and I visited the 'Looks delicious! Exploring Japan's food replica culture' exhibition, which was a wonderful and informative exhibition, which Keilyn really enjoyed.

Camden, Hampstead Heath, 'London School of Mosaic', the 'World Peace Garden' and the Regent's Park were all visited, too.

The 'Whitechapel Bell Foundry', 'Trinity Green Almshouses', the Regent's Canal, Mile End Park and Ropemakers Fields, Canary Wharf and Trinity Buoy Wharf, for what would be the first of three visits this year.

February

Knight of Cnihtengild.

February saw me partaking in only a few walks. I saw the statue of the 'Knight of Cnihtengild' by Denys Mitchell, Elsyng Spital Church Tower, the Bell Building in Lambeth and the 'Sam the Cat' statue, all while learning much more.

March

BBC Television Centre.

Some of the highlights from March saw us visit Swiss Cottage, Lancaster Gate, Portobello Road Market, BBC Television Centre, Shepherd's Bush Market and 'The Princess Victoria', one of London's last 'Gin Palaces'. 

Crystal Palace Park and its dinosaurs, Primrose Hill, Camley Street Natural Park, the 'Word on the Water' bookshop on a boat, the grave of Joseph Grimaldi and various alleyways were also explored. A highlight was Emma and I staying at The Tower Hotel, for our anniversary.

April

Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper).

April highlights included visiting Barbican, the 'hidden' garden at St Vedast-alias-Foster, seeing possibly the oldest tree in the City of London, Tower Hill Market, Borough Market and Lambeth, where we discovered a piano that was once played by Charlie Chaplin Senior. 

East India Docks, the 'Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper)', West India Docks, Trinity Buoy Wharf (second visit) and the Royal Docks.

Family trip to London: Day 1, Southwark

Wise words.

Thursday October 30, 2025.

Having taken a few days off work, Emma and I took Keilyn to London, while Erin was staying with friends.

We set off, via taxi, to Watford Metropolitan station to board a train to Finchley Road and from there a Jubilee line train to Waterloo.

On leaving Waterloo station we crossed Waterloo Road and headed for the Bus Cafe, for a spot of lunch. Full English breakfasts were ordered and devoured, washed down with coffee and tea.

With our bellies full we left the bus garage and headed along The Cut and onto Union Street. We passed the Embassy Tea House and the London Fire Brigade Headquarters, before crossing Southwark Bridge Road. We then passed the old Tram shelter, which is now a gourmet burger restaurant, and the Mint & Gospel Lighthouse Mission building, before turning up Redcross Way beside Crossbones Graveyard.

Redcross Way brought us to Dirty Lane and the arches beneath the mainline railway of Cannon Street station. This eventually brought us to Clink Street. Keilyn's face lit up when she discovered that we were going into the Clink Prison Museum, a place she had wanted to visit for ages.

"The Clink": the prison that gave its name to all others.

We descended the stairs, paying our dues at the booth, before entering the site of the original Clink Prison. The prison that gave its name to all others.

Information boards told the history of the prison from its earliest inception, in 1144, to its closure in 1780. Manacles, locks, swords, torture implements, chastity belts and much more were on display, many of which could be handled, allowing you to feel the weight of the chains, giving a sense of how it would feel to be manacled for days on end.

There was also information on Crossbones Graveyard and the Winchester Geese, the Liberty of the Clink, the Bishop of Winchester and a brief mention of the other five prisons that were in Southwark.

"Off with his head!"

As we walked through the Clink Keilyn was keeping an eye out for the 'ghosts' that had been hidden around the museum. These 'ghosts' were small puppets and, should you find all ten, you received a sweet on leaving the gift shop. Of course, Keilyn spotted all ten and received her lollipop as we left the prison.

We continued along Clink Street and joined the throng of tourists, passing the Golden Hinde and turned onto Cathedral Street and then Montague Close, where we sat in Minerva Square to rest our legs and have a drink. We then continued along Montague Close and joined Tooley Street, before turning along St Olaf Stairs and joining The Queen's Walk along the River Thames. Countless wooden sheds were in various stages of being built and painted, ready for the Christmas season, while the old City Hall is in the middle of a major refurbishment, with much of its glass having been removed.

A Victorian era postbox.

We looked at the Royal Mail Penfold Postbox, a relic of the Victorian era, before we turned south along Duchess Walk to Queen Elizabeth Street. After buying an ice cream, for Keilyn, and some more refreshments and snacks, we walked along Tower Bridge Road and headed for our hotel... Premier Inn London Tower Bridge Hotel.

The view from our hotel room.

After checking in, Keilyn grabbed the room key and took the lift to the top floor, all the while we were hoping for a room with a view. And we were not disappointed. We could just make out the top of the London Eye and half of the dome of St Paul's Cathedral, but we had a clear view of The Shard, which was perfect.

Walking with family: Retail Therapy and a Concert. Or, "You two go that way and we will go this way."

"Up the Irons!"

Saturday June 28, 2025

Travelling to Canning Town. Or, "It's hot outside. Let's take the underground to London."

With a hotel booked we set off for an adventure. 

While Emma and Erin would go shopping, Keilyn and I would be going to a gig. 

The Metropolitan line train was fairly busy, with people heading to Wembley to see 'Linkin Park', who were performing at Wembley Stadium. The Jubilee line train, that we switched to, at Finchley Road, was even busier. Many of these passengers were headed to Hyde Park to see Zach Bryan, while others alighted at North Greenwich, obviously going to see SM Town, a K-pop band, at the O2 Arena. But the train stayed busy, as Iron Maiden fans of all ages were heading to Stratford, where Iron Maiden were performing later in the day.

"The best café in Canning Town.

Dinner time. Or, "There's no pleasing some people."

Arriving at Canning Town into blistering heat, we made our way towards Barking Road, cutting through the new buildings of Minnie Baldock Street, to avoid the sun. We then used the underpass, at Newham Way, which brought us to Barking Road. KFC was just ahead, but we spotted the sign for Rose's Cafe and decided to head there. Of course, this started arguments about wanting to go to KFC. Emma and I won, though, so it was off to Rose's.

We sat in the covered garden area, at the rear of the building, and perused the menu. After ordering our food we began to cool down, thanks, in part, to the light breeze. The food and service was exceptional, with the portion sizes more than enough to satisfy our hunger.

Once we had settled the bill we headed back onto Barking Road, heading back the way we had come. As we couldn't check into our hotel until 15:00, we sat in the shade, refreshing ourselves with drinks purchased at Morrison's.

"The view from our hotel room. Canning Town is quiet on a Saturday afternoon."

Checking into Premier Inn. Or, "Thank goodness for air-conditioning."

Leaving the shade, within the plaza, we crossed Silvertown Way and entered Premier Inn London Docklands (Canning Town), where we took the lift to level 1 and the reception. Minutes later, with keys in hand, we entered our room. Bags were dropped and on went the air-conditioning. Bliss.

A short rest, a change of clothes and we were ready to head off to Stratford.

"Stratford is London's Blossom Garden?"

Shopping and Iron Maiden. Or, "Enjoy your retail therapy, while we enjoy a concert fifty years in the making."

Our hotel was almost outside Canning Town station, so the heat  didn't affect the short walk we had to make. Once inside we made our way to the Jubilee line platforms, where a train arrived immediately. Most of the carriages were empty, so there was plenty of room to sit. We decided, however, to stand beside the interconnecting carriage doors, welcoming the breeze that flowed through.

After more people boarded at West Ham station we were soon speeding towards our destination: Stratford. On leaving the train we made our way through the walkway to Stratford Place, where we said our "goodbyes." Emma and Erin headed into Westfield Stratford City, where they visited countless shops, with Erin purchasing items at Sephora and Victoria's Secret.

Keilyn and I, meanwhile, made our way towards the Olympic Park, where we waited in the shade of Sadler's Wells East for my friend David and his son Antonio. Once we had met up we followed the mass of Iron Maiden shirts, of every conceivable design, towards the London Stadium.

"I think we're gonna burn!"

It's a beautiful day for it. Or, "We're gonna blister in the sun!"

Once we entered the London Stadium we purchased some merchandise, bought some drinks and went looking for our seats; Block 235 (East Stand) 2nd Row. Sitting just south of the centre line of the stadium we realised that we were going to be in full sunshine for the rest of the day. Basically, we were going to cook! Black t-shirts and denim in 30°C (86°F) is not a good combination. 

Fortunately, David knew at exactly what time each support act was to take to the stage, so we left our seats and took shelter in the shade of the stadium.

"Are those fans of The Raven Age melting?"

Illuminating the London Stadium. Or, "A lesson in futility."

The Raven Age's singer, Matt James, states the obvious, "It's a bit f**kin' hot in here!", and then decides that it's time for everyone to "get your phone lights up", to "illuminate the stadium". The fact that sun has been cooking the fans, especially those on the almost white floor before the stage, since the doors had opened at 17:00, didn't deter him nor the crowds, who do as instructed, adding a few minuscule specks of light into an already emblazed stadium.

As soon as The Raven Age finished their set, which was incredible, and left the stage, we left our seats and headed outside of the stadium, replenishing our drinks and keeping cool in the slight breeze that blew around the stadium.

"Halestorm! But, not the hailstorm that the fans need."

Halestorm. Or, "I wish that this Halestorm could relieve this heat!"

As Halestorm took to the stage I had the distinct impression that someone had left the Olympic Cauldron, from the opening of the Games of the XXX Olympiad, (London 2012), ablaze. 

As soon as Halestorm finished their set, which was incredible, we dived back into the bowels of the stadium, replenishing our drinks and doing our best to keep cool.

By now I was convinced that, when the concert was over, you would be able to spot who had sat where by the tan that they had, with us, in the East Stand, being much more bronzed.

Iron Maiden: 'Run For Your Lives' World Tour, 2025, London Stadium

Saturday June 28, 2025.

I have been following 'Iron Maiden' since I was 10 years old, with their single, 'Run to the Hills', being the first 7" that I purchased.

After seeing them live on countless occasions, meeting some of the band members and visiting the 'Cart & Horses', where they first played live, I was excited to see them at the London Stadium, during their 50th year.

My friend of almost 35 years, David, had secured the tickets.

Keilyn and I travelled to Canning Town, where we checked into our hotel, with Emma and Erin, who, while we were at the concert, would visit the shopping centre in Stratford. We then travelled to Stratford together, before Keilyn and I headed off towards the Olympic Park, where we waited in the shade of the Sadler's Wells Theatre for David and his son Antonio.

Soon enough we spotted them and, after the usual greetings, joined the massed groups of fans headed towards the London Stadium. We crossed Bridge 5 and passed through security, bought a souvenir Matchday Programme and waited in the shade for the gates to open.

At exactly 17:00 the gates opened and we moved inside the stadium, making our way to the Merchandise stall. A T-shirt for Antonio, a Baseball cap for David, a studded leather wristband for Keilyn and a scarf for myself. We then purchased some drinks and went looking for our seats, which were on tier 2 in the 'Billy Bonds Stand' (East Stand).

The weather was clear skies, with the the occasional cloud, and not a breath of wind, with the temperature at 29°C. As we were in the East Stand, the sun was beating down on us, so we headed back downstairs and waited in the shade.

We took our seats, just before 17:45, so that we could watch 'The Raven Age' open the concert. They began with 'Forgive & Forget', before rattling through seven tracks, finishing with 'Fleur De Lis'.

As soon as their set, which was an incredible 45 minutes of pure rock, finished, we headed back down into the cool shade of the stadium. Snacks, food and more drinks were purchased.

We made our way back up to our seats in time to watch Halestorm take to the stage, at 19:00. 'Fallen Star' began a 10-track set, where Lzzy Hale's impressive vocal range was on full display, while Arejay Hale's drum solo was out of this world! Throughout the 50-minute set the sun had continued to beat down, but, thankfully, was gradually getting lower in the sky.

Back outside into the shade for more fluids, while the stage was prepared for the main event: The Homecoming of Steve Harris... and 'Iron Maiden'.

Walking with family: Day 2 - Archway to Highgate Cemetery... and beyond

Thursday August 15, 2024.

It was an early start... but not by design.

Just after 06:00 Erin, who was already awake, along with Keilyn, said that she could hear running water. So, up I got to check the bathroom, without turning on the light so as not to wake Emma. I checked the sink tap... nothing. Bath tap... nothing. Shower head... nothing, but I could hear water dripping. As I moved my hand along the bath I felt a drop of water hit my head. Sure enough water was dripping through the light fitting. Damn. I was going to have to wake Emma.

With us all awake and the girls getting dresses, Emma and I went down to reception and notified the Duty Manager. He travelled up in the lift, with us, and headed to the sixth floor to check the room above. A few minutes later he arrived at our room to inspect the leak. There was nothing untoward in the room above, so the leak must be coming from another room. He immediately put our worries behind us by assuring us that we were in no danger, but still offered us another room for our trouble. We declined this as we would be checking out after breakfast. The only thing we were upset about was not enjoying the bed for long enough. Premier Inn beds are the most comfortable that we have ever slept in.

I would just like to say that all of the staff were excellent and dealt with the issue professionally. We have stayed at many Premier Inns, not just in London but across the country, and this is the first time we have ever had an issue. This will not put us off using them again.

So, we headed down for an early breakfast and enjoyed everything that was on offer. Suitably full we headed to our room, collected our things and checked out. We informed the man at reception that we were checking out, so that if they needed to check the ceiling, the room was free.

On leaving the hotel we made our way down Junction Road, checking out the Charity Shops, before stopping at Starbucks, which is in an old pub, for some caffeine.

Suitably caffeined up we crossed Junction Road to Navigator Square and began our walk.

Heading up Archway Road I took lots of photos of the derelict Archway Campus, which began its life as The Holborn and Finsbury Union Workhouse Infirmary, which was built between 1877-79. It is a wonderful building that needs to be protected.

Keilyn spotted a mural and I took her photo with it, before I wandered off ahead to take a photo of Highgate Archway. 

This iron viaduct, built in 1900, although impressive, is not a patch on the original Roman-style viaduct, designed by John Nash in 1813.

We then turned down Waterlow Road, which brought us on to Highgate Hill. A little further on and the impressive St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church towered over the surrounding buildings.

It was here that we entered Waterlow Park, where, once the facilities were used, we sat in the shade, while Erin and Keilyn took to the playground.

Suitably rested we continued the short distance to Swain's Lane and Highgate Cemetery.

Our tour began at 12:00 with our guide, Nigel, explaining, in brief, the history of the cemetery, before our group headed up the Colonnade Path and into the heart of the West Cemetery. The tour lasted a full 90 minutes and we saw and learned a lot. We visited the graves of Thomas Sayers, Elizabeth Jackson, George Michael, Michael Faraday, Alexander Litvinenko and so many more, learning interesting facts about each one.

To see more photographs from the West Cemetery click the link below.

West Cemetery Gallery

Walking with family: Day 1 - Archway to Kenwood House... and beyond

Wednesday August 14, 2024.

As we had some time away from work and the girls were away from school for the holidays, we decided to spend some time visiting some sites in London.

We booked a taxi and headed to Watford Junction, where we caught an Avanti West Coast to Euston and, from there, a Northern line train to Archway.

After topping up on a few snacks fro the day we caught a 210 bus to Compton Avenue, where we alighted and walked the short distance to Kenwood House.

Kenwood House is a former stately home, which was originally built circa 1616. It was remodelled by the architect Robert Adam in the 18th century and was home to the Earls of Mansfield until the 20th century.

Besides being a stately home, Kenwood House is home to historic paintings by the likes of John Crome, Anthony van Dyck, Claude de Jongh, JMW Turner, Thomas Gainsborough, Rembrandt and many more.

During our visit there was an exhibition by Stephen Farthing entitled 'Strike a Pose: Stephen Farthing and the Swagger Portrait'. These are portraits of Lord Howe, reimagined by Stephen Farthing, and were pretty spectacular.

You can see more photos from Kenwood House by clicking the link below.

Gallery

After visiting the house we sat in the grounds and ate our lunch, before we took a stroll through the grounds, eventually finding ourselves heading south through Hampstead Heath. 

The weather was perfect for a wander through the Heath, with many people jogging, walking dogs, having a picnic or, like this, just taking in the surroundings.

County Hall

 

The County Hall from the River Thames.

Thursday October 27, 2022.

I have visited The County Hall, to see the London Aquarium, The London Dungeon and other attractions housed within the building, but I had never stayed in this iconic location. So I was over the moon when Emma booked us in to the Premier Inn for the night, during a recent trip to London.

Most of the building is private property, but if you speak nicely to security, and the building isn't too busy, you can go into the main foyer for a quick look around.

The County Hall at night.

Besides that, the building is pretty much off limits to the public. Still, it was great to see inside areas not normally accessible and the view from the hotel room wasn't too bad, either.

At night the entire front of the building is lit up, making for a striking light display.