London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [59]
Golden Hinde. Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe in this little galleon, or one just like it. This exact replica made a 23-year round-the-world voyage—much of it spent along U.S. coasts, both Pacific and Atlantic—and has settled here to continue its educational purpose. Call to confirm opening hours and for information on guided tours. | Units 1 & 2, Pickfords Wharf, Clink St., South Bank | SE1 9DG | 020/7403–0123 | www.goldenhinde.com | £6 | Daily 10–5:30 | London Bridge, Mansion House.
QUICK BITES: Gabriel’s Wharf.
This cluster of specialty shops, cafés, and restaurants is part of the Coin Street Community neighborhood and bustles with activity during the daytime. You can rent bicycles here from the London Bicycle Tour Company (020/7928–6838). | 56 Upper Ground, South Bank | SE1 9NH | 020/7021–1686 | www.coinstreet.org | Free | Shops and studios Tues.–Sun. 11–6 | Blackfriars, Waterloo.
Hayward Gallery.
The gray, windowless bunker tucked behind the Southbank Centre concert halls has had to bear the brunt of architectural criticism over the years, but that’s changed with a foyer extension that gives more daylight, more space for exhibits, a café, and better access. The highlight of the project is an elliptical mirrored glass pavilion by New York–based artist Dan Graham. Exhibitions here encompass a range of art media, crossing history and cultures, bridging the experimental and established. It’s consistently on the cutting edge of new developments in art and critical theory, finding new ways to present the well known, from Picasso to Lichtenstein, and providing a prominent platform for up-and-coming artists. TIP A small part of the gallery is always reserved for free exhibitions. | Southbank Centre, South Bank | SE1 8XX | 020/7921–0813 | www.hayward.org.uk | Varies; usually around £10 | Sat.–Thurs. 10–6, Fri. 10–10 | Waterloo.
London Eye.
To mark the start of the new millennium, architects David Marks and Julia Barfield conceived an entirely new vision: a beautiful and celebratory structure that would allow people to see this great city from a completely new perspective—on a giant wheel. As well as representing the turning of the century, a wheel was seen as a symbol of regeneration and the passing of time. The London Eye is the largest observation wheel ever built and among the top 10 tallest structures in London.The 25-minute slow-motion ride inside one of the enclosed passenger capsules is so smooth you’d hardly know you were suspended over the Thames, moving slowly around. On a clear day you can take in a range of up to 25 mi, viewing London’s most famous landmarks from a fascinating angle. If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate, champagne and canapés can be arranged ahead of time. TIP Buy your ticket online, over the phone, or at the ticket office in advance to avoid the long lines and get a 10% discount. For an extra £10, you can save even more time with a Fast Track flight for which you check in 15 minutes before your “departure.” There’s also the option of buying a combination ticket for the Eye with other London attractions—check online for details. The London Eye sightseeing cruise also departs here for a 40-minute cruise of the Thames. | Jubilee Gardens, South Bank | SE1 7PB | 0870/990–8883 | www.londoneye.com | £17.95, cruise £12 | June and Sept., daily 10–9; July and Aug., daily 10–9:30; Oct.–Mar., daily 10–8 | Waterloo.
Oxo Tower.
Long a London landmark to the insider, the Art Deco–era Oxo building has graduated from its former incarnations as a power-generating station and warehouse into a vibrant community of artists’ and designers’ workshops, a pair of restaurants, and five floors of community homes. There’s an