By Lily Welsh
There is so much going on in London that it can be a little overwhelming. Weighing all of your options can be a full time job, so much so that you could end up missing out on a lot while you're debating what exactly to do. If you are looking for something to fill some time on a Friday in London, these unique ideas will take you a little off the beaten path to experience some London gems away from the crowds.
Kyoto Garden
The Kyoto Garden is a park within a park. This small Japanese garden within Holland Park in London's West End is a quiet haven in the bustling city and provides a gorgeous setting for strolling and enjoying a sandwich from one of the nearby shops for lunch in the summer. The Kyoto Garden doesn't get a lot of tourist traffic, so it's a great place to get a breather from sightseeing and simply soak up some London atmosphere.
You can reach Kyoto Garden via Holland Park station.
Kyoto Garden (inside Holland Park)
Kensington High St and Holland Park Ave
London
W11 4UA
+44 (0)207 602 9483
rbkc.gov.uk/az/az.asp?OrgId=736
Skittles
Skittles is a game that is unique to London. Similar to bowling, the object is to knock down nine pins using what is known as a "cheese" due to its wedge shape. This once popular pub game is getting harder and harder to find in London, but you can still get a taste of old London with a few rounds on a Friday afternoon. Be sure to sip on a pint to get the full experience.
The Freemason Arms in Northwest London is a good place to find a game of Skittles. Reach it via the Belsize Park station.
Freemason Arms
32 Downshire Hill
Hampstead Heath
London
NW3 1NT
+44 (0)207 433 6811
freemasonsarms.co.uk
London by DUCK
DUCK boats are really more amphibious tanks. These WWII relics now offer a unique way to experience a Thames River cruise. Your tour will start out on land and then you will ride your tank into the water, where it will become a boat and take you past some of London's most famous sites. There is only room for a maximum group of 30 on the DUCK, so it makes a refreshing change from the throngs of people in Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and other tourist hot spots.
You can reach the DUCK Tour via Waterloo station.
DUCK Tours
55 York Road
London
SE1 7NJ
+44 (0)207 928 3132
londonducktours.co.uk
Resources
About the Author:
Lily Welsh is a freelance writer from North Carolina, though she has spent much of her adult life living abroad. She is the About.com Guide to Music Careers, and her work appears frequently in other Web-based and print publications. Welsh has worked in the music industry for 15 years and counting and holds B.A.s in international studies and economics.
