Thu, 15 February 2007  A walk from Chalk Farm Underground over Primrose Hill through regents Park to Great Portland St. or Regents Park Underground stations.For this walk, take a sandwich and a drink, and enjoy a picnic at the top of Primrose Hill sitting on a bench overlooking a panorama of London below, as I describe the character of the area and the sights from this point, which is only rivaled by Greenwich Royal Observatory as a classic view of the capital. From Primrose Hill we walk down to Prince Albert Road and cross the Outer Circle into Regents Park near the London Zoo. Regents Park is full of history, and is one of London's premier and best maintained open spaces. The development was originally sponsored by the Prince Regent (later George IV) who owned the land. It was intended this royal park should extend to St James's. John Nash planned the construction of 56 grand houses, but only 8 were built within the park itself around 1827. All round the perimeter are Nash terraces however - and the photo shows Chester Terrace to the South-East with enormous arches at either end of the street. Within the park itself, we admire a Gothic drinking fountain, a large lake populated by birds and used for boating during the warmer months, the London Mosque, a bandstand where 7 soldiers were killed by terrorist action in 1982, an open-air theatre, Queen Mary's formal gardens, and many other fascinating sights. This is a longer walk - it may take up to 2 hours in all, depending on the number of stops. It is well worth it, both for the exercise as well as for the history, the wonderful Nash architecture, and the sheer variety of things to see and do. There are excellent facilities such as cafes and toilets throughout the park, and a short cut down Broad Walk which varies the length of the walk if you are short of time. Chalk Farm Underground is in Zone 2. Take the Northern Line from Tottenham Court Road on the Edgware or Colindale branch. The walk ends at Great Portland Street (Zone 1) on the District & Circle Lines or Regents Park (Zone 1) on the Bakerloo Line. Comments[7] |
Hello Robert.
I've just discovered your walks via iTunes - no iPod but they are wonderful to listen to on the computer while I am working. I come to England every three years from British Columbia and by rights should be there this year. However, fate has intervened and I am stuck here. I like the way you describe what you see - the house prices in the estate agent's window in Barnes, the information signs on places one can visit, the buskers, the skateboarders - it's a REAL walk.
I've just discovered your walks via iTunes - no iPod but they are wonderful to listen to on the computer while I am working. I come to England every three years from British Columbia and by rights should be there this year. However, fate has intervened and I am stuck here. I like the way you describe what you see - the house prices in the estate agent's window in Barnes, the information signs on places one can visit, the buskers, the skateboarders - it's a REAL walk.
Dear Winnie Thank you for your encouragement. I hope you manage to get back to London soon. Meantime, enjoy the sounds of London. Robert
posted by: Robert Wright on Sat, 2/17 09:59 AM EST
Hi Robert
Thanks for your Podcasts. I put a few on a spare MP3 player and gave them to co-worker who is making his first trip
An interesting Podcast (maybe to only to me?) would be a visit to non tourist London. Just examples A walk on Wilsden Green High Street, a trip to the Sunday Market at Wembley Stadium, a Walk in Moor Park... a trip to Chestham lots to see getting off the Met.Jubille lines. Maybe not for the first or even second time visitor, but worthwhile for the addicted visitor or even new or 'semi-new people' living in the London Zones.
73'
Larry
Thanks for your Podcasts. I put a few on a spare MP3 player and gave them to co-worker who is making his first trip
An interesting Podcast (maybe to only to me?) would be a visit to non tourist London. Just examples A walk on Wilsden Green High Street, a trip to the Sunday Market at Wembley Stadium, a Walk in Moor Park... a trip to Chestham lots to see getting off the Met.Jubille lines. Maybe not for the first or even second time visitor, but worthwhile for the addicted visitor or even new or 'semi-new people' living in the London Zones.
73'
Larry
Hi Larry. Yes I do have a few walks out of twon in mind, but there are so many to do first in the centre, and I know that's what most of the listeners want. Barnes and Putney was one I did, and I plan one around Hampton Court or Kew. I'll see what I can come up with now that Spring seems to be almost here. After the warmest winter on record, and blossom on the trees, maybe now is the time if it would only stop raining. Robert
posted by: Robert Wright on Thu, 3/1 05:42 PM EST
Excellent podcasts thanks! I enjoyed the house prices in the estate agent's window in Barnes description too!
posted by: Regents Park on Mon, 8/13 07:26 AM EDT
Thank you so much for this wonderful podcast.
I did lose you somewhere near Queen Mary gardens but that was entirely my fault.
Your voice is good and it is a good way to learn English as well!
I moved to London 2 years ago but never went to Primrose Hill or Regents park. I'm glad I didn't do it till now!
I did lose you somewhere near Queen Mary gardens but that was entirely my fault.
Your voice is good and it is a good way to learn English as well!
I moved to London 2 years ago but never went to Primrose Hill or Regents park. I'm glad I didn't do it till now!
Sorry you got lost, but glad you enjoyed the walk.
Robert
Robert
posted by: Robert on Tue, 4/29 04:32 PM EDT
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