After a few days in Cambridge, husband and I took the train to London. It was a radical change from quiet and charming Cambridge. Thick crowds of people seemingly everywhere, constant traffic and a high level of noise. Bit of a shock to my system. However, people are surprisingly civil and polite amidst all of this. And fortunately, there are little pockets of green scattered throughout the city where people can catch a respite from the hustle and bustle of this very busy city.
While husband was giving talks at conferences for a few days I was on my own to walk around and wander. I had several places of interest on my list of places to go but only managed to make it to a few of them as I underestimated how tiring travel can be and the timing didn't work out. For example, the Portobello market was open on the Saturday that we were leaving so it will have to wait for another trip...
I did make it to one of the Cabbages and Roses shops.
This particular shop was predominantly clothing, so I didn't get to see too many of their home furnishings or their fabrics unfortunately. But it was completely charming nonetheless.
Another place that was on my must-see list was the very old Liberty of London shop.
As a department store it is not that large. There is an atrium in the centre where a modern crystal chandelier hangs.
Besides clothing, there is also a very interesting home decor department. Take a look at these patterned lampshades - there was a huge section of them there.
I am a big fan of the Liberty fabrics and the store does not disappoint in this department. Shelves upon shelves of these classic floral prints!
In fact the arts and crafts department was just fantastic. I could have spent a lot more time and money there, that's for sure.
Walking around in the downtown area I also got to enjoy some vintage-inspired window displays.
On our last evening in London, husband and I went for a stroll in Regent's Park.
In one area of the park I saw a lot of inspirational purple planting schemes.
The best part however was taking a row boat out into the pond at the park.
A wonderful way to end our trip to England...
Mlle Magpie
It is the best of times with London! I think the stores are pretty wonderful. They look so classic and awesome. It feels great to know that you two had a marvelous trip.
Posted by: offset printing | July 29, 2011 at 08:42 PM
Oh Zita! It looks like it was a fabulous time...thank you for taking me along...having never been to London or England for that matter, I really enjoyed seeing a bit through your eyes! :)
Posted by: Laura @ 52 FLEA | July 29, 2011 at 10:33 PM
What a lovely trip. You certainly made the best of your time. We have friends in Newcastle so hope to make it to that area one day. We are going to Paris the end of August so looking forward to that. Best wishes, Tammy
Posted by: Tammy | July 30, 2011 at 03:56 AM
Just got back from our trip to England yesterday. Just missed you over there. Don't know how I missed the Cabbages and Roses shop, but I guess that will just have to wait for another trip. I'll be posting about our trip later in the week. So glad you had a good time.
XO,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | August 09, 2011 at 09:42 AM
I had never actually seen photos of Liberty - I am now itching for a trip to London! I haven't been in about three years and that is about two years too many!
Thanks for this fabulous post,
K.
Posted by: kimberly | March 26, 2012 at 08:35 PM
You have me dreaming of going back to London!
Posted by: jeanne | March 27, 2012 at 12:19 AM