In the scenic surroundings of Kensington Gardens in London, there lies an intriguing piece of art that captures the imagination of both young and old. This is the Elfin Oak, a 900-year-old tree stump that has been transformed into a whimsical masterpiece.
The Elfin Oak is not just an ordinary tree stump. It has been artistically carved and painted to showcase a delightful array of elves, gnomes, and tiny animals. These detailed figures appear to play and frolic around the ancient wood, bringing a sense of magic and wonder to anyone who stumbles upon it.
Originally, the oak tree stood proudly in Richmond Park. Over time, it was moved to Kensington Gardens where it was carefully sculpted into its current form. The transformation was the vision of artist Ivor Innes, who began working on the tree in 1928. Over the years, it has been maintained and restored, ensuring that its enchanting characters continue to charm visitors.
For children, the Elfin Oak is a source of endless fascination. Its myriad of tiny creatures invites them to invent stories and let their imaginations soar. It serves as a reminder of the enchantment that can be found in the natural world, if only one takes the time to look closely.
Beyond its charm, the Elfin Oak represents a piece of London's artistic history. It is a testament to the creativity and dedication of those who have preserved its magic over the decades. As it stands in Kensington Gardens, it continues to be a beloved feature, inviting visitors to step into a world of fantasy and folklore.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elfin_Oak
The complex incorporates the Old Broad House built in 1930s. The façades of which feature the famous sculpture of Prospero and Ariel and the Ariel friezes by Eric Gill and Gilbert Bayes. BBC's The One Show is transmitted from the studio at the ground floor every weeknight starting from 7PM. The studio is quite visible from the plaza outside and some parts of the show are performed from outside of the studio – in the plaza.
Built of Portland stone and dedicated to the aircrews of Allied nations under Bomber Command during World War II.
An enormous art gallery converted from the former Bankside Power Station, a visit to Tate Modern could easily take half a day. The gallery collects together contemporary and modern art from around the world, arranged thematically. The most stunning aspect of the building, is the enormous Turbine Hall, which plays host to a single piece of work commissioned for the space each year. An extension of the gallery has opened in a ten-storey building behind the existing power station.
A small realm of serenity in the midst of the typical turmoil. It used to be the court of the Knights Templar. You can still visit the beautiful Romanesque church, which is one of the oldest ones in London (opened in 1185) and has connections to the order of Templars. The chancel of the church was built by Henry III. The church still serves the members of Gray's Inn and Lincoln's Inn and has frequent services open to the public. Fans of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code will recognise the church from both the novel and the film.
Worth a quick visit if you are passing. The brick and stone neo-Byzantine Catholic Cathedral (not to be confused with the much more famous Westminster Abbey) is near Victoria Station, just off Victoria Street. Construction started in 1895, and some of the interior is still unfinished. The Treasures of Westminster Cathedral exhibition is inexpensive and worthwhile for learning the history of the cathedral, there are interesting exhibits including a 1:28 wooden scale model uses by the architects. Has a café and gift shop.
This is a high part of the Heath with clear open vistas, and the views looking south over the city are quite wonderful. Highly recommended on a clear morning, when you can see from Canary Wharf in the east all the way to Battersea Power Station in the west.
Fine stone bridge linking Twickenham/St Margarets with Richmond. It is the oldest surviving Thames bridge in London, dating from 1777.
The largest open space in London, covering almost 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) and home to a huge array of wildlife, including 400 wild deer. Also contains the lush Isabella Plantation, which is full of trees and flowers, and the Royal Ballet School, seen in the film Billy Elliot. Popular with cyclists, both for the on-road perimeter circuit and the off-road trails. There are several car parks for walkers and picnickers.
A royal residence which is still used by Prince William, Kate and their young family. Much of it is however open to the public and it is a very popular tourist attraction perhaps due as much to its association with Princess Diana as anything else. The King's Gallery here is a magnificent Regency period court drawing room and contains some impressive paintings including a Van Dyke. Also a nice restaurant on site called The Orangery.
Discover mementoes of the famous fictional detective. In reality, this was a lodging house used in the late 1800s and has three floors. The first floor contains Sherlock Holmes' study with Watson's desk, and has bullet holes spelling the initials VR (for Victoria Regina, Latin for Queen Victoria) much to the chagrin of the landlady Mrs. Hudson. Next to that is Holmes' bedroom with a rogues' gallery containing photographs of several notable Victorian-era murderers including Lizzy Bourdain. The remaining rooms upstairs have waxwork figures and artefacts referencing the novels, as well as their adaptations to stage and screen. Photography allowed, though filming requires permission. Prebooking is recommended to circumvent long queues.
Old train station with an enormous office and shopping complex in glass and pale stone. A lavish hotel is also on the site. The name comes from the Queen Eleanor (13th century) gothic pillar outside the station, which is actually a Victorian-era replica. Charing Cross Road was once famous for its vintage book shops, but these have now largely disappeared due to high rents and online competition; however, the road is still home to one of London's largest bookshops, Foyle's.
Church in Piccadilly designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1684. It has a magnificent organ case and baptismal font by Grinling Gibbons.