Written on 8 September 2014 by Alistair Boscawen in London
Did you know Knightsbridge is the home of one of the capital’s most famous restaurants? Yep, there’s plenty more interesting things to watch out for in this lively area…
It may have a reputation as being full of very wealthy foreigners with incredible cars, but here at Best Gapp we know there’s far more to Knightsbridge than this. A short trip from all that matters in London – namely Westminster, Piccadilly, Oxford Street, Mayfair and Chelsea; Knightsbridge offers much to both tourists and Londoners alike.
Here’s our breakdown of the top five things to do in this lively part of town…
Rowing in Hyde Park
If you enjoy taking a boat out on a sunny day and taking in beautiful views while relaxing at the same time, then why not go rowing in Hyde Park? With a fleet of rowing and pedal boats for hire on the well known Serpentine, it’s a truly oar-some (geddit) opportunity to get splashing around. If you don’t fancy taking out a boat, a trip on the UK’s first Solarshuttle could suit – a majestic vessel powered by the sun (so best make the most of this opportunity before winter closes in). Up to 40 passengers can be carried by the ship and the rowing boats have enough space for six people. Boating is open from April until the end of October – until 4pm in winter and 8pm in summer.
Shopping at Harrods
Harrods is famous across the world for its amazing haute couture, luxury merchandise and world-class service. Established in 1834 as a grocery and tea merchant, the store continues to grow in popularity. With seven floors available for visitors, some 15 million customers visit Harrods each year. There’s even a selection of premier services such as Harrods Bank and Gold Bullion services! Ultimately, if you’re in Knightsbridge, make sure you pay this landmark store a visit – you’ll be there all day.
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Dinner – literally!
Knightsbridge is the home of one of the capital’s most famous restaurants – yes, it’s Dinner – Heston Blumenthal’s well known eatery which specialises in, erm, interesting dishes. Boasting two Michelin Stars, the restaurant is headed by former Fat Duck head chef Ashley Palmer-Watts and menu options are based on historical British dishes. These include meat fruit, a chicken liver mousse and spiced pigeon. Depending on your taste, you may wish to look at the menu beforehand but as far as experiences go this is second to none, with a magnificent interior echoing Westminster Abbey.
Wellington Arch
Set just opposite the Duke of Wellington’s former residence at Apsley House (which has some of the finest Regency interiors around) the arch was initially purchased to celebrate Britain’s victories during the Napoleonic wars. Dominating Hyde Park Corner, the top of this arch has an enormous bronze sculpture on it – the largest in Europe. There is a small exhibition which celebrates the arch’s history, as well as brilliant views of Hyde Park, as well as one of the Royal Parks and a green space from the balcony.
Andipa Gallery
With a long history dealing in fine art, the Walton Street gallery is a well established business which opened in 1969. Artists who have sold their work here over the years include Matisse, Picasso and Warhol. The tradition is the Old Masters and more recently under Maria Andipa, Byzantine art and iconography.
These are just a small slice of the activities and culture on offer in Knightsbridge. There are many more things to do and see – but there’s not enough space to write about all of them here!
