London Vacation Blog

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is annually held to commemorate the 1605 failed Gunpowder Plot in which Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators attempted to blow up Parliament with King James I inside.

After the plot was felled and exposed, Fawkes and his group were arrested, imprisoned and executed. Though not a legal holiday, it’s observed throughout on November 5th – the original day of the plot. In observance, organized fireworks displays will light up the sky all weekend, November 2-5, 2007. The following celebrations are planned for Friday, the 2nd.

The Clapham Fireworks Display: 7:25 p.m.; one of the grandest displays will happen in Clapham Common, more than 40,000 people are expected to attend this South London event. Look for bursting fireworks and family activities. Admission is free. Tube stations: Clapham South / Clapham Common. The following accomodations are within 3 miles of Clapham Common Park:

Chelsea Guest House, 0.9 miles
Leigham Court Hotel, 1.82 miles
Blades Hotel, 2.11 miles
Melita House Hotel, 2.12 miles
Days Inn Westminster, 2.13 miles

Kingston Fireworks Display: 8 p.m., at Kingsmeadow Athletics Centre. There will also be fairground rides and other celebratory attractions. Admission: £5.00, children £3.00.

Bishops Park Fireworks: 8 p.m. in West London; gates open at 6:30 p.m., there will be a children’s show too. Admission: £5.00 flat, for those 5 years and over.

Wimbledon Fireworks: a 5:15 p.m. start; the recommendation is to make an entire day of it at Wimbledon, espcecially with the day’s events beginning so early. This is one of two big displays organized by the Merton Council. Two shows are planned for 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; the traditional bonfire will be lit at 6:30 p.m. Admission: £7.00 for adults; £4.00 for kids over 4 years; little ones under 4, attend for free. Tube station: Wimbledon Park. The following accomodations are within 5 miles of Wimbledon Park:

Best Western Lodge Hotel, 1.36 miles
Cannizaro House, 1.58 miles
Swallow Kingston Lodge Hotel, 2.83 miles
La Reserve, 2.97 miles
Earls Court Hotel, 3.62 miles

Streatham Fireworks: 7:25 p.m., this is one of three massive displays in South London. In addition to the fireworks, there will also be fair rides and fun for the entire family. Tube station: Streatham and Streatham Common.

Brockwell Park Fireworks Display: 7:25 p.m.; get ready for an impressive display at this South London park, which is one of London’s biggest. Tube station: Clapham Common.

^{*Bonfire Night, Wimbledone Park. Photo reprinted with permission of Mercer.}

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London, September 8th 2007 . Now in its 20th year, the 22-mile Great River Race is London’s “most colorful and spectacular river event” and is open to all traditional-style boats powered by four or more oars/paddles. Winners are determined by a combination of self-propelled speed as well as a designated handicap. There are 35 trophies to be raced for, so your chances of “winning” are pretty good and the odds of having fun, the best! See all sorts of watercraft including Chinese dragon boats, Hawaiian war canoes, Viking longboats, Irish curraghs, whalers, and skiffs.

This year, 300 boats (and 2,000+) competitors are expected to partake in the race that traverses the River Thames. Crews come from all over, including America and Canada, Holland, Sweden, France, Germany, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and of course – the UK. Registration for the race closed in early August 2007, but there’s still time to make lodging arrangements. The race will start just below Ham House in Richmond, Surrey and end at Island Gardens Park in Greenwich. The closest TUBE STATION: Richmond.

HAM HOUSE (and HOTELS)
As said, the boat race will begin just below this 17th-century Stuart mansion, a popular attraction featuring period interiors, formal gardens, and a history of being one the most haunted houses in Britain. The following hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are within two miles of the great house and easy walking distance of the race.

Petersham Hotel, 0.9 miles
The Richmond Hill Hotel, 1 mile
The Richmond Gate Hotel, 1 mile
Richmond Park Hotel, 1 mile
Hobart Hall Hotel, 1.2 miles
Riverside Hotel, 1.3 miles
The Park, 1.5 miles
Bremic Hotel, 1.5 miles
Quinns Hotel, 1.6 miles
Shandon House Hotel, 1.7 miles
The Red Cow, 1.7 miles
The White Hart Hotel, 1.8 miles
Swallow Kingston Lodge Hotel, 2 miles

FOR SPECTATORS
As for spectators, the spirited race is free to enjoy and can be observed perfectly from a number of vantage points, including the 14 bridges along the Thames. Consider these check points:  1. Ham, Richmond 2. Richmond Bridge 3. Kew Gardens 4. Chiswick Bridge 5. Hammersmith Bridge 6. Putney Bridge 7. Wandsworth Bridge 8. Battersea Bridge 9. Westminster Bridge and 10. The Tower Bridge.

GRUELING 22 MILES
The top 50 boats are expected to cover the grueling 22-mile course in about five hours, but the remaining 250 vessels will make their way eventually. Throughout the day, on-lookers should be able to catch a glimpse of the fun!

 And note this regarding the trophies, individual speed for each watercraft is calculated by computer and an assigned handicap (which does not account for crew ability). The idea is that each craft, regardless of type, should cross the finish line at the same time – with crew ability a constant. Thus, the crew that is able to pull the most out of their boat, is deemed the winner: The UK Traditional Boat Champions. So, at any time, from start (12:55) to finish (approx. 19:00), you could be watching a winner. Remember, there are 35 trophies to vie for.

^{* From 2006 by Ray Little. Photos reprinted with permission of The Great River Race.}

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Opened in March 2007, the new Wembley Stadium is “truly iconic,” one for the world to see. With a capacity of 90,000 seats, its signature is a circular lattice archway that is the largest unsupported roof structure in the world. As for the roof itself, it’s an engineering stunner: retractable and integral in recreating the Wembley “roar.” When converted into an athletic statdium, the stadia’s capacity lowers to approximately 60,000 (fans) strong.

Inheriting the storied history of the Old Stadium, Wembley is ready to rock out and make brilliant memories of its own. For instance, in October, it will host the first-ever NFL regular season game outside of the United States. Announced by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell two days before Super Bowl XLI (February 4, 2007), London was named the city. Wembley the venue.

THE GAME
David Beckham once said, “Every young child wants to play at Wembley… for me, it’s the ultimate statdium.” And now, 92 lucky American football players will get that very chance.

October 28, 2007, 1 p.m. EST (17:00 London time)
Week 8 of the 2007 NFL season
Teams: Miami Dolphins vs. New York Giants

These two teams are historic franchises, with the Miami Dolphins still being the only team in NFL history to post an undefeated season (1972), while the New York Giants have won six championships, including two Super Bowls: XXI (1986) and  XV (1990). Key players of the game will likely include Eli Manning, quarterback of the Giants, and Jason Taylor, reigning Defensive Player of the Year and team leader of the Dolphins.

TUBE STATIONS AND HOTELS
In June, the Miami Dolphins made their preview trip to the city. Taylor’s excitement spoke for all players – ”With fans like this behind us in the UK, it’s going to be fun when we get over here and play later in the year.” As for the fans, it’s estimated that 10,000 Americans will make the trip to London for the game. For those visiting, getting to / from the stadium is easy, with Wembley serviced by three stations and five lines.

1. North Wembley Station, Zone 4
2. Wembley Park Station, Zone 4
3. Wembley Central Station, Zone 4

As for where to stay, the following hotels are located within 2 miles of Wembley and vary in price and star rating, from economy to luxury, from 1 to 4 stars.

Wembley Plaza, 0.2 miles
Quality Hotel Wembley, 0.4 miles
Premier Travel Inn London Wembley, 0.4 miles
Wembley Hotel, 0.7 miles
Travelodge Wembley Hotel, 1.2 miles
Brent X Hotel, 1.5 miles
Fox and Goose Hotel, 1.6 miles
Holiday Inn London Ealing, 1.8 miles
Kingsland Hotel, 2 miles

AMERICAN FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND
So, are you planning to attend this historic event? Will you be able to say you were there too? … As for American football in England, there’s actually an interesting history. For instance, in 1944, on Valentine’s Day, a Canada-United States football game was played at White City Stadium in London, England. And if you didn’t know, American football began as a variant of rugby, which itself can be traced to the UK and its “football” games played during the mid-19th century. So in some ways, this NFL regular season game, to be played on October 28, 2007, is like a return home. … See you there (at Wembley or on TV!).

^{* Photos reprinted with permission of Wembley Stadium.}

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Organized by the Gorilla Organization, the Fifth Annual Great Gorilla Run will take place on September 22, 2007 — to the delight of thousands, 1,000 runners/walkers in gorilla suits will race for 7km (approximately 4 miles) to the benefit of the endangered mountain gorilla.

Start time is 10:30 a.m., and the race itself will last about 30 minutes for runners and two hours for walkers. For everyone, it’s a day of charitable fun. Since its inception, it has drawn tens of thousands of supporters and inspired other cities to create their own such fun-run. For instance, San Francisco’s first Great Gorilla Run¹ was held this year on June 10. A total success!

In addition to its amazing cause, what makes the London race such a treat is its route, which takes participants past many of the city’s most impressive sights, including Tower Bridge and The Tate Modern. For spectators, the route can be joined by a number of tube stations.

THE ROUTE
Starting at the London Underwriting Centre off Mincing Lane, EC3R, the route goes down Mark Lane to Tower Hill (1), onto Tower Bridge Rd. (2), then loops around to King William Street to Upper Thames Street (3). It then goes down Southwark Bridge Rd. to Bankside Jetty, onward to Hopton Street, where a turn is made up New Bridge Street to start the way back to Paul’s Walk and up Porter’s Hill. It continues to Queen Victoria Street (4), to Cornhill (5) and Leadenhall Street; then makes a hard left down Aldgate (6) to Fenchurch Street to Dunster Court, and back to Mark Lane. Fini!

TUBE STATIONS AND HOTELS
Runners and their supporters coming to London for the run will find well-located accommodation, and an assortment of tourist attractions, around these tube stations.

1. Tower Hill
Attraction: Tower of London, famed prison, palace and place of execution, royal history is steeped in it.

2. London Bridge Station
Attraction: Tate Modern (Upper Thames Street), across St. Paul’s Cathedral.

3. Monument
Attraction: The Monument, the tallest freestanding stone column in the world at 202 feet, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

4. Mansion House
Attraction: Mansion House (Palace of the London Mayor).

5. Bank
Attraction: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, plus St. Peter upon Cornhill, St. Michael’s Church Cornhill, and St. Katharine Cree Church.

6. Aldgate
Attraction: St. Botolph’s Church-Without-Aldgate (250 year-old church, built by George Dance the Elder, who also built the Mansion House.)

THE FEE?
For spectators, it’s of course free. Just bring your cheers. To partake in the “iconic charity fun run” however, it costs £100 for first-time runners/walkers, a fee which covers registration, a donation to the Gorilla Organization, and your gorilla suit. After the race, it’s yours to keep. (www.gorillas.org/GreatGorillaRun/)

Each participant’s goal is to be sponsored £400. To make it simple, find 20 people to sponsor for just £20 and you’ve met the goal.

GO APE!
In 2003, the very first Great Gorilla Run was held as a way to bring awareness to a critically-endangered species. Today, the determination to help is strong as ever and it’s quite clear that that support will always be there, so long as there is the need. Of course hopefully one day, there won’t be. Until that day though, be part of the effort and Go Ape!

After the fun-run, an after-party will take place for all runners/walkers and their friends. The location is currently under wraps, but it will be in central London. Tickets for runners are £5 and for others, just £10. All money raised from tickets will of course to go the Gorilla Organization (www.gorillas.org/_Shop/_GGR_Party).

Ben Jackson (the chap behind TubeHotels) is running for the gorillas. Please sponsor him.

^{* 2006 Great Gorilla Run, London. Photos reprinted with permission of the Gorilla Organization.
1 San Francisco’s inaugural race, also organized by the Gorilla Organization.}

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