This post is inspired by the amazing Darker Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab. After spending the last three months in London, I’ve split up some of the attractions I visited based on what ‘London’ I think they align with the most.
Red London
Kew Gardens in Autumn
If you’ve been spending a lot of the time in the city, these gardens will seem other worldly and magical. Just like Red London. Autumn especially because then the trees have changed and it’s quite a site. While there, make sure to visit the hive, it doesn’t really fit the Red London Vibe but still pretty cool.
West End Show/ A show at the Globe
Costumes, Sets, theatre, music! It’s essentially magic- especially if you see a show like Wicked that actually involves magic. This is a must do, even if you’ve already done it do it again. Also, a show at the Globe is so cheap (5 pounds for standing) so it’s great if you’re on a budget.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
This is a little outside of London, but it is so magical that it’s a must do for any Potter fan. It’s a chance to see all the sets and props they used in the movies. And they’ve got great butter beer.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
It’s beautiful and full of beautiful things. I spent so many hours here and I always managed to find a new room full of new beautiful things.
Christmas Lights on Oxford and Carnaby Street
So magical. So festive.
Grey London
National Gallery
It is just so steeped in the history and tradition of this world that I had to put it in Grey London. Kell really only visits Grey London because of tradition, there’s no real purpose to his correspondence with the King any longer but tradition is tradition. This is a great place to spend a few hours if you want to get out of the cold or the rain. And it’s free, though they do ask a 5 dollar/pound/euro donation.
Buckingham Palace
Again, history and tradition. Note: the inside is only open two months a year so make sure to buy tickets online and plan ahead.
British Museum
There is so much OLD stuff here. Definitely go see the Elgin Marbles in the Parthenon room, the Rosetta Stone and the rest of the museum too. You could honestly spend the whole day here and still not see everything.
White London
Lions in Trafalgar Square
These stone lions are magnificent and a sign of power, and they remind me a bit of the Danes’ statue garden. They’re right outside the National Gallery and a great photo opportunity.
Tower of London/ Tower Bridge
They tower holds years of London’s defensive history. There’s an exhibit showcasing England’s military over the years, starting with knights in shining armor. The Tower also holds the Crown Jewels- a symbol of the monarchs might.
Black London
London Walks: Jack the Ripper Tour
Something went wrong in Jack the Ripper’s head, perhaps the magic of Black London got to him. This walk takes you around the city and tells the story of the infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper. I wouldn’t recommend walking home alone after this one (or at all for that matter).
I can not think any more black London places because everything I did was great and not made of soul sucking darkness.
What other attractions would you connect with each London? How would you divide up other cities?
