When you think of a city break to London, places like Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the imposing Buckingham Palace probably come immediately to mind. But did you know that London's bustling city centre is also full of hidden green treasures? Saskia from sustainable lifestyle magazine thegreenlist.nl takes you on an exploration of (still) lesser-known, sustainable hotspots in the heart of London. With NS International travel to this iconic city in 4.5 hours in a sustainable way - your adventure can begin immediately!
The best thing about London? Follow the green path!
In cooperation with NS Dagje Uit | Photography: Björn Snelders
London is a city in constant flux. There is constant construction, sustainability and greening, and with countless new initiatives, there is always something new to discover. A city break to this vibrant capital is therefore always a good idea. Getting bored or bored out is simply impossible! From the Netherlands, London is also sustainably accessible by train, which makes it a perfect destination for your greener bucket list. But what do you do once you arrive at St Pancras Station? Your adventure can begin immediately, as the Eurostar takes you - huppakee - straight to the heart of the city. Of course, you can visit the tourist highlights tick boxes, but will you really make the most of your London adventure? Come, put on your green glasses too and discover London - and other cities - in a new, sustainable way. That way, you'll come across hidden gems and often skip the long queues too. Great, right? Together with NS, I'll take you along: thegreenlist.nl goes to London, baby!
Stroll through London's new sustainable neighbourhood
Arrived well and rested in London? Great! Open Google Maps and navigate directly to Coal Drops Yard, also called ‘King's Cross Riviera’ by locals. This is a ‘new’ sustainable area in King's Cross that will even become the Green Flag Award won for its beautiful green parks. Of course you want to see those! King's Cross is completely CO2-neutral, uses green energy and is even natural gas-free. This place is not new. It was built in the 19th century to distribute coal from northern England and fell into disrepair when demand for coal declined. In recent years, this place has been transformed into a modern, green hotspot, preserving its industrial charm. In short, a must-visit during your green city break!
In this district, be sure to explore Gasholder Park, relax by the water on a bench along Regent's Canal Towpath to watch the typically British narrow canal boats sail by, get lost in Camley Street Natural Park and discover the charming boutiques. Are you there between Thursday and Sunday? Then you'll find the cosy Lower Stable Street Market. Starting to feel it in your legs? Then plonk yourself down on one of the many pavement cafés or join a picnic table with something tasty from a food truck. Highly recommended is the Japanese stall of Okan which serves delicious and affordable meals seven days a week, including vegan okonomiyaki. That way, you immediately save some money for a delicious ‘EsMa’ (espresso martini) at the award-winning B Corp restaurant Caravan which is known for its sustainable coffee.
Two beautiful green spots in London are St Dunstan in the East Church Garden (left) and high-altitude greenery can be found while walking through the public garden of Sky Garden (right). So put them on your London list in advance.
Hidden green ruin in The City
At a green city trip the financial district of a city with huge skyscrapers, heavy traffic and rushing businessmen running to or from work with their Starbucks coffee. Yet it is precisely in ‘The City’ that you will find surprising green treasures! One hidden gem is St Dunstan in the East Church Garden, a medieval church destroyed in World War II. Instead of being rebuilt, it was turned into a green oasis in the 1970s, where nature took over the ruins. The result? A serene garden with ivy, flowers, birds, squirrels and benches where locals gather or enjoy the peace and quiet. In short, one of the rare places in the city where the phone does still stay in the pocket. St Dunstan is free to visit daily from 8am to 7pm.
Green at high altitude!
And while you're in the area, don't forget to look up from time to time. Because on the tops of those towering office buildings, you will find surprisingly many green rooftop parks. Good news: some have rooftop bars and are open to the public. At The Garden at 120 (120 Fenchurch Street), you can enjoy stunning views of Tower Bridge in the botanical bar sipping your cocktail. Just down the road, at number 20, is Sky Garden, the largest and tallest public garden also known as the ‘Walkie Talkie’. When you see it, you'll understand why... This impressive roof garden spans three floors and offers a lush mix of tropical plants with panoramic views over London's skyline. During the day, the Sky Garden is free to visit, but you need to book a time slot in advance. Tickets for the popular music nights - an absolute green out tip - do cost money.
Surprising in London: Little Venice
Right in the middle of the leafy Little Venice district is Clifton Nurseries, London's oldest and best-loved garden centre. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee or something tasty with local residents among the plants. Since 1851, this place has been loved by garden lovers and city dwellers looking for nature. Tip: come early, right at 9:00 am (Sunday at 11:00 am), when it is still nice and quiet. After your visit, continue your green adventure past the quaint houseboats where Little Venice owes its name to. Take the Canal Side Walk and stroll along the quay or rent a SUP or canoe towards Paddington Central or Grand Junction, a beautiful meeting centre and café in a church. Got an appetite? Along the quay you will find sustainable and plant-based options such as Darcie & May Green with their award-winning banana bread and the botanical Bondi Green.
Sustainable London: the alternative culture route
The green city trip so won't take you to Big Ben or Westminster Abbey. But to what iconic places, then? To Chelsea Physic Garden and The Barbican! The Chelsea Physic Garden, founded by pharmacists in 1673, is one of England's oldest botanical gardens. Here you can wander among five thousand medicinal and edible plants on your own (or with a guide). The Barbican Conservatory is definitely not a hidden green gem, as it is so big you can't ignore it! This indoor tropical paradise in the Barbican Centre is home to more than 15 hundred plant species. Another special feature is the Barbican's brutalist architecture. Visitors can enjoy the place for free, but for the urban jungle you have to book a spot in advance.
A sustainable city break in London also includes The Barbican (left) and a trip to Chelsea Physic Garden (right).
Rugged East London
Vintage shopping you can say hello to, plus vegan streetfood from all over the world - all in a cool environment full of street art. At the old Truman Brewery warehouse on Brick Lane, you can find endless amounts of find vintage clothing, of the Roaring Twenties to the nineties - every time period is represented here. Between shopping, stroll past impressive murals, including the famous Banksy garland monkeys (photo opportunity!) and dive into the vegan delights at Up Market. Enjoy Brazilian comfort food with the always cheerful Camila from Little Piece of Bahia - her ‘plantain stew’ is phenomenal - to spicy vegan meals from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, West Africa and many more far-flung places. And even if you're a sprout-hater, you should definitely stop by Sopna's stall, because her caramelised Brussels sprouts from Singapore are so delicious you'll forget you're eating Brussels sprouts. And this is just the beginning - the market is full of plant-based options from cuisines you don't encounter every day. In short, Brick Lane, East London's vintage AND vegan food hallway, should not be missing from your green-in-London list.
Tip: Go on Sunday and arrive extra early, around 10:00 am, to have the streets and street food stalls all to yourself for a while. With a bit of luck, you'll get to sample various snacks for free.
Do you love vintage shopping and (vegan) street food from all corners of the world? Then the Brick Lane district is another stop during your stedentri to London.
Islington: city life with a neighbourhood feel
Location, location, location... Your place can make or break your city break. You don't want to be too touristy, but pooh, London is huge, so a miss because you accidentally booked a little too far away is easily made. So a perfect base for your buzzing-but-not-too-massive-London trip is the hip Islington district. And then a sleeping spot near Upper Street, the beating heart of the district, is the tip. Completely in keeping with the green theme this flat with green backyard which sits in this neighbourhood. After checking in, you have no time to waste - go out and experience Islington's cosy neighbourhood feel. A fine ‘green living room’ is Megan's. And for a banger of dinner, you'll slide into the sustainable restaurant of world-renowned chef and cookbook author Ottolenghi. Do book in advance, though, because you won't be the only one to have their signature dish the ‘roasted aubergine with lemon yoghurt’ wants to try.
It ís easy being green in London
You may know the famous quote from Kermit the Frog: ‘It's not easy being green’. But in London, that is definitely not the case! With this green route map, you'll experience familiar London in a completely different way. Whether you choose walking, an electric share bike or public transport, the city makes it easy for sustainable travellers. Checking in and out with your bank card can be done everywhere, so your green adventure starts as soon as you step off the Eurostar. It ís easy being green in London. So, when are you coming?
More travel tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Is Basque Country still on your list? Then check out all the tips for both San Sebastián and Bilbao. These destinations are also easy to reach by train!
- At home Eindhoven and Groningen also two cool city break destinations where you can follow a green route.
Photo credits: Björn Snelders.
