Explore Victoria Embankment

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by Joanna Sopylo-Firrisa (subscribe)

Writer by passion, administrator by profession. I check what life brings and turn it into writing.

Published March 26th 2014

From The Strand to the peace

Arundel House, Strand, King's College, London, Thames

Arundel House, photo by Joanna Sopylo-Firrisa

If you want to find tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the Strand, go down to Victoria Embankment and discover a hidden history treasures and peaceful gardens.

The Strand is a busy street – it starts at the Trafalgar Square and finishes near the Royal Courts of Justice. With close proximity to Covent Garden, the location of many of London theatres as well as King's College and London School of Economics campuses adds to an already a busy street. If you work or study nearby, go towards the river and discover tranquillity in the middle of the city on your lunch break.

The easiest way is via Surrey St, which is just round the corner from King's College Strand Campus. You can go to its very end, to sit at one of the gardens located near Victoria Embankment with lots of green plants and a perfect view of the river or turn on the way and discover a hidden treasure. If you choose second option, follow a sign on narrow Surrey Steps which you will find on right hand side. It will lead you to the 'Roman' Bath. Though the name is only nominal, because bath probably originates in 16th or 17th century, it is still an attraction. You can have a peep at the interiors through the window or visit it for free on one of the open days.

Gardens, Victoria Embankment, The Strand, London, Thames, relax, lunch break

Statue in a garden at Victoria Embankment, photo by Joanna Sopylo-Firrisa

If you choose to sit in the gardens right next to the Temple underground station, you will have a chance to admire Arundel House. Originally, it was a London town-house of the Bishops of Bath and Wells during the Middle Ages. Currently there is a hotel owned by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. If you move along the Thames towards east you can also find a tranquil spot in Middle Temple Garden. It is your choice, but either way it is a great area to take a deep breath from the business of the city.

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