Category: Relaxation

Top Places and Hidden Spots to Enjoy Free Music in London

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If you are traveling to London or are a local of the city, there’s no better way to enjoy your spare time than by listening to some of the city’s very best free music. There’s no need to pay large fees for concerts and events within the Capital City when you can check out these secret spots that regularly host free music events and performances from lesser-known acts to more well-known acts around London. If you are looking to hear some of the best live music in the city, these top entertainment destinations are sure to provide you with a fun and exciting time during your stay in London, England.

Live Music at The National Theatre – A Variety of Sounds

Head down to the South Bank of London where you will find The National Theatre. While this venue hosts many events that require tickets, simply coming on the right days and at the right times can give you the chance to hear some of the city’s very best live musical performances. Free foyer music is held here during lunchtime hours and at pre-performances. Here you will find everything from cool jazz sounds to classical music and upbeat hits of today.

Southbank Centre – Free Music at its Best

Southbank Centre in London offers tourists and locals alike with relaxing environment to enjoy free music and entertainment. Visitors can stop by the bar for a drink or walk around and do some shopping while enjoying a perfect view of the Clore Ballroom. Sit back, relax and enjoy your drink while you listen to free live music on select days at Southbank Centre.

Trafalgar Square – Festivals and Events

Trafalgar Square is the place to go in London for festivals, ceremonies, sporting events, artistic events and much more. In addition, many events held here are open to the general public and are completely free. Relax in the grassy fields while you enjoy listening to free music from many different acts within the area. Some popular events held at this outdoor venue include the Liberty Festival and Christmas in the Square where you can participate in many different festivities while enjoying musical acts and much more.

Covent Garden Market – Shopping and Music

The Covent Garden Market is not only the perfect place to go for shopping, but is a great destination within the city to hear free music on a regular basis. Shop through the wide variety of arts and crafts, homemade goods, antiques and more while you listen to music that can be heard from the centre of the market. To see who is performing that day, simply visit the middle of Covent Garden Market and look down onto the lower level. You may enjoy everything from classical piano pieces to opera singers and more.

London is truly an excellent destination to enjoy a wide range of cultural activities, events and musical performances. No matter where you choose to go during your stay in the city, you are sure to find performers singing their favorite songs whether it be in a local pub, on a street corner or in the park. Free music could not be any better than it is in London, England.

Kenwood House, a place of relaxation

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A walk to Kenwood House is the perfect Sunday walk for me. I enjoy the peace and serenity of a stroll through the grassy open spaces of Hampstead Heath. The rambling hills seem to beckon for me to ramble along with them until I reach the stately home of Kenwood House. The shining ponds and ancient woods lend themselves to tranquil thoughts, easing the stresses of the past week. I am rejuvenated by the view of the capital’s skyline from Parliament Hill. As I glance across the panorama, I can see the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral surrounded by the spires of Wren’s City churches. I am reminded of the strength of our forefathers in this beautiful city. I am ready to undertake another busy week. Yes, a walk to Hampstead Heath is the perfect Sunday walk for me.

Kenwood House is a Glimpse into London’s Past

Wandering through the grand rooms of this beautiful mansion transcends me back in time to the 18th century. The high ceilings, tall windows and ornate chandeliers stir the imagination. I imagine the host and his guests toasting one another with the splendid backdrop of the landscape as seen from the south wall of the orangery. I gaze about the dining room and marvel at the magnificent furnishings and the fine old masters collection on the walls. I step out onto the lovely flower garden that adjoins the west wing and dream of the noble first occupants of Kenwood House.

A Sunday stroll to Kenwood House relaxes me after a long week. The scenery rejuvenates me, the interior stimulates my imagination, and the weekends include activities my whole family enjoys.

History of Kenwood House

I have learned that the original Kenwood House dates back to the 17th century. It was about 1700 when the orangery was added. The equivalent of a modern-day greenhouse, an orangery is an idea born in the Renaissance gardens of Italy. The name suggests a place where citrus trees were grown.

The stately house was bought by William Murray, the first Earl of Mansfield in 1754. It was remodeled between the years of 1764 and 1769 when the library and the entrance portico was added. Between 1793 and 1796, two wings were added to the mansion’s north side, office, kitchens and brewery. The old brewery is now a trendy restaurant. A dairy was added to supply the household with fresh milk and cheese.

The house was donated to the public in 1928 by Lord Iveagh, a member of the Guinness family. By the late 1990s, the house received about 150,000 visitors a year. I think it is an amazing mansion to tour for no admission fee.

Something for Everyone at Kenwood House and Grounds

I learned that even more visitors visit the lovely grounds of Kenwood House each year. The large wooded parkland, lake and kitchen garden is perfect for outdoor activities. I can walk around the grounds of Kenwood and enjoy the freedom of open spaces away from the city. I love to stroll around and watch visitors enjoying picnics and pedestrians walking their dogs. It is such a happy place, with kids enjoying the playground and flying kites.

I also like to browse the two shops on the premises of Kenwood. The Brewery House Cafe is a great place for a Sunday Brunch. Every weekend at Kenwood House brings fun activities that me and my entire family can participate in and enjoy.