Embankment

Photo of Waterloo Bridge from the north bank of the Thames. — Photo by Alexander London on Unsplash

The Victoria Embankment (usually just called Embankment - London is awash with things called Victoria) makes up the north bank of the Thames between Parliament and Blackfriars bridge.

It isn’t as nice to walk along as the south bank because a multi-lane road runs along it but it does still offer some good views, and if you’re on a bicycle then a great cycle path too!

Things to do

Courtauld Gallery

Spread over four floors of Somerset House, the Courtauld Gallery is named for the family who made their fortune developing Rayon.

The collection begins in a darkened room of medieval exhibits before continuing upwards through the state rooms of Somerset House that are filled with renaissance works.

I must confess I experienced some Jesus fatigue - he is a popular subject - but I enjoyed reading about the learned societies that previously occupied the state rooms.

The highlight was heading up the famous spiral staircase to see the impressionist art. Such a stark contrast to the earlier works - all bright colours and bold brushstrokes.

£12.00 - £14.00 with donation, children free

courtauld.ac.uk

Slightly wonky photo of the exterior of Somerset House — Photo by me, a bus was blocking the view :(

Somerset House is a large events venue, built in the 18th Century specifically to look impressive and house a bunch of government ofices. It still looks impressive, but now houses galleries, offices and events spaces.

Until the 19th Century it was right on the river, but the building of the embankment changed that.

www.somersethouse.org.uk

Parks & Gardens

Photo of a border of slightly battered looking pink tulips. — Photo by me, I missed the best of the tulips alas.

Victoria Embankment Gardens

Small but flower-filled (at least in the Spring) park next to Charing Cross, sandwiched between the Strand and the Embankment.

If you’re into statues of Victorian men you’re going to love it - there’s Henry Fawcett, Sir Wilfred Lawson, Arthur Sullivan and more! Truly a cornucopia.