St Paul's Cathedral Lit Up

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October 25-27

St Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most famous landmarks. The Grade 1 listed building sits on the highest point of the City of London and the dome of the Cathedral is one of the highest in the world. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren who was charged with rebuilding churches lost in the Great Fire of London.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of since the start of World War II, St Paul's will be honoring those that risked their lives to save the Cathedral by illuminating the building with projections poetry entitled Where Light Falls. Free viewing outside the Cathedral will take place October 24th-26th 6:30-10 pm and October 27th 8-10 pm. There is also a unique opportunity to visit the Cathedral after-hours that includes reading from the Poetry Society October 25th 6:30-8:30 pm (Adults £10, Seniors 60+ Children 6-24 £5).

The event is part of the Fantastic Feats : The Building of London that celebrates the city's architecture, invention and engineering. Events include an array of activities, including exhibitions, performances and tours and will conclude December 1st.

To make the most of your visit to St Paul's, take this path:

Walk over the Millennium Bridge from Tate Modern on the south towards St Paul's Cathedral on the north.  Look carefully as you walk over the bridge for 400+ miniature pieces of chewing gum art created by Ben Wilson.

After crossing the bridge head to One New Change, a retail and restaurant building and take a lift* to the terrace. Here you have a chance to enjoy a stunning unobstructed view of St Paul's Cathedral from 6 am - midnight at no charge.

While inside St Paul's, it is worth climbing 528 steps up to the Golden Gallery of the Cathedral for breathtaking panoramic views Shakespeare Globe, Tate Modern and the Thames. Through November 30th, there is a special exhibition entitled The Great Restoration of the 1920s that recounts how St Paul's dome was restored after receiving a notice requesting its removal.

BONUS : Kids Go Free through November 2nd
www.stpauls.co.uk ✆ +44 2072 468350
The Chapter House, St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

Stay tuned for more Fantastic Feats . . .

Spooked in Surrey

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Historic haunted houses and more

Surrey is home to two well-known haunted historic houses. They are worth visiting — if you dare:

Chartwell House (Westerham) — Sir Winston Churchill made Chartwell House his home for more than 40 years.  He is credited with his own ghostly sighting while  painting a portrait of his father.  Churchill recalled that he appeared in front of him, they proceeded to have a conversation and then he disappeared after lighting a cigarette.  Today, visitors have noted the scent of cigar smoke while touring the home.  
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell ✆ +44 1732 868381
Mapleton Road, Westerham TN16 1PS

Ham House (Richmond) — With at least 15 resident ghosts, Ham House is said to be one of the most haunted in Britain.  The Grade I listed building considered “unique in Europe as the most complete survival of 17th century fashion and power” was home to the Duchess Lauderdale.  The presence of the late Duchess is said to be particularly strong - from the sounds of footsteps, her rose scent and appearance of figures in her mirror.

Bonus : Fireside Ghost Stories (Fridays October 11-December 13), Evening Ghost Tours by candlelight (Daily October 21-25 and November 5-8) and Spooky Storytelling (Daily October 26-November 3)
 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse ✆ +44 2089 401950
Ham Street, Ham, Richmond TW10 7RS

With Halloween falling on half-term, there are plenty of kid-friendly options, including:

  • Claremont Landscape Garden : Spooky Walk (Esher)
  • Denbies Wine Estate : Spooky Train Ride & Storytelling (Dorking)
  • RHS Garden Wisley : Wisley After Dark (Woking)
  • Skywalk Adventure : Scary Skywalk (Esher)
Happy Haunting!

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