上一篇文章里我们讲到从吉尔福德出发，仅需要30分钟就可以抵达位于伦敦中心区的滑铁卢车站。每天高峰期的滑铁卢车站，挤满了通勤于伦敦南郊和伦敦市中心的上班族，这里也是整个英国西南铁路网的终点，西至Weymouth，南抵Portsmouth，一段关于英国铁路的历史在这里相连。走出这座拥有150多年历史的车站，哪怕仅仅是步行，也足以来一场英伦格调的City Walk，漫步于伦敦的中心区，一起感受这座城市的古香古色和英伦气息。
南岸中心
踏出滑铁卢车站，首站便是闻名遐迩的南岸中心。这不仅仅是一个地点，它是伦敦文化生活跳动的心脏，汇聚了艺术、表演和美食。想象一下，在泰晤士河畔的这个文化综合体里，你可以观赏到顶级的艺术展览，享受露天电影，甚至参与到各种互动式的艺术活动中。
有趣事实：你知道吗？南岸中心曾是1951年“节日的英国”庆典的一部分，目的是为了振兴战后的英国精神和经济。如今，它已成为伦敦不可或缺的文化标志，每年吸引着数百万的访客前来探索。
伦敦眼
从南岸中心步行几分钟，便可见到耸立在泰晤士河畔的伦敦眼。这座巨轮不仅是伦敦的象征，也是全球最高的摩天轮之一，提供了城市及其周边地区无与伦比的全景视角。想要体验伦敦的壮观景色吗？伦敦眼将是你的最佳选择。
有趣事实：虽然现在看来伦敦眼仿佛一直是伦敦的一部分，但它实际上是为了庆祝2000年千禧年而建造的。最初，它被设想为临时的结构，但由于它的巨大成功和受欢迎程度，伦敦眼成为了一个永久的地标。
泰特现代美术馆
沿着泰晤士河畔继续前行，下一站是全球最著名的现代艺术博物馆之一——泰特现代美术馆。这座前电力厂的转型不仅仅是对建筑本身的再利用，更是对艺术展示方式的革新。泰特现代美术馆收藏有从20世纪初到现在的各种现代和当代艺术作品，是任何艺术爱好者必访的圣地。
有趣事实：泰特现代美术馆的大楼原本是一个名为“班克赛德发电站”的工业设施。这座建筑的改造过程中，设计师保留了许多原始工业元素，比如巨大的烟囱，这使得博物馆本身就像是一件艺术品。
莎士比亚环球剧场
只需步行片刻，就能到达复原的莎士比亚环球剧场，这是一个尝试复原16世纪剧场的雄心壮志的项目，旨在让今日观众体验莎士比亚时代的戏剧表演。站在这个开放式的圆形剧场里，你可以想象400年前的观众是如何在这里观看莎翁的作品的。
有趣事实：莎士比亚环球剧场不仅是莎士比亚作品的演出地，它还采用了当时的表演技术，包括手工制作的服装和无电声音效。这种方法让观众能够更加真实地体验到莎士比亚时代的戏剧魅力。
泰晤士河畔
继续我们的漫步，我们来到了泰晤士河畔。这里不仅提供了令人惊叹的城市风景，还是一条历史悠久的水道。沿着河畔走，你会发现伦敦的许多面貌——从繁忙的市中心到静谧的自然角落。
有趣事实：泰晤士河曾是罗马人在伦敦定居的原因之一，因为它为他们提供了重要的交通和供应路线。今天，河畔的景色已大不相同，但河水依然默默地讲述着城市的历史。
圣保罗大教堂
只需短暂的步行，便可到达伦敦的地标之一——圣保罗大教堂。这座宏伟的巴洛克式建筑不仅是伦敦天际线的重要组成部分，也是英国历史上许多关键事件的见证者。无论是其令人叹为观止的穹顶，还是内部装饰的精细，圣保罗大教堂都能给访客留下深刻印象。
有趣事实：圣保罗大教堂的穹顶内有一个被称为“耳语廊”的地方。这个圆形走廊的特殊结构使得一个人在廊道的一侧轻声耳语，声音可以清晰地传到另一侧，即使是在距离很远的情况下也是如此。
米尔恩银行/伦敦城
继续我们的城市探索，下一站是伦敦城，伦敦的金融中心。这里不仅是全球金融活动的核心地带，也是历史与现代精英文化交汇的地点。穿梭于高耸的摩天大楼间，你可以感受到这个区域独特的活力和魅力。
有趣事实：尽管如今这里是高科技和金融的象征，米尔恩银行的名字实际上来源于一座建于1844年的谷物磨坊——米尔恩银行磨坊（Millennium Mills）。这个区域的历史与它今天的面貌形成了鲜明对比，展示了伦敦不断进步和变化的精神。
伦敦塔
我们的城市漫步最终将我们带到了伦敦塔——这座历史悠久的堡垒和宫殿，是英国历史上最引人入胜的地点之一。伦敦塔见证了数百年的英国历史，从皇家居所到监狱，再到今天的博物馆，它的每一块石头都充满了故事。
有趣事实：伦敦塔也是家园，不仅仅是给人类，还有为了保护皇家财宝而住在这里的乌鸦。传说中，如果这些乌鸦离开伦敦塔，那么塔和王国都将倒塌。因此，这里总是有一群特殊的“塔乌鸦”被精心照料，以确保传说不会成真。
结语
从滑铁卢车站出发，我们一起经历了一段穿越历史和文化的漫步，探索了伦敦的8个著名景点，并发现了它们背后的有趣事实。这个城市充满了故事和奇迹，等待着每一个愿意探索的人。我们希望这次漫步不仅能增加你对伦敦的了解，也能激发你亲自去探索这座城市的热情。
无论是艺术和文化的爱好者，还是历史和建筑的追寻者，伦敦都有无尽的奇迹等着你去发现。记住，每一步都可能揭开一个新的故事，每一条街道都可能是一段历史的见证。所以，下次当你在伦敦，别忘了抬头看看那些乌鸦，也许它们会将你引向下一个冒险。
(Image: National Geography; Lonely Planet)
In our previous article, we discussed how a mere 30-minute journey from Guildford can land you in the heart of London at Waterloo Station. During peak times, Waterloo Station teems with commuters travelling between the southern suburbs and the city centre, serving as the terminus for the South Western Railway network stretching west to Weymouth and south to Portsmouth, thus linking a chapter of British railway history. Stepping out of this station, which boasts over 150 years of history, even a mere stroll is sufficient for an utterly British City Walk, meandering through London’s central district, immersing oneself in the city’s ancient charm and British flair.
Southbank Centre
Emerging from Waterloo Station, the first port of call is the renowned Southbank Centre. Far more than just a location, it’s the throbbing heart of London’s cultural life, a confluence of art, performance, and gastronomy. Imagine, on the banks of the Thames, this cultural complex where one can admire top-tier art exhibitions, enjoy open-air cinema, and even engage in various interactive art activities.
Interesting Fact: Did you know? The Southbank Centre was part of the 1951 Festival of Britain, aimed at rejuvenating post-war British spirit and economy. Today, it stands as an indispensable cultural emblem of London, attracting millions of visitors annually to explore.
The London Eye
A few minutes’ walk from the Southbank Centre brings the towering London Eye into view, perched by the Thames. This giant wheel is not only a symbol of London but also one of the tallest Ferris wheels globally, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city and its surrounding areas. Fancy experiencing London’s spectacular vistas? The London Eye is your prime choice.
Interesting Fact: Though it now seems an integral part of London, the Eye was actually constructed to celebrate the millennium in 2000. Initially envisioned as a temporary structure, its immense success and popularity have made the London Eye a permanent landmark.
Tate Modern
Continuing along the Thames, the next stop is Tate Modern, among the world’s most famous modern art museums. The transformation of this former power station is not merely a repurposing of the building but a revolution in the presentation of art. Tate Modern, housing modern and contemporary art pieces from the early 20th century to the present, is a sacred destination for any art enthusiast.
Interesting Fact: The Tate Modern’s building was originally an industrial facility known as the “Bankside Power Station.” During its conversion, designers retained many of the original industrial elements, such as the massive chimney, making the museum itself resemble a piece of art.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
A short walk leads to the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, an ambitious project to revive a 16th-century playhouse, offering modern audiences the chance to experience Shakespearean drama as it was in his time. Standing in this open-air circular theatre, one can imagine how audiences 400 years ago watched Shakespeare’s works.
Interesting Fact: The Globe not only hosts performances of Shakespeare’s plays using period techniques, including handmade costumes and natural lighting but also offers audiences a more authentic experience of Elizabethan theatre.
The Thames Riverside/Path
Our stroll continues to the Thames Path, offering stunning urban landscapes and a serene waterside promenade. This historic riverway has seen London evolve from a bustling Roman settlement to the vibrant metropolis it is today.
Interesting Fact: The Thames was one of the reasons Romans settled in London, providing crucial transport and supply routes. Today, the riverscape has drastically changed, but its waters still silently narrate the city’s history.
St Paul’s Cathedral
A brief walk away stands St Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s iconic landmarks. This magnificent Baroque structure is not only a key component of London’s skyline but has also been the backdrop for many pivotal events in British history. Its awe-inspiring dome and intricate interior details never fail to impress visitors.
Interesting Fact: Inside St Paul’s Cathedral’s dome lies the “Whispering Gallery,” where a whisper on one side can be clearly heard on the other, despite the distance, thanks to its unique acoustics.
The City of London
Continuing our city exploration, the next destination is the City of London, the capital’s financial heart. This area is not only the core of global financial activities but also a point where history meets modern elite culture. Navigating between towering skyscrapers, one can feel the unique vitality and charm of this district.
Interesting Fact: Though now a symbol of high-tech and finance, the name “City of London” actually stems from a grain mill established in 1844 – the Millennium Mills. The area’s history contrasts sharply with its present-day appearance, showcasing London’s spirit of continuous progress and change.
Tower of London
Our city walk ultimately brings us to the Tower of London – a historic fortress and palace, one of the most captivating spots in British history. The Tower of London has witnessed centuries of British history, from a royal residence to a prison, and now a museum, each stone brimming with stories.
Interesting Fact: The Tower is also a sanctuary, not just for humans but for ravens kept to protect the Crown Jewels. Legend has it that if these ravens ever leave the Tower, both the fortress and the kingdom will fall. Thus, a special flock of “Tower ravens” is carefully maintained to ensure the legend never becomes reality.
Departing from Waterloo Station, we’ve journeyed together through London’s famed landmarks, uncovering fascinating facts behind them. This city is filled with stories and wonders, awaiting every willing explorer. We hope this stroll not only broadens your understanding of London but also ignites your passion to personally explore this magnificent city.
Whether you’re an aficionado of arts and culture or a seeker of history and architecture, London holds endless marvels for you to discover. Remember, each step could unveil a new story, each street a testament to history. So, the next time you’re in London, don’t forget to look up at those ravens; they might just lead you to your next adventure from our beautiful Guildford.
