The Big Ben

The Big Ben

Aug 8, 2025 | MUST SEES

Big Ben: The Icon of London’s Skyline

The air was warm, the kind of rare London sunshine that makes the city feel like it’s showing off. People bustled around me, the murmur of traffic mixing with the sound of footsteps on the pavement. I climbed the last few stairs of Westminster station, squinting as daylight poured in. And then—there it was. Rising above the rooftops, gleaming in the sun, every detail sharp and proud. Big Ben. Majestic, glittering, unlike anything I’d ever seen. For a moment, I just stood there, letting its grandeur sink in.

A Brief History of Big Ben
The name “Big Ben” actually refers to the massive bell inside the clock tower, though many believe it’s the tower’s name. Its official name is the Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. The story of Big Ben dates back to the 1800s. After a devastating fire destroyed much of the Palace of Westminster in 1834, the decision to rebuild included plans for a magnificent clock tower. This ambitious project was completed in 1859, and Big Ben has been ticking ever since, withstanding wars, weather, and the test of time.

The Unbreakable Spirit of Big Ben
One of the most fascinating things about Big Ben is its endurance. During World War II, the clock was damaged, and the face was blacked out to avoid being a target during air raids. Yet, Big Ben continued to keep time. It’s a reminder of the resilience of both the clock and the British people.

Climbing Big Ben: A Rare Opportunity
Unfortunately, public access to the Elizabeth Tower is limited. Only UK residents can request a tour, and it’s not for the faint-hearted—there are 334 steps to the top! However, for those lucky enough to make the climb, it’s worth every step. From the top, you’re greeted with a stunning view of London, seeing iconic landmarks from a unique vantage point.

The Magic of the Great Bell
Big Ben, the bell itself, weighs over 13 tons and has a deep, resonant chime that echoes across London. It strikes every hour, while smaller bells chime every quarter-hour. Standing next to it is an experience like no other. The sound has been heard at countless significant moments, marking New Year’s Eve, remembrance days, and royal celebrations.

Restoration and Preservation
In 2017, Big Ben underwent a major restoration to preserve its architecture and mechanism. This lengthy process ensured that it could stand proudly for generations to come. Although its chimes were paused during the renovation, the clock continued to keep time, symbolizing that even when silent, Big Ben never stops.

Fun Facts About Big Ben

1. It’s not the original bell – The first Big Ben bell cracked during testing, so the one we hear today is actually the second.

2. Its accuracy is impressive – Big Ben is famously reliable, with a team of clockmakers adjusting pennies on its pendulum to keep it in sync.

3. The light above the clock – Known as the Ayrton Light, it glows when Parliament is in session, symbolizing democracy in action.

Why Big Ben Continues to Captivate Us
Big Ben is more than a clock; it’s a living symbol of history. Its timeless design, resilient spirit, and majestic presence remind us of London’s journey through the ages. When you hear its chime, you’re not just listening to a bell; you’re experiencing a heartbeat of British heritage.

SUPERMAN SOARS ABOVE LONDON IN FIRST-EVER SKYLINE SCULPTURE AT THE SHARD

SUPERMAN SOARS ABOVE LONDON IN FIRST-EVER SKYLINE SCULPTURE AT THE SHARD

Jul 2, 2025 | BLOG

SPECTACULAR DISPLAY APPEARS TO HOVER OVER LONDON AHEAD OF THE RELEASE OF DC STUDIOS’ ‘SUPERMAN’, IN CINEMAS 11th JULY   

  • A Superman sculpture has been unveiled over 300 metres above London
  • The iconic sculpture installation marks the first time London and western Europe’s tallest building has been transformed for a cinematic superhero moment
  • The sculpture is positioned within the spire of The Shard, the UK and Western Europe’s tallest building
  • Cast members joined the 11ft figure for the launch, including an aerial fly-by from a Daily Planet helicopter
  • Sculpture is based on David Corenswet as ‘Superman’, releasing in cinemas Friday 11th July
  • Londoners encouraged to ‘Look Up’ – the film’s official tagline – with the figure visible from 40 miles away (list of best vantage points in notes to editors)

“Is it a bird… is it a plane…? London Looks Up as a hyper-realistic sculpture of Superman is displayed over 300 metres above the city, hovering between the spires of The Shard, London’s tallest building. In place for a whole day and visible from 40 miles away, the spectacular stunt took place to promote the release of the new film ‘Superman’, in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Friday 11th July.

London, 1st July 2025

This morning, Londoners looked skyward as Superman appeared, suspended over 300 metres above the capital within the exposed spire of The Shard.

Created to celebrate the release of DC Studios ‘Superman’, the new film from director James Gunn, in cinemas from 11th July, the striking sight marks an unprecedented stunt for the iconic skyscraper and the highest-ever public sculpture display in the UK.

With early risers spotting the unmistakable figure majestically floating at the peak of London’s tallest building from 5am, crowds soon gathered in the London Bridge area to get a glimpse of Superman himself.

With the new film’s tagline ‘Look Up’, London was invited to do exactly that, with the figure visible from up to 40 miles away for an entire day, at times circled by two Daily Planet branded helicopters, a nod to the iconic newspaper in the film. Meanwhile, three of the film’s stars – David Corenswet (Clarke Kent / Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) – made an appearance on the spire’s highest platform beneath the sculpture. 

James Gunn, writer and director of Superman and Co-Chairman of DC Studios, said of the stunt:  “To see such a realistic depiction of our Superman displayed on the top of The Shard is mind-blowing!”

Daniel Fulbrook, Head of Marketing for REM, asset manager of The Shard, said:  “Superman has stood as a symbol of hope and heroism for generations — so it feels only fitting that he now watches over London from the top of one of its most iconic landmarks.

“To see him suspended within The Shard’s spire is truly surreal. We’re incredibly proud to help bring this legendary figure to life in such a bold and breathtaking way.”

Based on 3D scans and extensive reference of the actor and costume and in close consultation of filmmakers, the sculpture consists of a welded steel framework – appropriate for the hero known as the ‘Man of Steel’ – with a fibreglass body moulded in ECO resin, supported by galvanised steel cables attaching it to the iconic building.

Four months in the making and over 2,000 man hours with a team of over 20 working around the clock, the 120kg sculpture even had to be constructed from its 9 complex sections yesterday at the very top platform of the Shard, before being hoisted into position in the early hours of this morning by a team of over twenty.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ and DC Studios’ ‘Superman’ is released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Friday 11th July.

FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT THE STUNT

  • Statue is 11ft/3.5m tall and weighs over 120kg
  • Consists of welded steel framework and a fibreglass body created from ECO resin mould
  • Actor David Corenswet was 3D scanned during production and pose translated to physical figure, supported by extensive references for the costume and cape
  • Pose depicts character with one leg dynamically bent and head looking down, as if hovering protectively over London
  • Statue took four months to create and 2,000 man hours to create by a team of over 20
  • Statue displayed at over 300 metre height, making it the highest ever display of a public sculpture
  • At 310 metres high, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe
  • The Shard’s spire is visible over 40 miles away, but fans are being encouraged to visit the locations below for the best, unobstructed views of the statue:
    • Borough Market – various vantage points on Cathedral St, SE1 9DE
    • Corner of Stoney St and Southwark St, SE1 9AF
    • Maiden Lane, SE1 9HG
    • Sumner Street, SE1 9HZ
    • Southwark Bridge (south side), SE1 9HS

About Superman

In Cinemas July 11th 2025
Trailer: https://youtu.be/KymrMQKEZ2I?si=GD3gmX_WB3YWGdLP

Download Available via Panther

Poster Available On Media Pass https://mediapass.warnerbros.com/

Directed By: James Gunn

Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva Howell

“Superman,” DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures.  In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind. 

DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

The film stars David Corenswet (“Twisters,” “Hollywood”) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” movies, “Juror #2”) as Lex Luthor.  The film also stars Edi Gathegi (“For All Mankind”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry,” “Gotham”), Nathan Fillion (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “The Suicide Squad”), Isabela Merced (“Alien Romulus”), Skyler Gisondo (“Licorice Pizza,” “Booksmart”), Sara Sampaio (“At Midnight”), María Gabriela de Faría (“The Moodys”), Wendell Pierce (“Selma,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Alan Tudyk (“Andor”), Pruitt Taylor Vince (“Bird Box”) and Neva Howell (“Greedy People”).

“Superman” is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther.  Behind the camera, Gunn is joined by frequent collaborators, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky and composer John Murphy, along with composer David Fleming (“The Last of Us”) and editors William Hoy (“The Batman”) and Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2,” “Blue Beetle”). 

DC Studios Presents a Troll Court Entertainment/The Safran Company Production, A James Gunn Film,“Superman.”

Superman will be released in the UK on 11th July      2025 by Warner Bros. Pictures.

FOR ALL PUBLICITY ENQUIRIES CONTACT:

David.Cummins@wbd.com

Charlotte.Flint@wbd.com

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About The Shard

The Shard at 310m high (1,016 ft), is Europe’s first vertical city. Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, it comprises a 26-floor office complex, six world-class bars and restaurants (Aqua Shard, Oblix, Hutong, TĪNG, GŎNG and Bar 31), a 19-floor five-star hotel (Shangri-La) and the UK’s highest viewing gallery (The View from The Shard). A floor-by-floor guide to The Shard can be found here:

https://www.the-shard.com/shard/level-guide/

25 Things to Do in London This Summer (2025 Edition)

25 Things to Do in London This Summer (2025 Edition)

Jun 11, 2025 | THINGS TO DO

Summer in London is nothing short of magical. The city transforms into a lively outdoor playground full of colour, music, street food, and sunshine. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this handpicked list of 25 unforgettable things to do in London during summer will make sure you soak up every bit of the season, without missing a beat.

From scenic canal rides to flower markets bursting with colour, late-night rooftop cinemas to picnics in royal parks—there’s something for every mood, every budget, and every kind of explorer.

Let’s dive in.

1. Cruise Along Regent’s Canal Enjoy a peaceful one-way boat ride from Camden Lock to Little Venice. Along the way, you’ll pass through the picturesque Maida Hill Tunnel and under charming Victorian bridges. Insider tip: Sit on the left side for better views.

2. Watch a Rooftop Film The Rooftop Film Club turns city skylines into cinema backdrops. Catch cult classics or new releases at venues like Bussey Building (Peckham) or Roof East (Stratford).

3. Picnic in Hyde Park With over 350 acres of open space, Hyde Park is perfect for a sunny picnic. Rent a deckchair, paddle on the Serpentine, or simply lounge on the grass with snacks and friends.

4. Explore Columbia Road Flower Market Every Sunday, this street bursts with blooms and character. Wander past stalls of peonies, lavender, and street musicians playing jazz.

5. Eat Your Way Through Borough Market Sample everything from raclette to vegan brownies. Grab a fresh juice, people-watch by Southwark Cathedral, and soak in the foodie vibes.

6. Relax in Kyoto Garden (Holland Park) A peaceful Japanese oasis tucked inside Holland Park. Koi ponds, waterfalls, and manicured trees create the perfect quiet moment in a loud city.

7. Catch Open-Air Theatre in Regent’s Park Watch Shakespeare under the stars at one of London’s most beautiful open-air venues.

8. Swim at Hampstead Heath Ponds Feeling brave? These natural swimming ponds are refreshing on a hot day and are a true local favourite.

9. Walk Southbank at Sunset From the London Eye to Tower Bridge, Southbank is a dream at dusk. Grab a drink, listen to live music, and take in the skyline.

10. Visit the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy Each summer, the RA hosts the world’s largest open-submission art show. A mix of established and new artists, all curated into a vibrant, creative explosion.

11. Chill at Granary Square Fountains (King’s Cross) Let your inner child out. These playful fountains dance in patterns—and you’re allowed to run through them.

12. Hunt for Street Art in Shoreditch Join a street art tour or DIY walk around Shoreditch and Brick Lane to see murals by Banksy, ROA, and more.

13. Try Street Food at Boxpark Shoreditch or Croydon Modular containers packed with mouth-watering vendors and music. Perfect for a casual lunch or evening hangout.

14. Visit Sky Garden for Free Book ahead for a free visit to this lush garden in the sky. Panoramic views and cocktails 155m above London.

15. Join a Silent Disco at The Shard Yes, really! Dance to your own beat at one of London’s tallest buildings with headphones and views for days.

16. Wander Through Kew Gardens Escape to this UNESCO site and explore the Palm House, treetop walkway, and summer floral displays.

17. Browse Books Along the Thames (Southbank Centre Book Market) A hidden gem under Waterloo Bridge with second-hand and vintage books.

18. Take a Thames Clipper to Greenwich Avoid the tube—ride the river instead. Stop off at Cutty Sark, the Observatory, and Greenwich Market.

19. Sip Summer Cocktails at Pergola Paddington or Garden Rooftop (Leicester Sq) Lush rooftops, fairy lights, floral arches, and chilled drinks.

20. Attend a Summer Festival From All Points East to British Summer Time in Hyde Park, London knows how to party in the sun.

21. Explore Little Venice by Foot Wander the leafy towpaths and snap photos of colourful canal boats and floating cafes.

22. Visit a Lavender Field (Outside London) Mayfield Lavender (Banstead) is a short train ride away. Great for photography and relaxing strolls.

23. Cool Off with Gelato from Gelupo or Chin Chin Labs Skip the chain stores. These gelaterias are artisan and unforgettable.

24. Discover Hidden Gardens (St Dunstan in the East) A church ruin turned secret garden. Peaceful, green, and beautifully photogenic.

25. End the Day at Primrose Hill Climb up for the best sunset views of the city skyline. A London summer classic.

London in summer is a season of discovery. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, sipping iced coffees, or wandering through historic gardens, this city always has something to surprise you.

So bookmark this list, share it with friends, and start exploring London like a local. Your best summer memories might just be waiting around the next corner.

Best Places to Go in London for Free – Hidden Gems & Iconic Spots

Best Places to Go in London for Free – Hidden Gems & Iconic Spots

Jun 4, 2025 | TRAVEL TIPS

London for Free: A Love Letter to the City’s Open Soul

There’s something magical about discovering a city without spending a single penny, especially when that city is London. For all its grandeur, London is also a city that belongs to wanderers. It welcomes those who walk with curious eyes, who find beauty in hidden corners, and who believe that the best things in life don’t always carry a price tag.

When I first arrived in London, I didn’t know how much of it I could afford to explore. But soon I found that the city’s true soul often lives not in its luxury, but in its generosity. The parks, the street art, the centuries-old architecture standing shoulder to shoulder with glassy skyscrapers—all these are gifts to anyone willing to stop, look, and feel.

So if you’re searching for places to go in London for free, come along. Let’s walk through the quiet and the noisy, the famous and the secret, and let’s soak in this city with open hearts and wide eyes.

Where the River Whispers

The Thames isn’t just a river—it’s a storyteller. Walk along the South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge, and you’ll hear its quiet tales. The Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the looming presence of St. Paul’s across the water—all free to admire, all rich in meaning.

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a sunset that turns the whole sky pink behind Big Ben. It costs nothing, but it will stay with you forever.

Art that Fills You, Not Your Wallet

Step into the Tate Modern, and you’ll find a world that provokes, confuses, and inspires. From Picasso to contemporary installations, the gallery invites you to feel. Entry? Absolutely free.

Further along, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square holds Van Gogh’s sunflowers and da Vinci’s brushstrokes—silent, eternal. Each painting feels like a conversation between centuries. And it’s all there for anyone to walk in and witness.

Parks That Heal the Spirit

There’s something deeply comforting about London’s green spaces. Regent’s Park in autumn, golden leaves crunching under your boots. Greenwich Park, where you stand on the Prime Meridian and gaze at a skyline that tells London’s story in steel and stone.

And Hampstead Heath—wild and vast. On Parliament Hill, the wind whips through your coat, and the whole city lies at your feet. You feel small, and somehow that’s comforting. It reminds you that you’re part of something grand.

Markets, Music, and Murals

 Wander through Camden Market without buying a thing. The colours, the smells, the sounds—it’s a living artwork. Around every corner is a musician, a mural, a moment.

In Brick Lane, graffiti whispers stories of rebellion and resilience. It’s where culture isn’t sold—it’s shouted, painted, danced. On Sundays, the streets come alive with food and joy, but even on a quiet weekday, there’s poetry on every wall.

Cathedrals and Quiet Moments

Slip into St. Paul’s Cathedral during a weekday Evensong service. You don’t pay to sit there, under that massive dome, listening to choral voices rise into heaven. But your soul will feel richer when you leave.

Or go to Southwark Cathedral, tucked away near Borough Market. It’s quieter, less known, but no less sacred. You sit, you breathe, you feel a stillness that’s hard to find in a city that’s always moving.

Museums that Guard the World’s Stories

The British Museum is a universe unto itself. From the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies, it’s a place where time folds in on itself. Every artefact is a doorway, every hallway a timeline.

The Museum of London, often overlooked, holds the beating heart of the city’s past—fires, plagues, revolutions, rebirth. You walk through centuries, and by the end, you understand London just a little more.

When Night Falls Softly

Evenings in London can be gentle. Head to Primrose Hill and watch the skyline flicker to life. Or walk the quiet backstreets of Notting Hill, where pastel houses stand like painted memories.

Sometimes the most beautiful places to go in London for free are the ones that aren’t on any list—the little alley where fairy lights hang, the moment a saxophonist plays on a bridge, the way a stranger smiles when your eyes meet.

A City That Gives, If You Let It

You don’t need a fat wallet to fall in love with London. You just need time, a pair of good shoes, and a willingness to pause. To sit on a bench and watch pigeons scatter. To trace the curve of a Georgian window. To follow the sound of music and end up somewhere unexpected.

There are countless places to go in London for free, but maybe the best one is wherever you find yourself falling in love with the city, moment by unspoken moment.

Discover the Elegance and History of Ten Trinity Square

Discover the Elegance and History of Ten Trinity Square

Jun 3, 2025 | BLOG

A Quiet Gaze at Ten Trinity Square

There’s something about certain places that tugs at your heart without saying a word. You don’t need to step inside, shake hands with history, or feel the weight of a grand chandelier above your head. Sometimes, just standing quietly outside, under a soft London sky, is enough. That was my experience with Ten Trinity Square.

I’ve never been a guest there. I’ve never sipped tea under its ornate ceilings or attended one of its exclusive events. But that hasn’t stopped me from being utterly drawn to it — again and again. Like so much in London, this building doesn’t shout for attention. It stands there with the quiet confidence of someone who’s seen too much to speak lightly.

There’s no rush when you walk past it — the pace naturally slows. The eyes lift. The soul listens.

The Grace of Stone and TimE

Ten Trinity Square isn’t just a building. It’s a presence. One that lingers long after you’ve moved on.

Standing near the Tower of London, it watches the world go by — tourists on their way to Tower Bridge, city workers clutching coffee cups, children on school trips with wide eyes and louder voices. And in the middle of all that life, it stands still, wrapped in limestone and memories.

It was originally opened in 1922 as the headquarters of the Port of London Authority, a proud monument to the city’s maritime legacy. Imagine the cargo ships that once lined the Thames, the men who worked the docks, the merchants who traded goods from across the globe. In its early days, Ten Trinity Square wasn’t about luxury — it was about commerce, power, the rhythm of an empire.

Yet even then, there was beauty. Classical columns, stately symmetry, and a dome that seemed to hold up the sky itself.

A Survivor of Storms

London wears its scars with pride, and Ten Trinity Square is no different. When the Blitz came, bombs tore through more than buildings — they shattered entire ways of life. This grand old structure wasn’t spared. In 1941, a German air raid devastated the central rotunda. For decades after, the building carried that wound like a badge of honour.

It could have been forgotten. Left to crumble, like so many others from that time. But London doesn’t forget its heartbeats so easily.

Eventually, the space was reimagined — carefully, respectfully, and with a deep sense of reverence for what had been. It reopened in 2017 as part of the Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square, now home to private residences, a club, restaurants, and an elegance that never feels artificial.

Though I’ve never been inside, I often wonder what echoes live in the corners of those rooms. The whispers of post-war plans, the sighs of exhausted port workers, the hopes of diplomats and dreamers alike.

The Beauty of Looking In From the Outside

Maybe it’s strange to write so much about a place I’ve only admired from the street. But Ten Trinity Square reminds me that you don’t always need entry to feel a connection.

It has become part of my quiet walks. On gloomy days, when the mist hangs over the Thames and the Tower looks like a faded painting, I find myself near Trinity Square Gardens. I take a seat, watch the pigeons shuffle between the cracks, and gaze at this timeless structure. The modern world hums behind me — buses, city chatter, the dull clatter of footsteps — but I’m elsewhere.

I think about how buildings can hold emotion. Not just from the lives lived inside, but from those of us who stand outside and dream.

Maybe it’s the symmetry that moves me. Or the knowledge that Winston Churchill once addressed world leaders within those walls. Maybe it’s just the way the sun hits the façade at just the right time, making it glow like something eternal.

Between Past and Present

There’s a fine line between preservation and reinvention, and Ten Trinity Square walks it with poise.

Today, it’s a sanctuary of luxury — a place where global elites gather behind heavy doors. Inside, you’ll find French dining, bespoke interiors, a spa carved from serenity itself. Yet somehow, it doesn’t feel out of touch with its roots. The walls may have been polished, but the past hasn’t been painted over.

That’s the charm of it. This isn’t just another luxury address in the City of London. It’s a layered place. One that carries history, war, rebirth, and reinvention — all stitched neatly into its soul.

I often watch tourists walk by without stopping. They’ve got their maps, their itineraries, their rush to see more “famous” things. But for me, Ten Trinity Square is the kind of place that stays with you longer than a postcard view of Big Ben. It doesn’t ask for attention. But it rewards it.

A Place That Teaches You to Pause

If London has taught me anything, it’s that the magic isn’t always in the must-see lists. Sometimes, it’s in the pauses. The unnoticed corners. The half-remembered buildings with full hearts.

Ten Trinity Square taught me to pause.

I don’t know if I’ll ever step inside. I don’t know if I’ll ever sip that tea beneath its dome or run my hands along its carved stone. But I do know that every time I pass it, something inside me slows down. Something reconnects.

And in a city that never stops moving, that feeling is priceless.

You don’t always need to enter a place to feel its story.

Ten Trinity Square is one of those rare locations in London that speaks softly — not through crowds or commercial noise, but through presence. It reminds us of the layers beneath our footsteps, the stories behind grand doors, and the silent poetry of architecture that has survived both war and time.

It stands not just as a landmark, but as a quiet witness to a century of change. And for those of us who stop, look up, and let ourselves feel, it becomes something more than a building.

It becomes a companion on our own journeys through London.

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