Zen in the City

A Tranquil Japanese Oasis in West London

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends" – Martin Luther King Jr

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Today Newsletter Presented By

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Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. With its colourful plants, shrubs and ponds, it is popular with Londoners and tourists - Shutterstock

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In today’s email: 

• Zen in the City

• One City. Countless Firsts.

• Around The Web: The Lighthouse at Trinity Buoy Wharf; London’s Oldest Surviving Parish Church; Visitors guide to Royal Palaces, Castles and Residences in the UK and more.

• From Social Media - Canary Wharf is a key part of London's central business district, known for its tall skyscrapers and modern offices

• Yum Recipes - Easy Bacon Floodies – Old School Northern British Comfort Food

• Extra - Kyoto Garden Holland Park FREE London!

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Zen in the City

Located within Holland Park, Kyoto Garden offers a serene escape from London’s bustle with its Japanese flora, koi ponds, and cascading waterfalls. Opened in 1991 as a gift from Kyoto to celebrate UK–Japan friendship, it remains one of the capital’s most peaceful spots. Holland Park itself spans 22 hectares and was once the site of the grand Holland House, damaged in WWII. The park is also home to the Fukushima Memorial Garden, sports facilities, and a café. Entry is free from 7:30am until half an hour before dusk. The nearest Tube is Holland Park

Kyoto garden in Holland park, London - Shutterstock

One City. Countless Firsts.

London is one of the world’s most exciting cities—packed with centuries of history, vibrant culture, and more things to see and do than you could fit into a lifetime. But if you’ve only got 48 hours, you can still get a real taste of what makes the city special. From royal landmarks and grand museums to food markets, theatre shows, and riverside walks, a short visit can feel surprisingly full. London is easy to get around thanks to its excellent public transport, and its top sights are often closer together than you'd think.

This fast-paced itinerary blends iconic must-sees with local gems. You'll stand where kings and queens once ruled, eat in markets buzzing with global flavours, and stroll streets that have inspired everything from Shakespeare to Harry Potter. With a little planning and a comfortable pair of shoes, you can enjoy sweeping views from a rooftop, dive into British culture, and wrap it all up with a West End show. It’s a crash course in what makes London unforgettable—and a perfect intro for first-time visitors

Double-decker buses and black cab on Westminster bridge with Big Ben and Houses of Parliament at background, London - Shutterstock

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Around The Web

The Lighthouse at Trinity Buoy Wharf

Built in 1864, London’s only remaining Experimental Lighthouse was used to develop lighting equipment for Trinity House. It hosted scientist Michael Faraday’s optical experiments and trained lighthouse personnel. Open to visitors on weekends, with free entry

London’s Oldest Surviving Parish Church

As London’s oldest parish church, St Bartholomew the Great offers traditional Anglican worship with a professional choir, welcoming all backgrounds. It hosts a lively Family Service and attracts hundreds of online worshippers worldwide. Join us for faith and community in the heart of London

A Traditional Gin Palace

Located near St Paul’s, The Viaduct Tavern offers a friendly atmosphere with a growing gin selection and a menu of delicious toasties and pies. Perfect for private events, from meetings to celebrations

Cabmen's Shelters in London

Cabmen's shelters, small green huts first introduced in Victorian London in 1875, provided resting spots for taxi drivers who couldn't leave their cabs unattended. There are 13 surviving shelters across London, serving as iconic symbols of the city's history and still offering food and drinks to drivers today

Sucre Fire Dining

Sucre Fire Dining in Soho offers a unique dining experience with Argentine-inspired dishes crafted using traditional fire cooking. Led by renowned chef Fernando Trocca, the menu celebrates fresh, local ingredients infused with rich, smoky flavours for an unforgettable meal

Visitors guide to Royal Palaces, Castles and Residences in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic royal palaces, castles and residences in the world. From the towering turrets of Windsor Castle to the elegant interiors of Buckingham Palace, these historic buildings offer a glimpse into the lives of Britain’s royal family.

Buckingham Palace - Love to Visit London

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From Social Media

Canary Wharf is a key part of London's central business district, known for its tall skyscrapers and modern offices

Yum

Easy Bacon Floodies – Old School Northern British Comfort Food

Extra 

Kyoto Garden Holland Park FREE London!

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