Recently in London Category

A visit to the Movieum in London is like a taking a stroll through the creation of a feature film, while learning all about the history of cinema. Visitors can strike a pose on the red carpet as they make their way through the museum's entrance to the "Sound Stage." Here, original sets from films made in England, like Star Wars, Gladiator, and Elizabeth are on view along with thousands of props you'll recognize from some of your favorite flicks. Visitors can even have their photo taken in the royal throne where Cate Blanchett perched while shooting Elizabeth.

In the shadow of the London Eye, the Movieum is housed within County Hall, an Edwardian Baroque style structure which King George V opened in 1922. Just across the Thames from the city's most fashionable accommodations, such as the Park Lane Hotel , and Le Méridien PIccadilly, the museum is an excellent destination for the whole family. Marvel at the giant props used to make actors appear miniature, be enchanted by beloved Beatrix Potter characters in the "Animation Studio," and find out if the camera loves you by shooting your own screen test.

The best way to see London is with someone who knows the city. And when I say "know" I don't mean Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and all that jazz. I mean someone who can lead you to the hidden corners of the East End art scene; someone who can show you where in Mayfair to find the hottest modern furniture, and guide you through the Bangladesh markets of Brick Lane. I recently discovered a new company that offers dozens of tours for the discerning design mavens, art lovers, and fashionistas in town. Known as Urban Gentry, the company provides really interesting looks at London for style savvy visitors who have already been there, and done that.

Groups are generally limited to four people to keep the feel friendly, and curtail the look of a big tour group. Experts like Gabriella, a fashion writer, Simon, a trend forecaster, and Yoko, a graphic designer, lead sophisticated, curious groups on tours with names like "East End Hip", "Sartorial Spy: Men," and "Market Fresh."

Three and a half hour outings start at 159 pounds, and many begin at a local landmark or hotel of your choice, like Le Méridien Piccadilly, one of the most fashionable accommodations in town. You'll surely impress them.

Ten years ago Matthew Williamson started a fashion label. Last September Prince warmed up the runway for his Spring 2008 line at London's Fashion Week. The British designer has made quite a splash since graduating from Central Saint Martin's BA in 1994. Two years ago, his festive, brightly colored frocks caught the eye of Emilio Pucci, and he now heads up design at that iconic house.

UK celebs seem smitten. Keira Knightly donned a Grecian gown in plum for the Pride and Prejudice premiere; Kylie Minogue sported a swirly-print, sequined number to a Pucci party; and Sienna Miller was spotted in a strapless, fitted frock in bright pea green, at a bar in London. Through January, London's Design Museum exhibits a retrospective of the designer's work, so even us commoners can get an ogle in. "Matthew Williamson, 10 Years In Fashion" features a collection of his best designs, and details his work process, with particular regard to his use of bright colors, flashy prints, and bohemian embellishments. From the luxurious Park Lane Hotel, take the tube to Tower Hill, and enjoy a spectacular stroll across Tower Bridge.

Travel from London to Paris just got 20 minutes faster. As of last Wednesday, Eurostar, that locomotive wonder that whisks passengers through the Channel Tunnel at 186 miles per hour, departs from London's newly refurbished St Pancras International Station. It runs on a brand new rail called High Speed 1. The landmark terminal, situated three miles north of the train's former home, Waterloo Station, underwent an £800 million renovation. Known as the "Cathedral of the Railways," the Victorian era structure is loaded with gothic architectural details restored to their original splendor and instilled with modern amenities. New lighting floods the halls, noise-deadening materials cover the floor, and LCD departure screens report train times from shops and restaurants throughout the station.

The new route from London to Paris takes two hours and 15 minutes; to Brussels, one hour and 51 minutes; and to Lille, one hour and 20 minutes. We'll cheers to that! First, mimosas, 10 am at the Park Lane Hotel, London; then, a pre-departure pick-me-up, noon, at the 90-meter "Champagne Bar St Pancras" Europe's longest bar for bubbly located right inside the Eurostar station; and finally, over dinner, 8 pm at the Westin Paris' "Le First, restaurant boudoir paris," a delectable brasserie with panoramic views of the city. Traipsing up and down the Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore all afternoon sure works up an appetite. The queen calls the new St Pancras International Station "magnificent." Your Royal Highness, we do agree.