For Revelers with Wanderlust

Albermarle Street in London inspires holiday wanderlust.
© Joyce McGreevy

On a cold December morning, the London sky is gray, the sunlight as stingy as the fire in Scrooge’s counting-house. But the air is fresh, our hearts are filled with festive wanderlust, and we’re off on a Very English Holiday Ramble. Come join us in search of “Oh I see” moments, magic, and a seasonal surprise.

Holiday flats are charming (and rents less alarming) south of the Thames.
© Joyce McGreevy

We begin our ramble in Elephant and Castle, a vibrant, hardworking neighborhood named for a long-gone tavern. The tavern’s name, in turn, was a playful tribute to La Infanta de Castile, who was once engaged to Britain’s Charles I. Good to know if we’re ever in a pub on “Trivia Quiz” night.

For the festive season, exploring on foot is a must. Why? It’s positively Dickensian. Charles Dickens often walked 20 miles a day, exploring London in detail, then recreating it on the page.

Besides, walking reveals charms we’d otherwise miss:

A garden on Red Cross Way, the 1886 flagship project of Octavia Hill, a founder of the National Trust.
© Joyce McGreevy

A sentiment for all seasons from Turner Prize-nominated artist Mark Titchner.
© Joyce McGreevy

A window display that sparks memories of handwritten holiday cards.
© Joyce McGreevy

Another fine sentiment—and a vintage beer ad, at what was once the largest brewery in the world.
© Joyce McGreevy

This is a sign, pun intended, that we’re approaching London’s oldest food market. Borough Market has been serving the people of Southwark for 1,000 years including “the best of times and the worst of times.”

At Borough Market, foods are the real deal—fresh, fragrant, and flavorful. 
© Joyce McGreevy

© Joyce McGreevy

Yes, Borough experienced tragedy in June 2017. But on this cold and brightening morning, Borough is a place where  . . .

Carolers sing . . .
© Joyce McGreevy

. . . and life is sweet.
© Joyce McGreevy

Crossing London Bridge, we catch sight of the Bank Station Underground. But don’t hop on the Tube yet, because we’re only a stroll away from another festive sight.  See if you recognize it:

Hint: Harry Potter fans love this market in London.
© Joyce McGreevy

Yes, it’s Leadenhall Market, the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley.
© Joyce McGreevy

On to the mighty, muddy Thames at Southbank. “Ooh, what’s down there?”

Pop-up holiday huts under the London Millennium Bridge 
© Joyce McGreevy

“Oy! Save us a hot cuppa and a waffle, will ya?”

What’s next on our holiday rambles list? We could . . .

. . . have lunch in a very English igloo . . .
© Joyce McGreevy

. . . or sip mulled wine by the fire at a just-for-fun Thames-side ski lodge.
© Joyce McGreevy

Oh look, there’s a Foyle’s bookshop. Come on!

A sign in Foyle’s announces, “Welcome, book lovers, you are among friends.”
© Joyce McGreevy

Wanderlust turns to book lust when we see Foyle’s Books for a Year table. Lucky gift recipients receive a brand-new book every month, each chosen for “its must-haveness or unputdownability.”

So many books, so few suitcases.

Fortunately, there’s room for a seasonal treat, a poetry pamphlet series called “Instead of a Card.” Candlestick Press of Nottingham publishes these charmers “not only for people who already love poetry, but also for those who will love it but perhaps don’t know that yet.” Sales also benefit charity.

Candlestick Press hopes “to revive the seasonal tradition of reading by the fire.”
© Joyce McGreevy/Candlestick Press

Suddenly we hear bells! Reindeer? No, the “mobile.” The caller says, “If you miss this, you’ve missed a marvel!” She’s quoting a theatre review.

Quick—to the West End! (Yes, by Tube. Sorry, Charles.) But first, sustenance. We’re in luck. Street Food Union is right around the corner.  Mmm, what’s this? 

Yorkshire Burrito? Sounds daft—we must have some.
© Joyce McGreevy

Our new BFF (Burrito-style Favorite Food) is braised pork shoulder cooked in cider and herbs, served with sage and onion stuffing, rosemary roast potatoes, spinach, and applesauce, wrapped in a giant Yorkshire pudding. Jolly good, amigos!

Theatre-goers arrive at the Gielgud on Shaftesbury Avenue.
© Joyce McGreevy

When we exit the theatre, night has fallen, yet it’s 4:30 p.m. All the better to see holiday lights!

From angelic lights above Regent Street . . .
© Joyce McGreevy

. . . to tropical lights on Carnaby Street.
© Joyce McGreevy

There really is magic in the air, a sense that holiday spirits could suddenly whisk us off to . . .

Hey, this isn’t London—this is Cork City, Ireland!
© Joyce McGreevy

Yet our Very English Holiday Ramble continues. Launched in 1788, Ireland’s English Market is considered one of the ten best food markets in Europe.

Oh, I see: It wouldn’t be the festive season without a surprise! I guess you just never know where holiday wanderlust might lead.

Why just envision sugarplums? At Heaven’s Cakes, in Cork’s
English Market, Laurie and Cíara serve tasty mince pies.
© Joyce McGreevy

Click on the links to find out more about Borough Market, Leadenhall Market, Foyle’s, Candlestick Press, Yorkshire Burrito, Cork’s English Market, or Heaven’s Cakes. 

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