Hampstead, Keats, and Good Donuts

A couple of years ago today, after a long walk across Hampstead Heath, I stumbled upon a quiet literary gem -- Keats House.

It was one of those perfect London days: clear skies, crisp air, and the kind of slow wandering that leads to unexpected discoveries. I peeked inside the house and even picked up a book, but decided to skip the entrance fee and simply enjoy the moment from the outside.

For those who may not know, Keats House was once home to John Keats, one of England’s great Romantic poets. He lived there in the early 1800s and wrote some of his most famous works during that time, including parts of Ode to a Nightingale. Standing there, it’s easy to imagine the young poet walking the nearby heath, drawing inspiration from the same landscape.

The day ended on a perfect note — delectable donuts at a vegan café nearby, followed by a browse through the always-wonderful Daunt Books.

Sometimes the best travel memories aren’t the big attractions, but the little discoveries in between.

5 Ways To Enjoy Amazing Views Of London

1. Sky Garden

Amazingly, it's free! Yup, you can just walk up to the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie building to enjoy 360 views of the city, BUT it is strongly recommended that you book your tickets online first. Living up to its name, there's a nice bit of garden up here and also cafes for you to buy a cuppa and just relax on the sofas as you continue to ooh and ahh over the splendid views. 

2. Hampstead Heath

An ancient heath spanning over 320 hectares, it's a great place for a walk and/or a picnic. Some really famous people live/have lived here, but the highlight of course is the amazing views from Parliament Hill. 

3. Primrose Hill

From Camden Market, you can just walk up to Primrose Hill. On the way to the park and lookout point, you can check out various cute and quaint shops in the area. Then, just sit back, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy captivating views.

4. Greenwich

The easiest way to get where you need to be is hopping on the DLR and get off at the Cutty Sark station. Then, just take a leisurely stroll to Greenwich Park, and uphill to the Royal Observatory. You won't be disappointed.  

5. Tower Bridge

For GBP16, you get access to the Tower Bridge exhibition, the engine rooms, and also to the glass floors which are 42m above sea level. If you're not a fan of "walking on air", just skip this bit and take in the spectacular sights waiting for you.  

10 Port Pencinta Buku Di London

 

1. Waterstones

Sudah tentu! Ada 311 cawangan Waterstones di UK, dan bila jejak saja kaki ke dalam, mesti terus tersenyum sebab cantik interior dan susun atur buku-bukunya. Di bawah ini gambar Waterstones di Richmond. 

Tapi secara peribadi, teratas dalam senarai adalah Waterstones di Liverpool.

2. Foyles

Satu lagi rangkaian kedai buku di UK dengan 7 cawangan. Kini dimiliki oleh Waterstones. Yang ini di Westfield London.

3. South Bank Book Market 

Hari yang indah itu adalah berjalan di sepanjang South Bank dalam cuaca dingin dan bertemu dengan pasar buku ini! Dibuka setiap hari, 10pg-5.30ptg.

4. Daunt Books, Hampstead

Ada 6 cawangan Daunt Books di London. Yang ini terletak di Hampstead, berhampiran dengan stesyen keretapi dan pintu masuk ke Hampstead Heath.

Keats House

Ada bonus di sini. Just around the corner is Keats House. It was a really wonderful surprise for us. You can visit the house for a fee, or just pickup a nice souvenir at the store downstairs.

5. Brick Lane Bookshop

Terkenal dengan deretan kedai makanan Asia (baca: kari), komuniti artis dan Masjid Jammenya, terselit juga sebuah toko buku menarik di Brick Lane.

6. Primrose Hill Books

Dari Camden Market, kita boleh berjalan kaki ke Primrose Hill untuk menikmati pemandangan Kota London yang cukup cantik. Tapi dalam perjalanan ke sana, ada sebuah kedai buku dengan koleksi fiksyen yang prlbagai dan menarik.

7. Darussalam Book Shop

Kalau ke London Central Mosque di Regent's Park untuk solat, boleh juga singgah di kedai buku Islamik ini.

8. Greenwich Market

Pasar yang mula dibuka pada penghujung abad ke 18 ini menarik untuk peminat kraftangan, barangan antik dan juga buku dan majalah pre-loved

9. Hatchards

Terletak di stesyen St Pancras International, Hatchards merupakan penjual buku tertua di London dan juga pembekal buku rasmi buat Keluarga Diraja di sini. Auntie cashier di sini juga sangat peramah dan akan merekomen buku untuk dibeli!

Gambar FB

10. The British Library 

Berhampiran dengan St Pancras adalah The British Library. Perlu ada membership untuk pinjam buku, tapi tak mengapa. Boleh masuk secara percuma untuk ambik feel atau mengunjungi pameran yang ada. 

Bila dah seselai, boleh berjalan ke restoran Malaysia yang terkenal di sini, Roti King!