Asia on your doorstep
Whilst the UK government has relaxed some of restrictions, most of us still aren't going to be going anywhere far. Even if restrictions were eased, flying to a sunnier parts of Europe will not be so simple nor convenient. That's the reality of Brexit and the pandemic. Therefore, unless Governments start renegotiating again and make efforts to control the pandemic, assume you're going to expect another staycation or two. We hope there won't be another national lockdown.
Places to go
If you do need to satisfy your need for Asian culture, then London is not such a bad place to be. That is if you know what to look out for. In that I don't mean Chinatown or Brick Lane. There are a lot of places that can help you take your mind off things.
Do visit these places, but be mindful that they may be part of somebody's community. Unlike Chinatown, they are not a tourist destination. Please be respectful towards other people's culture and beliefs. Please do plan your visit and some places might not be open to the public just yet.. When they do open again, be mindful of restrictions and social distancing. Some of these establiments are currently do online presentations and virtual tours. So it is worth keeping an eye out for something interesting.
Kyoto Gardens
Location: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, Kensington, London W11 4UA. Nearest tube stations are Holland Park on the Central Line and Kensington High Street on the District Lines.
Admission details: Free
General information: Kyoto Gardens is the best Japanese garden in London and one that can be admired at time of the year. Do come early and crowds are expected.
The Japanese Garden Island, Regent's Park
Location: The Inner Circle, Regents Park, London NW1 4NR. Nearest tube stations are Regents Park on the Bakerloo Line and Baker Street Station on the Bakerloo, Circle and the Hammersmiths & City Lines.
Admission details: Free
General information: Not quite as well presented as the Kyoto Gardens, less well known and therefore less crowds.
Hammersmith Park- Garden of Peace
Location: Hammersmith Park, South Africa Road, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7FW. The nearest tube stations are Wood Lane on the Circle Line and the Hammersmith & City Line and White City on the Central Line.
Admission details: Free
General information: The Japanese garden that even fewer people are aware of and probably because it is a bit further out. It isn't on the same level as Kyoto Gardens, but has a charm of its own.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
Location: Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE. The closest station is Kew Garden on the London Overground.
Admission details: Tickets required, free to members of Kew Gardens
Website: https://www.kew.org
General information: Kew Gardens takes inspirations from many lands. The Chinese inspired pagoda is well known landmark, but they also have a beautiful Japanese garden nearby.
RHS Garden Wisley
Location: RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB.
Admission details: Tickets required, free to RHS members
General information: RHS Garden Wisley has a fine Chinese Pavilion by one of the lakes, which adds to the pleasant scenery. There's also a handsome collection of bonsai, which should not be missed. Whilst RHS Garden Wisley isn't as well known as Kew, it is unique in it's own way.
The London Peace Pagoda
Location: Battersea Park, Carriage Dr N, Battersea, London SW11 4NJ. Nearest tube stations are Battersea Power Station on the Northern Line and Sloane Square on the District Line.
Admission details: Free
General information: This is the famous Japanese pagoda on the South Bank of the River Thames, in Battersea Park. It is a little out of the way, but definitely worth the effort.
Fo Guang Shan London Temple
Location: 84 Margaret St, Fitzrovia, London W1W 8TD. The closest tube station is Oxford Circus on the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria Lines.
Admission details: Free
Website: http://www.londonfgs.org.uk/
General information: Fo Guang Shan is the only Chinese Buddhist temple in London. It is part of Buddha Light international and are active in promoting peace and compassion in London. Be mindful that this is a working temple and it can get busy at times.
Wat Buddhapadipa
Location: 14 Calonne Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5HJ. The nearest tube station is Wimbledon Park on the District Line.
Admission details: Free
Website: www.watbuddhapadipa.org
General information: Wat Buddhapadipa is one of London's hiddens gems. You could be forgiven for thinking that you're actually in Thailand. Wat Buddhapadipa is a working temple and monks can often be seen on the grounds. A lovely place which is an oasis of peace and definitely worth a visit.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Location: Pramukh Swami Road, Neasden, London NW10 8HW. The nearest tube station is Neasden on the Jubilee Line
Admission details: Free
Website: www.neasdentemple.org
General information: A well known Hindu temple in North London. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is the place to go if you want to learn about the Hindu faith and Indian culture.
London Central Mosque
Location: Mosque Tower, Outer Circle, London NW8 7RG. The nearest tube station is Baker Street on the Bakerloo Line, Circle Line and the Hammersmith & City Line
Admission details: Free
Website: http://iccuk.org/
General information: A place of worship and to understand Islamic culture.
Museums
London like Paris is home to a number of museums and many are world class. The following specialise in culture and the arts.
The British Museum
Location: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. The nearest tube stations are Holborn on the Piccadilly Line and Tottenham Court Road on the Central and Northern Lines.
Admission details: Free except for special exhibitions, which require a ticket.
Website: https://www.britishmuseum.org
General information: One of the finest museums in the UK, the British Museum houses collections from various parts of the world. It is a museum that reflects on various cultures and lands. Amongst these are collections from China, Korea, Japan and the Indian Subcontinent. There are also collections on the Middle and Near East.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
Location: Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL. The closest tube station is South Kensington on the Piccadilly, Circle and District lines.
Admission details: Free except for special exhibitions, which require a ticket.
Website: https://www.vam.ac.uk/
General information: The Victoria and Albert Museum specialises in decorative arts. With collections from China, Japan and Korea. Furthermore, are collections from the Indian Subcontinent and Islamic art. It is worth wandering into other collections as you can see how Asia has influenced the West.
The Wallace Collection
Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN. The nearest tube station is Bond Street on the Central and Jubilee Lines.
Admission details: Free.
Website: https://www.wallacecollection.org/
General information: The Wallace Collection is one of London's best kept secrets and houses one of the finest collections of French, Dutch and Italian paintings. Also noteworthy is the fine collection of arms and armour. There is a whole room for arms and armour from Asia. With a variety of helmets from the Far East, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. I doubt there is a better collection accessible to the public apart from the Royal Armouries in Leeds and the Tower of London.
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