London rediscovered

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Try conducting a poll amongst globetrotters and chances are that London will top the ‘best city in the world’ list. Sure, there are other world-class metros and then there are cities that are not as densely populated, perhaps boasting of a higher quality of living. But most would agree that Brexit notwithstanding, England’s capital city has that X factor that keeps the jetsetters coming back for more, year after year, even if it’s just for a quick pit stop.

So, if you’re been here three, four-five times and the sights of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben don’t cut it for you anymore, here are a few more interesting ways to explore this incredible city.

This is your chance to fall in love with London all over again. Head over to Battersea’s Pod building and take off on a thrilling 20-minute ride over the Thames, covering some of London’s iconic spots such as Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and many more.

Walk through the Long Hall or stop to admire the portraits of some of the most legendary cricketers to have played the game at the Lords Stadium, aptly known as the home of cricket. My favorite moment was standing at the famed Lords balcony, where Kapil Dev lifted the 1983 World Cup trophy—a photo capture that is still proudly displayed in the museum. A slice of Indian sporting history, right in the heart of London!

A tour of the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon takes you right up to Centre Court, the Main Entrance, Media Centre, and the BBC Studio. I spent an insightful hour and a half learning more about the behind-the-scenes routine. The friendly blue badge guides and the history and traditions of ‘the fortnight’ are amply on display as well at the award winning museum.

My favorite, however, was the Platinum Tour at the Chelsea Football Club— with a personal one-on-one guide, Dan, showing me around the stadium. Dan really knew how to make the experience worthwhile and memorable. Playing the Chelsea anthem, he had me walk through the players’ tunnel onto the pitch, giving me goosebumps as that would be as close as it gets to me feeling like a part of the squad.

There is also a handheld device which scans the players’ jerseys in the changing room and then plays videos of the best goals of the player. A truly memorable experience indeed.