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The Monument to the Great Fire of London

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:26:32 GMT

311 Steps and a View: Why the Monument Still Stands Tall

The Monument to the Great Fire of London is one of the city's most enduring and physically challenging landmarks. Standing at 202 feet (61 metres) tall, this Doric stone column serves as a powerful reminder of the disaster that levelled 80% of the city in 1666. It is perfectly positioned so that if it were to fall towards the east, its tip would strike the exact spot in Pudding Lane where Thomas Farriner’s bakery fire first ignited.

A Masterpiece with a Secret Purpose

Designed by the legendary Sir Christopher Wren and his scientific partner Dr Robert Hooke, the Monument was completed in 1677 after six years of construction. While it appears to be a simple commemorative pillar, it was secretly built to serve as a giant zenith telescope for Hooke’s gravity and pendulum experiments. Although traffic vibrations from the busy streets of the City eventually made his data unusable, the shaft remains a hidden architectural marvel.

The Climb: 311 Steps to the Top

Visiting the Monument is widely considered one of London’s most underrated activities. To reach the 360-degree viewing platform, you must ascend a narrow, spiralling stone staircase of 311 steps.

The Reward : Once at the top, you are treated to stunning panoramic views of the modern skyline, including The Shard, Tower Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral.

The Certificate : Every visitor who survives the descent is awarded a commemorative certificate of achievement, proving they conquered the climb.

The "Farting Lane" Legacy

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:45:03 GMT

The Savoy Hotel's Hidden Secret

Deep behind the glamour of The Savoy Hotel in London, on a narrow slope called Carting Lane, you'll find a quirky relic of Victorian engineering: London's last remaining sewer gas destructor lamp. Locals affectionately call this street "Farting Lane" because of the lamp's unique, somewhat nauseating history.

Patented in the late 19th century by Joseph Webb, these lamps were designed to solve two problems at once: lighting the streets and safely burning off dangerous, foul-smelling methane gas building up in the sewers.

While many believe the lamp runs solely on "guest waste" from the Savoy, it's actually dual-powered. Standard town gas keeps the flame burning 24/7, which creates a vacuum that sucks up sewer gases to be incinerated at temperatures around 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

The current post is actually a replica. Some years ago, a reversing lorry accidentally knocked over the original. It was later restored by British Gas engineers and is now protected by Westminster Council.

Today, the Carting Lane Sewer Lamp remains a glowing reminder of Victorian ingenuity, standing silently near the Savoy Theatre —the first public building in the world to be lit entirely by electricity.

The Leake Street Tunnel London

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:53:22 GMT

Where Banksy Hosted the Cans Festival

Hidden beneath the tracks of Waterloo Station is the Leake Street graffiti tunnel. Often called the ‘Banksy Tunnel’, it is London’s largest and most famous legal graffiti wall. This 300-metre subterranean stretch is a sensory-overload of aerosol fumes, booming music, and a kaleidoscopic explosion of ever-evolving art. Once a dingy road for the old Eurostar terminal, it was transformed in 2008 when Bansky hosted the Cans Festival. He invited 30 artists to decorate the walls, turning the "black hole" into a permanent urban gallery.

The art changes almost hourly. It’s a "legal-ish" space where anyone can pick up a spray can and paint, provided they stay within the tunnel walls. Don’t expect to see the same piece twice; masterpieces are frequently buried under fresh layers within 24 hours! Walking through, you’ll likely see artists at work, music videos being filmed, or tourists dodging the odd car. It’s gritty, authentic, and free to enter 24/7.

The tunnel has expanded into a cultural hub known as the Leake Street Arches, housing several independent businesses tucked into the railway arches. There’s a popular board game café with an enormous library and a Philly Bar with all things Philadelphia and American sports catch up. Just outside the tunnel is a quirky pub known for its eccentric decor.

It’s well-lit and busy during the day, making it safe for kids and solo explorers. It can feel a bit "lonely" or intimidating late at night, so visit with a group after dark. It’s a photographer's dream, but the lighting is tricky. Modern smartphones often handle the high-contrast environment better than professional cameras.

If you want to try it yourself, there are local artists who host graffiti workshops where you can learn the ropes safely.