Contributed by Gerlinde Williams
Arriving at HYDE PARK CORNER by Underground, the Piccadilly Line, you can walk directly into the centre of the roundabout for a panoramic view of all the buildings surrounding it. In the roundabout is the magnificent Wellington Arch. Catch the King’s Life Guards riding through it every day around 10.35 am, on their way to the ‘Changing of the Guard’ (9.35 am on Sundays).
The building on the upper side of the roundabout is Apsley House, the home of the Duke of Wellington, who changed the history of Europe by defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. It’s a great palace, takes half an hour to see and for once I would encourage you to use the headphones. Open Wed-Sun, 11-5 pm.
Now on to the Pub Tour! Walk down the left side of Knightsbridge and turn left into Wilton Place, then first right opposite into Kinnerton Street. There you are greeted by the ‘Wilton Arms’ for your first drink, and good food. Your next stop further down Kinnerton Street, is ‘The Nag’s Head’, one of the smallest Pubs in London. If by now you can still follow directions, turn left at the end of Kinnerton Street, into Motcomb Street, and left again onto Wilton Terrace, one of the finest Renaissance terraces, crescent shaped. Look out for blue plaques on the building pointing out famous residents of the past. Cross Wilton Place to find Cross Wilton Place to find ‘Wilton Row’, a cobble-stoned Mews Street, at the end of which you will find “The Grenadier Guard” Pub, famous for its Bloody Mary and Guard history.
