Katie Forge, Author at Secret London

Escapes

This medieval city near London is widely recognised as the birthplace of modern football – and it’s home to one of the best universities in the world

Listen up, Londoners. I come bearing yet another historic hotspot for you to add to your ever-lengthening list of places to visit when you want to escape the chaos of the capital. And today's picture-perf...

Sports Top news

The Shard will light up tonight in support of the England football team ahead of the World Cup semi-finals

Five (and a bit) weeks of football fever is about to come to an exhilarating end. And ahead of England's semi-final against Argentina, the London skyline has decided to get in on the action. The Shard wil...

Escapes Food & drink

You’ll soon be able to dine in a vintage hot air balloon within this stunning 18th-century country estate just over an hour from London

A fleet of bespoke (and oh-so beautiful) vintage hot air balloons are mere moments away from descending upon the gorgeous grounds of the Wormsley Estate for the sunny season. Next month, visitors will have...

One of London’s largest and oldest garden squares will reopen to the public next week following a £25 million makeover – and it’s been transformed into a ‘climate resilient urban garden’

London certainly isn't lacking in lush-and-leafy locations. In fact, our (not so) concrete jungle is actually home to around 3,000 glorious gardens and gorgeous green spaces. One of which happens to be me...

A busy stretch of the London Overground is completely closed today following a huge lineside fire yesterday

Transport for London has confirmed that the Weaver Line will be part-suspended for the entirety of today (July 13). There will be no service at all between Hackney Downs and Chingford and the rest of the l...

Culture Things to do

A huge festival dedicated to Thai culture, cuisine, and creativity lands in London this weekend – and it’s completely free to attend

Thailand is a country that's steeped in tradition; famed for its cuisine, creativity, and culture. However, it's also a country that's pretty far away from London - and if you're anything like me, your ban...

Culture Top news

Buckingham Palace has officially opened its doors to the public – here’s how you can have a rare sneak peek inside the legendary London landmark this summer

There are very few things that I enjoy quite so enthusiastically as having a snoop inside other people's homes. What can I say? I'm an inquisitive nosey girl. And so the fact that the capital city's grand...

This handy map shows the sunniest walking routes in London – so you can soak up the sunshine (or stay in the shade) as you wander around the city

Now, I know we haven't been banging on about it, or anything - but it's been pretty darn hot recently. The sun has firmly put its hat on, and across the city - if you listen carefully enough - you'll be a...

London is officially home to the best lido in Britain – and it’s a Grade II listed swimming spot with Art Deco architecture and old-school charm

Tomorrow (July 11) marks both National Swimming Pool Day and yet another 30-degree day in the capital city. And if that's not a sign to go and find yourself some open water to splash about in, I truly don...

Food & drink

This historic pub is perched right on the platform of a London Underground station – so you can sip your pint whilst you watch the tubes roll by

I'm not going to lie to you, folks. Aside from Wimbledon and wild deer, there are very few things I deem worthy of traversing the entire breadth of the District Line for. But if ever there was another spot...