Right in the middle of London's West End is the appeal and excitement of a secluded village atmosphere surviving and thriving since the 12th century and taking on the urban challenges of the 21st century. The village is Marylebone and the appeal is the neighborhood activities with restaurants, shopping and fascinating attractions.
Marylebone has made many transitions from its first, quiet village start surrounding St. John's Parish, which is no longer standing, nor is the trickling creek, or bourne, from which Marylebone draws its name, coupled with St. Mary's Parish, for which the third parish in Marylebone's long history still stands, representing the other founding participle of the village's name. The latest transition to its current status began late in the nineteenth century when the existing village determined its current size; a walking neighborhood of 1 by 2 miles in dimension, bordered by Hyde Park and Regent's Park.
Food and drink abound with examples of varied food delicacies, beers, ales and wines from numerous countries around the globe. Whatever your palate preferences, you are likely to find a satisfying meal within walking distance from the several hotels and inns also within the village. Considering the wide menu varieties from the dozens of restaurant choices, one might have breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for a year and not ever duplicate a meal.
Shopping in Marylebone will meet the needs, styles, textures and tastes of any budget. From Oxford Street to Marylebone High Street, and within the network of narrow lanes abounding throughout the village, losing one's self amid the shops is never a worry. Just a few steps away are familiar surroundings for orientation before striking out once again into the unknown treasures to be found in Marylebone shops.
Whether you are looking for household goods, fashion, gifts, accessories or just window shopping to enjoy the village atmosphere, shopping in Marylebone will never disappoint and ever amaze that, while in a bubble of delightful and friendly shops and restaurants, you are just a short walk and a tube station away from the London hustle.
Take an afternoon on the water in a gondola so much like Venice, it bears that moniker. See the grand architecture, home furnishings, paintings and sculpture of centuries past. Walk through a tour of BBC's headquarters and most advanced radio and television studios of Europe. Visit the original studio of Apple, the Beatles' label. John Lennon, himself, once lived here, as did a number of luminaries including Bacon, Browning, Dickens and even fictitious luminary: Sherlock Holmes. Visit the museum dedicated to his exploits, located in Baker Street. Where? Elementary, Dr, Watson; 221b, of course.
Martin Wynn
