Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
berths and deep water, the Thames river trade that used to thrive even this far upstream is
now concentrated east of Tower Bridge. Only a few brick warehouses remain (just west of
here), waiting to be leveled or yuppified. Although you can pay to enter the ship, it's not
worth the cost of admission.
• There's a fine view (with a handy chart to identify things) from the riverside. The beach
below is fun for beachcombing—old red roof tiles and little chunks of disposable clay to-
bacco pipes litter the rocks at low tide. From here, the Monument is visible across London
Bridge, poking its bristly bronze head above the ugly postwar buildings. Beyond that is
the bullet-shaped tip of the modern 30 St. Mary Axe Tower (also known as the “Swiss Re
Tower” as well as “The Gherkin” and “Towering Innuendo” for its unusual design). Now
go up the street across from the
Golden Hinde
's gangplank (Pickfords Wharf) and head
west. About 25 yards ahead on the left are the excavated ruins of...
Winchester Palace
All that remains today is a wall with a medieval rose window, but this was once a lavish
80-acre estate stretching along 200 feet of waterfront. It had a palace, gardens, fountains,
stables, tennis courts, a working farm, and a fish-stocked lake. The wall marks the west
end of the Great Hall (134 feet by 29 feet), the banquet room for receptions held by the
palace's owner, the Bishop of Winchester.
