Just a stone’s throw from Bay D!

THINGS TO DO IN THE BOROUGH OF Hammersmith and Fulham

The final stop for our London service is Bay D at Hammersmith Bus Station, in the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham which is almost opposite the Eventim Apollo. Hammersmith has a vibrant restaurant and coffee culture with plenty of pubs and eating places within easy reach of the bus station. Just across the road from the bus station shopping centre you will find the Williom Morris pub. Morris lived in the borough for a number of years and the William Morris Society which is based in the borough is there to promote his work and life.

Not only an artist he was also a great activist and known widely as the father of the Arts and Craft movement. He lived at Kelmscott House, 28 Upper Mall W6 9TA from 1879 until he died in 1896. In 1878 William told his wife Jane that he had found probably one of the most beautiful houses in London. Kelmscott House which is privately owned is an 18th century property on the river and was said to be one of William Morris’ favourite homes. There is a small museum in the coach house and basement which is open to the public on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm until 5pm. Current entrance fee £3.50.

Known as part of Inner London the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham includes West Kensington, Shepherds Bush and White City. Once the home of BBC’s main operation, White City now has a range of very desirable eating places. The Borough also includes such attractions as Fulham Palace, at one time the residence of the Bishop of London. The annual Cambridge and Oxford boat race takes place along the Thames nearby.

The area was very rural until the 19th century however once the railway was built the area rapidly became more urban. One of the oldest buildings in the borough is the Queen Charlotte Hospital which dates back to the early 19th century. Shepherds Bush goes back even further, and records show that shepherds during the mid-17th century would rest their sheep on the green before making their way to Smithfield Market in the centre of the city. White City Stadium built for the Olympic Games in 1908 used white marble cladding hence the name.

Further down from the William Morris pub you will find a selection of excellent shops including branches of IKEA, Primark, Marks and Spencer and T Max.

Should you be looking for more extensive shops then they are just a short bus ride away at Westfield opened in 2008. Take either the 72 or 220 from Hammersmith Bus Station just next to Bay D and alight on the other side of Shepherds Bush, the shopping centre is very impressive and has a range of major outlets including John Lewis and Marks and Spencer. There are some excellent places to eat, and you can easily spend the day here before returning back to Hammersmith to catch one of the evening services back the West Country.

More tranquil settings can be found along the river Thames which again is in walking distance of the bus station. Walk down Queen Caroline Street from the bus station you will quickly some to Hammersmith Bridge. From here you can make your way along to Furnivall Gardens. Started by Fredrick Furnivall who was one of the founders of the Oxford English Dictionary. You will see a small passageway at the end of the park known as Dove Passage which leads to the amazing Dove Public House which is said to have the smallest bar in the UK. It is well worth visiting and was popular with William Morris. Once inside you will quickly feel that you have stepped back in time.  

It is said that a pub has stood on this site since the 17th century, and that Charles II entertained Nell Gwyn here.  Look inside for the plaque which marks the water levels during the great flood of 1928.Owned by Fullers since 1796 the Dove Pub is unique. If you enjoy visiting breweries, then you should take the Fullers Brewery Tour. These take place at the Griffin Brewery, Chiswick Lane South and last around 100 minutes. During this time, you will learn about the brewing process, and be shown how techniques have changed over the years.

Further on from the Dove pub you will come to Black Lion Lane and the delightful Elder Press Café. A great place for a break and a coffee this ex building merchants has been converted into a pleasant cafe with tables outside.

If you re into music or the theatre the Eventim Apollo is just across the road from Hammersmith Bus Station.  There is a full programme of events available on their website and recent stars have included Sir Cliff Richard.

For football fans there is Chelsea Football ground and the museum. One of the most famous clubs in the world there ae some incredible exhibits at the museum A trip here could also be combined with a tour of the grounds and facilities.

Another nearby club is Fulham which is based at Craven Cottage. Once again tours of the ground can be arranged.

Fulham Palace nearby can be visited and reached by taking a 220 towards Wandsworth from the bus station. The Palace and Gardens are free to enter, and the palace has rich history as it was the home of the Bishop of London up until 1973. The palace was used as the bishop’s home since 704AD when Bishop Waldhere took over the manor of Fulham which included Ealing, Acton and Hammersmith.

Also within the borough are several famous museums such as the Victoria and Albert, and the Natural History Museum.

A stone’s throw from your arrival point in London the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has a great deal to offer without having to travel any further into the city centre.  

Quirky Fact: Did you know that since 1803 there is supposed to be a ghost that lurks in Black Lion Lane, Hammersmith and also in the pub nearby!