How to Spend a Day Like Queen Victoria

Headline Date 31-07-2019

You won’t be surprised that our beloved area is the namesake of one of the greatest monarchs of our fair nation, Queen Victoria. But did you know that she was born in 1819 and this year marks the bi-centenary of her birth? To celebrate, we thought we’d guide you through a trip to Victoria, inspired by Victoria.

1. Victoria Railway Station

Queen Victoria was the first reigning monarch to use a train, and along with her family, they were seen travelling via this great technological advancement on an unprecedented scale, convenient with Victoria Station’s innumerable transport links. Hop off the train, and explore one of London’s best areas.

Born in Kensington Palace on 24 May 1819 and growing up in Victoria, she ascended the throne in 1837 at the tender age of 18 when King William IV died. She moved into Buckingham Palace and transformed what was a quiet home into what it is today, a working royal residence. 

2. Buckingham Palace

Described as vivacious and kind hearted with an artistic streak and love of painting and drawing. Together with her husband, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria organised the Great Exhibition of 1851. She collated art, science, modern trade and industry examples, from all over the world to contribute to this show of information and opulence, later to become the Victoria & Albert Museum. Start your day by honouring Queen Victoria’s creativity with a visit to Queen Victoria’s Palace exhibition at Buckingham Palace where you can catch a glimpse of Queen Victoria’s regal style, on until 29 September.

3. Food Glorious Food!

After a visit to Buckingham Palace, why not spend some quality time with your family like Queen Victoria used to do and head to Quilon for some Indian cuisine, a royal favourite, or take a stroll to Market Hall Victoria where there are 11 kitchens, three bars, a coffee shop, a roof terrace, and delicious ice cream from Soft Serve Society for the kids!

4. The Albert

In 1861, Prince Albert passed away at the age of 42. Victoria and Albert were said to be a couple who were truly in love, and she sank into a deep depression when she lost her confidante and trusted adviser in life and state affairs. She spent the rest of her life wearing black as a sign of her constant mourning of his premature death.

Her constant state of bereavement led her to become secluded, living a very private life. She attended the State Opening of Parliament in person in 1866 and 1867, the same year that the pub, The Albert, was named in tribute to the Prince. In the 1800’s, tax was considerably less in Victoria than in Westminster, and so it was here that the MPs used to rush to during a break to enjoy a cold drink.

Take a trip round the corner to visit yesteryear with a Luna Cinema film screening of Shakespeare in Love at Westminster Abbey on 15 August.

5. Little Ben

The Queen strongly supported peace, persuading her ministers to resist entering into wars, and sending letters to other leaders to do the same. Just outside of Victoria Station you can find Little Ben, Big Ben’s distant relative. An emblem of peace between the nations of Britain and France, Little Ben always displays British Summer Time so that he spends half the year showing French time and the remainder, British time.

Queen Victoria died at the age of 82 in 1901. Leaving behind an incredible legacy and empire, she was fundamental in shaping London, and some of the best areas within it.