Hello, Zimbabweans! If you need to go to the Zimbabwe Embassy in London to renew your Zimbabwe passport or carry out other paperwork, you might have time to do some sightseeing afterwards. There are plenty of iconic, historic London sights nearby that are completely free.
Just ensure that you are able to keep all your documents safe while you walk around the area, because you don’t want them getting lost or stolen. Keep your documents in a cross-body bag or backpack, not a simple handbag. Ensure it is zipped and on your body at all times. If you’re prone to losing things, or if you have dependents with you, don’t do the sightseeing while carrying your documents with you.
About the location of the Zimbabwe Embassy in London
- Here’s the address for Zimbabwe House: 429 The Strand, WC2R 0JR (Google Maps link). It is a great central location, easy walking distance from Charing Cross Station or Embankment Station.
- You can use Google to specify your home address and then search for transport routes from there to Zimbabwe House, London. Click on the ‘Maps’ section of Google to see it in Map view. The icon of the train shows public transport routes.
Free tourist attractions within a 10-minute walk from the Zimbabwe Embassy in London
- Trafalgar Square: Located roughly a 2-minute walk west, this iconic public plaza is surrounded by history, featuring the famous bronze lions, Nelson’s Column, and stunning views of Big Ben.
- The National Gallery: Situated right on Trafalgar Square, just a 3-minute walk from Zimbabwe House. It houses one of the greatest collections of Western European paintings in the world, including works by Van Gogh and Da Vinci. Entry to the permanent collection is completely free.
- Somerset House: Just a 3-minute walk east, this grand neoclassical complex is free to enter and features an impressive central courtyard famous for its spectacular 55 dancing fountains.
- St Martin-in-the-Fields: Located a 3-minute walk away. This historic church features a stunning interior and hosts free lunchtime and evening concerts. It is free and open to the public daily.
- National Portrait Gallery: Located a 6-minute walk away (just behind the National Gallery). It features an extensive collection of historical and contemporary portraits of famous Britons. General admission is free.
- Covent Garden: Approximately an 8-minute walk northeast. You can wander freely through the historic market building, enjoy free street performances by world-class entertainers in the Piazza, and soak in the bustling atmosphere. There are also many shops and restaurants for some retail therapy – or window shopping.
- Victoria Embankment is an excellent choice for a walk, located only a 4-minute walk south (about 300 metres) from Zimbabwe House via Adam Street or Carting Lane. Walking along this historic stretch of the River Thames is completely free and offers a highly scenic route packed with landmarks.
- Cleopatra’s Needle: Located just a 6-minute walk from Zimbabwe House once you reach the riverfront. This genuine Ancient Egyptian obelisk dates back to around 1450 BC and was gifted to the UK in 1819. Look closely at the base to see shrapnel damage from a World War I German bomb raid.
- Victoria Embankment Gardens: A beautiful, quiet, free public park running parallel to the river. It features pristine flower beds, historic statues, a bandstand, and plenty of benches for a peaceful break away from the Strand traffic
- The Savoy Pier & River Views: As you stroll, you will pass the pier and get unobstructed, sweeping views across the Thames toward the London Eye, the Southbank Centre, and Oxo Tower.
Why not order a document wallet from Amazon to keep everything in one place and protected from the potential English rain? (aff link)
Ensure you have a good backpack or method of keeping all your precious documents safe! This Berghaus backpack is lightweight and breathable, and available on Amazon here. (Aff link)
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