Judy In London




The Judy Trail






One wonderful aspect of the Judy Garland legacy in London, is to visit the locations, see the sites, and take a tour of Judy's old haunts. A vacation in London can easily be filled having a great time at the many famous tourist attractions. It can equally be filled on the Judy Garland trail. For an extra special holiday anyone interested in Judy can do both. Here is a list (in no particular order) of things you can do following in Judy's footsteps. If you have an endless amount of time and money you could try them all, but remember before blowing your budget Judy was used to fine dining, top entertainment and only the best hotels.

1) The London Palladium guided tour. Here you get the opportunity to step onto the famous stage where Judy gave more than 60 performances, see the Judy portrait and memorial plaque as well as hear some terrific anecdotes from the guide about all of the legends that have performed there.

2) A Visit to the National Film Theatre, at which Judy appeared in person for 'an audience with' following a special screening of her Oscar nominated performance in 'A Star Is Born'. Many classic films are screened here in special seasons so check out what is on during your stay - there could well be one of Judy's films showing.

3) Idulge yourself at the opulent 'I Could Go On Singing' (ICGOS) film location "The Savoy Hotel." And as Judy sings 'Savoy, the home of sweet romance, Savoy, it wins you with a glance, Savoy, gives happy feet a chance to dance. How my heart is singing, While the band is swinging, I'm never tired of romping, And stomping with you at the Savoy. What joy - a perfect holiday, Savoy, where we can glide and sway, Savoy, let me stomp away with you'.

4)Saunter around to the West End Theatres at which Judy had historic smash hit engagements e.g. the Dominion, Prince Of Wales, Savoy (Royal Variety Club Awards) and The Palladium, or her night club spot at the Hippodrome (Talk Of The Town).

5) EMI (Abbey Road) recording Studios, St Johns Wood , where Judy recorded the album "Judy In London". Whilst I'm not aware of any tours inside many people like to visit Abbey Road just to cross the zebra crossing! Something Judy's fellow Royal Variety Show performers (The Beatles) made legendary.

6) Quaglino's restaurant, where Judy held her wedding reception in 1969. This was and still is quite a posh affair, so it is worth checking out their prices, policies etc before booking a table.

7) Have a drink in one of the hotel bars Judy frequented at The Russell Square Hotel, where Judy attended the Judy Garland Fan Club meeting. Incidentally this hotel is located at the centre of the vicinity where the 7/7 London bus and tube bombings took place. Whilst it is absolutely safe to visit, take photographs, chat with people on the street etc it is best not to loiter too long or leave anything unattended on the pavement in case you worry the residents.

8)If you are flush and can spare a night in a top hotel why not sleep in the same bed where it is claimed Judy slept, in 'The Judy Garland delux room' at The Gore Hotel. They say Judy was a regular visitor and picture Judy's bed on their web site. One word of caution I have requested information from the concierge, but have received no reply to substantiate when Judy actually stayed there.

9) Time for some shopping in one of Greater Londons most popular centres The Glades, in Bromley. Judy carried out her last official public engagement in Bromley opening her friend's menswear shop "Brian Anthony". The shop itself has long since gone. The site where it used to be is now the Royal Bank Of Scotland Offices immediately opposite Bromley South Train Station. The shopping complexes 'The Glades' and 'The Mall' are about 300 yards up the High Street from here.

10)Forget the Science Museum and the helicopter ride for that matter. Take a trip out to a most idyllic quaint setting Stoke Poges Church Cemetary. This is the ICGOS film location where Jenny (Judy) probes Matt (Gregory Phillips) about what he knows about his real Mother.

11)For a sombre treck visit the street and see the house where Judy last lived and sadly died. The address is 4 Cadogan Lane, Chelsea. If you do go, please be respectful of the current owners privacy and not leave flowers or cards etc.

12) Take your pick from the many other places where Judy stayed or visited when living in London such as "The Boltons" The 'Cafe De Paris' "The Adelphi", "The Royal Festival Hall", "Mayfair Hotel", or more public and official places such as "Chelsea Registry Office".

If you wish to explore further out of town during your vacation it is well worth taking the train to Canterbury, the County Town of Kent, to see Judy's ICGOS film locations : These are the Cathedral, the old city ruins, and Kings School.

Should you want to check out what is on at the theatre or cinema or find travel details, the following listings detail most of what is on, as well as giving contacts for trains, taxis, buses and last but not least Thames river trips! Time out in London, Visit London, and What's on In London.


Have a wonderful vacation!







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