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Five great London journeys into the sunset

Mike Pollitt | Tuesday 8 March, 2011 11:04

A couple of weeks ago I was playing football in Willesden when the sun set. This may sound an unpromising start to the article, but for ten minutes the sky exploded in bright orange light, then slowly turned a colour which I can only compare to florets of purple sprouting broccoli. It was, in a word, sick. Because sunsets are amazing. So print off this handy sunset timetable, clear some space on your camera’s SD card, and make like an American frontiersman. In other words, Go West!

Anyway, by any means, westward along the Thames
This goes without saying, but just because it’s obvious doesn’t make it any less valid. Light and water go together like George Osborne and a punch in the face. It’s just natural. The first rule of sunset chasing is…follow the water.

Leisurely stroll/cycle up Regent’s Canal
And for Regent’s Canal, read your local bit of towpath. The stretch between Victoria Park and Broadway market is particularly fine in the hour of dusk. First there are some weeping willowy sort of trees which lend the journey a pleasantly mournful feel, then you hit the gas holders which do some wonderful things with the sun behind them. And then you’re perfectly placed for an evening pint.

Cute bits of the Overground
Yes, yes, any public transport can be horrid. But some bits are less horrid than others. I was recently coming back up from South London through Brockley and New Cross when the sun started diving behind the Gherkin. It was epiphanic. Also works for the Ealing – Paddington line if you get a seat facing backwards.

Brisk walk round Wormwood Scrubs
I’m not suggesting you go loitering round here long after dark. Just noting that the juxtaposition of heathland, prison, and setting sun can take on a splendidly romantic aspect for those of a gothic disposition.

Gallery, sunset, gallery
If you have a free afternoon, start at the National Gallery and admire Monet’s beautiful Water Lilies, Setting Sun. Then march through Trafalgar Square and past Westminster, taking care to note the sun starting to dip in the sky ahead of you and to your right. Arrive at Tate Britain before it closes at 1800, make a beeline for Turner’s The Scarlet Sunset and then go find yourself a nice spot along the river to watch the real life ensanguination of the sky. Then compare and contrast over a pint. Great stuff.

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