While the city sleeps, reclaim the streets

Once upon a time, London’s Royal Docks covered the largest stretch of enclosed water in the world. Made up of three individual quays – Albert, Victoria and King George V dock – their history extends back over 150 years. Today, this 250-acre area is a special enterprise zone, a unique blend of the old (some original warehouses still overlook the Thames) and the ultra modern (the cityscape of Canary Wharf). The new Jeep Compass is pictured here in a deserted Limehouse Link, the UK’s second largest inland road tunnel, and the connection between the northern approach of Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf.

Nestled beneath the ribbon of road that winds its way out of the capital between Paddington and the outskirts of West London, is one of London’s leading indoor climbing centres. Boasting one of the highest walls in the country, Westway Sports Centre offers something for all levels of climbing ability, with 350 different routes, 110 rope lines and a choice of 150 bouldering runs. Vertigo sufferers, approach with caution...

Often referred to as the spiritual home of British skateboarding, the legendary Undercroft at South Bank is all set to consolidate its place as a world class skate destination. In March 2018, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, confirmed that the Thames-side location had won a £700,000 grant, at least part of which will be used to improve lighting, as well as expand and renovate the paving and slopes. Fresh graffiti not included.

Right in the heart of The City, one of the oldest of London’s great institutions can be found. The Bank of England – the eighth oldest bank in the world – was established in 1694, and went on to become the model upon which the majority of the world’s modern central banks would be based. The bank relocated to its now famous Threadneedle Street address in 1734; the Jeep Compass is pictured passing along Lothbury, a much narrower – and quieter – road running adjacent to the rear of the bank.

One urban adventure that a deserted, city centre really does lend itself to is freerunning. Also known as parkour (although some purists will argue that the two disciplines are different), its origins date back to the childhood of a Frenchman, Raymond Belle. Belle grew up in a Vietnamese orphanage, where he would spend his nights (after everyone was asleep), running and climbing across self-made courses to test his endurance, strength, and flexibility. In the 80s his son, David, followed in his father’s acrobatic footsteps, even giving up school to focus fully time on his new obsession. And so a whole new sport “of moving rapidly through an area, typically an urban environment, negotiating obstacles by running, jumping, and climbing” began...

Situated in central London is a building that divides opinion more than most. The Barbican Centre – a complex, multi-layer Brutalist complex – is one of the largest culture and arts venues in Europe, a home to concert halls, theatres, cinemas and libraries. Located just on the fringes of The City, it is also flanked on all sides by quiet side roads that provide the perfect backdrop for a deserted, midnight car shoot...

London Waterloo station is the UK’s biggest and busiest railway station. Originally opened in 1848 – and then rebuilt and reopened in 1922 – it is also the last UK station from which steam services ran, time finally being called on coke and clinker in 1967. In and around the station there is a labyrinthine network of pedestrian walkways, redundant tunnels (such as the heavily graffitied Leake Street) and vaults. If you have a natural affinity for the unusual, part of the maze of disused railway arches beneath the station is now used as one of the Capital’s most fascinating art spaces.

Part of the enduring appeal of London is its ever-changing architectural landscape. Across the city, stunning new structures appear side-by-side with some of the finest old buildings to be found anywhere in the world. The Millenium Bridge, designed by legendary British architect, Sir Norman Foster and opened in 2000, is just such a contemporary structure; and St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the jewels in the crown of remarkable London architecture, a fine example of the former. Just 289 years separate the opening of each of these two London landmarks.

And an impressive 77 years separate the new Jeep Compass and one of the true icons of automotive history: the Willy’s Jeep. This was the world’s first, mass-produced 4x4 vehicle, kickstarting a market that now accounts for over 30% of new car sales across Europe. Eight decades on from this humble little ‘light wheeled vehicle’, the Jeep of today can park itself, warm your hands while you’re steering and integrate your SmartPhone at the touch of a button. Progress, huh?