Please let me introduce the ‘Time and Relative Dimension in Space’ or better known as the one and only TARDIS, a machine used for travelling through time and space. It's also a brilliant 'alternative' Tourist attraction for Sci-fi loving fans. Ok, so maybe it's not expressly for escaping the Monday blues, but it would work perfectly!
Currently holding the Guinness World Record as the longest-running science fiction television show in the world first screening on the BBC in 1963, Doctor Who holds a dear place in many peoples hearts (and those who don't like it were probably scared of the pretty advanced-for-the-time monsters).
The lead character, simply known as "the Doctor" is a Time Lord - an extraterrestrial from the planet Gallifrey, who travels through time and space in an internally vast time machine called the TARDIS which appears relatively small when seen from the outside, but is in fact very large on the inside.
The Eleventh Doctor and his assistant Credit.
The Doctor flits about the universe, usually with a companion having adventures, saving the universe and fighting baddies. There have been successive generations of actors playing the character, explained by the act of the Doctor being able to regenerate (much like the Bhuddist reincarnation).
Most people have a favourite Doctor, normally the one they grew up with - I have two - Tom Baker '74-'81 and (somewhat controversially) Christopher Ecclestone '05. (For further information, more than I thought was possible, check out here).
I have such fond memories of Doctor Who; the mad adventures, the travelling and exploration. My hubby does also - mostly of Daleks peered at from behind the safety of the sofa. We've been enjoying the new series' too - some great new monsters, and re-invention of the baddies. Favourite new episodes include Blink, Bad Wolf/Parting of the Ways and World War Three. Christmas day with our UK family you'll find all the kids in the house (including big ones like me) and the cat gathered round the TV breathlessly awaiting the Christmas special.
Thankfully if you are a Who-vian, you don't have to travel to Gallifrey or the ends of time to find a TARDIS, as there is one conveniently parked outside Earl's Court tube station. Neat and very random, huh? It's another of the things I love about London, you really don't know what to expect next.
The directions are really easy: Take a District or Picadilly Line Train to Earl’s Court Station. Exit the station (take the Earl's Court Road exit), immediately turn right, walk about 10 feet and it's on your left, between you and the Road. You can't get inside, unless you know the Doctor, or an incredible special effects team but it's still awesome.
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I've also heard rumours of other TARDIS sightings over London - at Winston Churchill’s Britain At War Experience, Tooley Street; Television Centre, Wood Lane (probably now moved to the BBC's new headquarters in Manchester) and of all places, Hendon Police Training College where it can be glimpsed from Northern Line trains.
Oops, there it goes again!
Beam me up! No, wait...
Are you a Doctor Who fan? Who is your favourite Doctor, companion and Monster?
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