Visiting London (england) And Buckingham Palace, A Top Visitor Attraction
October 14th, 2008 by Super Max , under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
England is a most amazing nation in which to spend a little time. There are an awesome selection of tourist attraction well worth a visit perfect for all tastes. For instance the historical city of York which has been inhabited since the times of the Roman Empire, Liverpool (which won the title of European City of Culture in 2008), and Torquay (which is widely known as the English Riviera). Possibly the most famous place to spend some time is the capital city of London
London is an astounding city to visit, possibly just for a weekend or, possibly for longer. You would be surprised at how many folk living in Britain who have not yet visited London, even more surprising when you ponder on the fact it is usually top of the majority of visitors lists (of most enjoyable attractions they went to).
There literarily so many things to do and see in London that it is almost impossible to list them all at once. Surprisingly one of the newest attractions in London also happens to be one of the most popular - The London Eye. Another popular attraction nearby to the London Eye is the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. However, one place which must not be missed is Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace is England’s most famous Royal residence, as it is home to the Queen. Buckingham Palace is positioned right in the very center of London which makes it the perfect focus for visitors. The daily pageant of ‘Changing of the Guard’ is very interesting to witness and quintessentially English.
Buckingham Palace was originally known as Buckingham House. It was originally a large townhouse, constructed in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. It is actually the townhouse which forms the main core of the palace as we know it today.
During the following three quarters of a century Buckingham House was made larger by the building of an additional 3 wings forming a central courtyard. The main architects responsible for these additions were John Nash and Edward Blore. It was also John Nash who was responsible for the interior design of the monumental staterooms.
The widely known architect Aston Webb was responsible for the construction of the principal facade of Buckingham Palace which, in 1912, he re-designed. Webb together with Sir Thomas Brock (the sculptor) were the winners of a competition to design a memorial to Queen Victoria. This memorial still exists today.
The Queen has many other royal residences besides Buckingham Palace. Every year the Queen stays, at Sandringham House in Norfolk, during the Christmas season. Sandringham House is a private royal residence (owned by the Queen).
Another private residence is Balmoral Castle, found in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The Queen was in Balmoral Castle when she was informed about the shocking demise of Diana (the former wife of Prince Charles).
If you would like to take a break in the United Kingdom you might be surprised to be informed that it is possible to find a cheap London hotel without too much difficulty, on the other hand you may desire to stay in more luxurious accommodation and the small number of boutique hotels in London should more than satisfy.
Folks Taking A Vacation London Should Take A Ride On The London Eye
October 14th, 2008 by Super Max , under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
London, the capital city of England and the UK, has many visitor attractions, many of which are amongst the most popular in the country. For a great deal of time London has been an amazingly popular vacation destination and much of this interest is due to the grandness of the historical architecture and the unique culture. While a noticeable number of the tourist attractions found in London have an historic interest, for example the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, there are various others that are relatively new, for example the London Aquarium, Millennium Bridge, Millenium Dome, and the most popular of these, the London Eye.
The London Eye is not unfrequently named as the Millennium Wheel for the simple reason that it was erected in 1999 to celebrate the coming of the new millennium. It was opened officially by the U.K. Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, on the evening of December thirty first sadly there was a number of safety problems and it was not opened to the public until March 2000. At a height of one hundred and thirty five meters above London it is now an unmistakable, and highly visible landmark.
Way back in 1895, in Earl’s Court, was found the Great Wheel of London, which was a monsterously huge Ferris Wheel which was able to accommodate approximately sixteen hundred people a go. Unfortunately it was demolished in 1907 but today London has something of a replacement in the London Eye. Although it is not the biggest Ferris wheel in the world it can easily say that it is the worlds biggest cantilever observation tower!
Although the London Eye cannot carry as many people as the Great Wheel of London could, it can manage to carry 25 people in each of its 32 capsules. Unlike in a Ferris wheel, on the London Eye, you are able to stand up and walk around in one of the pods but you may discover that you want to remain seated as it takes approximately half an hour for it to finish a full revolution.
With as many as 3.5 people flying on the London Eye every year it’s, now, the number one most visited visitor attraction which charges across London and the British Isles. The most common reason why people choose to take a trip on the London Eye is to see for themselves the astounding sights available from it. During a revolution of the Wheel you are able to see as far as 4m. At this incredible viewpoint a person is able to view such well known landmarks as Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey. Obviously these are just a few as you can also see the best possible views of the majority of London’s landmarks. In fact the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben appear as though they are directly underneath.
The London Eye has proved to be a popular spot for marriage proposals and weddings and they now offer special wedding packages. In fact there are a number of things available which also include educational aspects for schools and colleges as well as river boat trips along the Thames.
If if you are only staying in London for a short break the London Eye is a real life saver because it is possible for one to take in nearly all of the primary London landmarks while enjoying the 30 minute ride which is impossible to do any other way (excluding a helicopter or balloon ride). Luckily it is not too difficult to find hotels near the London Eye which will save more time. If you are on a tight budget you will be pleased to know that it is also possible to find cheap hotels in London without too much trouble
London Tours Are The Best Way To Take In The Sights
July 21st, 2008 by Elizabeth Campbell, under Vacations. No Comments
One of the most interesting cities in the UK is London. Not only is it the capital city, but it is a city with a vast amount of things to do. London has a colourful history, and a large proportion of tourist attractions are related to this. Of course, the first thing to come to mind when thinking of London is the Queen and Royal Family. London is an enormous city and navigating your way around can be tricky. To take the stress out of this there are plenty of organised tours where one can sit back and relax. If a tour is not to your liking, then the easiest way to get about is the underground or Tube.
When visiting London the easiest way to see everything you want is by booking a tour. For the more energetic there is a walking tour. There are also tours specifically for the younger generation. One of the favoured tours is on an open top ‘red bus’ (weather permitting), a rare sight these days. Other interesting tours are those of the taverns, historic monuments and ‘rock and roll’ tours.
For the more culturally minded tourist London is an ideal destination. With a population of over 7,000,000, London is by far the most ethnically diverse cities in Europe. As you walk around it soon becomes obvious just how culturally diverse the city is. In fact there are over three hundred different languages spoken within London. The different ethnic backgrounds differ according to country of origin and religion. Of course we must not forget the English language, the most common of all. Other languages to be heard are Hokkien, Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin and Gujarati.
An altogether different experience can be had by visiting one the famous street markets on offer in London. London has always been known for the fabulous Billingsgate Fish Market. Its present location in the Isle of Dogs has only been home to the fish market since 1962. Billingsgate fish market first started life about 1500 years ago. Another must see market is Walthamstowe Market, the longest street market in England which stretches for 1.61 kilometres.
London has many sights and things to do for the tourist interested in Literature. William Shakespeare (1564-1616), the famous poet and playwright has connections with London. His famous Globe Theatre was sited in London, and even though the original theatre no longer exists, it is possible to visit and watch performances at the newly constructed Globe Theatre, which is close to the site of Shakespeare’s original theatre. There are a lot of different tours available with a Shakespearean connection.
It was in 1613 that the original Globe Theatre was destroyed. The theatre burnt to the ground when a canon fired on stage during a production hit the thatch roof. The original theatre was built between 1598-1609, and was only in use during the warmer, drier, summer months of the year. After its destruction the Globe was rebuilt, re-opening in 1614. Unfortunately the theatre was forced to close again due to protests by Puritans. In 1664 it was finally knocked to the ground.
Charles Dickens is another famous person from the world of literature who has close ties with London, and there are numerous tours affiliated with him. When he was a child Dickens lived at 16 Bayham Street, Camden. Today however you will find a plaque at 141 Bayham Street, this is because number 16 has been demolished. Another of his home still stands and that is now the Dickens Museum (48 Doughty Street). Unfortunately the remainder of Dickens homes are no longer standing. One such home is 1 Devonshire Terrace, where Dickens lived in 1839. Today an office block is in its place at Marylebone Road.
There has been a fantastic book market in London since 1982. OUtside the National Film Theatre one will find South Bank Book Market. The book market takes place at the weekend all year round, the only difference being the opening times, longer in the summer (10.30am - 6.30 pm) and shorter in the winter (12pm - 5.30 pm). Bargains galore can be found amongst the many secondhand book stalls.
London Tours Can Be Fun And Cultural Too
July 20th, 2008 by Elizabeth Campbell, under Vacation Destinations. No Comments
Looking for culture, history, and fun, then look no further than London, the capital of England. The appeal of London holds no bounds, and there is plenty of things to do, and places to see that will be of interest to everyone. The Queen, Royal Family and their various homes and traditions are what first attract people to London. Getting around to see all these attractions can be a bit of a headache. If you prefer to do things at your own pace, then getting around by underground is probably best. There are underground stations on virtually every street corner (or so it seems), so finding one near to where you are visiting is not a problem. If you prefer for someone else to do the ‘leg work’ for you, then there are numerous tours that one could take.
If time is an issue when visiting London then one of the many tours available is ideal. This is the best way to see as many attractions as possible in as little time as possible. The only problem will be which tour to choose from. There are tours of historic monuments, musical history, educational, and haunted (ghost) tours. Tours of the pubs are very popular as are the walking tours. The younger generation is not forgotten as there are tours more suited to them as well.
London has a population of over 7 million and is one of the most diverse and cultural cities in the world. The different cultures vary in accordance with the many different faiths, backgrounds and countries of origin the people come from. With all the different ethnicities comes different languages, there are more than three hundred different languages spoken within London. The most common of course is English but others include: Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Gujarati and Bengali to name just a few. The only way to really experience these different cultures is to wander amongst them.
An altogether different experience can be had by visiting one the famous street markets on offer in London. London has always been known for the fabulous Billingsgate Fish Market. Its present location in the Isle of Dogs has only been home to the fish market since 1962. Billingsgate fish market first started life about 1500 years ago. Another must see market is Walthamstowe Market, the longest street market in England which stretches for 1.61 kilometres.
Some of the finest writers from literary circles have been associated with, or lived in London for a short while. One such famous figure is that of William Shakespeare. There are a number of tours associated with Shakespeare, which will also take in a visit to the reconstructed Globe Theatre. The theatre has been built close to the orignal site at Bear Gardens, SE1.
The original Globe was constructed from 1598 to 1609 and William Shakespeare, as well as being a writer and actor there, was one the shareholders. It was during one of the more spectacular performances that the theatre burnt down, apparently a canon set alight the thatch roof. Rebuilding and repair quickly commenced and the theatre was ready for business again in 1614. Sadly it was forced to close for good by the Puritans, and flattened in 1644.
Charles Dickens is another famous person from the world of literature who has close ties with London, and there are numerous tours affiliated with him. When he was a child Dickens lived at 16 Bayham Street, Camden. Today however you will find a plaque at 141 Bayham Street, this is because number 16 has been demolished. Another of his home still stands and that is now the Dickens Museum (48 Doughty Street). Unfortunately the remainder of Dickens homes are no longer standing. One such home is 1 Devonshire Terrace, where Dickens lived in 1839. Today an office block is in its place at Marylebone Road.
Everyone likes a bargain, and if books are ones passsion then the South Bank Book Market is a must see place. Found outside the National Film Theatre at Riverside Walk SE1 the market is open on saturdays and sundays and has been in existence since 1982. In the summer the opening times are 10.30 am - 6.30 pm, and in the winter 12pm to 5.30 pm. There are a great number of secondhand stalls where everyones tastes are catered for.
Hidden London: Places Worth Visiting
July 18th, 2008 by Phil Hamilton, under Vacation Destinations. No Comments
With the city of Greater London being the largest city in Europe it is little wonder that you will find an incredible number of fascinating tourist attractions. Some, such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, are amongst the most well known landmarks in the world but if you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary then London has a few hidden surprises.
If you enjoy your city tours which include the not so well known places of interest then a visit to the wonderful Highgate Cemetery may be of interest. Highgate is an incredible example of a Victorian cemetery with all of the bold Victorian statements of mausoleums, vaults, catacombs, obelisks and statues, with most of the 37 acres now rather overgrown and well aged. One or two of the graves are slightly more modern such as the powerful bust of Karl Marx.
Karl Marx, the “Father of Communism”, had moved to London in 1849 and lived there until he died in 1883. Originally he had been buried in a rather ordinary family grave but the Communist Party of Great Britain felt something more monumental was required for such an incredibly influential person and they commissioned the creation of a fine bust of Marx which was put in place in 1954. Unfortunately the change was not met with universal delight as expected as many felt that it went against his teaching and, in 1970, there was an actual attempt to destroy it by blowing it up.
The grave of Karl Marx is not the only celebrity grave to be found at Highgate Cemetery as there are many other famous folk from the past buried there. Included in the long list of famous graves are those of Tom Sayers, Sir Leslie Stephen, Dr S.Birch, John Lobb, Christina Rossetti, J. W. Cross, C. H. Newton, George Eliot and many, many more. You will also find the family of Charles Dickens at Highgate along with the graves of 6 Lord Mayors of London.
By the middle of the nineteenth century London found itself in desperate need of more graveyards. It was decided that seven cemeteries would be created and due to the Victorian habit of incorporating many of the influences of the British Empire into the buildings, they quickly became well known and highly regarded. The new cemeteries became known as the “Magnificent Seven” with Highate being the most incredible.
Successful Victorians liked to display their wealth and success even in death. One of the most amazing parts of Highgate Cemetery is the area which includes the much photographed Egyptian Avenue and Circle of Lebanon, both of which contain numerous mausoleums. Once through the Egyptian Avenue you arrive at the Circle of Lebanon which is two circles of mausoleums arranged around an ancient Lebanon cedar tree.
One of the most exciting aspects of exploring Highgate is suddenly seeing an incredible statue appear amongst the overgrown bushes and vines. Throughout the cemetery there are many examples of the most incredible memorial sculptures which include representations of the usual religious subjects and even family pets. Of special note is the grave of the famous coachman James Selby which is well worth searching for.
You may think that I have forgotten to tell you exactly what to expect at the grave of James Selby but I have purposely avoided a full description as I feel that it is actually so spectacular that you really need to see it with your own eyes. If I tell you too much it will spoil the impact, let’s compare it to telling somebody the ending of a movie before they watch it.