Major Tourist Destination
Quick Facts:
· London is one of the world's largest financial centers and is home to more than 100 of Europe's top 500 largest companies
· Education, media, fashion, arts and other cultural activities are prevalent in the city.
· London is a major world tourist destination, features four UnescoWorld Heritage Sites
· Londoners are reserved in manners, dress and speech. They are conservative and stick to their traditions.
· London was host to the 1908 and 1948 Summer Olympics. In 2012, London will again host the summer games.
· They are polite, very disciplined and have a great sense of humour
Location:
London lies on the Thames River in southeastern England, about 40 miles (64 km) from the North Sea. London is the largest urban area and capital city of the United Kingdom. Greater London covers an area of 1,579 square kilometers.
Best time to visit: April to September
Route Map:
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How to Reach:
By Air: London is one of the most well connected cities in the world, with its Heathrow Airport being one of the busiest. From Heathrow, you can take the bus, the Underground (Piccadilly line) and also the Heathrow Express, which terminates at Paddington Station. The Gatwick Express runs between Gatwick Airport and Victoria Station and takes 30 minutes or you can also take Airbus No. 5 to Victoria Coach Station.
By Road: Two services are available through the Channel Tunnel. The first is the high speed Eurostar passenger services, operating to and from London to Paris, Lille, Calais and Brussels. While the other is the shuttle service Eurotunnel, especially for cars, motorcycles and buses between the English port of Folkestone and French Port of Calais. It takes only 35 minutes to cross the channel and, most importantly, you don’t have to worry about the sea
By Rail: London Travel is made easier by a wide array of railway stations in London. Known as the busiest railway station of London, London Euston Railway Station is well connected to all the major cities of England and Scotland. Clapham Junction is another busy railway station that makes getting to London an enjoyable event.
By Sea: France is only 29 km away from England at the narrowest strait. A wide array of ferries operate between England and Europe. If booked early, it can be a cheaper, and authentic, experience.
Best Attractions in London:
London enchants everyone who comes here. This is a place filled with fun and entertainment and it also has a history to bank on. Palaces, parks and museums are there in good number. So let us start our journey and explore London the most popular London attractions.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official residence. The State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September. If you are visiting at a different time of the year go along to see the changing of the guard which happens on scheduled days so check before setting off, and arrive early to get a good position to watch the action!
The Tower of LondonTake a guided tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. Discover its 900 year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.
British museum
The famous British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times from around the world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and the Portland Vase. Entry to the museum is free but special exhibitions require tickets. Buy tickets via the green book button.
London Eye
The London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. It is the world's highest observation wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes.
Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament
This structure was founded in the 11th century by Edward the Confessor and is an excellent example of Medieval architecture. It continues to provide a place for royal ceremony to this day. The abbey is on the south side of Parliament Square, adjacent to the Houses of Parliament. The Houses of Parliament are within the Palace of Westminster, along the banks of the Thames. The palace was built over a thousand years ago and is currently the seat of government for the United Kingdom. The palace, including the famous clock tower containing the “Big Ben” bell, are located across Parliament Square from Westminster Abbey.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Built in 1710, this is a beautiful church. St Paul’s Cathedral has awesome interiors and go to this place for men and women who risked their lives for its safety. Also look out for acoustics because it is very interesting.
One of the better ways of seeing London is by boat. Even if you’ve spent some time in the city already, a trip on the river Thames often gives a different perspective, as well as great views. As many of the river cruises have excellent guides, even if you think of yourself as “an old hand”, you invariably come away with additional knowledge about London’s history, both ancient and recent.
HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast, the last large cruiser of the Royal Navy. It was built in 1938, taken out of battle service with the Royal Navy in 1965, and opened as a museum in 1971 as a unique reminder of Britain's naval heritage. HMS Belfast has nine decks of living history to explore. It is the largest surviving example of Britain's twentieth century naval power and is moored on the Thames between Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
London Zoo
With so many things to see and do, ZSL London Zoo is a wonderful day out for people of all ages with the Fish Aquarium, Gorilla Kingdom, Animal Adventure and the new Children’s Zoo.
One of Europe’s largest displays of aquatic life and home to wver 350 species in over 50 displays from sharks, stingrays and clownfish, to moray eels, lionfish and sideways walking crabs. You can witness here the spectacular Atlantic feed where a team of divers hand feed rays and sharks.
Where to stay:
After a busy schedule of sightseeing in London, stay in London Hotels to get relaxed and rejuvenated to start the next day with full energy. Some of the best hotels are
London's diversity is reflected in the global cuisine available in all parts of the city. Whether you're in the mood for a pizza feast, a posh seafood dinner or some classic British fish and chips, there's hundreds of London restaurants to choose from. All you need to do is decide what tickles your fancy. Below are just a few highlights to give you a sense of the city's truly international flavor
· The Ivy
London is the shopping capital of the world. From the boutiques of Bond Street to the teeming Oxford Street, fashion stores and vibrant street markets, there is something to suit even the most discerning of shoppers. Pick up the perfect gift from a luxury department store like Fortnum & Mason or while away an afternoon in the world famous halls of Harrods. Portobello market in Notting Hill is ideal for antiques. Camden Town is great for exotic outwear and cheap take aways.
Travel Tips:
London is regarded by many as an expensive city for tourists. But this is not a fact, as that entry to all of London museums and art galleries like Tate Modern and National gallery are absolutely free with no strings attached. If you get London Pass or Heritage Pass for sightseeing, it provides you access to more than 600 historic monuments and gardens.
Say Please and Thank You whenever appropriate. Never greet people with a kiss, if you have not met them before. Never discuss politics or religion in public. Your most expensive item here will be your accommodation, so plan to book in advance for best hotel deals. Try to coincide your visit to London during special events, like Wimbledon (June), Notting Hill carnival (August), Glastonbury Music Festival (June)Visiting London is a special treat.
Enjoy Yours…!
Travel Smart:
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