London

From LoveToKnow Travel

London, the capital city of Great Britain is a bustling and vital city of over 7.5 million residents. It is filled with history, culture, and ethnic diversity. In fact, over 300 languages are spoken in the city, the most in any city in the world. Located along the Thames River in south central England, London is known for its theater, as the home of the British royal family, and its many museums.

The Houses of Parliament


History

This historic city, whose name comes from the Celtic word for “wild,” was first settled around AD 43. It was originally a Celtic settlement, but was overrun by the Roman Empire shortly thereafter. After the fall of the Roman Empire, England's capital city became a Saxon town and that area of London, called Westminster, has been the seat of British government since medieval times.

Among the most important occurrences in the city's history was the Great Fire of 1666. A majority of the overcrowded city was destroyed and the rebuilding took ten years. Many of the buildings of that era still stand. The other event that shaped modern London was the German blitz during World War II, which killed over 30,000 Londoners and destroyed large tracks of the city. The subsequent rebuilding of those areas in the 1950s and 1960s gives the city's architecture a sort of quirky mixture of old and new.


Sightseeing

This multi-faceted city is filled with historic sights and attractions, ranging from the 15th century Tower of London to the 20th century London Eye. Here are a few of what’s waiting for you to explore:

· The Tower

Nine hundred years of history compete for visitors’ attention at the infamous Tower of London.
The Tower of London
This medieval monument has been a royal palace, a fortress, an armory, and a treasury. It is best known, however, as the brutal, merciless prison of Tudor England. Queen Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Sir Thomas Moore, and Sir Walter Raleigh are just some of the Tower’s famous residents. Visit the 12th century White Tower, one of the finest examples of Norman architecture. See the dazzling Crown Jewels, an overwhelming collection of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, guarded by the colorful Beefeaters. Or, climb the “bloody tower,” where the two young princes disappeared in 1483, possibly murdered by their uncle and protector, Richard III. This fascinating site is a treasure trove of history -- some of it dark, but all of it interesting.

· Houses of Parliament
Located along the Thames River, in Westminster, the British Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is the quintessential symbol of London. The huge complex, originally a royal residence, includes over 1000 rooms and over 100 staircases. The original part of the building dates to 1097, although most of the present structure dates from the 19th century. Visitors can visit the House of Commons Visitor’s Gallery, when in session, as well as take a tour of the public areas.

· Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is unique in that it is neither a parish nor a cathedral. Called a “royal peculiar,” it is controlled by the Crown instead of the Church of England. The Gothic-style Abbey, built between 1215 and 1517, is the traditional site for royal coronations and the location has seen every one since 1066. The Abbey is also used for state funerals, such as that of Princess Diana. Many English Kings are buried here, including Henry III, as are a number of notable British subjects, such as Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, and David Livingstone. The Poet’s Corner here holds the tombs of several British authors, from Chaucer Chaucer to Rudyard Kipling. Visitors can stroll through the huge Gothic structure when it is not in use.

· Covent Garden
Formerly a food market, Covent Garden is where the Cockney flower-seller, Eliza Doolittle, met Professor Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. Today, this historic market has abandoned its working-class origins and re-created itself into a mixed-use complex of shops, restaurants, pubs, and entertainment. The open courtyard is now home to pushcart vendors, street entertainers, and weekly antiques and crafts markets. The area surrounding the market is filled with interesting, ethnic restaurants, avant-garde apparel boutiques, and modern art galleries.

· London Eye
Conceived and constructed in partnership with British Airways, the London Eye is a huge, glass-enclosed, observation wheel. Over 1700 feet high, this popular attraction offers sweeping views that encompass all of the city and the surrounding countryside. Make your “flight” extra special by choosing a champagne flight or reserve a private capsule for up to twenty-five of your friends and enjoy brunch while you enjoy the sights. It’s a unique, awe-inspiring, fun-filled treat.

· Harrods

This shopping mecca is worthy of all its publicity.
Harrod’s
Behind the elegant Edwardian façade, built in the early 1900s, lies an army of over 4000 employees in 230 departments filled with merchandise. One of the highlights of this fascinating store is the Food Halls, noteworthy for its displays as well as for its food offerings. Visitors from all over the world flock to Harrod’s during the first week in January for the substantial bargains to be found at Harrod’s annual sale. Relax while shopping in one of Harrod’s thirteen restaurants and five bars.


Visiting London

· Arriving in the City
England's capital city is easily reached by air from major cities all over the world. Three airports serve London: Heathrow on the west of town, Gatwick to the south, and the smaller Staniford Field on the northeast side of town. Trains from all over England and Scotland arrive at Victoria, Euston, and Charing Cross Stations.

· Staying in the City
Accommodations range from deluxe, landmark hotels, such as the Mayfair or the Dorchester, to gracious bed and breakfasts located throughout the city. Hotel rooms in this metropolis tend to be larger than their counterparts in Paris and New York. Most of the luxury hotels are located in and around Mayfair. Look in the Chelsea and Knightsbridge neighborhoods for smaller, offbeat hotels.

· Getting Around the City
Getting around this vibrant city is easy. England's capital is famous for its distinctive black hansom cabs and they are easy to hail. Taxi fares, however, can be rather steep, and fares from the airports can top $75. The Tube, the subway system, is an affordable and easy-to-understand alternative to taxis. Most attractions have a tube stop within a block or two of them.


 


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