Travel Bug Guides - London Travel Guide 2014: Essential Tourist Information, Maps & Photos

Travel Bug Guides: London

By Caroline Booth

2013 Caroline Booth

Table of Contents

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without the written permission from the authors, except brief portions quoted for purpose of review.

All information in this book has been carefully researched and checked for factual accuracy. However, the authors and publishers make no warranty, express or implied, that the information contained herein is appropriate for every individual, situation or purpose, and assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. The reader assumes the risk and full responsibility for all actions, and the authors will not be held responsible for any loss or damage, whether consequential, incidental, special or otherwise that may result from the information presented in this publication.

We have relied on our own experience as well as many different sources for this book, and we have done our best to check facts and to give credit where it is due. In the event that any material is incorrect or has been used without proper permission, please contact us so that the oversight can be corrected.

London

London, the capital of England, and home of the British Monarchy, has a population of over eight million people. It is the most populated area in the entire United Kingdom. Covering over six hundred square miles, its thirty two Burroughs and Medieval streets evolved from first Roman and then Anglo-Saxon settlements.

Excavations for construction often unearth artifacts from these early periods. Recently, remnants of a bridge believed to be from the Bronze Age were discovered.

Some of the best known areas of London are Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Westminster, Knightsbridge, Fleet Street and Trafalgar Square.

It is an international city with highly diverse architecture. Modern buildings stand alongside Victorian structures, ancient castles and historical monuments.

It boasts four UNESCO World Heritage sites considered of special cultural or physical significance including: The Tower of London, the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Palace of Westminster, and Maritime Greenwich.

There are eight Royal Parks, all open to the public. They are: Hyde Park, Richmond Park, The Regents Park, Kensington Gardens, Greenwich Park, St. Jamess Park, Bushy Park and Green Park.

You can get around London using the underground Tube system, buses, taxis and local trains.

With an International Airport and International railway system London can be reached from almost anywhere in the world.

Top 20 Tourist Attractions

1.The Big Ben

The Big Ben is the nickname for the bell house in the iconic clock tower in the Palace of Westminster. Now officially called the Elizabeth Tower, the Big Ben was completed in 1858 and had its 150th anniversary on 31st May 2009.

The tower has become one of the most recognized symbols of both London, and England and is often a feature shot in movies and TV shows. In 2008, the tower was voted the most popular landmark in the UK and has also been name the most iconic film location in London.

The tower is 315 feet high (96 m) and was designed in Gothic Revival style. The bottom 200 feet (61 m) is built using bricks, while the remainder of the tower is built using cast iron.

The clock on the tower is famous for its accuracy, and even continued to run accurately after its dials were damaged in a German bombing raid during World War 2.

Despite being one of the worlds most recognized buildings, the interior of the tower is not open to overseas visitors, although UK residents are able to arrange tours (through their local Parliament representatives).

Where: House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA

Contact: http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/tourist-attraction/big-ben

2. Westminster Abbey

Whether it is the Queens Diamond Jubilee or the celebration of a new royal baby, Westminster Abbey has been home to a succession of royal events for over a thousand years. It is the resting place for seventeen monarchs. A place of daily worship since monks arrived on the site in the tenth century, services continue daily and all are welcome to attend.

The magnificent Gothic structure begun by Henry III in 1245, houses a medieval shrine to an Anglo-Saxon saint. The tombs and shrines represent the largest collection of monumental sculpture in the United Kingdom. The treasures in its keep include paintings, stained glass, the amazing Cosmottie pavements, textiles and other artifacts. Many of these went into safe keeping under sandbags during World War II, a time during which the abbey was damaged by Nazi bombs.

The ten Abbey bells are rung at full peal by volunteers when there is a Royal, National, or Abbey related celebration or occasion. If the occasion is somber, the bells are half cloaked in leather to muffle the ringing tone.

There are regular concerts and events open to the public. Self- guided audio tours are available. Photography is not permitted within the church.

Where: 20 Deans Yard, Westminster Abbey, London SW1P 3PA

Opening Hours : is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. On Sundays and religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas, the Abbey is open for worship only.

For more information, please visit: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/opening-times

Contact: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/ | +44 (0) 20 7222 5152

3. Changing Of The Guards / Buckingham Palace

The changing of the Queens guard takes place at Buckingham Palace throughout the year.

The old guard is relieved from duty by the new guard in a formal ceremony called the mounting of the guard. Arms are presented and hands are touched symbolizing the passing of the palace keys. The ceremony is accompanied by the guard band, which may be playing traditional band songs or songs from movies or musicals.

The soldiers who are dressed in red uniforms with bear skin caps are real military men on active duty who may have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are drawn from five different military regiments including Grenadier, Scots, Irish and Welch guards and two regiments of the Household Cavalry, the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals. Each is differentiated by buttons and decorative items on their uniforms. Sometimes visiting guards from other countries in the United Kingdom are invited to join the parade.

The foot guards have guarded the sovereigns since the seventeenth century. The ceremony as it is seen today dates back to the advent of Buckingham as a royal house in 1837 when Queen Victoria took up residence.

A few minutes walk from Buckingham Palace is St. James Palace where there is also a changing of the guard.

Where: London SW1A 1AA

Opening Hours: The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace

Opening times might vary depending on the season, please visit: http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace/plan-your-visit