The Top Five Attractions in London England

London will please most any kind of traveler, what with it’s blend of modern facets and it’s rich varied history. It’s no wonder that London is one of the most popular cities on the globe consdiering it’s hundreds of art galleries, museums and other attractions which include theatre, nightlife, zoos and music. If you are planning to visit London you should plan to take in these five attractions:

Westminster Abbey

This burial ground, church and coronation site is the final resting place of great poets, kings and other notables of British descent. Westminster Abbey is still used as a chuech on a regular basis for events and religious services. The visit is made very worthwhile by the works of art contained in the Abbey. A painting of Richard II hanges inside the west entryway. This is the oldest portrait of a British monarch on display today, having been painted back in 1390.

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of British monarchy, Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in England. The best time to visit is in August and September when the Palace’s 19 staterooms are open to the public. However, various areas of the Palace are open year round and tourists can still see the spectacular architecture of the building and other exhibits. A walk through the 40-acre grounds and gardens is a must as is the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Tower of London

Many have heard of the Tower of London, but not everyone knows it served as a prison for many years. The original structure was built to be used as a fort by William the Conqueror around 1100 AD. Later the Tower evolved into a prison and then into a monument for the sizable collection of Crown Jewels which are still on display today. The highlight of the collection is the 530-carat Star of Africa. The pear shaped diamond is the 2nd largest in the world and was extracted from a South African mine. The Royal Armouries are also an interesting stop at the Tower of London. The spiral staircase running up the interior is the only way up and this British national museum of arms and armour has more than 40,000 pieces on display.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is often the site of public events and political demonstrations in London. The square, an intersection for many major streets, is a spectacular gateway to sightseeing for tourists visiting the area. You’ll find the National Gallery on the north side of Trafalgar Square which is among the world’s best art museums. Looking to the west, one will see Canada House, where Canadians who are visiting can get a taste of home. To the east, although close to the public, the stone arches of South Africa house with African animals are worth a look. Be sure to visit 10 Downing Street once you’ve seen all there is to see in Trafalgar Square. Since 1732, 10 Downing Street has been the home of British Prime Ministers. Along with Churchill Museum, 10 Downing is within walking distance of Trafalger Square.

Harrods

What would a trip to London be without a little shopping? The world’s greatest department store, Harrods, is great even for the window shoppers. And, for those who are looking to spend a bit of dough, this million square feet of merchandise is every shoppers dream. In fact, Harrods motto is – Omnia Omnibus Ubique – which means “All Things For All People Everywhere”. Although it has been around for 150 years, Harrods is as modern as the latest iPod. Many of its departments, including the seasonal Christmas shop and the Food Hall, are world famous for their quality and abundance of selection. Where else can you choose from 300 different types of cheese?

These top five London attractions will get you started but you will discover London has so much to do and see a second visit will be in order.

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A tourists guide to the New Years Day parade in London, UK

London’s New Year’s Day Parade has been the most popular European event for the past twenty two years, comparable in popularity to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the United States. London’s Parade is a perfect event for tourists and is very family friendly making it a wonderful event for children. It consists of concerts, floats, music, food, and just good old fashioned fun. It is a perfect way to bring in the New Year on a happy note.

Big Ben signals the start of the three hour parade at twelve noon and you can enjoy the parade one of many ways, depending on your preference.

ENJOY FROM THE GRANDSTANDS

You can sit high up in the grandstands at the beginning of the parade route or at the end of the parade route. This will give you optimal viewing pleasure as you sit high up watching the floats and marchers parade by. Grandstands are located along Parliament St and along Piccadilly. By sitting in the grandstands at either of the locations on the route you will not miss any of the parade as you will be able to see it from start to finish. Make sure you snag a spot early as the parade attracts a half million street viewers each year.

WALK AND ENJOY THE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

If you are more of a walker and prefer to revel in the excitement by walking the route as well as check out famous sites, you can do that as well. The parade starts at Parliament Square right by Big Ben. The route will then travel through Westminster Abbey and continues down Downing Street, which is also home to the Prime Minister. As you travel down Whitehall, you will pass the headquarters of the Royal Horse Guards. You will then go through Trafalgar Square and as you do will see Admirality Arch, a memorial to Quenn Victoria. You will also see a monument of Charles I upon his horse and Lord Nelson atop his column. These landmarks commemorate the victory of the British over the French and Spanish at the Battle of Trafalgar. Once you leave the square the parade route will then go up Cockspur St and then briefly will go down Pall Mall and then up Regent St. The route will then end at the heart of London, Piccadilly Circus. Along Piccadilly you can check out famous attractions such as the Ritz Hotel, exotic restaurant: Fortnum and Mason, and The Royal Academy.

WATCH ON TELEVISION

This is such a worldwide event that you can even enjoy an on-air broadcast of the parade. In 2006 it was aired across five continents with a viewing audience topping two hundred million people.

Of course if you can not enjoy the parade for some reason or another, it is always covered the next day in the newspaper and all over the internet with some people even posting YouTube video clips.

So if you are lucky enough to be in London this New Year, be sure to take a couple hours out of your day and enjoy the parade. It is an event that may just become a family tradition.