Attractions in London, UK

The Tate Britain:

The Tate Britain is also known as Tate Gallery and houses the works of J. M. W. Turner, Moore, Blake and many others. The BP walk through at Tate Britain offers you the collections from the beginning to its end. The Turner Collection, Henry Moore Rooms and William Blake rooms are open every day. This is one of the free attractions in London and is open from 10.00am to 6.00pm daily. Manton entrance on Atterbury Street, Millbank entrance, North entrance on John Islip Street and Clore Gallery entrance on Millbank are the four entrances to this art gallery. Cloakroom, baby changing facilities, lifts, cafes, shops and much more are available at Tate Britain.

The Tate Modern:

The Tate Modern is an art gallery in London and is the most visited art gallery in the world with a high number of visitors every year. It houses the British Art collection from 1500 to present day and International modern and contemporary art from 1900 until date. It is one of the free attractions and is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm daily and until 10:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Abstraction and the Sublime, William Eggleston, Around Abstract Art and lots more are the highlights of this world famous art gallery. There are two entrances to The Tate Modern - Main entrance on Holland Street and River entrance on Queen's Street. Restaurants, cafes, Espresso bars and shops are also available at this art gallery.

The Tower Bridge:

The Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London and is one of the top attractions. Tower Bridge Exhibition is the best way to explore this attraction. The east walkway houses the photographic exhibition that features the great bridges in the world and the west walkway features 60 iconic illustrations, Miroslav Sasek's classic children's book and lots more. You can perceive a panoramic view of London from Tower Bridge's walkway.

Trafalgar Square:

Trafalgar Square is a public area and a tourist attraction in the borough of the city of Westminster. Nelson's column is in the centre of Trafalgar Square with four lion statues at its base and this area is used for community gatherings, celebrations and political events. The Nelson's column is 170 ft in height and is dedicated to Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the battle of Trafalgar Square. Charing Cross, Embankment and Leicester Square are the nearest underground stations in this area and frequent bus services are also available.

Just Chauffeur London offers comfortable taxi service for airport transfers, attractions, hotels and other post codes in London. For more information: http://www.justchauffeur.co.uk

Article Source: Laura_Albini

Subscribe to the Unique Travel Blog by Email

The Shard

The Shard is the tallest building in the European Union and is the second tallest free- standing structure in the United Kingdom after the 330 metre high concrete transmitting station at Emley Moor. This 95 storey skyscraper in London forms a part of London Bridge Quarter development and is also known as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge and London Bridge Tower.

It is 310 metres high and has 72 livable floors: Offices - 2nd to the 28th floor, Restaurants - 31st to 33rd floor, Shangri - La Hotel - 34th to 52nd floor, Residences - 53rd to 65th floor and The View - 68th to 72nd floor.

The Shard was developed by Sellar Property and was designed by the Italian architect Rinzo Piano. This building was constructed on the site of Southwark towers, which was demolished in 2009. The Shard is constructed in a surface area of 56,000 square metres with 11,000 panes of glass. The glass panes reflect the sunlight and the sky, such that this building gets a different appearance based on the weather and season.

Hotel and Restaurants:

The Shangri La Hotel is from the 34th to 52nd floor and is a Hong Kong based 5-star hotel. This hotel has 200 luxurious rooms, a gym, spa, fitness centre and other facilities. Rainer Becker's Oblix, Hutong and Aquashard are the restaurants available in this London skyscraper.

'The view from the Shard' is located between the 68th and 72nd floor at an altitude of 245 metres. This is the best place to perceive a stunning and magnificent view of the beauty of London and the long flowing River Thames. You will see St Paul's cathedral, London bridge, The London Eye, The Gherkin, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Olympic Stadium, London City Airport, Dover and more from the observation desk.

The Shard's construction began in 2009 and the steel structure was topped out on 30th March 2012. It was inaugurated by Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabber Al Thani, the prime Minister of Qatar on 5th July 2012. The laser light shows consisting of 12 lasers and 30 searchlights illuminated the Shard during the inauguration ceremony. The building attained completion on November 2012 and 'The View of The Shard' was opened to the public from 1st February 2013.

London Bridge station is the nearest station and has Bond street to the west, the city to the north and Canary Wharf to the east. The Eurostar terminal at St Pancras is 15 minutes away from the Shard and provides international connectivity.

Exclusive Airports provides affordable minicab service in London and specialise to and from Heathrow transfers.

Article Source: David_Marwick

Subscribe to Discover the world of travel with the Unique Travel Blog by Email

7 Great Landmarks To Visit in London

In the United Kingdom's capital city there is no shortage of things to do and see. Out of the land of the Britain's comes thousands of years of history, innovation, fairy tales, and entertainment that has influenced much of the world for centuries. London can be both a gritty urban landscape as well as the fabled metropolis of kings and queens. Here is a look at some of the best stops to make on your next trip to London.

Westminster Abbey

An iconic site in London with a long, and sometimes bloody history, the Westminster Abbey is an important stop in London. This medieval church is the burial site of many of history's kings, queens, and other historic figures, including Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and the famous poet Geoffrey Chaucer. It has seen the coronation of kings and was the place where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011. As with most iconic sites, the crowds flock to the abbey so arrive early and prepared to wait in line.

Buckingham Palace

Royalty and Britain go hand in hand so a stop off at the home of the Windsor family is essential to any trip to London. In the summer you can view the stately, royal rooms and see how the King and Queen of England live. The ornate carvings and gilded moldings give you a glimpse of the opulence of the Royal family living quarters. You can view the Throne room or the Royal Ballroom and view the history that these rooms have held for many generations of lords and ladies. Be sure to not miss the Changing of the Guard that is one of the most popular shows to catch as the old and new guards transfer positions in a fascinating procession.

St. James Palace and Clarence House

If you are still in the mood to soak up some Royalty, a visit to both the St. James Palace and the Clarence House will ease you appetite. The Clarence House was once the home of the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mothers for many years and is now currently the home of the Prince of Wales, Camilla, and Prince Harry. There home is only available for tours at certain times to be sure to purchase tickets in advance.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

While the actual theatre that showcased Shakespeare's legendary plays burned down in 1613, this theatre is a fantastic replica. Shakespeare's plays continue to permeate movies, plays, theatre, literature, and even vernacular hundreds of years after his death. Visiting the place where history was so eloquently re-enacted for the masses is certainly a must-see. The theatre was reconstructed to be as authentic as possible, even using original building techniques and materials. You can even still view plays here as well. Just be aware that the theatre is open-air, meaning there is no roof so should a rain shower come through, you will want to be prepared.

Tower of London

This tower has been a part of the iconic landscape of the London for centuries. The halls here are filled with history and the stories of the princes and princesses who resided here. You can explore the dark side of history here as well as many were put to death or killed on the cobblestones of the Tower of London. There is the Medieval Palace and the Bloody Tower where prisoners and even princes were killed. The tower remains a very popular tourist attraction so you should expect to encounter crowds so purchasing tickets in advance will save you time in line. You can even jewels the royal Crown Jewels here as well. Henry VIII in the nearby Tower Green beheaded Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard as well. Nearly every hallway and staircase seems to have a story so a trip here will give you an afternoon of haunting fun.

London Zoo

Whether you plan on bringing your children with you to London or not, a stop off at the London Zoo is a great way to spend the afternoon. First opened in 1828, the zoo has some great attractions including a completely self-sustaining, contained ecosystem that includes plants, animals, and insects. There is a one of kind gorilla museum as well as a chance to view rainforest creatures in a nighttime environment. There is also fantastic penguin and big cat enclosures amongst many others. A worthwhile stop off to relax a little with some wildlife and learn about conservation efforts.

Big Ben

The great bell, clock tower, known as the Elizabeth Tower, is a prominent symbol of the London cityscape. The palace is the location of the United Kingdom's parliament and is generally not open to tourist though it is still visited by millions every year looking for a perfect photo backdrop.

Bond Street

If you are just looking for a casual stroll take the tube (the London subway) to Bond Street. This street has world-class shopping opportunities and was the place where Roosevelt sat with Churchill during WWII. You'll find the famous auction house Sotheby's as well as many other high-end shopping boutiques. Nearby are great art galleries and shops as well.

If you are interested in traveling to London please visit http://www.destinationeuropeonline.com/blog/?page_id=355

Article Source: Christopher_Walters

Subscribe to Discover the world of travel with the Unique Travel Blog by Email

8 Unique London Venues

London, as England's capital city, has so much heritage and culture on offer it is not surprising that it is home to some of the best conference and dining venues in the country. From the huge and grand to the small and cosy, there will be something on offer that suits you. However, London is also home to a wide selection of venues that cannot be found anywhere else, to venues that have historical significance, a unique-selling point or are just something fresh and different. Here are a selection of 10 unique venues for those looking for a more unusual venue or for those who simply like to peruse and imagine what kind of event they would hold.

The Royal College of Physicians

The Royal College of Physicians is England's oldest medical foundation and is well known for its high standards of medical practice. However, a lesser known facet of the College is its conference and dining facilities. The building itself is in the modernist style but the rooms on offer vary in décor and style. The Censors' Room features a much more classic style with wood panelling while the Council Chamber is a modern circular hall with an impressive ceiling. The decoration is not the only draw, the College also has a collection of artefacts, portraits and manuscripts on display throughout the building making it a stand out venue. Events can also be held in the Medicinal Garden which is home to over 1,300 plants from the history of medicine.

30 St Mary Axe - 'The Gherkin'

30 St Mary Axe is a skyscraper in the financial district of London that has been nicknamed 'the Gherkin' by Londoners in a reference to the building's distinctive shape. The Gherkin is 180 metres tall, was opened in 2004 and has since won a number of awards for architecture. For those that want a spectacular view the Gherkin is the right choice. Searcys Restaurant and Bar covers the top floor of the building and offers fantastic 360 degree views of the London skyline. The venue is only available to members and tenants during the day but is available for hire in the evenings and at the weekends.

The Roof Gardens, Kensington

The name of this venue is not just a misleading misnomer, the venue is actually comprised of a roof garden that covers 6,000 square metres on top of the former Derry and Toms building in Kensington. The gardens are Grade II listed and are divided into three themed gardens; Spanish, Tudor and English Woodland. There are not just a vast variety of plants to see but the Gardens are home to fish and wildlife, including four resident flamingos. The Roof Gardens are open to the public but can be hired out for private events in the daytime or the evening all week excluding Saturdays which are only available during the day.

Ladurée

Ladurée are a French patisserie company that specialise in making luxury cakes and pastries and are famous for their macarons. The Ladurée premises in Covent Garden are designed to look like a vintage Parisian tea house and are available for private hire. This venue is the perfect choice for those with a sweet tooth and a love for pastels, but savoury items are also available.

IceBar

If you are looking for somewhere cool for your event, look no further than the ICEBAR. The very unique selling point of this venue is the fact that everything is made from Swedish Torne River ice. The bar is kept at -5 degrees Celsius and everything, from the glasses to the tables and the bar itself, are made from ice. Sessions in the ICEBAR last for forty minutes and each guest is given a designer cape and gloves. The venue is completely redesigned with a new theme every year. The venue also hires out heated, and less icy, dining rooms and lounges.

The Folly

The Folly is an aesthetically unique venue that brings a feeling of the outdoors to London. It describes itself as London's secret garden and has a six foot Norwegian tree trunk as a focal point. The Folly offers food and drinks but also has flower arranging classes in its flower shop and butchery classes in its deli. The Folly has a distinctive bar styled like a beehive and is decorated with a variety of plants and flowers.

Tower of London

For those looking for something different for their event or party the Tower of London may be the perfect choice. Although hundreds of years ago the Tower was a place that many people feared to go, now it is a historically fascinating and wholly unique venue. The Tower has six function rooms available for hire, these include the Martin Tower - home of the Crown Jewels - and the New Armouries. As well as having an exciting place setting for events, you can also choose to have a private viewing of the Crown Jewels or a Yeoman Warder tour as an extra.

The Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark is probably one of the most famous, and sole surviving, clipper ships in Britain. It was built in 1869 and was used in the tea trade. The ship was badly damaged by fire in 2007 and has only recently reopened to the public after a huge restoration project. The ship has been suspended from the ground, allowing visitors and guests to walk around the ship and get the full effect of its brass hull. The huge space around the ship can be hired out for events, but spaces on board the ship, the Tween Deck and the Master's Saloon, are also available for smaller parties and events.

© Izzy Evans 2013

If you are interested in finding a venue in London for an event then you can visit RCP Events.

Article Source: Izzy_Evans

A Visit to Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a public place and is a major tourist attraction on central part of London. This place has a number of designer boutiques and other places of interest. It is also known as the borough of the city of Westminster.

The Trafalgar Square was built in 1806 to mark the victory of Lord Horatio against the forces of Napoleon in the battle of Trafalgar. There is a statue of Lord Horatio which is situated in the middle of the town and it is one of the most iconic images of London. More than just a tourist place, there are a number of popular buildings and government offices that are situated here.

There are a number of events and royal celebrations that took place here. This place was bustling with tourists from all over the world during the time of London Olympics that happened in 2012. Besides, this special events and days like St. Patrick's Day, Chinese New Year, Christmas and New Year Eve is celebrated with great pomp and show. The month of December makes the best time to visit this place.

Places of Interest

There are a number of places in this square which you can see and explore. Most of the places are situated to each in close proximity and can be reached on foot.

a. Nelson's Column: This is the prime attraction of Trafalgar Square. There is a tall statue of Lord Nelson who defeated the armies of Napoleon in 1806 and was then buried in the St. Paul's Cathedral. At the base of the statue stand four huge lions made of bronze which signify the strength, courage, motivation and ferocity. These lions where later added to the statue in 1818.

b. National Gallery: The National Gallery is known for the finest collection of artifacts across Europe. This place is known to house a number of paintings and sculptures that date back to the late 10th century. According to an official estimate, there are about 2600 paintings that have been kept here. Some of them have been made some of the best painters such as Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and many more.

c. St. Martin's in the Field: This is another major attraction of Trafalgar Square. This church is situated in the north Eastern part of the city, on close proximity to National Gallery. The church was built during the first half of the 18th century. It is known for its architecture and served as the model for many churches that were made in United States later on.

There are a number of online travel portals that offer you Cheap Train Tickets. You can know more about Trains to Manchester from here.

Article Source: Mark_McLaine

Primary Railway Stations in London

Liverpool Street

The Liverpool street, opened in the year 1874, and is London's third busiest station. It is the station bordering the Great Eastern Main Line and the West Anglia Main Line. It is also the terminal for the Stansted Express. The station is maintained by the Network Rail Company, and is also connected to the London Underground. Some of the major destinations that the station serves are Cambridge, Harwich, Chelmsford and Norwich. In addition it also serves the Stansted airport and the Southern airport.

Birmingham

The Birmingham New Street Railway is one of the major railways stations as the main station serves the city of Birmingham. More than 70% of the trains that take you to Birmingham have to pass through this station. It is the central hub for the British Railway system and the Cross Country Railway Network. It also acts as the major junction for all local and suburban services in the West Midlands. This station was first opened in the year 1854, and has now developed into one of the UK's busiest interchange with over 5 million passengers using the station every year. This station has been subjected to several redevelopment plans and is expected to be complete in the next few years.

Glasgow Central

The Glasgow was opened in the year 1879 and has now grown into one of the busiest stations outside of London. It serves mainly Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. It is the major hub for all travel between Glasgow and destinations in England. It is maintained by the Network Rail Company. Glasgow has two main line railways terminals and Glasgow Central is the larger one. It is the tenth busiest station in Britain with over 25 million passengers using the station annually.

Euston

Euston is the six busiest railway station in London by total passenger traffic. It was first opened in the year 1837. It has a tawdry history with architecture; however, it has now been refurbished and is the prime doorway from London to Ireland. It is connected to the Euston tube station and is a part of Network Rail Limited. Another important feature of this station is that it is located at a walking distance from the Saint Pancras International Station. It is the place to catch your Eurostar services for France and Belgium. It is also located at a short distance from the King's Cross Station and the East Coast Main Line.

We specialise in providing private minicabs and Taxi in London. We provide one way or return, door to door transfers to airports and other destinations in London. To experience one of our safe, reliable and popular taxi trips in London pre book your taxi with us now.

Article Source: Catherine_Richard

 

Top 10 Things To See In London

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It has enjoyed a long history dating back to two thousand years ago when Romans first settled along the River Thames to form a city. Within the city, tourists will find plenty of fun attractions. If you're planning a trip to London, be sure not to miss out on these top ten attractions.

1. Big Ben is the popular nickname for the Elizabeth Tower, perhaps the most famous clock tower in the world. Big Ben was built in 1858 and stands 315 feet into the sky. Be sure to time your visit to the clock tower to hear the main bell ring and the secondary bells chime. The main bell, which weights over 13 tons, rings on the hour every hour. The secondary bells chime every 15 minutes. The name Big Ben actually started out as a nickname for the main bell. It quickly caught on and was frequently used for the entire tower.

2. Buckingham Palace was built in 1705 as a residence for the royal family of the United Kingdom. It also serves as a conference location for state officials of the country. You'll have to check the palace's calendar before your visit, they're not always open for tours every day of the year. Inside the palace, you'll learn about the state rooms and the Queen's art gallery. Outside of the palace, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place once a day. During this ceremony, palace guards dismount and exchange their horses.

3. Tower Bridge is often confused with London Bridge, which is directly across from it on the River Thames. London Bridge actually looks like a normal bridge, whereas the Tower Bridge is a famous suspension bridge attached to two towers along the river banks. It was built in 1886. About 40,000 pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers cross the bridge every year. Tourists can take the Tower Bridge Exhibition to see its Victorian era steam engine room.

4. River Thames is the longest river in England and flows right through London. It's 215 miles in length and has several landmarks located on its embankment. There are several river tour cruises which operate on the River Thames. You should consider taking one of them to get a quick overview of London. Along the way, you'll see landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye.

5. British Museum has a huge collection of historic relics from several cultures around the world. Their collection spans multiple eras, so you'll learn plenty for ancient civilizations. The museum holds over eight million pieces. Some famous artifacts include the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, and Beowulf manuscript. To top it all off, the British Museum is completely free to see!

6. London Eye is the tallest ferris wheel in Europe and sits right between the River Thames and Jubilee Gardens. At the top of the wheel, riders are 443 feet high and will have fantastic views of central London. If you happen to be in London during New Years, the London Eye serves as the city's primary celebration spot. It's definitely worth a spin.

7. Tower of London, officially named Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, was built almost one thousand years ago in 1078. It has served as an armoury, treasury, and prison. If you're interested in the medieval ages, the Tower of London is worth a visit. Right now, it serves as home to the crown jewels.

8. Westminster Abbey is a popular tourist spot where visitors can learn more about England's royal history. This church was built in 970 and has served as the venue for royal coronations and weddings. Inside the church, you'll find several coronation artifacts and royal tombs.

9. St Paul's Cathedral was built in the 17th century, although a church was previously erected on this site in 604. It has a fantastic dome shaped architecture which provides amazing acoustics inside the church. Why is St Paul's Cathedral so popular among tourists? It sits on top of Ludgate Hill, the tallest hill in Central London. Visitors are welcome to climb up the dome for a beautiful 360 degree view of London.

10. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre offers an exceptional experience for any fans of Shakespeare. Check their schedule to see if there's a play during your trip. The actors and actresses use authentic techniques for acoustics and lighting instead of speakers and light bulbs. They're also open during the daytime for tourists, where visitors will learn more about Shakespeare and his days in London.

Bonus Items: More Things To Do in London

Find the best tourist attractions and landmarks at What To Do in London, my guide to London.

Article Source: H.D._Bien

 

5 Best Places to Travel in London

London is known for many things. It is a city known for its rainy weather; so for travelers, they must never forget their umbrella and extra clothing. This city is also commended for its work of art which is becoming more alluring and bold. The British language indeed has heads turning every once in awhile and accents used to be an important thing of the past as it said something about your background or social status. Some may also find it quite challenging to understand some of the sentences. While all of these are inviting and interesting to a normal traveler, the sites of London should not be missed. London is rich in culture and contains a lot of useful information for anyone of any age. If you plan on touring London, visit these top 5 places to make your travel in London complete.

1. British Museum. This place showcases some of the works from all over the globe from ancient to modern times. There is no need to buy tickets unless you want to see the ones that are specially showcased. Some of the things that one can see here are mummies from Egypt and the Rosetta Stone.

2. National Gallery. This is a large place that holds paintings from Western Europe. Here you will find the works of arts from painters such as Van Gogh and da Vinci. To look upon these paintings is indeed for free. The National Gallery is one of the best things on Trafalgar Square.

3. Natural History Museum. Families will enjoy looking at what is housed inside. One can see the remains of dinosaurs. It has gained popularity because of the skeletons that it has posted up. There are other collections of some animals all over the world. Children will enjoy looking at the Blue Whale in life-size. Families can get a free look inside the museum to look at the collections mainly labeled under Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, and Zoology. This is a place known for its research.

4. Madame Tussauds. This is an exciting and interesting place as you will be able to meet the people of your dreams. This showcases faces and figures from famous people all around the world. You can enjoy taking a picture with some of the most popular people in sports, music, and even those who belong to the royal court.

5. Royal Museums Greenwich. This is known to be the biggest museum all over the world with the Queen's House, Royal Observatory Greenwich, and Peter Harrison Planetarium and National Maritime museum. You will get to enjoy an array of experiences. It is on the World Heritage Site and has a lot of visitors during the year. People come to touch an old meterorite and more.

Visiting London for a cultural experience is being done by many across the world. Your vacation is a much enjoyable with convenient car rental like the Chelsea & Fulham Cars! Airport Transfers in Heathrow Airport is a transportation service which makes London accessible for most travelers! Visit this site to gain more information on how to make your stay in London more meaningful and exciting.

Article Source: Sean_Thomas_Saunders