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
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