The massive metropolis of Greater London is the capital city of England and the largest conurbation in the United Kingdom. London is an incredibly popular place to visit and this is due, in part, to the great many important tourist attractions and historically important landmarks to be found there. A quick look at a map of London will show you how densely it is packed with world class tourist attractions which range from the most modern to the truly ancient and historic. Many of the greatest buildings are, in some way, associated with the Queen of England and the Royal Family but there are also a great many institutions and traditions which go back centuries which add to the immense appeal of this incredibly unique city.



England and the United Kingdom have had a profound effect upon modern history with the likes of the British Empire and their parts in the two world wars changing the political map of world several times within a relatively short period. With the home of the ruling King or Queen, and the Houses of Parliament, being in London it was in the city that the vast majority of important decisions were made and the most influential events took place. During the 1960's London arose as the UK's music capital with events such as the "Ally Pally Pothead Rally" and numerous nightclubs, cafes and bars, the period is now referred to as the "Swinging 60's".

One road in London is instantaneouslsy recognisable all over the world. However, it is only recognisable from a certain angle. The road is 'Abbey Road', well known as the cover of the Beatles album of the same name. The four members of the band are shown walking across the road, John in his white suit and Paul in barefeet.

Many fans found the album cover distressing. It was rumoured that Paul McCartney had died in a car accident, and this photograph was proof. The clues that supported the rumour were, Paul had his eyes closed, was walking barefoot, he was smoking using his right hand when he was left handed and all the other members of the Beatles had their left feet forward but Paul had his right foot forward. These are only the most common clues said to be in the photograph.

Abbey Road, the celebrated album was named after the street in London where the EMI Studios were situated (3 Abbey Road). With EMI Producer George Martin, the Beatles recorded most of their songs at these studios. The studios were renamed in 1970 to Abbey Road Studios. This was after the Beatles recorded their last ever album together.

The Beatles have just as many fans worldwide now as they did during their heyday. Every year, a lot of fans make the trek to London to visit Abbey Road. Like their idols they wait to have their photographs taken striding across the pedestrian crossing. At times the fans have to wait a while until traffic disperses.

The trendy residential area of St. John's Wood is home to Abbey Road Studios. Situated within the converted Georgian townhouse are a more than one recording studio. The space is also extended with more building out back in the garden. The house next door is also the property of EMI, which is used to ensconce artists whilst they are working in the studios. Some do not stay very long and other stay there for quite a while. The Beatles remained quite a long time at Abbey Road, whilst recording one of their best ever albums. They remained a total of one hundred and twenty nine days in 1967, and the album they worked on was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

The studios at Abbey Road are often listed with other famous British landmarks. The complex is considered one of the world's most famous, and when preparing for a holiday in England one may contemplate visiting the famous street and being photographed outside the studios or on the pedestrian crossing.

Of course there are a great many other places to visit in London but, if you want to visit somewhere other than the usual tourist attractions of Buckingham Palace and similar places, then with only a little research, you will easily find a number of places in hidden London that are well worth visiting which are not on the usual tourist map of the city.