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
Buckingham Palace, the official residence of British monarchy, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in England. If you visit in August or September you'll find that the Palace's 19 staterooms are open to the public. Some areas of the Palace are open all year and visitors can see the grandiose architecture of the building along with other exhibits. A must see for visitors is the Changing of the Guard as is a stroll through the 40 acre gardens and grounds.
Tower of London
Though many are familiar with the Tower of London they are unaware that it served as a prison for several years. The original structure, built around 1100 AD, was used as a fort by William the Conqueror. The Tower later became a prison, then a monument to house the large collection of Crown Jewels which are still displayed to this day. The 530-carat Star of Africa is the highlight of the collection. This diamond, which was extracted from a mine in South Africa, is the 2nd largest diamond in the world. The Royal Armouries also make for an interesting stop at the Tower of London. The only way up to the British national museum of arms and armour is by way of a interior spiral staircase where you'll find over 40,000 pieces displayed.
Trafalgar Square
This large, open plaza is often the site of political demonstrations and other public events in London. Aside from being the intersection for several major streets, the square is a great gateway to sightseeing in the area. On the north side of Trafalgar Square, you will find the National Gallery, one of the world's prime art museums. To the west, you will come across Canada House, where visiting Canadians can get a taste of home; it's worth a visit for everyone. South Africa House is on the east side and although it is closed to the public, the stone arches with African animals are worth a look. When you have seen all there is in Trafalgar Square, be sure to visit 10 Downing Street, the home of British Prime Ministers since 1732 and the Churchill Museum, both are located within walking distance of the square.
Harrods
A trip to London would not be complete without shopping. Harrods, the world's greatest department store, is even fun for those just window shopping. This million square feet of merchandise is every shoppers dream who are looking to spend some money. Harrods's slogan is Omnia Omnibus Ubique, meaning "All Things For All People Everywhere". Harrods, which has been in existance for 150 years, is as up to date as the latest iPods. Many of it's departments are famous world wide for their massive selection and quality. Popular departments include the seasonal Christmas shop and the Food Hall, where you can select from 300 different varieties 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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Tourist Attractions London England
A tour around what is called the 'home of cricket', Lords Cricket Ground, gives amazing insight into the game's almost legendary headquarters. This is also the home of the Marylebone Cricket Club, the MCC, and the England Cricket Board.
Each tour, following an expert guide, takes ninety minutes and begins in the MCC Museum. You then process through the famous Pavilion to the well-known Long Room, which boasts panoramic views of the famous pitch and many portraits of the game's most-distinguished players. The Honours Boards in the dressing rooms reveals the most historic batting and bowling that has taken place here over the years.
The tour also covers the Tennis Court, the Cricket School and many of this famous ground's outstanding features: including the Grandstand, the new Mound Stand and the famous and controversial, yet futuristic, Media Centre (which is one of the "The Fifty Best Buildings in Britain"). You also get exclusive and high quality souvenir at the Lord's Shop, where the tour ends.
You can book your visit on the day or well in advance, and specialist individual tours are also possible: for example, educational tours can always be tailored to meet the needs of school curricula, or architectural tours can be designed to concentrate on the buildings.
The MCC Museum, which is the starting point of the tour, is the world's oldest museum devoted to sport! Here you will find a marvellous range of exhibits, not least the world-famous Ashes urn. There are sports kits used by the most famous players of the club, including Victor Trumper, Don Bradman, Jack Hobbs, and even Shane Warne.
Many of the exhibits are as old as the 19th Century: you can enjoy the sight of old photographs and other cricketing memorabilia in the museum, where you will also find the Brian Johnston Memorial Theatre, a venue which plays some of the greatest moments in the history of the sport.
Special exhibitions are also on offer form time to time. The tours proceed daily at 10.00, 12.00 and 14.00 (although they do not go on match days and around the time of major fixtures). Only the early tour goes into the Pavilion. Marylebone Cricket Club, Lord's Cricket Ground, St John's Wood, NW8 8QN Phone: 020 7616 8595
The Arsenal FC Museum and Tour
Arsenal FC was formed in 1886, and turned professional in 1891. It left its famous home of 93 years, Highbury, for the new Emirates stadium in 2006.
You can visit this amazing venue and get a wonderful and informative view of the stadium that even the most ardent supporters rarely see.
A tour will let you visit the players' tunnel and the most amazing part of the club: the first team dressing room! The tour also takes in the plush Directors' Box, the site of many amusing incidents, the Press Conference Room, and the famous Arsenal Museum. You'll go onto the pitch and see the many state-of-the-art facilities that are an essential part of this amazing stadium.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can book a Legends Tour. You'll be taken around the ground by a retired Arsenal player, who can tell you all about his experiences and views of the current team, relate stories of his days on the team, and offer a profound insight into how professional football is played at this high level. To make this extra-special, you'll also get a signed photograph of the player and a Legends Tour gift.
Tours can, as you might expect, be booked in advance: group bookings are also available. Alternatively, you can buy a gift voucher for the tour, which allows a choice of when the tour takes place.
The Arsenal Museum includes many excellent things to see, including Charlie George's Cup Final shirt and medals from 1971, shirts and caps once owned by David O'Leary, and other well known characters such as Messrs Lee Dixon and Brian Marwood.
As you may know, this famous club was unbeaten in the 2003-2004 season and the trophy presented to them by the Football Association is on view. Finally, you can enjoy the museum theatre's interactive sections based on the astonishing and distinguished history of this famous London club.
Open from Monday-Friday 10.00-18.00, Saturday 11.00-18.00, Sunday 10.00-17.00. The opening hours are more limited on match days. Arsenal Football Club, Highbury House, 75 Drayton Park, N5 1BU Phone: 020 7704 4504
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