London

One of the world's great cities it has stood as a major centre of population for almost two thousand years and has been the capital (mainly) for 1800 years. Formerly the epicentre of the British Empire and the world's busiest port, London still maintains a position as one of the world's biggest centres of trade and commerce. Home to historical buildings by the score and the worlds most famous Royal Family it is also home to the worlds oldest parliamentary system. For all its heritage London is very much a modern city and trend-setter in the worlds of music, fashion and the arts.

The Thames Valley has been an attraction for settlement since man first came into the area. It had water, game and timber however, it only became a settlement of any significance following the first Roman invasion in AD43; in AD 50 Londinium was founded. It became the regional capital in AD61 and despite being razed to the ground in AD125 it became the capital of 'Britannia Superior' in AD200.

Since then, London has seen it all. Plague and bombings, times of boom and bust, it has been besieged and burned. London has seen the great days of Empire, Royal coronations and Royal funerals. Above it all the city and its people have retained their character.

London has always been a multi cultural city, more so now than ever, but all Londoners seem to be witty, resourceful and resilient.

For the visitor there is too much to enjoy on a brief visit so make the most of your time there by planning carefully. Most of the major attractions are tightly packed, the transport systems may be crowded but it is comparatively easy to get around either by underground train (the tube) or bus.

Where to Go and What to See

Tower of London

Begun by William the Conqueror in 1066 this is the most complete example of a medieval castle in Britain. In the past, it has served as fortress, jail and palace. As a jail, it held some notable prisoners including the future Queen Elizabeth, Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. Many of those who were incarcerated also met their end - usually courtesy of the headsman's axe - here.

It is partly the long, bloody history of the Tower that brings visitors in but also it is home to the Crown Jewels. All the symbols of the monarchy are on view, sceptres, maces, orbs and some of the most uncomfortable looking hats you are ever likely to see. Queues to see the fabulous Crown Jewels are often long in summer so get there early.

Buckingham Palace

A large and graceful building that is the Queens official residence in the capital. Originally built by the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 it was purchased by the Crown in 1761 on behalf of George III. It has been added to and altered since but still retains its essential simple appeal. Part of the Palace was destroyed in the London Blitz of WW II. Certain parts of the Palace are open for viewing during the summer months. The Changing of the Guard happens alternate days or daily in the summer (weather permitting).

British Museum

Easily one of the finest and most comprehensive collections in the world. Highlights include the Roman and Pre-Roman collections, the Asian collection and the Egyptian section. Also worth a look are the coin and medals galleries. The collection grew out of several private collections that were first assembled in 1753. Not everything on display was plundered from the Empire; the Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon burial ship is one of the most amazing finds ever made in England.

London has a number of other world class museums. The Natural History, Science and the Victoria and Albert Museums can all is found within an Elgin Marbles throw of each other. Elsewhere there is a National Maritime Museum and the Imperial War Museum, both of which merit a visit if time allows.

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

A symbol of free and democratic government the world over. Both the House of Commons and the upper chamber, the House of Lords are within the Palace of Westminster. The old palace was where Henry VIII lived until moving to Whitehall. The present buildings date from 1840 when they were rebuilt following a fire. Bombing in WWII destroyed the House of Commons. The other great symbol of London is Big Ben. Contrary to what many believe Big Ben is not the clock tower but the name of the bell that tolls out the passage of time.

The Parks

One thing London is not short of is green open spaces. Each of the London parks has its own attractions. Hyde Park is huge, it accommodates the Serpentine, Rotten Row (a jogging track for horses) and Speakers Corner. St James' Park is smaller but has a variety of exotic waterfowl on its lake including pelicans and flamingos. Green Park is smaller and more intimate; ideal for picnics. Regents Park is a big one. A very formal and landscaped park it is home to the London Zoo and the Open Air Theatre (on a warm summers evening there is nothing finer than 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' in Regents Park).

The West End

London's Theatre-Land is world famous. Rivalled only by Broadway the West End is the place to go for big name stars, famous plays and musicals. The choice is huge from, Broadway classics to Shakespeare from Arthur Miller to Andrew Lloyd Webber. All plays are top quality productions featuring award-winning stars from both sides of the Atlantic.

The West End is also the place for shopping this is where Oxford Street and Regent Street are located. Outside the West End there is the famed Harrods Emporium in Knightsbridge this vast store sits amongst a number of other upscale designer shops.

Pub Crawl

There are pubs and bars all over the city; you are never more than two minutes walk from the next one. The traditional London pub is not quite as numerous as it was (superseded by wine bars and 'theme' pubs, Urgghh) but there are still plenty to be enjoyed and most of them serve food. Many of the old style pubs will serve traditional English Ale or Bitter. Very nice it is too.

London pubs have a lively, noisy atmosphere where people of all age, colour, nationality and creed mix freely and happily. A pub crawl is also a good way of seeing the sights, take in Nelsons Column, Piccadilly Circus, Eros and Whitehall amongst others as you make your way from beer to beer.

Art

London has many museums and galleries devoted to 'art' of all kinds. Some of the larger galleries are truly world class.

The Tate and its new sibling the Tate Modern come highly recommended. The Tate is full of British art from the 14th century onwards. One of the main attractions is the Turner exhibit; this is based around the artists bequest to the nation of nearly 20,000 water-colours and 300 other paintings. This deserves more than one day.

The Tate Modern is housed in a former power station and has, in the few years since opening gained an international reputation as one of the worlds finest repositories of modern art.

Art that is more traditional can be seen at the National Gallery. This fine building contains work from every major school of western art since the 13th century.

London Eye

A spectacular feat of engineering that can be seen for miles around. The Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that rotates slowly; one revolution takes half an hour. The high point is 450 feet above ground and the views over the city are spectacular. Built to celebrate the new Millennium, the 'Eye' was one attraction that immediately caught the public imagination.

Food, Drink and a Place to Sleep

Apart from the pubs (beware stupid English licensing laws, many pubs close at Midnight or earlier no matter how busy). This law is on the point of changing. Hurrah! There is a very lively club and music scene. Check 'Time Out' for details of what is going on. There is a vast array of places to dine. London has everything from fast food to expensive restaurants with international chefs.