England’s enigmatic capital is blessed with history, prestige and glamour. You have seen the pictures on TV and in photographs and want to see them up close and personal. Yet London is so vast and busy, it’s not easy to squeeze everything into your visit. Below are the top five hotspots where you will find the most famous sites for your photo album.
A Walk Round Westminster
The most famous and prestigious places in London can be found around Westminster. Take the Circle or District lines to Westminster station and you will be delivered to the doorstep of Parliament, home to the famous clock tower, Big Ben. Neighbouring the Houses of Parliament is Westminster Abbey where a long line of monarchs and some of the country’s most esteemed wordsmiths are buried. Walk down Parliament Street towards National Gallery and Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square and you will pass 10 Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister.
St. James Park and Buckingham Palace
A relaxing stroll through the beautiful surroundings of St. James Park will lead you to Buckingham Palace, the London home of the Royal family. Here you can see the changing of the Guards. The parade takes place on alternate days at 11.30am. Check the website for updated schedules. The Palace is also easily reached from either St. James station on the Circle and District lines or Victoria station on the Circle, District or Jubilee line.
The Albert Embankment and The Queen’s Walk
A walk along the South Bank captures a host of tourist attractions, starting with Lambeth Palace on the Albert Embankment. Head east and you will come across The London Television Centre, The London Eye, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Also on this route is London Bridge, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast and The Golden Hinde, the historic Galleon in which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world between 1577 and 1580. Cross Tower Bridge and you will find the Tower of London where you can learn about its fascinating and chequered history.
Knightsbridge
A day in Knightsbridge will take you to some of London’s hotspots that crop up in conversation more than they do on film. Gain entrance to Hyde Park through Marble Arch and explore the bird sanctuary. Gracing the park is Princess Diana’s memorial fountain across the way from Albert Memorial in bordering Kensington Gardens. Across the Kensington Gore you will find the Royal Albert Hall. On Brompton Road by Knightsbridge underground station you will find the most famous of London’s stores, Harrods.
So - Soho
If you’re feeling saucy, a trip to a Soho sex shop might be what you need, or maybe a different kind of sauce with a meal in one of Chinatown’s delightful restaurants. Among the many theatres is the famous London Palladium or if you prefer, watch one of the entertaining street performers in the vibrant setting of Covent Garden. In Piccadilly Circus you will find the statue of Eros, the mythical Greek God of love, but if your shopping is your hearts desire, both Oxford Street and Regent Street are close by.
Take The Northern Line To Lively Camden
There may not as much to see in Camden as other parts of the city, but there is just as much to take in. The most hip and vibrant part of the city bustles with pride and courts an array of reasonably priced shops and bargain basement market stalls. The Camden Locks is also home to Jongleurs, one of England’s most famous comedy clubs.
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