London Calling
London is one the most glamorous and exciting cities in the world. From Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral to the many beautiful parks and darkened pubs, London is a wonderful place to go on a vacation.
A London vacation immediately brings to mind royalty. Obviously, your first royal destination will have to be Buckingham Palace. Home to the Queen, it’s exactly what you’d expect it to be, palatial. Your London vacation isn’t complete without seeing the Changing of the Guards. It is easily viewed through the metal fence that surrounds the Palace. Every morning at 11am (Sundays 10am) the guards in their red jackets and high bearskin hats march out to ceremonially change the standing guardsmen. If your timing is just right, you might also catch the horse-drawn Brougham carriage. Spend a few moments hanging out at the Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain and then head down The Mall for a relaxing stroll past St. James’s Park. This beautiful tree-lined walk is a great way to make your way towards the River Thames.
Another great royal destination is Queen Mary’s Garden at Regent’s Park. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, then this is a can’t miss spot while on your London vacation. Beautiful, fragrant roses fill the grounds that are surrounded by wide-open spaces that are perfect for an impromptu soccer match or a romantic picnic. An Open Air Theatre performs traditional Shakespearean plays in the summer and musical bands entertain park goers on the bandstand.
For a taste of what London might have been like in olden days, a visit to the Tower of London is a must see. Located next to the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is famously known for its bloody past. A massive fortress that housed torture chambers and stone cells, it was residence to many famous prisoners, including Anne Boleyn (the beheaded wife of Henry VIII), Lady Jane Grey (the child Queen for nine days), and Nazi war criminal Rudolph Hess (the Tower’s last prisoner). The Tower is also home to The Crown Jewels of England. An impressive collection of royal crowns, orbs, and scepters, this is a must-see on your visit. Other famous residents of the Tower of London are the wing-clipped Ravens which roam the grounds there. It was once prophesized that when the ravens left the Tower, the Tower would fall. So, in order to prevent this eventuality, the ravens have become permanent residents. Walking tours are led by uniformed yeomen or you can rent an audio taped tour. This is a great family destination and educational field trip for all ages.
For a more modern look at the city, The London Eye is a vacation must. This giant Ferris wheel is the tallest one in the world and far-reaching views of all of London can be seen. Its 32 glass capsules hold 25 people each and boast a 25 mile view from the top. Each trip around takes about 30 minutes. It’s well worth the price of admission for such a unique view of this beautiful city.
If you’re a shopper, London has a wide range of options for you. From flea market finds to the latest fashions, London has it all. If you’re fond of antiques and hidden treasures then take a stroll down Portobello Road in hip and fashionable Notting Hill. From fresh fruits and vegetables, to music and clothes, to antiques and collectibles, this unique part of London offers cheap alternatives to your souvenir options. There’s also a flea market, so you can bring everyone back home a unique vacation find. Even if you’re not a big shopper the quaint, colorful shops and houses make for an interesting visit.
If you’re more into Louis Vuitton, then a visit to Harrods might be more your style. With its dress code and elegant decor, Harrods is not for those looking for a London bargain. Even if you’re just there to look around, you’ll find a variety of interesting sights. The food hall in the basement is fascinating with its beautifully tiled walls and exotic cuisine. The escalator in the center of the building is one of the most impressive things you’ll ever see. Decorated in an over-the-top Egyptian theme, you’ll want to take a couple of rides up and down to take it all in. At the base of the escalator, you’ll also want to visit the Princess Diana & Dodi Al Fayed memorial shrine which can only be described as interesting.
No matter what parts of London you decide to visit on your vacation, getting around the city is incredibly easy. The Underground (or Tube) train system is by far the best method of traveling around London. There are Underground Stations just about everywhere you look. Its color-coded mapping system makes it very easy to understand and navigate. The only time you’ll want to avoid the London Underground is probably during rush hours in the morning and evening. Because of the efficient nature of the Underground, locals and tourists alike use the system extensively. When you first arrive in London, purchase an Oyster Card at one of the stations. They’re cheap and much easier to use than point-to-point tickets. You’ll get unlimited access to the Underground for a set period of time (usually a week). Unless you are planning on traveling outside the touristy parts of London, you will only need to purchase Zones 1, 2, and 3. These cards can be recharged as needed and come in a handy carrying case.
Another great way of seeing London is by Riverboat on the River Thames. Many of London’s most popular sights are along the river. The leisurely pace of the boats is relaxing and gives you plenty of opportunities to take lots of vacation pictures of London’s major sites along the banks. Spend one of your vacation days traveling by boat from Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier and back again. You can purchase a full-day pass that allows you unlimited stops along the way. The boats stop at multiple piers and you don’t have to wait too long to catch another one if you decide to hop off and explore.
While this is just a short list of everything there is to see while on your London vacation, it’s a good place to start when planning your trip. Pick up a travel guide book before you leave for London to see the hundreds of options you’ll have to on your vacation. A pocket Underground map will also serve as a valuable companion to take with you on your next vacation to the beautiful and exciting city of London.
