Whether you arrive in London via the underground or inside one of the city’s ubiquitous black taxicabs, you will immediately be greeted by a deep sense of history and met with the unique vibrancy of this incredible destination.
In its dark and troubled past, the city of London has survived Roman occupancy, sackings from the Celts, Romans, Vikings and Saxons, a Norman invasion, two great fires, the bubonic plague, Nazi bombings, the Spice Girls and Damien Hirst. But the London of today promises something for everyone.
With iconic attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Tower Bridge, visitors to this eclectic city will be kept busy with the multitude of sights to explore. Visit the stoic lions on Trafalgar Square, be bowled over by the grand interior of St Paul’s Cathedral or take a stroll through St James Park and watch the famous changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
Tower of London - The Tower of London is perhaps as famous for its traditions as its imposing structure. It is guarded by a special band of Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, and dotted with several large, black birds - the Ravens. Legend has it that if the Ravens ever leave the Tower, a great tragedy will befall England, and to this day the birds are protected by Royal decree. The Tower’s history dates back to the 11th century, and each new Monarch has played a role in its growth and development. It also houses Britain’s crown jewels, a spectacular display of some of the world’s finest gems and workmanship.
Houses of Parliament - Originally built for Edward the Confessor more than 1,000 years ago, the Houses of Parliament, or Palace of Westminster, remained the principal residence of Britain’s monarchs for the next 400 years. Thereafter it became the administrative centre of the country. In 1834 the great fire burnt everything except Westminster Hall, and the present Gothic building was completed in the 1840s. It is perhaps most famous for the clock tower, St Stephens, which is commonly, but mistakenly called Big Ben, after the name of the bell inside.
London Eye - At 443ft (135m) tall, and weighing more than 250 double-decker buses, the London Eye is the most spectacular new addition to London’s skyline. With incredible views of most of London’s major attractions, and an opportunity to put the city’s geography into perspective, it is a must see for all visitors. Originally conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield as an entry for a millennium landmark competition, the project took six years and the expertise of hundreds of people from five European countries to turn it into a reality.
Buckingham Palace and the Queen’s Gallery - No visit to London would be complete without experiencing the pomp and ceremony of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, but now visitors can actually get a peek inside during the annual summer opening of the State Rooms, and see some of the Queen’s private art collection at the newly opened Queen’s Gallery. Originally the town house of the Dukes of Buckingham, Buckingham Palace has served as the official London home of Britain’s monarchs since 1837. Look to see whether the Royal Standard (not the Union Flag) is flying, which indicates that the Queen is in residence.
British Museum - With more than 6,000 historical objects from all around the globe, the British Museum houses one of the world’s greatest collections of antiquities, including the Parthenon Frieze or Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone and the Roman Portland Vase dating from the 1st century AD. In 2000 the great court was reopened with an incredible glass roof covering two acres, and stairwells leading down to the Reading Room, which has been completely restored.
Piccadilly Circus - One of London’s best known, but most overrated sights, Piccadilly Circus is at the junction of Piccadilly, Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue and is surrounded by neon advertising and fast-food restaurants. However with its Tube station, Piccadilly Circus is a good starting point for shopping in the West End, being near to Jermyn Street, Saville Row and Bond Street. London’s Theatreland is centred on Shaftsbury Avenue and Soho and China Town are also within easy walking distance.
Book your cheap flights to London at Farestore.com
Sample fares for May ‘09
Toronto to London 06 May - 13 May Air India CAD$645 (taxes and fees included)
New York to London 06 May - 13 May British Airways US$440 (taxes and fees included)
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