London Things to Do Tips by Gypsystravels

Princess Diana Memorial Fountain Hyde Park Review

A touching and beautiful memorial to the late Princess Diana the fountain is a nice and refreshing site. It was designed to reflect her life with the flow of water. The water flows from the highest point in two directions as it cascades, swirls and bubbles before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom.

During my visit there were children and adults alike frolicking in the fountain. It is actually encouraged for everyone to enjoy the fountain by getting your feet wet.

Address: Park Lane, Bayswater Road, Knightsbridge

Directions: Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Lancaster Gate tubes

Blackfrias Bridge Bridges (not Tower Bridge). Review

Blackfriars Bridge is a road and foot traffic bridge over the River Thames. The north end of the bridge leaves you near the Inns of Court and Temple Church. The south end is near the Tate Modern and the OXO Tower.

The current bridge was completed in 1869 and consists of five wrought iron arches designed by Joseph Cubitt. Here is where the Italian banker Roberto Calvi was found hanged below one of its arches.

Address: Southwark, SE1

Directions: Southwark tube

Wellington Arch Hyde Park Review

The arch is set in the heart of Royal London at Hyde Park Corner. King George IV originally commissioned the monument as a grand outer entrance to Buckingham Palace and was completed in 1830 by architect Decimus Burton. It was moved to its current location in 1882.

You can actually get some fantastic views of the surrounding area from the balcony on top of the arch. There is a large bronze sculpture which depicts the angel of peace descending on the chariot of war.

Address: Park Lane, Bayswater Road, Knightsbridge

Directions: Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Lancaster Gate tubes

Changing of the Guards Royal and Ceremonial London Review

The men you see around Buckingham Palace and around London are not only ceremonial guards. While upholding the traditions of the past, they perform duties throughout the world as professional soldiers and are known as some of the most elite and skilled soldiers in the British Army. The responsibility of guarding the Sovereign by the Household Troops dates back to the time of Henry VII (1485-1509). They take an active role in protecting their Sovereign and at night they patrol the grounds of both Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace. These are some of the best soldiers in the British Army and have fought in many major areas of conflict since the 17th Century.

The Household Division is made up of seven Regiments and comprise of the Household Cavalry Regiment, The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals along with five other Regiments of Foot Guards, the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, The Scots Guards, the Irish Guards and the Welsh Guards.

Following is the breakdown of the dress code for the Guards:

Life Guards - Wear a metal helmet with a white plum on the helmet, red tunic no buttons

Blues & Royals – Wear a metal helmet with a red plume on helmet, blue tunic no buttons

Grenadier - Wear a bearskin cap with a white plume worn on the left, red tunic singly buttons

Goldstream - Wear a bearskin cap with a red plume worn on the right, red tunic, pairs of buttons

Scots-Wear a bearskin cap with no plume, red tunic threes of buttons

Irish - Wear a bearskin cap with a blue plume worn on the right, red tunic, fours of buttons

Welsh - Wear a bearskin cap with a white/green/white plume worn on the left, red tunic, fives of buttons

Beautiful Hyde Park Hyde Park Review

I enjoy strolling along beautiful parks and Hyde Park was my favorite. There are so many things to do and enjoy at the park. It’s a really nice way to relax from the busyness of London City especially when the weather is nice.

I love trees and open spaces and Hyde Park is full of them. There are sign posts to indicate your location. The park is huge and you can easily wander around aimlessly. There is a horse trail, benches and plenty of open spaces to lay out on a hot summer day with a nice picnic.

You’ll find the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain here, along with a few restuarants.

Address: Park Lane, Bayswater Road, Knightsbridge

Directions: Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Lancaster Gate tubes

Harrod's Food Court - Amazing Architecture

If you like architecture as I do, you will appreciate the interior of the food court at Harrod's. The ceiling of the food court is quite interesting with a square shaped dome with tiled intricate motifs of leaves, birds and trees.

Through out the food court you will see sculptures of peacocks as well as a few allegorical fountains. There are some really nice iron works as well.

Directions: At Harrods Food Court

International, Modern and Contemporary Art! Tate Modern Review

The Tate Modern is a national gallery housing international and national modern art from 1500 to the present day. The musuem was created in 2000 from an old and disused power station in the heart of London and now houses some of the most important modern art collections in the world.

You can find excellent examples of modern art from some of the most famous indivuduals like Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Lichenstein just to name a few.

NOTE: Entrance to the musuem is free and please also note that there is absolutely no phtotgraphy allowed inside the musuem.

Address: Bankside, SE1

Directions: Southwark or Blackfriars tubes

Phone: 0 20 7887 8000

Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/

Dali Universe Other Museums and Galleries Review

I am a big fan of Dali and when I found out there was a museum dedicated to some of his most important and famous works of art I had to pay a visit. The museum isn't large by any means, but does contain over 500 works of art, including some of his most important sculputes, rare graphics, jewelry, furniture and watercolors.

The museum is divided in three separate themed areas which are “sensuality and femininity” “religion and mythology” and “dreams and fantasy”

Some of my favorite pieces which are found here must be the “Mae West Lips Sofa” “Spellbound” an oil painting from the Hitchcock movie of the same name, “Tarot Cards” and of course his “Profile of Time”.

Any great fan of Dali should definitely try to pay a visit to this wonderful collection of his greatest works of art.

NOTE: Photography is not allowed in the museum, but located outside on the banks of the Thames are a few replicated pieces which you can take pics of. You can also take pics in the Café which has a few pictures of Dali and a sculpture or two.

Address: County Hall Gallery

Directions: South Bank, next to the London Eye and London Aquarium

Website: http://www.countyhallgallery.com/

A nice stroll along Trafalgar Square Trafalgar Square Review

The square is always packed day or night with locals and tourist alike and it is here where you will find a few landmarks as well as the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery.

It’s the geographical center of London and is a great meeting place for many. Along with the beautiful fountains and lion sculptures you’ll also find Admirality Arch, Lord Nelson’s Column, Martin in the Fields Church and of course a wonderful view of “Big Ben”.

There are many photo opportunities here, so make sure to pay this square a visit.

Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2

Directions: Charing Cross or Leicester Square tubes

British Museum British Museum Review

Established in 1753 the British Museum is the oldest museum in the World.

The museum was built to house the collections of the physician Sir Hans Sloane. One of its most famous and important pieces is found in the main entrance hall, The Rosetta Stone.

The British museum is free to the public, making it a perfect place to visit again and again.

Address: Great Russell Street, WC1

Directions: Holborn tube

Phone: 0 20 7323 8299

Website: http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk