| Page Views: 1,978 Last Visit to London: - | London - One Of Our Favorite Cities by al_mary - last update: Feb 14, 2006 |
London is the capital of Britain and is the principal residence
of the British monarchy as well as the centre of business and
government. Spreading over more than 1,600 square kilometres
(618 square miles) from its core on the River Thames.
London is the largest city in Europe and was founded by the
Romans in about AD 43.
The city has a population of around seven million and boasts
as many as 20 million visitors a year.
London has been an inspiration for artists and poets alike
throughout the centuries. Its busy streets and waterways
with their historical buildings, monuments, and bridges
offer the visitor a magnificent overview of British history
and heritage. London offers the visitor innumerable
outstanding museums and galleries, royal palaces,
monuments, quaint squares and peaceful green
parks, excellent shops, and exciting nightlife.
London's fascination is its variety. Old and new stand side
by side. History, pageantry and tradition mix with the modern,
eccentric and avant garde, offering something for everyone.
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|  | London's Pubs
During summer, London’s bountiful green spaces
fill up with office workers and tourists enjoying the
surprisingly balmy days as café tables sprout
across a multitude of pavements. During winter,
the grey skies and rain can be forgotten for a while
in numerous cosy pubs.
Check out our "Things To Do" tips for more info ....
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Change Of The Guard
~ A Short History ~
Ever since 1660 Household troops have guarded
the Sovereign Palaces. The Palace of Whitehall was
the main residence until 1689 and was guarded by
the Household Cavalry. (They can still be seen here
today; outside Horse Guards Arch). The court moved
to St James's Palace in 1689. When Queen Victoria
moved into Buckingham Palace (1837) the Queen's
Guard remained at St James's Palace and a
detachment guarded Buckingham Palace,
as it does today.
~ Buckingham Palace ~
The Changing of the Guard takes place inside the
railings of the forecourt to Buckingham Palace.
The Foot Guards provide a colourful display in their
red tunics and bearskins and are accompanied by a
band throughout. During the 45 minute ceremony the
New Guard replaces the Old Guard and a detachment
is left at Buckingham Palace with the remaining New
Guard marching on to St James Palace. For a good
view, get there early and position yourself near the
railings or the Victoria Memorial.
The Changing of the Guard takes place daily at
11.30am and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Check out our "Things To Do" tips for more info ....
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| Pros: | "Interesting Historic City" | | Cons: | "Pubs Close At 11PM" | | In A Nutshell: | "A Place To Re-Visit Again & Again" |
al_mary's London Travel Tips
 Comments for al_mary about London | | | | |
Tripack Tue Mar 31, 2009 20:08 UTC
Thanks for your BDay wish! Hope to do a London Pub Crawl soon ;-) | grahamNI Mon Feb 27, 2006 01:11 UTC
Really enjoyed reading your London page and the tips too. Delighted to hear that you enjoying visiting our capital city, even when it rains! best wishes, Graham. | RickinDutch Wed Feb 15, 2006 02:04 UTC
Nice tips on my favorite big city. Will have to check out that B&B - great location. |
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