London Things to Do Tips by Elena_007

The London Eye, formerly known as The Millennium Wheel is definitely a "must see" and experience of a lifetime. This structure cost an impressive £75 million and took almost 16 months to build, with attention to every detail, including allowances to cope with the wind. There are 32 capsules with each one capable of carrying up to 25 people. It is the tallest observation wheel in the world, at 135 metres tall. (443 ft.) It travels at 0.26 metres per second, equivalent to 1/4 of the average walking speed. (really S L O W) You do not even realize that you are moving, except for the fact that Big Ben keeps getting smaller. Although "Big Ben" is actually the huge bell hung inside, not the clock tower, hopefully, you can see the point I am attempting to illustrate. On a clear day, you can see up to 25 mile panoramic views.

I highly recommend buying the tour book (£5) because it is filled with every detail from design, construction, awards, etc. It even shows the raising of "The Eye" from horizontally afloat the River Thames to it's current position. Worth it! The idea for the London Eye originated as a husband and wife entered a competition in the Sunday Times newspaper, to mark the dawning of the new millennium in the city. Ironically, all of the entries were rejected, and the competition was withdrawn. The couple then formed a company to further develop their idea. London's daily paper, the Evening Standard printed a story about their dream, British Airways came aboard, a partnership was formed, and the dream became reality.

The rotation takes approximately 30minutes and the announcement before "take-off" actually says that British Airways hopes you enjoy your flight. There is also a photograph taken at some point during the "flight", where you are instructed to smile for the camera, and for an astronomical amount of money, you can purchase a photo, upon "landing." The next time I visit London, I will experience an incredible night view of the city lights from what seems like a mile high in the sky.

£11.50 Adult

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Phone: +44 (0)870 5000 600 (24 hr.)
Address: Waterloo, SE1( Near County Hall & Jubilee Gardens)
Directions: Waterloo tube or Westminster tube (both within 5 minutes walking distance) Just look up after exiting either tube station, you can't possibly miss it!
Website: http://www.ba-londoneye.com
Other Contact: www.365tickets.com

Of course, a visit to London wouldn't be complete without seeing Big Ben. Although "Big Ben" is actually the 13 1/2 ton bell inside St. Stephen's Hall, the clock itself has been keeping accurate time to the second since it became operational in 1859. The Great Bell cracked, was recast and then cracked again, giving it the flawed, now famous, unmistakable sound we hear today. Most Londoners are quick to tell you that "Big Ben" is the bell, NOT the clock, but few could explain why the bell was named that.

There are two possible answers. It could have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall, chief commisioner of works during the time, and a rather large man in size. Or, perhaps, it was named by the workmen who transported the bell from Whitehall Foundry on a cart pulled by 16 white horses. Their hero of the day was a 17 stone prize fighter named Benjamin Caunt. (1stone = 14 lbs.)

Regardless, it is known worldwide, lovingly as "Big Ben."

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Address: Parliament Square, SW1
Directions: Westminster tube
Website: http://www.parliament.uk

Amazing views in all directions, but I just couldn't keep my eyes off "Big Ben." Notice the two tiny red dots? Those are two double decker buses, one right behind the other.

How would you like to see "Big Ben" LIVE, right this very minute? Or perhaps the London Eye? I often watch the London sunrise from Memphis, Tennessee! I just love Big Ben, and sometimes, I click on the web cam, shrink it to a suitable size, keep it in the background, and every now and again, see what the weather is like for myself, instead of just asking about it. There is even a shark cam in the London Aquarium, and once I waited nearly 15 minutes just to see one swim close by. You may save the pics to your computer, but be aware they are copyrighted, so you won't see any here. I have a spectacular shark photo, along with a sunrise pic of the London Eye that is incredible!

See for yourself, what London looks like, right here and now. Click on the links below or copy/paste URL into browser.

England Live Cams
http://www.camvista.com/england/index.php3

Big Ben
http://www.camvista.com/england/london/bigben.php3

London Eye
http://www.camvista.com/england/london/bale.php3

Please see my "Eye on London" tip for additional information on The London Eye.

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Phone: +44 (-0) 870 5000 600
Directions: The London Eye is about a 5 minute walk from either Westminster or Waterloo tube stations, Just look up, you can't possible miss it!
Website: http://www.visit-london-eye.com/
Other Contact: http://www.ba-londoneye.com

The Royal Horse Guards will continue to perform their duties without a word. Please do not annoy them by trying to speak with them. They are just doing their job, which happens to include allowing a tourist, such as myself, the honor (honour) of taking their photograph free of charge. The Changing of the Guard takes place everyday, when the Household Cavalry rides from Hyde Park, via The Mall, to Whitehall for the 11.00 am changeover.

Mon-Sat: 11:00 Sun: 10:00
Dismounting Ceremony: daily, 16:00
Admission is FREE

Not as eleborate as the "Changing of the Guards" at Buckingham Palace, but also no where near as crowded.

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Address: Whitehall London SW1
Website: http://www.touruk.co.uk/london_sights/horseguards1.htm

The Iceni Queen Boadicea statue was placed near The Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) in 1902 by the London City Council. Ironically, this great woman warrior led an army of around 120,000 against the Romans in London about the time of AD 60. A mother, outraged by the rape of her two daughters, and the death of her husband, rallied the people together for battle, and was responsible for the deaths of nearly 80,000 Britons.

For a wonderful, quick 2 page story about her life, see the website below.

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Directions: Near Westminster Palace (Houses of Parliament)
Website: http://www.fanzone50.com/Tales/Boadicea1.html

In the middle of the quartet of famous Trafalgar lions, Admiral Nelson stands atop the 44 metres high (approximately 144 ft.)classical column, keeping watch over the city, which at times, seems that the pigeons outnumber the people. From the ground looking up, you probably won't realize that the statue actually measures an impressive 18 ft.(approximately 5.5 metres) high. The Nelson monument was in honor of his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The four scenes at the base were actually cast from French cannons captured at the naval battles they illustrate. It was completed in 1867.

To the north of the monument is is the National Gallery, and to the south is Whitehall. Also, worth mentioning, the famous Admiral Viscount Horatio Nelson gave his life for his country, dying from his wounds in battle. He was born in 1758, joined the Royal Navy at the age of 12, and was admired by all of his comrades. In his speech to the crew before this famous battle, on October 21, 1805, he said, " England expects every man to do his duty." He is buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.

As far as the pigeons are concerned, since I was merely a tourist, and the pigeons actually live there, I decided not to complain about them and just be thankful I wasn't a victim of one of their bombs!

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Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2
Directions: Charing Cross or Leicester Square tubes

All over the World, at the dawning of a New Year, we sing the song "Auld Lang Syne" made famous by none other than the Scottish poet Robert Burns. (1759-1796) There are many web sites with information concerning this interesting man of many talents, including the likes of having 12 children, but this is my page about London. If you are interested in Robert Burns, may I suggest the magical keywords: Robert Burns.

Speaking of magical keywords ... Are you aware that every tip created here on Virtual Tourist is searchable with only a few thoughts? Thank you Robert Burns, for aiding me in this magical discovery! You see, I could not remember the name of the place I took this lovely photo, so I began my search ...

After learning about the man himself, by using the keywords: Robert Burns statue London, I learned that it was located on the Thames Embankment. (That could be anywhere in London!) So, my search continued ... Using the keywords: Robert Burns statue Thames Embankment London, I was amazed to find one of my fellow VT'ers just a click away! (Go ahead, try it! By using a few words unique to your description of the tip, you can magically find your page, outside of VT!) Wow! This is exciting! As an example, I tried the keywords: The London Eye two tiny red dots ... Brilliant! I just want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for VT making all this possible!

If you are not yet a member of this wonderful community, you are most welcome to join.

Oh, and the park is lovely. I sat on a bench right next to Burns, ate some take away (from a place I don't recall and not really worth mentioning), deposited my trash in a nearby bin, and continued on my journey to explore London.

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Address: Victoria Embankment Gardens
Directions: Near the Millennium Bridge

In this remarkable sculpture by Salvador Dali, time seems to stand still, almost as if in a time warp. The clock face appears to be melting and is attached to branches, perhaps resembling the tree of life? There is also an angel to the right kneeling by the hands of time. It is located practically next to the London Eye, and is worth stopping for a look. I found it rather interesting. There are several other examples of Dali's work along the South Bank of the Thames.

There are other works inside County Hall by the famous Spanish artist, that I would have liked to see, but I will have to plan on seeing that on my next visit, as, unfortunately, I was limited on time. The web site below will give you greater insight to his many works of art, along with prices for admission, operating hours, etc.

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Address: Waterloo, SE1
Directions: Near the London Eye, County Hall, next to River Thames
Website: www.daliuniverse.com

The Millennium Bridge spans across the River Thames and connects two of London's distinguished attractions, St. Paul's Cathedral and Tate Modern Museum. The Millennium Bridge is the first pedestrian bridge to cross the Thames (pronounced "Tems") in over a century, since the opening of Tower Bridge in 1894.

It measures 330 metres, (1,155 ft.) in length and 4 metres (14 ft.)wide. The average height above the river at high tide is nearly 11 metres (38.5 ft.) It opened on June 10, 2000, but because of a serious "wobble" effect, was closed only three days later. It re-opened on February 22, 2002. The original cost was an estimated £18 million, with modifications adding nearly another £5 million to the total cost of the project. For an in depth article from the BBC News, including "wobble" video footage.
Millennium Bridge Opens

Did you know there was ANOTHER Millennium Bridge in England? The Gatesford Millennium Bridge that crosses the River Tyne connects Gatesford and Newcastle in the North East of England. It uses a world-first tilting mechanism to open, turning on pivots on both sides of the river to form a spectacular gateway arch, and resembles the opening and closing of a giant eyelid.

This pic of the bridge looks like a spaceship.
Gatesford Millennium Bridge
http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/bridge/lighting3.htm

This pic is multi-colored (coloured)!
Awesome Bridge!
http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/bridge/lighting2.htm

And, EVEN a live web cam :-)
NOW!
http://www.tynebridgewebcam.com

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Address: Waterloo, SE1
Directions: Waterloo tube

From the London Eye, continue walking along the River Thames the opposite direction of Big Ben.

Cenotaph, meaning, "Empty Tomb", is a Battle of Britain Memorial for both the World Wars. The inscription reads: "The Glorious Dead." It commemorates the British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who lost their lives in war. It was originally built of wood and plaster on the 1st anniversary of the armistice in 1919. The monument that stands today, was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, is constructed of Portland stone, and was unveiled a year later.

It contains the emblems and flags from the Army, Royal & Merchant Navy, and the Royal Air Force, and is located between Parliament and Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. Every year on the Sunday nearest to November 11th, at 11:00AM, There is a ceremony to honor these patriots. There is also a 2 minute silence observed, and Her Majesty The Queen lays wreaths made from poppies at the base of the Cenotaph. That is so heartwarming! There are numerous war memorials consisting in most every city in England. It is nice to know that in modern society today, these heroes of ancient times, are still being honored (honoured) throughout England.

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Address: Whitehall London SW1
Directions: Westminster or Charing Cross tube stations
Website: http://www.london-gb.com/pictures/cenotaph.html