The London Bridge
February 22, 2009
You may have heard about the London Bridge in childhood songs growing up, but it is actually a real bridge that carries traffic across the River Thames in London. Of course, the bridge has undergone many remodeled versions through the years, but it is still in nearly the same location as the original. Some people believe that the original bridge, built by some of the first Roman settlers, was constructed as early as 50 AD. If that’s the case, it would have been the sole official bridge in the area for nearly 1700 years.
The current version of the bridge, which is a pre-stressed concrete girder style bridge, was opened in 1973. It can handle 5 lanes of traffic, providing a much needed route across the River Thames within Inner London. The bridge is fairly long, over 262 meters in length. The bridge, however, isn’t very tall compared to many world-famous bridges. It sits at a dramatic height of 8.9 meters, or 29 feet above the surface of the water.
Although there is not much to do at the London Bridge, aside from driving or walking over it, it is considered by many to be a tourist attraction. Due to the long historical tradition of the London Bridge, as well as it’s worldwide popularity in many songs and various other literary works, this otherwise-average bridge has a special place in the international limelight.
Buckingham Palace
February 19, 2009
The Buckingham Palace is a world renown structure, that also is known for being the home of the King and Queen of Britain. The palace has been featured in movies, historical documentaries, and various art for hundreds of years, ever since the palace was first constructed back in 1703. Over the past few decades, many portions of the palace have become more and more accessible to the general public, as well as tourists. As is expected, Buckingham Palace is a must-see for both Londoners and tourists alike.
The current image of the palace has been ingrained into many people’s minds; so much so that some might assume that it has had it’s current appearance since it was built in the 1700’s. However, the palace has undergone many expansions, and more recently, remodeling. It was remodeled to it’s current appearance back in 1913. The interior of the Buckingham Palace has maintained a fairly constant style. Although there are frequent technological updates within the palace, the color scheme and patterns in many areas of the building are the same that they have been for centuries.
Although the monarchy of Britain is becoming more and more symbolic, the symbolism of the Buckingham Palace is no less important. It will remain a very important piece of British history for years to come.
Mews Hotel on Park Lane in London
February 19, 2009
If you’re looking for a top of the line, four star hotel in London, you may be very impressed with the Mews Hotel. It’s located on Park Lane, right in the heart of London. Whether you’re going to London for a business trip or a vacation, the prime location of this hotel will give you close access to many of the most popular spots in the city. More than that, though, the inside of this hotel is sure to have a very positive effect on your trip, allowing you to bask in luxury on a nightly basis.
Each suite is equipped with top of the line technology, clean modern furniture, and lots of room. Who can truly feel at home in a single room that looks like it hasn’t been updated in thirty years? Here, at the Mews Hotel, the high style and high quality of the furniture and bedding truly adds to the luxurious atmosphere of the hotel. These rooms are perfect for business and vacation alike; either way, you will feel like you are on an exquisite vacation when you return to your suite each night.
Compared to other four star hotels, the rates here are actually very reasonable. It’s true – you can enjoy high luxury without paying stratospheric rates! Next time you are in London, check out the Mews Hotel for an enjoyable boarding experience.
Top Three Tourist Locations in London
February 18, 2009
Although times may be tough economically, you do not actually have to give up your vacations. For those within the U.K. who want a quick weekend getaway, or those around the world who want a low-cost foreign vacation, London is a prime choice. Even if you’d just like to go for one weekend, there is plenty to do!
If you’re into Museums, you may consider visiting the Madam Tussauds museum of wax. Some consider it the most famous wax museum in the world – but what isn’t debatable is that the exhibits are very high quality. This is definitely an experience that you would not soon forget!
Additionally, those who like museums or history of any type will be enthralled by a visit to the British Museum. You can look at information ranging from thousands of years ago to futuristic scientific developments. This museum is sure to have something for the whole family to enjoy.
For those who are looking for a relaxing afternoon, there is the London Eye. It is the worlds tallest observation wheel (also known by some as a ferris wheel) and will take you high above the city. It only takes thirty minutes, but you’ll be able to see many attractions from the top of the wheel.
These few tourist attractions only scratch the surface. There are hundreds of things to do in London that would make a great vacation. If you’re considering traveling to London, you’re on the right track. You’ll really be able to enjoy a memorable vacation great for you and your whole family.
Riding Your Bike in London
February 16, 2009
Bike riding is something that’s been around for a very long time, but is getting more and more popular as the public focus on cleaning up the environment becomes more and more visible. Even though petrol prices have fallen a bit over the past few months, they are still on an upward trend if you look over the past few decades. It is obvious that we need to limit our use of oil and petrol as much as possible. London is doing their best to promote this through a simple and effective method – bike riding.
Whether you just want to go out and ride your bike for fun, or if you’d like to use your bicycle as your main mode of transportation, you’ll be able to have an enjoyable trip on the streets of London. To accommodate cyclists, the city has been building more bike trails and even allowing bikers to travel both ways along one-way streets. For both tourists and citizens alike, biking is becoming both an environmentally smart move, as well as a time-saving move!
If you’re visiting London, you may not have a bike with you to hit the streets on. Don’t worry, though! There are several locations within the city where you can rent bicycles. Get out and enjoy the fresh air, while helping yourself through exercise and helping the environment through lower emissions!
Londoners Get Their Say on the 2012 Olympics
February 15, 2009
The Olympics, one of the most popular events in the entire world, will be coming to London in 2012. Like we saw with the Beijing Olympics, it takes more than just a few months of planning to prepare for a huge ceremony and sporting event – it takes years. Although it may seem odd to you that London is already working on plans for the upcoming Olympics, this is actually quite normal and expected. However, what is not quite normal is the fact that London aims to allow citizens to have a very high level of input on how the Olympics are to be conducted within the city. What’s even more interesting is that London is already working on plans for how to use the Olympic buildings after the events are done and over with! Their goal for completion? 2040. That’s what I call planning ahead! Nonetheless, this is an important aspect, and those who live in or are visiting London should take advantage of contributing to the cause – it only takes a few minutes to submit your vote.
So, what are some of the options?
-Canals: A network of canals would allow for transportation of water, as well as water based public transportation.
-A University: Whether this would end up being an expansion of a pre-existing university or a new one altogether is still up in the air.
-A Marina: This would be a modern marina, sure to attract tourists from around the globe. Additionally, it could function as a wildlife safe haven for endangered species.
These are just some of the many choices that are available. If you live in London or stop by the city over the next few months, it would be worth your time to stop by one of the many voting locations in town and let your voice be heard. This really gives the people a true chance to guide the very future of London’s infrastructure.
The Athenaeum at Piccadilly in London
February 15, 2009
When you’re in London, there are plenty of huge chain hotels available to stay in, which is fine if that’s the type of experience you are looking for. However, if you’d rather experience something a bit more unique, perhaps, you might consider staying at The Athenaeum. It’s a small luxury hotel located on Piccadilly street in the heart of London. Don’t fear; just because the hotel is small doesn’t mean you’ll be sacrificing luxury. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The Athenaeum is one of the most luxurious and personalized hotel experiences available in London – a stay you won’t soon forget.
The hotel has 111 guest rooms available, and 12 suites available. Each room is fit to it’s own level of luxury, so that you can choose a room fitting of your needs and your budget. The rooms have a very antique and elegant feel to them, but they are also filled with top of the line technology, so you can still stay connected to the outside world, if you choose to do so. The view, from most of the rooms, is beautiful and tranquil, overlooking Green Park. The suites are very spacious – and each one is totally unique in it’s design and layout. Unless you happen to stay in the exact same room, you’ll have a different experience each and every time you stay at The Athenaeum. From Plasma TV’s to 24 hour room service, you’ll truly be able to live lavishly at this hotel.
The experience at the Athenaeum exceeds that of just staying in a beautiful hotel room; there is a restaurant to please the most discerning taste buds, a spa to calm the toughest nerves, halls to host large meetings, and much more. Whatever your needs (or wants) are for your stay in London, The Athenaeum is sure to be one hotel that will exceed your expectations.
Westminster Abbey
February 14, 2009
The Westminster Abbey, officially called “The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster”, is located in London, just west of the Westminster Palace. This building is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, as it is one of the most common locations for royal coronations and burials.
If you’re someone who is intrigued by vivid history or intricate building design, you’ll love the Westminster Abbey. Although the abbey wasn’t built until 1065, it is believed to have been established in the vicinity since 616 A.D, first established as a community for monks. Due to the great age of the building, it is one of the most reliable insights we have into gothic architecture. Nearly all British royalty since 1066 have been coroneted at the abbey. They have even used the same royal chair for coronations since 1308. It’s awe inspiring just to think of all the great leaders who once sat in that chair!
The museum experience at the abbey is extraordinary. There are royal effigies dating back one thousand years on display. Additionally, there is a portion of the museum dedicated to wax models. Not only do the figures bear an extreme likeness to the original kings and queens that served in Britain – they are also wearing some of the very same clothing that was worn back in the time period which they lived.
For those who are planning a trip to London, the Westminster Abbey is definitely a worthwhile stop. It’s combination of a rich history and beautiful architecture make it something that nearly everyone can be amazed by.
