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Overview
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Vast, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is one of the world's great cities. Located in the southeast of England, on the River Thames, it is the capital of the United Kingdom and has been the heart of its political, cultural and business life for centuries.The now sprawling metropolis is a far cry from the scrabble of dwellings that first sprouted up to house river traders during their voyages towards the sea. It was the Romans who really kick-started the city, by establishing ‘Londinium' as an important fortress town, guarding the Thames.Over the centuries, London has developed and expanded, despite the many dangers that might have defeated a lesser place - the Plague, the Great Fire, the bitter English Civil War, a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament, and the ‘Blitz' during WWII.Nowadays, the sheer scale of Greater London can be daunting at first, although it is a city that is surprisingly easy to get around, with the comprehensive and easily navigated London Underground or ‘Tube'.The twin axis on which London rests is the Houses of Parliament to the west and the City of London to the east. The seat of government (not far from the home of the royal family) is connected to the City (the financial engine room of London and the whole of the UK) by the River Thames. In between lie most of the tourist attractions and the busiest, liveliest different entertainment areas, such as Knightsbridge and Soho. But London's vivacity and charm stretches far beyond the Circle Line - the Underground route that rings the inner city. Residential areas outside the city centre, such as leafy Richmond (southwest) or Hampstead (north), trendy Hoxton (east) or Notting Hill (west), each have their own charm and identity. London's very real multiculturalism is evident on every street (and many restaurant plates) and is one reason why people love the city. Tourists come for London's history or royal pageantry but they return for all the charms of the modern city, not least the extraordinary breadth of London's cultural life, with world-class art galleries and theatres, buzzing nightlife, film, music, culinary and fashion scenes.During summer, London's bountiful green spaces fill up with office workers and tourists enjoying the surprisingly balmy days as cafe tables sprout across pavements. During winter, the grey skies and rain can be forgotten for a while in numerous cosy pubs. But spring or autumn are probably the best seasons to visit the city, when clear crisp sunny days often illuminate London and its landmarks, old and new.
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Abbey Road Studio
The Abbey Road Studio is situated in a nineteenth century stately building. Nearby is the world’s most famous zebra crossing- where the Beatles album cover for their ‘Abbey Road’ album was shot.
The studio was built as a family home in 1830. EMI began recording on the premises in 1931, the majority of the recordings were orchestral works. The Beatles first recorded at the studio in 1962, a four track demo, with battered equipment and instruments. The facilities at Abbey Road Studios are now considered among the best in the world. Numerous movies scores like ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘Braveheart’ have been recorded at the studios.
Sir Paul McCartney used to live around the corner from the studios and the Beatles recorded many of their greatest and musically elaborate songs there. ‘Help!’, ‘I want to hold your hand’ and ‘She loves you’ were all recorded at Abbey Road Studio. The building is actually home to four separate studios- the largest of which is able to hold a 100 piece orchestra and 120 person choir.
On the top floor is the Penthouse Studio which incorporates a restaurant, licensed bar and two private flats.
Though in 1983 the Studios were opened to the public- this is no longer the case. However, for many Beatles fans the idea of visiting the area in which John Lennon and Paul McCartney lived and worked is an undeniably worthy journey.
3 Abbey Road, St Johns Wood, London, NW8 9AY
Telephone 020 7266 7000
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London Aquarium
The London Aquarium was first opened in 1997 and provides visitors with an opportunity to view the 3000 various types of marine life on view. The massive tanks are home to huge Sharks, Rays and all manner of other fish. Visitors are only separated from the thousands of tons of water by 9mm thick acrylic windows.
The ‘sea-water’ is actually London tap water that is treated and mixed with salts to make it habitable for the fish. The water is mixed 8 tons at a time. The London Aquarium has more than fifty separate displays- the largest of which hold one million liters of water! The Aquarium is situated on the bank of the Thames, next to Westminster Bridge. The nearest underground station is Waterloo.
The London Aquarium is set across three floors and attempts to recreate many water environments. Alongside the vast Pacific Ocean display is a smaller Tropical Rainforest environment, Coral reefs, Indian Ocean and a freshwater stream have all been simulated. The Aquarium hosts daily talks about the exhibits and feeding times are a highlight of the day. An adopt a fish scheme is also available and proceeds help to support the upkeep of the animals. The facilities are laid out in a very impressive arrangement and the feeling of being so close to the Sharks and Piranhas is fascinating- if a little frightening.
County Hall, Riverside Building, Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
Telephone 020 7967 8000
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Madame Tussads
Marie Gosholz was born in Strasburg in 1770. She would later become known as Madame Tussaud and become one of London’s greatest institutions.
After spending much of her life as a travelling artist, she settled in Baker Street bazaar where she made and sold her famous life-sized wax models. Punch Magazine dubbed her collection of French Revolution relics the now famous 'chamber of horrors'. By her death in 1850 she had achieved tremendous success, having been immortalised by Charles Dickens and Cruickshank. It was her grandson, Joseph Randall that moved her collection to the current site in Marylebone Road.
In the twentieth century Madame Tussauds collection fell victim to fire and wartime bombing. Ironically, Hitler was one of the only surviving waxworks.
Madame Tussauds is open daily until 5:30pm and features movie actors, pop stars and historical figures all captured in perfect wax detail. There are regular special exhibits, often imported from one of the other Madame Tussauds from around the world, in addition to resident exhibits such as the Chamber of Horrors and the Spirit of London.
To create a waxwork takes over six months, a ton of wax and hundreds of precise measurements.
The adjacent London Planetarium takes visitors on an intergalactic trip.
Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LR
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The Thames Barrier Visitors Centre
The Thames Barrier started life as a proposal by the Greater London Council in 1965. London had suffered several major floods in its history, most recently in 1953 where major damage was caused- and it is said that people were able to row across Westminster Hall during one flood in 1236. The GLC decided that a preventative measure had to be taken and in 1974 work began on the Thames Barrier.
Completed in 1984 the Thames Barrier is over 1,700 feet in width with four 200 foot openings. When the gates are raised they stand 6 feet above the water level reached in 1953. The gates are usually opened once a month. The best view of the barrier is by boat- several of the Thames tours stop here.
Those who go and view the Thames Barrier should take time and visit the Visitors Centre. Here guests can view the exhibits about the history of the Thames and the devastating effects on the capital when this happens. There is also a detailed exhibition about the Barriers construction from concept to realisation. The Thames Barrier Visitors Centre is easily accessed from North Greenwich Underground station and regular boat trips leave from Greenwich and Westminster Pier.
Unity Way, Woolwich, London, SE18 5NJ
Telephone 020 8305 4188
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The London Eye
This fantastic landmark was completed in January 2000 after more than seven years in construction, by a team of engineers from across five European countries. The London Eye rises majestically from the Jubilee Gardens on the South bank of the River Thames one hundred and thirty-five metres into the London skyline.
The Eye weighs more than sixteen hundred tones and incorporates over four miles of cables. From the highest point, you can see twenty-five miles in every direction giving a spectacular view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
The London Eye is the world largest observation wheel and the fourth highest structure in the skies of London, with only Canary Wharf, Tower 42 and the London Telecom Tower being higher. Each of the thirty-two capsules holds up to twenty-five passengers and as such the London Eye attracts an average of more than fifteen thousand visitors per day.
The London Eye grew from the imagination of husband and wife architects, Julia Barfield and David Marks as a monument for the new Millennium. Visitors to The London Eye will also find themselves within close proximity to the IMAX cinema and the London Aquarium. Tickets for The Eye start at £8.50 for adults, £5.50 for children under sixteen and are free for children under five years old.
The nearest station is Waterloo.
The South Bank, London, SE1 7PB
Standard Flight
Night or day the London Eye offers spectacular views across London and its famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
Adult (16 plus) £15.50
Child (5-15 years) £7.75
Child under 5*** FREE
Senior (60 plus)* £12.00
Disabled** £12.00
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