London Attractions - a quick visit around London
This is the entry page into the fantastic attractions to see whilst in London. I will start by listing the top ten place to see, with a slightly different angle. I like places as they were a hundred years ago, rather than the many drab new offices that exist. I do love some of the modern architectural feats, eg the Gherkin, but also love the look and feel of the older Victorian buildings, especially the Public Houses - there is a whole site devoted to these, if you fancy a look!
Interestingly, I have also published time lines for many of the streets where the infamous Jack the Ripper was known to have lured his victims around 1888. These include Whitechapel, Brick Lane and Hanbury Street.
Well, day one - visit Buckingham Palace - it is open during the Summer months. You should also manage a trip to Whitehall to see the Horse Guards
Day two, take a trip along the Thames to see the Houses of Parliament, then Eastwards to see the Tower of London and the Crown jewels
Day three - a bridge walk - here are a few to get started on - London Bridge, and Tower Bridge ; there is an excellent view of this from the Monument, although the London Eye may be better these days.
Day four, Trafalgar Square, and the art galleries - plus a trip on the London Eye.
Day five, wander East to Whitechapel
Day six, visit all of the museums in Kensington - it depends on what you like, but a few hours will do the Science museum, fifteen minutes will cover the Natural History museum, and about 10 minutes for the Victoria & Albert museum. Times will vary according to the age group you are working towards, this was a day trip with a nine year old!
Day seven, GOD said the seventh day was rest. In London, the Christians take Sunday off for church, the Jews have a massive market in Whitechapel, as their Sabbath is on a Saturday? Whatever, there is always something to do in London.
Day eight, take a trip to France. you can catch the Eurostar from Liverpool Street Station directly to Paris, or Brugges in Belguim.
But, don't limit yourself to the top attractions - travel eastwards to the best parts of London. I am sure you are all interested in the Olympics coming in 2012 to London - well East London. Take a wander through my Olympic Zone walk of 2006, and more will be added. get a feel for London as it really is. All you need is an A-Z of London, about £10; and a travel card for the London Underground. It is the best transport system in the world, if a little crowded in peak times. The best two stations to bookmark are Stratford and West Ham. take a walk through Whitechapel and Brick Lane, or just wander around Stratford and Hackney.
Visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London is brilliant too, enjoy the fantastic museums and galleries, most are free! Take a ride on our buses, this is included in a daily travel card, you see a lot more from above ground - you can even walk! The Tube (Underground) map is clever, but with careful planning, and the A-Z of London, it is not too difficult to wander above ground to see lots of more interesting places.
I am just waffling, really; but I visited New York a couple of years ago, and followed these tips, and loved every second. London is even more fun. And it is generally as safe, just don't make yourself an obvious target to the thieves that exist everywhere, plus the street vendors who may overcharge you. I like to see marked up prices when I purchase goods.
I don't do a lot of shopping, but John Lewis has the best reputation for
customer service. You can wander around Harrods - boring.
Food, well McDonalds and Burger King are always cheap and cheerful. I recommend a chain called subway, or the many excellent sandwich shops that service the thousands of office workers in London. avoid the street vendors. Tesco Express & 7 to 11 have a general range of outlets around London. They pay their staff a pittance (minimum wage), but the prices are reasonable.