London, England

What to do in London, England

Discover the City

The City of London proper hosts a half million workers each day, but is home to only about 5,000 people, so the off-work hours - when people are scarce - is an excellent time to explore the many impressive 17th- and 18th-century buildings tucked along narrow passageways. Of course, in prominent view are some of the most magnificent landmarks in Europe. When you need a break from walking and Tubing, take a tea cruise on the Thames for a relaxing, panoramic view of the city.

Westminster Abbey

This single building, steeped in tradition and majesty, contains much of England's history within its ancient walls. One of the most frequently visited sights in Europe, it was completed in 1245, and is the spiritual heart of London.

Tower of London

Guarded by the famous Beefeaters, this imposing structure has an infamous and bloody history. It is where Richard III is said to have had his two nephew princes murdered in order to usurp the throne, and where many traitors or ill-fated innocents were executed, but it is also where the crown jewels are displayed.

London Eye

The enormous bicycle wheel on the Thames can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, and provides the best view of downtown as well. Built for the Millenium by British Airways, a half-hour trip in the plexiglass bubbles on the world's highest (450 feet) Ferris Wheel can provide views up to 25 miles around the city on a clear day.

Big Ben

The internationally-recognized clock tower is located near Parliament. Completed in 1858, the 316-foot structure is named for Sir Benjamin Hall, the first commissioner of public works. When the House of Commons is in session, the light above the clock is lit.

St Paul's Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren's English Baroque masterpiece was the site of Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding, and also held the state funerals of Nelson, Wellington, and Churchill. It's the only cathedral in the country with a dome, and was the first English cathedral designed and built by a single architect.

St James's Palace

Birthplace of many British monarchs, it served as the principal royal residence from 1698 - when Whitehall Palace burned down - until 1837, when Queen Victoria ascended the throne and moved to Buckingham Palace. Enlarged from a Tudor core built by Henry VIII for one of his unfortunate wives, it was subsequently altered by Sir Christopher Wren in 1703.

Buckingham Palace

The London residence of British monarchs since Victoria, it contains their official private quarters, as well as all the trappings of monarchy, including the Throne Room. The current royal family is said to dislike living there, sparking rumors that the official residence may change with the next monarch. Tours are offered in summer.

Museum of London

Regarded as one of the best city museums in the world, it tells the tale of London from prehistoric times, into the Roman settlement, the Medieval age, and through the present day.

Shopping

The West End is the main shopping place for travelers. A few of the best-known areas are Kensington for departments store, boutiques, and antique shops; Covent Garden for its covered market with antique and craft dealers selling their goods from original wrought iron trading stands; and Knightsbridge for the most exclusive shopping in London, including Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and many designer shops along Sloane Street.

Shakespeare's Home

The market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon became a tourist attraction in 1769 when actor David Garrick organized the first Shakespeare Commemorative Birthday Celebration. Though the only cultural attraction is the fine Royal Shakespeare Theatre, where Britain's foremost actors perform, this is a fun spot for literary buffs. Pick up a souvenir of history's greatest playwright, visit his 1564 birthplace, his wife's cottage (occupied and unchanged by her family until 1892), and his tomb at Holy Trinity. Tragically, the Bard's last home was torn down and a tree he planted chopped down to deter sightseers.

High Tea

The pinnacle of high society in London, taking tea at the Ritz is just as elegant as one would expect, so dress up. Book reservations in advance, and enjoy the delicious crumpets, stick out your pinky as you sip your tea, and gossip about everyone else!.

Stonehenge

This concentric circle of stones is believed to be between 3,500 and 5,000 years old, pre-dating the arrival of the Celtic people to the region. This archaeological fact debunks the belief that Stonehenge is the work of the Druids, and reinforces the idea that it was built by the original Indo-European settlers, as an astronomical observatory.

Windsor Castle

With its 1,000 rooms, Windsor is the world's largest inhabited castle. William the Conqueror built it in the 11th century, and it was renovated by Queen Elizabeth I. Here King John awaited signing the Magna Carta, Charles I awaited his beheading (he is buried in the adjacent St George's Chapel, as are Henry VIII and other monarchs), and Queen Victoria mourned her beloved Prince Albert, who died in the castle. The décor includes a great deal of fine art, including works by Rubens and Rembrandt, as well as ancient treasures. The Changing of the Guard is a much more splendid event than its counterpart in London.

Day trip to Oxford

Just an hour train ride from Paddington Station, Oxford is a quaint academic town with many interesting sites. The first college established was University College, founding in 1249, but Magdalen (pronounced "mord-lin") is considered the prettiest, with a deer park and a meadow on the campus grounds. The Ashmolean Museum, the oldest public museum in the country, and the Carfax Tower, the only remaining piece of a 14th century cathedral, are other points of interest worth seeing.

Day trip to Cambridge

The other famous college town in England is 50 minutes from King's Cross station in London, and is home to King's College, founded by Henry VI in 1441, and its magnificent chapel. The beautiful Queen's College is adjacent, and Peterhouse is the oldest, founded in 1284. The lazy River Cam is bordered by cow-filled meadows called the Backs, and the eclectic Fitzwilliam Museum houses an extraordinary collection of antiques.