| London is a city rich and varied in history | | | | interesting stop at the Tower of London. The |
| and yet has a blend of modern facets to | | | | spiral staircase running up the interior is |
| please any type of traveler. With hundreds of | | | | the only way up and this British national |
| art galleries, museums and dozens of other | | | | museum of arms and armour has more than |
| attractions including zoos, music, theater | | | | 40,000 pieces on display. |
| and nightlife, it is no wonder that London is | | | | |
| one of the most popular cities in the world. | | | | Trafalgar Square |
| A visit to London should include these five | | | | |
| must see attractions: | | | | This large, open plaza is often the site of |
| | | | political demonstrations and other public |
| Westminster Abbey | | | | events in London. Aside from being the |
| | | | intersection for several major streets, the |
| This church, burial ground and coronation | | | | square is a great gateway to sightseeing in |
| site, all rolled into one, is the final | | | | the area. On the north side of Trafalgar |
| resting place of great kings, poets and other | | | | Square, you will find the National Gallery, |
| British notables. Westminster Abbey is still | | | | one of the world's prime art museums. To the |
| used as a church for religious services and | | | | west, you will come across Canada House, |
| events on a regular basis. The works of art, | | | | where visiting Canadians can get a taste of |
| which are contained in the Abbey, make the | | | | home; it's worth a visit for everyone. South |
| visit truly worthy. Inside the west entryway | | | | Africa House is on the east side and although |
| hangs a painting of Richard II. This portrait | | | | it is closed to the public, the stone arches |
| was painted in 1390 and is the oldest | | | | with African animals are worth a look. When |
| portrait of a British monarch on display | | | | you have seen all there is in Trafalgar |
| today. | | | | Square, be sure to visit 10 Downing Street, |
| | | | the home of British Prime Ministers since |
| Buckingham Palace | | | | 1732 and the Churchill Museum, both are |
| | | | located within walking distance of the |
| The official residence of British monarchy, | | | | square. |
| Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular | | | | |
| tourist attractions in England. The best time | | | | Harrods |
| to visit is in August and September when the | | | | |
| Palace's 19 staterooms are open to the | | | | What would a trip to London be without a |
| public. However, various areas of the Palace | | | | little shopping? The world's greatest |
| are open year round and tourists can still | | | | department store, Harrods, is great even for |
| see the spectacular architecture of the | | | | the window shoppers. And, for those who are |
| building and other exhibits. A walk through | | | | looking to spend a bit of dough, this million |
| the 40-acre grounds and gardens is a must as | | | | square feet of merchandise is every shoppers |
| is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. | | | | dream. In fact, Harrods motto is - Omnia |
| | | | Omnibus Ubique - which means "All Things For |
| Tower of London | | | | All People Everywhere". Although it has been |
| | | | around for 150 years, Harrods is as modern as |
| Many have heard of the Tower of London, but | | | | the latest iPod. Many of its departments, |
| not everyone knows it served as a prison for | | | | including the seasonal Christmas shop and the |
| many years. The original structure was built | | | | Food Hall, are world famous for their quality |
| to be used as a fort by William the Conqueror | | | | and abundance of selection. Where else can |
| around 1100 AD. Later the Tower evolved into | | | | you choose from 300 different types of |
| a prison and then into a monument for the | | | | cheese? |
| sizable collection of Crown Jewels which are | | | | |
| still on display today. The highlight of the | | | | These top five London attractions will get |
| collection is the 530-carat Star of Africa. | | | | you started but you will discover London has |
| The pear shaped diamond is the 2nd largest in | | | | so much to do and see a second visit will be |
| the world and was extracted from a South | | | | in order. |
| African mine. The Royal Armouries are also an | | | | |