Showing posts with label Attractions in London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Attractions in London. Show all posts

Friday, December 14, 2007

The Embankment

The Embankment


The Victoria Embankment, which is popularly referred to as The Embankment by the quintessential London has been a feature of the City of London. Designed way back in 1870 by the famous British urban planner Joseph Bazalgette, the construction of the dike was carried out by the Metropolitan Board of Works.

The first consideration for the construction of this colossal Embankment, which stretched from Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament at Blackfriar's Bridge to the north was to alleviate congestion on The Strand and Fleet Street.

Today, the embankment is perhaps one of the most picturesque places along the lake. To accentuate the beauty, the Embankment Gardens were set in 1870, and today the Garden Embankment with its lush landscaping horizons full of outdoor cafes is easily one of the biggest London call.

The garden is known for its exquisite statues of some of Britain's most famous citizens. The garden has a bit of history attached. The Water Gate in the northwest corner of the garden was the Duke's residence. Before that, the door of water served as the residence of the Archbishop of York.

If you plan to travel to London during the sweltering summer months, make it a point to visit the Embankment when there is an outdoor concert being held.

As far as monuments to the Embankment garden is concerned, there is a bewildering array of them, all located at strategic points in the garden. For example, you will encounter people monuments of the stature of Robert Burns, Robert Raikes, Arthur Sullivan, and General Gordon to name a few. Finally, the most amazing statuette exposed to the Garden Embankment is not a human being, but rather a strange beast. Yes, the Chindit Memorial depicts the Burmese status mythical beast Chindit which is the guardian of the pagodas and temples in Burma. The statue commemorates the Burma campaign during World War II.

Embankment area outside its charms bank is surrounded by a group of outstanding buildings, especially if one of the companies to Blackfriars Station. For example, the majestic Unilever House with its ornate stone sculptures, the 1893 built Victoria or elsewhere style building renaissance of the City of London School, which was built in the most beautiful variety of stone from Portland, all vying for the attention.

A walk along the Temple Stairs Arch is particularly important with a presentation of the head of Neptune granite. There is also an exclusive group, which King George V of 25 years.

Weather permitting, one of the best ways to explore the many charms of London is to embark on a cruise. There passenger ferries and catamarans and the services available from Westminister Pier offering tours from Westminster Pier to Kew and Hampton Court. A cruise on the River Thames offers the opportunity to go through some of London's most famous landmarks such as riparian Big Ben, Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament to name a few. Charter Cruises are also available for your tour of the city of London.

Speaker's Corner, London

Speaker's Corner, London

The Speaker's Corner, located in a corner of Park Lane and at the door of Cumberland is almost certainly the most democratic and ranking high in the open air of the university in the world. Surprisingly, the site where nowadays Speaker's Corner is located used to be a place of execution and in the days of yesteryear and has been called the "Tyburn.

Undoubtedly, Speaker's Corner has more appeal than some of the major universities like Oxford and Cambridge. There are no fees, no formalities and no significant academic exclusivity. If we look back at the history of Speaker's Corner we come to know that in the days of yesteryear, great statesman of the stature of Karl Marx, Lenin and Fredrick Engles used to be accustomed to Speaker's Corner.

As a tourist, the best time to visit Speaker's Corner is Sunday and the reason why we should visit this place because, as a tourist, you will not be allowed to attend lectures at universities like Oxford and Cambridge. However, the Speaker's Corner is not only their freedom of speech, but also there is a chance that on a Sunday, you will find few intellectual giants not only in London, but elsewhere in the world.

Over the years, Speaker's Corner has become one of Britain's most prominent places for debate and dialogue. It is the torchbearer of Britain's tradition of laissez-faire and tolerant democracy.

The mere mention of Speaker's Corner conjures up images of street-smart speakers addressing large gathering crowds and spectators on Sunday afternoon. Subjects range from politics to international morality and religious issues. Anyone can become a speaker. Someone with no experience in public speaking can also make his mark at Speaker's Corner whether his subject is interesting and rational. Of course, during the debates, there is a lot of agitation and scream together for a while and the whole affair seems to be comical.

As you move from one congregation to another, you will be surprised to hear the discussions since the Gulf War in London Victorian architecture. To fully appreciate the atmosphere of Speaker's Corner, you must throw away your inhibitions. At first glance, one might think the speakers are mentally unbalanced, which is not true at all. Some of the century's most revered politicians and academics have used the Speaker's Corner platform to hone their voice to perfection. Speaker's Corner, it is democracy at its best.

Somerset House, London

Somerset House

Somerset House is a neoclassical building, and was the residence of the Dukes of Somerset. William Chambers, built way back in the year 1770. The building was designed in such a way to resemble a group of four mansions with a courtyard.

In the past, this neoclassical building housed important government offices, which included the Navy and the Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Arts, the Corporation des Antiquaires to name a few.

However, this magnificent building has been completely renovated and houses a gallery next to the two museums. Courtyard Gallery, in particular, is one of the finest London collections of art. Whereas, The Gilbert Collection, a museum of decorative art is worth a visit.

The courtyard of Somerset House, which was once a parking has been revised and in its place, designer cascading fountains were installed. In winter, the court was transformed into outdoor rink. The court at Somerset House is a beautiful place, especially after dark as lights come on and the whole area seems to be a bejeweled bride.

Apart from the skaters, a new extreme winter sports have also been introduced - The ice wall, where you must climb a wall of pure ice with the aid of crampons, ice picks and ropes. Other attractions of Somerset House are the Seaman's Hall on hold as well as Nelson's Stair.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Chinatown London

Chinatown London


The Chinese presence is everywhere. Just as there is a Chinatown in Manhattan and Chinatown in Singapore, London too has its own exclusive Chinatown located in the street Gerard field.

One has to go back to the 1950's when the Chinese of Hong Kong have begun to immigrate to the United Kingdom and began to make a fortune with the expansion of catering trade. With the passage of time, the Chinese community has begun to flourish. Today, the Chinese district of London covers a section between Shaftesbury and Leicester Square.

Although initially the Leicester Square area was synonymous with filth and misery, over time that the Chinese community has prospered, the British government spruced up the area and gave it a new aspect taking into account the mega money that tourism through could generate such an effort. Today you enter in the Chinese district of London, designer gates Chinese, Chinese shops, and of course Chinese restaurants dot the landscape. You will be surprised to see Chinese pagodas at the entrance and exit of each street.

In Chinatown, with the exception of China, there are people from other countries such as oriental Japanese, Singaporeans and Koreans living in peaceful coexistence. Today, the Chinese has become a lively place where people still practice ancient customs and traditions. Try to match your trip to Chinatown during the Chinese New Year when the entire Chinatown wearing a festive look with dazzling lighting and the people celebrate with great pomp and grandeur.

A good way to relax in Chinatown is down in to one of the Chinese restaurants, a café, shops or bars and enjoy lip smacking Chinese delicacies. On the stroke, with the exception of Chinese restaurants and snack bars, it would be apt to point out that, apart from eating joints, the Chinese district of London also exclusive Chinese medical services, travel agencies, bookstores, Chinese craft works and a series of Chinese cultural, philanthropic and professional organizations.

Supermarkets Chinese are also worth a visit. They sell everything from curious spices and cooking utensils that you might need, if you want to cook traditional Chinese dishes at home.

While visiting Chinatown, we would do well to visit the Guang Hwa Company, which is one of London's best-known Chinese bookstore. It also sells Chinese artistic handicrafts. For souvenirs, visit the China Shop gift with a stunning Chinese art and wall decorations, ornaments and wall hangings.

London Aquarium

London Aquarium


The magnificent London Aquarium located at Riverside Country Hall Building, is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The fascinating world of the oceans, tropical forests, seashores, beaches and freshwater tropical comes to life in this amazing aquarium.

Apart from the spectacle of watery world, the London Aquarium is committed to conservation efforts and as part of its commitment to the conservation, the aquarium also operates a breeding program, which is managed by a team of biologists marine.

A bewildering variety of fish like jellyfish, clown, sharks, piranhas, fasteners, etc.… to name a few are exposed to the aquarium. For the ultimate customer satisfaction, special events are held every day at this tray. Rivage the sea, in particular, is often open to the general public and you would do well to check with the Aquarium's reception prior to your visit.

The London Aquarium is a private aquarium, which is by far the world's largest collection of marine life, and when combined with the state of the art recreational facilities is a genuinely friendly.

One of the main attractions of the London Aquarium is the Robotic Fish, which was presented to the aquarium, courtesy of the Department of Computer Science, University of Essex. The Robotic Fish has all the characteristics of a fish as a natural undulating movements, speed, acceleration and navigation skills. You will be mesmerized by the fish's ability to find its way to the tank. It can even avoid objects and react to its environment. Needless to say, robotics Fish recently presented at the London Aquarium has become incredibly popular among visitors.

This pioneering London Aquarium is working closely with the Marine Conservation Society, The Shark Trust and Orang Utan Foundation. The aquarium is divided into three floors. The main area reservoirs are located on two floors underground, and you have to climb a few steps to get there. In the center there are two huge reservoirs. The big houses fauna Atlantic while other houses sharks in the Pacific. Around the outer barrier there are some small aquariums with a wealth of marine life.

Apart from the advanced technology Robotic Fish, the incredibly beautiful Atlantic tanks where experienced divers can be seen feeding the sharks and other sea creatures intimidating during food.

If your idea of fun is to sip cognac in the company of sharks, it is quite possible. More and more people from the business community have shown a penchant for holding events and seminars at the London Aquarium fascinating. You can choose a variety of settings - Rainforest, Atlantic or Pacific depending on your preference.

Imagine to be able to testify daring divers swimming with sharks or killer by far the question being surrounded by a luxuriant shelter Amazonian forest with quintessence gushing waterfalls. The excitement inside the Aquarium of London is palpable and is not to be missed tourist landmarks of London.

Trocadero London

London Trocadero


London Trocadero is a magnificent complex commercial and entertainment in the heart of London's West End. Since its creation in the 1700's, the Trocadero has indeed come a long way.

Trocadero is a dynamic place where one can buy, eat and have fun. With regard to shopping, Sock store is a retail store known that offers a wide range of socks and hosiery may be worth a visit. Regarding fashion accessories, lower "Accessories", which is certainly one of the best collections of accessories ranging from jewelry to hats.

There is also the Herbal King and the famous music store HMV store with a sweet shop, acting for the place demanding clients. The shop fitness ultra-modern "Body Shop" is a must visit the shop to fitness fanatics. If you are looking for salvation HiFi electronic gadgets, the gadget store is a great option. And designer gifts for the Octopus is a perennial favorite. Shopping Trip - "Travelex" are known for their high level of professionalism and travel services they have lots of travel packages and tours of special interest to virtually any exotic tourist destinations in the world, Hawaii in Hamburg and Switzerland Sri Lanka.

As far as leisure and recreation is concerned, the area of entertainment-exclusive "Funland" is absolutely out of the planet. You can indulge in a relaxing session of bowling, or try your skills at the American Pool, which has 9 tables located next to the Sports Bar. If you are interested in simulator rides, chances are that some of the most modern and exciting simulator rides might be available at Funland. In all, Funland has a rich collection of 400 plus rounds of offers.

As the flagship brand of the prestigious family Leisure Group, Funland is one of the largest and most spacious recreation center indoor and needless to say, all the recreational facilities are available at what was happening downtown recreation. One of the most popular attractions at Funland is the Pepsi Max Drop Ride adrenaline which is a free fall pumping amusement attraction. It is indeed scary, but do not worry, you are still clinging to your seat.

Regarding the restoration, you can dine in an atmosphere recreated rainforest or dining style Hollywood. The choice is yours. For example, the Rainforest Cafe has made judicious use of special effects to recreate real life rainforest environment. From tropical showers thunderbolts and lightning strikes, even the bewildering varieties of tropical fish were presented in the most innovative way to publicize the experience of the rainforest.

Apart from the futuristic rainforest experience, there are also quiet 1950's American-style dining experience in which you can smile at Ed's Diner. The atmosphere, music and decor of all depict the quintessence of America from the 50's.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, London


The Tower Bridge in central London across the Thames, is one of the finest examples of type of bascule bridge. It is also the most distinct from central London and bridges. This magnificent bridge, which was built way back in 1894 primarily to the fact that other bridges across London Thames were increasingly overloaded with traffic booming.

The Tower Bridge is an engineering marvel, considering that this is not such an easy task to build a bridge across a river whose banks are low. You must be careful enough to ensure trouble-free movement of vessels without any obstruction and this is the main reason why the Tower Bridge was built rocking in the model.


The width of the Thames is 880 feet form from north to south, the bridge required 235 cubic feet of Cornish granite and Portland stone, 20.00 tons of cement, 70000 cubic meters of concrete, 31000.00 bricks and 14000 tons of iron and steel, which is huge by any proportion.

Most people mistake the bridge to be a stone bridge, which is not true. Perhaps because of the work of exquisite masonry that is visible. The Tower Bridge is a steel bridge, but was camouflaged with masonry work extremely thin so that the bridge blends perfectly with its environment rather than being a distraction.

The historic bridge has exclusive entertainment envelope, which is very popular for special events and cocktails. The exceptional setting of the Tower Bridge can be a wonderful place for weddings and celebrations. The exclusive Bridge Master's Dining Room is fully equipped with well-furnished rooms and decor for a moment can accommodate 40 people, which is much preferred by Londoners and visitors, even as regards the celebrations.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

West End, London

West End


The West End in London is what Broadway is in New York. It is a hot spot for fashion and culture. West End is known for its theater and a few houses in London's most famous theaters are located in West End. When a particular production falls back on the sacred ground of the West End theater, it is time for the cast and crew. The old tradition of the seat in a pit and enjoying a play in a turn of the century, the theater is only possible at the West End.

West End is often referred to as central London. Apart from world-renowned theater companies, the West End has an exciting range of entertainment options ranging from bars, nightclubs and high-end stores. The wide range of recreational opportunities available at West End is surprising to say the least. For example, if the purchase in London is on your agenda, then look no further. Popular Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond are among the most famous departmental stores with the best world of fashion. As far as pubs and restaurants are concerned, Soho, which is just a few steps away, is the ideal place to go.

Not only West End is known for its shops and restaurants, is also a melting pot of cultures and art galleries and museums abound to what was happening, a part of London. For example, the Royal Academy of Arts and the Serpentine Gallery to name a few are located in West End.

Many reputable companies have their headquarters located in West End. Diplomatic missions and embassies of various countries are located on the outskirts of the West End.

If one goes by the Wyndham Report, which was published in 1998 who investigated for the first time the West End contribution to the economic prosperity of the United Kingdom, it is amply clear that West End Theaters alone contributed £ 1075 million during the year 1997. Even more surprising is the fact that worldwide revenue from some of Britain shows the famous dwarf those blockbuster Hollywood films like Jurassic Park, Titanic, etc. by a fair margin.

Not to be left behind by the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, in which Hollywood stars walking along the Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. The same kind of march was set up at West End St. Paul's Church Yard Court, which is already chairman of the BBC Michael Grade, writer key Mellor, actress Nicole Kidman to name a few.

West End is an enigma, if you shop or simply walking along its streets. Experience the excitement of West End on your visits to London.

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf



Canary Wharf in London is one of the areas of future development, which have been planned on a grand scale in which some of the world-renowned architects have contributed their expertise to make the district Canary Wharf class destination a world unto itself.

In the past 10 years, the area around the island of dogs has changed unprecedented real estate. The Canary Wharf is well known for its warehouses and historic buildings, most of which were designed and renovated in the last decade.

In the days of yore, Canary Wharf was famous for its docks. They were ceremonially opened in 1802 and very soon began making invaluable contribution to the economic prosperity of London city. Even today, there are a few dockland warehouses in the Canary Wharf neighborhood which are among the most elegant of warehouses you will ever come across.

Today, Canary Wharf is developing at a frenetic pace. It is already one of London's most renowned centers of commerce and is well connected by the Docklands Light Railway.

The Isle of Dogs area in particular is renowned for its eating joints ranging from wine bars to pizza parlors. You will also come across Sushi bars.

For water sports enthusiasts, there is the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Center and you can indulge in Dinghy sailing, windsurfing or even canoeing. Ample opportunities are provided for fishing, rowing and dragon boat racing.

Another great option to spend some quality time in the midst of nature is to visit the Mudchute Park and Farm, which happens to be Europe's largest urban farm. The farm boasts of a fine selection of animals. The farm also has its own riding school apart from festivals and agricultural shows.

A visit to Canary Wharf is not only about skyscrapers. A wide range of shops, bars and restaurants surrounding the Canada Square area often lure tourists to spend some time marveling at the stupendous developments taking place all around Canary Wharf.

A host of attractions and entertainment have come directly into Canary Wharf, which includes health and sports clubs, theater and film, banquets and conferences to name a few.

A Canary Wharf, the great skyscrapers were designed with a touch of futuristic and Who's who of the world community, as Robert De Niro and Cher have booked their plush surroundings in canary Wharf.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

London Docklands

The Dockland gives up images of the huge Canary Wharf Tower in mind. But Docklands is not only the tower. It is quite more than that. Dockland is an area that is dynamic and although most visitors come to London with images of the age old traditions and heritage. A visit to the Docklands and Canary Wharf in nearby areas that are essentially the new face of London is indeed surprising to many.


The Tower Bridge with its sidewalks and the Museum of Contemporary Design on the south shore of the river are indeed wonderful. On the coast north of the river, the attraction is the classic St. Katherine Docks with his former sailing, which makes for a perfect picture. Not many are aware that the Docklands happen to be the venue of the greatest race boat center after Hong Kong.

The scale of development that the London Docklands area has witnessed over the past 20 years is incredible, and the contrast with Docklands twenty years is indeed very strong. The only sign of hospitality and leisure are rare when Docker's canteen. Fortunately, a canteen managed to survive both its proximity to the original location Napoleonic buildings by the side of Canary Wharf. The typical English breakfast, which was used to go to the office crowd, is huge poplar.

Today, Docklands attracts nearly 500000 visitors each year and the detection of Dockland's future tourism potential, which is already a small number of hotel chains internationally renowned as Britannia and the Scandic Crown have made their presence felt at Docklands.

The best way to achieve this is by embarking on the Docklands Docklands Light Railway, Tower Bridge and goes to the island Gardens, and then walk along the Greenwich foot tunnel. From Greenwich has the opportunity to take a boat. This is by far the best way to explore the many beauties of the Docklands area.

Although Docklands is not yet one of the main tourist attractions of London, but it is increasingly popular. With excellent transport links if the Docklands Light Railway, which is a field of more than monorail system, buses and highly efficient bus services river, reaching Docklands is really a pleasure.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace


The Buckingham Palace was built way back in 1702 and the palace has also served as the residence of the Queen Charlotte.

Since its inception, the palace has been the subject of renovation work on a number of times, but the original architectural style has remained intact.

Today, Buckingham Palace is the home residence of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Not only that, the palace also serves as the administrative headquarters of the British monarchy.

The palace, which also houses the State Apartments serves as a meeting place of His Majesty and entertain guests.

As far as art and paintings are concerned, Buckingham Palace is one of the world's richest collections of art. The works are displayed in the State Rooms and major structures of legends like Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Poussin and Claude can be seen at the palace.

The palace double as a venue for Royal ceremonies as state visits and Investitures and each year more than 50000 people visit the palace as guests at banquets, receptions lunch and dinner. The original building was not a spacious room for entertainment. It is due at the forefront of efforts of Queen Victoria that exclusivity Ballroom, which was just 36.6 meters long, 18 meters wide and 13.5 meters high, was built in the year 1853. Today, it serves as a place where the State Banquets and diplomatic receptions are held.

The State Dining Room grandiose located west of the palace is a room worthy of a visit where many people have dined out in the past with Her Majesty.

There is also a music room where customers are introduced to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The music room has been the place where the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and Prince William have been baptized.

The grandiose regal and Drawing Room and the beautiful Bow Room are also worth a visit. The Bow Room was built for King George IV to serve as a library, but it never materialized.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

London Dungeon

London Dungeon

London Dungeon is a museum of history where some of the most horrific acts were simulated, referring to the carnage and chaos of the past. A visit to the London Dungeon takes you on a journey to the dark of Europe in the past.

The museum, which opened way back in the year 1975, is located beneath one of the most active in London Rail-London Bridge Station. It must be said that the London Dungeon is not for the shy. But that said, children in particular, seem to enjoy departures inside the museum.

Once you go inside the museum, expect the worst pictures you ever experienced in your life. Gruesome scenes of people were beheaded, people running, the simulation plague, the Great Fire of London and much more are presented so astonishingly realistic that the experience of your visit to London Dungeon remains etched in your memory for a very long time.

The very fact that you are provided with a platform to display 2000 years of a Europe more threatening real story in itself should be a sufficient reason for you to visit the museum.

Acts of live horror are well complimented the state of the art multimedia display. For example, you can experience walking on the streets of Victorian England when Jack the Ripper ruled the streets of London or elsewhere was beheaded people, which also includes the wives of Henry VIII.

The reconstruction of The Plague and the Great Fire of London is amazing and never you think you have witnessed a version reproduced and not the real bits.

Even entry to London Dungeon is guarded by intimidating characters who are dressed in costumes appalling and wait for the right time to jump on the innocent visitor.

In all, a visit to the London Dungeon is an education in itself, and especially for children, it's a much better way to learn, rather than sit in the classroom. As you leave the museum, do not forget to visit the gift shop. Uncommon souvenirs ranging from plastic skulls, horror DVDs, the attitude T-shirts are all lined up there for you.