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London Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in London
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London Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in London - Whether you arrive in London via the underground
or inside one of the city's ubiquitous black taxicabs, you will
immediately be greeted by a deep sense of history and met with the
unique vibrancy of this incredible destination.
In its dark and troubled past, the city of London has
survived Roman occupancy, sackings from the Celts, Romans, Vikings
and Saxons, a Norman invasion, two great fires, the bubonic plague,
Nazi bombings, the Spice Girls and Damien Hirst.
But the London of today promises something for everyone.
The London Eye lifts visitors high above the river into vistas that
stretch tight across the fading skies. Further down on the South
Bank, the Tate Modern contains one of the world's most incredible
collections of Modern Art, while the city's 30,000 stores and
boutiques will exhaust even the most avid shopper, and its 6,000
restaurants are only too eager to demonstrate why Britons revere
their chefs as celebrities. For those interested
in exploring the country's heritage, the Tower of London is an
excellent starting point. First constructed in the 11th century,
the Tower has been rebuilt several times as later monarchs have
left their mark. Still one of London's biggest attractions, and a
great celebration of pomp that is free to all visitors is the
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which happens
daily. As the great dome of St Paul's reflects
the colours of the setting sun, London comes alive with an
unrivalled nightlife. For those up for something more thrilling
than dinner and the theatre, London has a vast number of bars and
nightclubs catering to all tastes.
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London
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Madame Tussauds
Marylebone Road
www.madame-tussauds.com |
What is it? Madame Tussauds is the most famous wax museum
gallery in the world, with more than 400 life-sized models of
stars, famous politicians, royals and sportsmen, as well as the
most infamous criminals the world has known. Inside the Museum the
'Spirit of London' ride will take you through the city's history,
introducing you to those figures that have shaped the London of
today, while The Chamber of Horrors challenges visitors to enter
and be terrified. Also at the site is Tussaud's Auditorium, one of
the biggest in the world, ready to amaze visitors with its views of
the universe.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday and
Sunday 9am to 6pm (off peak) and daily 9am to 6pm (peak).
Auditorium: weekdays 12.30pm to 5.30pm, weekends 10.30am to
6pm
Phone:(0)870 999 0046 |
2. The Tower of London
Tower Hill
www.hrp.org.uk |
What is it? The Tower of London is perhaps as famous for
its traditions as its imposing structure. It is guarded by a
special band of Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, and dotted
with several large, black birds - the Ravens. Legend has it that if
the Ravens ever leave the Tower, a great tragedy will befall
England, and to this day the birds are protected by Royal decree.
The Tower's history dates back to the 11th century, and each new
Monarch has played a role in its growth and development. It also
houses Britain's crown jewels, a spectacular display of some of the
world's finest gems and workmanship. The Tower is next to Tower
Bridge, another famous London Landmark.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday and Monday
10am to 6pm (March to October); Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm,
Sunday and Monday 10am to 5pm (November to February). Closed
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's
Day
Phone:(0)870 756 6060 |
3. The Houses of Parliament
Westminster
www.parliament.uk |
What is it? Originally built for Edward the Confessor
more than 1,000 years ago, the Houses of Parliament, or Palace of
Westminster, remained the principal residence of Britain's monarchs
for the next 400 years. Thereafter it became the administrative
centre of the country. In 1834 the great fire burnt everything
except Westminster Hall, and the present Gothic building was
completed in the 1840s. It is perhaps most famous for the clock
tower, St Stephens, which is commonly, but mistakenly called Big
Ben, after the name of the bell inside. Although Parliament is
closed to visitors during session, it is still a popular attraction
to tourists for its exterior architecture.
Hours of Operation: Open during summer recess, usually between August and
October, with tours departing every few minutes. It is advised that
visitors check the website for opening times, but generally tours
are offered daily except Sunday between 9.15am and
4.30pm
Phone:(0)20 7219 3000 |
London
holidays - Top Events
1. Chinese New Year
From 2007-02-18
To 2007-02-18
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What is it? The Chinese New Year is celebrated every year
in London's Chinatown, which is located in Soho. As the Chinese
calendar is based on lunar and solar movements, this festival takes
place on a different date every year. The festival consists of
numerous parades, which often snake their way through to Covent
Garden. The celebrations give rise to a variety of food stalls in
the area, serving Chinese cuisine, and visitors and tourists are
always welcome to watch and participate. English is still the
second language for many Chinese in London, so visitors should
remember to wish them a happy New Year in their own language. In
Cantonese it is Gueng Huei Fa Zuai, pronounced
gwung-hway-fa-tzoo-eye and in Mandarin it is Gong Xi Fa
Cai, pronounced gong-she-fatsai. In 2007 begins the Year
of the Pig.
Where is it? Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square |
2. Flora London Marathon
From 2007-04-22
To 2007-04-22
|
What is it? The Flora London Marathon is a 26.2-mile
(42km) race from Greenwich Park to the Mall, via the Cutty Sark,
Canary Wharf, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben.
Around 30,000 professional and amateur runners compete every year,
many dressed in fancy dress to raise money for charity. The route
is lined with spectators, and has a very festive
atmosphere.
Where is it? Starts in Greenwich Park and ends in the Mall |
3. Chelsea Flower Show
From 2007-05-01
To 2007-05-31
|
What is it? The Chelsea Flower Show is an annual event
organised by the Royal Horticultural Society and since its
inception in 1913 has been recognised as the foremost show of its
kind in the world. An immensely popular event, the show draws
crowds of thousands every year with its colourful and beautifully
sculptured displays. Experts from the Royal Horticultural Society
are on hand, ready to impart gardening advice to the show's many
visitors. Tickets can be bought via the website and visitors are
advised to book early to avoid
disappointment.
Where is it? Show grounds at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea |
4. Trooping the Colour (Queen's Birthday Parade)
From 2007-06-16
To 2007-06-16
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What is it? The ceremony of the Trooping the Colour (or
Queen's Birthday Parade) takes place each year on Horse Guards
Parade on the Queen's birthday and dates back to the time of
Charles II in the 17th century. Although the Queen was actually
born on 21 April, her official birthday is celebrated in the
summer, when the weather is better. The parade begins with one of
the Foot Guard regiments of the Household Division escorting their
regimental colour, before giving the Queen a salute in front of
Buckingham Palace, and is followed by a march of the Massed Bands
before the Queen is escorted back home by the Household Cavalry
Mounted Regiment on their magnificent black
chargers.
Where is it? Horse Guards Parade |
5. London Mardi Gras
From 2007-07-01
To 2007-07-01
|
What is it? The London Gay & Lesbian Pride and
Mardi Gras consists of three main events, the Pride parade, the
Mardi Gras Arts Festival, and the Mardi Gras Festival. Details of
these events are released in the run up to Mardi Gras, which is
usually held in June. For the Pride parade London's gay and lesbian
community takes to the streets with a morning celebration of
costumes, floats and music. The Mardi Gras Festival is then usually
held in the afternoon in one of London's bigger public venues, with
dance tents, stalls, a funfair, bars and many other attractions.
Tickets for the Pride Parade can be bought by telephone: (0870)
1200 722.
Where is it? Hyde Park |
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