Saturday, 18 October 2008
4 Great Tours of London England
When researching London guided tours online, you will find that you have a number of options. For your convenience, a few of them are outlined below.
1 – The Original London Sightseeing Tour
The Original London Sightseeing Tour has been in the business for almost 60 years. This means that they have perfected the sightseeing journey of London. As a tourist, this works to your advantage. With multiple buses and tour paths, it is difficult to pinpoint what you will see along the way, but it should include the Thames River, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the Trafalgar Square, just to name a few.
Since you are traveling on an opened top bus, also commonly referred to as a double-decker bus, this tour is perfect for individuals of all ages. In fact, special activities can be found onboard for children!
What is unique about this group tour is the ability to hop on and hop off. When you purchase tickets, your tickets are valid for 24 hours. At a scheduled stop, do you want to stop and look around? You can do so. Simply just wait until the next available tour bus arrives and you can continue your journey of exploring London.
2 – Buckingham Palace Tours
The Buckingham Palace is a well-known and popular fixture in London. It is home to both the office and the residence of the Queen. It is also known as one of the few remaining working palaces in the world.
Throughout most of the summer, visitors are able to tour portions of the palace. These locations include the nineteen staterooms. Inside these rooms, you will find some of the greatest treasures in Britain’s history, including paintings and sculptures.
Guided tours are available at the Buckingham Palace. You will be paired with a guide who will lead you on your journey, as well as share the history and interesting facts about this historical landmark.
3 – The Fat Tire Bike Tours
Fat Tire Bike Tours was established in 1999. Their tours started in Paris and Berlin, but they have since arrived in London and you will be glad they did!
Due to the method of travel for this tour, which is by bike, only those who are healthy and fit are encouraged to take the journey. Why? Because that journey can be long. Tours of London average four hours in length. Along the way, you will stop and see Hyde Park, the Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
What is unique about this tour is that reservations are not required. All that is asked is that you arrive on time at the starting point. Tours are available rain or shine. Tours begin promptly at 11am and start outside of the Queensway Underground stop.
4-Duck Tours in London
Out of all the tours in London, you will find the Duck Tour to be the most exciting and unique. Your journey begins by entering an authentic amphibious landing vehicle from World War II. These vehicles, which tend to resemble a duck, have been restored for sightseeing.
Duck Tours of London are available throughout the day. A tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. Speaking of which, you will travel through Westminster. Your tour will start to conclude with a “Splashdown.” This is when your duck vehicle travels right into the Thames River!
The four above mentioned guided tours of London are just a few of your options. You do have hundreds to choose from. You can opt for a private tour company or the tour guide supplied to by each individual establishment, provided guided tours are available.
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Monday, 13 October 2008
4 Art Museums in London England
1 – The Tate Modern
The Tate Modern museum is located on Sumner Street. It is a museum that specializes in modern art and it opened in 2000. Before that time, it was a power station in the mid 1900s. It even has a few original works of art on display from that station. With that said, most work found inside the Tate Modern is from the 1900s to present time.
The Tate Modern is also known for its family friendly atmosphere, but do not worry if you are not a parent. Children are occupied and off having fun with special activities that are designed just for them. Exhibits are subject to change, but you can find the work of James Aldridge, Cy Twombly, and Fred Williams, just to name a few.
As for what visitors have to say about the Tate Modern, many loved it, even if they were not fans of modern art. So, if you are a fan of the arts, add this museum on your list of places to visit in London.
2 – The Hayward Gallery
The Hayward Gallery is located on Belvedere Drive and opened in 1968. According to travel guides, a look at the building may have you turning away, but remember it is not how the museum looks, but rather what its contents inside are.
Speaking of which, you will find one of the largest temporary art exhibits in all of London. Additional onsite activities include workshops, lectures, and guided tours. Since it is known for its temporary exhibits, on hand work is subject to change. You may, however, see the work of Jeppe Hein, Mike Nelson, and Rachel Whiteread, just to name a few.
Aside from the less than attractive appearance of the Hayward Gallery’s exterior, guests were hard-pressed to find anything negative to say. All loved the atmosphere inside, as well as the works on display.
3 – The Royal Academy of the Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts is located at the Burlington House. This museum has a rich history behind it, as it was founded in 1768. Well known for its impressionist art and beautiful sculptures, this museum is considered a must visit.
Just one of the many exhibits you will find inside include a retrospective of Monet’s work. In fact, this has attracted so many victors that it is known as the “most successful impressionist exhibit” in the entire world!
As for what guests have to say about the Royal Academy of Arts, they enjoyed the fine artwork on display. Many also enjoyed the special Friday night events scheduled on occasion.
4 – The Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery
The Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery is located in the Somerset House, which is one of London’s most beautiful buildings. It is a private gallery that comes highly rated and recommend by art lovers of all ages. Speaking of which, visitors under the age of 18 gain free admission into the museum.
As for what you will find inside the Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery, there are paintings from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries on hand, as well as drawings, sculptures, and other decorative arts. Here, you will find the work of Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and much more here.
As for what visitors have to say about the Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery, everyone loved the large selection of artwork on display. It satisfies all art enthusiasts, regardless of their taste.
The four above mentioned London art museums come highly rated and recommended by tourists just like you. As enthusiastic as you may be about art, remember there are many more attractions in London worth the stop, including historical landmarks, such as the London Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.
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Tuesday, 7 October 2008
First In A Series about Visiting London
3 History Museums in London Reviewed
Are you planning a trip to London, England? Although the Buckingham Palace and the London Tower Bridge are all considered must visit attractions, you should partake in one activity. That activity is learning about the history of London and the United Kingdom. The good news is that you can do this in one of the many London area history museums.
Since you do have a number of history museums to choose from, you may be wondering which ones are worth the visit. Continue reading on to find out.
1 – The Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War museum is located on Lambeth Road. Unlike many other history museums, this museum is perfect for individuals of all ages. In fact, children have been known to love the experience. Aside from the permanent and temporary displays, fun activities are planned for both children and adults on a regularly scheduled basis.
As for what you will find inside, you will certainly be amazed. There is a large exhibit room dedicated solely to life-sized war memorabilia. You will find military weapons, including a Mark V Tank from 1919, naval weapons, and air weapons. Many are from World War I and II. Other exhibits highlight wars since 1945, crimes against humanity, the secret war, and an art gallery is also onsite.
As for what guests have to say about the Imperial War Museum, many enjoyed the life-size displays. Others commented on the fact that this museum highlights both the tragedies and triumphs of war.
2 – Winston Churchill’s Britain at War Museum
The Winston Churchill’s Britain at War Museum is located on Tooley Street. Although open daily, this museum is known for its short hours, so verify openings before making the trip.
When you step into the Winston Churchill’s Britain at War Museum, you will learn just what it was like to be in the middle of a war, namely World War II. Aside from the popular bombed department store and air raid shelters, you can read, hear, and examine items of historical importance. These include old radio broadcasts from Winston Churchill, wax models, newspaper clippings, films, and more.
This museum is also known for catering to both individuals and families. Children are encouraged to test their knowledge of the war after a visit. They can do so with free worksheets.
In today’s society, we rarely have a firm understanding on wartime. For those residing in the United States, the wars fought today are fought on foreign soil. So, if you are an American visiting London, a stop to the Winston Churchill’s Britain at War Museum is a must visit. Due to the level of reality, it will be an experience that you never forget.
3 – The Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament are located at Westminster Road. Although not always referred to as a museum, a visit will leave feeling as if you just stepped outside of one. The only difference is that you don’t have to pay to get in, as admission is free.
As for how the Houses of Parliament are important to the history of London, it is here that the British government operated, for over 900 years! There is a lot of history inside this establishment. Not only should you view this beautiful landmark from the outside, but from the inside as well. You will find the Crypt Church, Members Lobbies, and Westminster Hall.
As for what visitors have to say, many recommend going inside. However, if the wait is long, a view from the outside should be enough to please you, as it did with many previous visitors. When standing outside, you will see Big Ben and many other historical landmarks in the background.
As a recap, the Houses of Parliament, the Winston Churchill’s Britain at War Museum, and the Imperial War Museum are three historical museums in London that come highly rated and recommended. For other museums, including those focusing on art, please consult a printed travel guide or the internet.
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