Today’s London, England, is still a collection of small, old hamlets dating back to prior centuries. Visitors can still stroll the streets, relish the cultural diversity of modern London and drift into pubs for a pint or cup of tea to go with fish and chips, but most of London moves very quickly 24/7 in these modern times.
It’s easy to get around London, from arrival at Heathrow Airport or the docks to the city center by bus, taxi, commercial tours or Uber. And, yes, those famed double-decker buses are still in use along with the British taxis, which hold six people and their luggage with room to spare. The underground Tube is worth the ride to sights. Food service and hotels are available to fit every palate and purse.
Whether sightseeing on one’s own or arranging for guided tours, must-sees include the following:
• The Tower of London — View the Royal Crown Jewels, the tower’s museum and the White Tower. Use the photo op to document a memory of Tower Bridge. Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, lead the Tower of London tours. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Westminster Abbey — Built in the 1200s, the abbey is part of a monastery dating to A.D. 960. Almost every British monarch since 1066 has been crowned here. The crypts are full of deceased royals and famous writers and artists.
• The National Gallery — Located at Trafalgar Square in the heart of the city, visitors can view some of the most famous art in the world.
• Shakespeare’s Globe — If one has time to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, that is great, but if not, this re-creation of the famed Elizabethan theater is the next best thing. Attend one of The Bard’s performances.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral — Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in the 1700s, the cathedral’s beauty and history is unparalleled. Guided tours are available.
• Green Park, Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly — Located between Mayfair, Hyde Park and St. James’s Park, Green Park is a meadow framed by trees from which one can see Buckingham Palace. Arrive early to watch the famed changing of the guards at the palace, and then shop and dine along Piccadilly. Take in the opulence of the palace while on tour.
• Churchill War Rooms — Located near 10 Downing Street, these rooms in the treasury’s basement were where Prime Minister Winston Churchill hunkered down while leading the country through WWII. At the war’s end, everything was left intact, making this museum an interesting time capsule.
If time allows, take in a football (soccer) game or cricket game. Or perhaps a game of polo is better. Plays, musicals, concerts and art of every kind are available in London. The city is very walkable by using the Tube for long distances.
Weather can be an issue, since the British Isles receive an abundance of rain and fog. Plans can change, and one should always carry rain gear and at least a light jacket. Experience high tea one afternoon at one of the many hotels which offer the tradition.
Finally, great day trips from London abound to Windsor, Eton, Bath, Cambridge, Stonehenge and Salisbury, Highclere Castle of Downton Abbey fame and Canterbury. Schedule a guided tour bus or DIY through Britain’s National Express or National Rail train.
Sources:
1. Frommer’s London. 2023, 8th Edition, FrommerMedia LLC.
2. Davidson, Martin. A Visitor’s Guide to A History of Britain. 2002, St. Martin’s Griffin, New York.
3. Foder’s Travel. 2023, 36th Edition, www.fodors.com.
Written by Virginia Riddle
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