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Charles Mitchell's bio is available.
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London is one of the most exciting cities to be found in Europe. Possibly more than any European city, London seems a very busy place. London is a huge town spread over a very large area. London's industriousness and extent is enlivening.
London is, also, wondrously intricate. Built up over a thousand or more years, London reflects many different eras and personalities. London remarkably, also, maintains consistent qualities. The achievements of all the city's epoches make London distinct.
A visit to London can be a marvelous excursion into the city's past. London's history is very well preserved. Visiting London teaches how the British acquired their traditions. From the Tower of London to the British Parliament building, the city's past is there to be experienced.
London is famous for museums. Best known of these is the British Museum. Many smaller museums similarly preserve London's history. Art galleries are found in abundance throughout London. Several days, at least, would be required to visit all of London's museums.
Shopping in London is an outstanding reason for visiting the city. Quality goods of all kinds are to be found throughout the London. Big department stores and small specialty shops compete for customers. An afternoon spent shopping in London is nearly impossible to equal.
Getting around in London is both effortless and delightful with London's public transportation. The London underground runs everywhere providing fast service from place to place. Double decked buses carry passengers around the city at street level. Either method of travel substantially adds to liking a stay in London.
London has numerous entertainment options both day and evening that make London an unusually pleasant city. As tastes change, there is still always something exciting to do in London. Theater and movies are available in abundance. Many other possibilities including exhibitions and shows of various kinds can be found each day. The choice of things to do in London is sufficient enough to insure a successful visit.
Getting Acclimated to London
London is an extraordinary city on first visit. Famous landmarks are found throughout the city. The city is one familiar vista after another. A visit to London produces a sense of having found the great city. This city compares favorably to the imagination and usually impresses more than expected.
London's public transit system is one of the best anywhere. All the city is connected quickly by underground rail. The London experience includes moving from place to place with convenience. London's famed double decked buses also facilitate travel throughout this city. Double decked buses not only provide transportation, but also allow an opportunity to sightsee.
London is a familiar town for many visitors. Not only does London intend to please first time visitors, the city, also, likes to renew old acquaintanceships. London is a gracious city that succeeds somehow with most visitors.
Opportunities in London are virtually limitless for whatever one would want. In this very big city, one quickly realizes that there are many possible choices between various kinds of activities. London offers extensive shopping, plentiful entertainment, and a nearly unlimited selection of exhibits and museums to chose to visit.
Begin an Acquaintanceship with London's Famous Places
Begin London's urban hike at the Lancaster Gate entrance to Hyde Park of Bayswater Road. Reach Lancaster Gate by underground via the Lancaster Gate underground station. Begin the urban hike sufficiently early in the morning to be able to visit Hyde Park at a pleasant time. Discover Hyde Park by walking through the park to the Marble Arch. Until late in the 19th century, the Marble Arch was the site of public hangings.
From the Marble Arch continue east along Oxford Street. This area is London's most important shopping district. London's major department stores are found here. Selfridges, Debenhams, C and A's, and Liberty's are all located on Oxford or Regent Street. Do some browsing here perhaps. Where Oxford intersects Regent Street, turn left and continue until you reach Piccadilly Circus.
Piccadilly Circus is surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and movie theaters. Piccadilly has been a London favorite for many years. The Piccadilly Circus area may be of unusual appeal if you are planning to attend a movie in the evening.
From Piccadilly Circus, follow Piccadilly to Leicester Square. From Leicester Square, walk along Charing Cross Road to Trafalgar Square. Lord Nelson's Column is found in the center of Trafalgar Square. Before reaching Trafalgar pass directly by the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery. The National Gallery is located on the north side of Trafalgar Square.
From Trafalgar Square, continue up the Strand. This is London's theatrical district. The Strand becomes Fleet Street in several blocks. Fleet Street is the legendary home of the British press. Catch a bus from Fleet Street to Saint Paul's Cathedral.
Saint Paul's Cathedral was built by the great architect Christopher Wren. This great baroque cathedral was completed in 1711. Prince Charles and Princess Diane were married in St. Paul's Cathedral. A visit to Saint Paul's should include the crypt beneath the church. One can walk up stairs leading all the way up to the cathedral's rotunda. Saint Paul's floor plan is a lateran cross. The rotunda is located directly above the center of the cross.
Next, find the Saint Paul's underground station, and take the underground to the Tower Hill Station. The Tower of London is located here. William the Conqueror began the Tower in about 1078. In subsequent years, much English history has involved the Tower.
Imprisonment, torture, murder, and execution have all contributed to establishing the Bloody Tower's reputation. The famous have been housed here awaiting their fate. Henry the VIII imprisoned then executed his wives Ann Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and Margaret Vicountessa of Salisbury within the Tower. Elizabeth I was, herself, kept a prisoner at the Tower for some time before becoming queen.
The modern Tower is associated with the Beefeaters or Yeoman Warders who wear the distinctive Tudor style uniforms. The Crown Jewels of England are kept here. White's Chapel within the Tower contains an superb museum including a well displayed armor collection.
After visiting the Tower, walk along the Thames River. There are some British navy ships anchored along the Thames that can be visited. or Tower Bridge enthusiasts, there is a walkway along the upper level of the Tower Bridge that can be used to cross the bridge. From the Tower, take the underground to the Tottenham Court Road Station and Bloomsbury, London.
Bloomsbury's fame is often linked to two reasons, the British Museum and the economist John Maynard Keynes. The British Museum is only one block to the west of the Tottenham Court Road Station. The British Museum is a favorite of Londoners. The museum's large collection includes exhibits of things from classical times to the present. A half day or more can effortlessly be spent exploring the British Museum.
Next, take the underground to the Westminster Station. The English Parliament is located in the Palace of Westminster. Big Ben is also found here. Walk across the Thames River Bridge for a famous view of Parliament. If Parliament is in session, admission to the strangers' gallery in either the House of Commons or Lords may be possible.
Westminster Abbey is next to Westminster. Since 1050 AD, all but two of England's kings and queens have been crowned at Westminster Abbey. Many of England's monarches are also buried here.
Brass rubbings from Westminster Abbey are familiar decor. These brass rubbings can be made from cathedral artifacts. Purchase paper and ink and try a brass rubbing.
After leaving Westminster Abbey, walk across Parliament Square and north on Whitehall. Downing Street is a few blocks up Whitehall on the left hand side. While visitors are no longer allowed outside 10 Downing Street, the famous residence can still be seen from Whitehall.
After leaving 10 Downing Street, return to Parliament Square and walk up Birdcage Walk to St. James Park. Walk through St. James Park to the Mall. Buckingham Palace is at the opposite end of the mall. If the Queen is in residence, one can see her distinctive flag with the three lions of England above the palace. The changing of the guard takes place at Buckingham Palace at 11:30 am every day in the summer and every other day in the winter. Buckingham Palace completes the London urban hike.
Savoring London, A City of Contrasts
London is a very large city, and liking the city requires some time to adequately appreciate everything. The best way to begin familiarizing yourself with this city is to first learn London's plan. The urban hike presented in this chapter is ideal for that. Later spend several days visiting best liked places. The results should be a thoroughly satisfying London experience.
London's urban scenery is second to none and obtaining exceptional photographs
is not complicated. Look for various possibilities for spontaneous photographs of London. Include photographs of thoroughfares busy with people and traffic. A camera should ready at all times.
London is a city of many contrasts. The quiet of the Hyde Park District is a distinct contrast to the crowds of people and vehicles found on Oxford Street. The imperial mood of Trafalgar Square is different than the sedate atmosphere that prevails along the Strand. The Tower's sanguinary history is contrasted by the English Parliament and its environs.
Attempt to appreciate as many of London's different personalities as possible. An unusual number of different London's are to be found while completing this chapter's urban hike. As ones confidence in London improves, continue further exploration of this city. The London experience should be substantially better for first having got out and found the city on foot.
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