| London is a city rich and varied in history | | | | African mine. The Royal Armouries are also an |
| and yet has a blend of modern facets to | | | | interesting stop at the Tower of London. The |
| please any type of traveler. With hundreds of | | | | spiral staircase running up the interior is |
| art galleries, museums and dozens of other | | | | the only way up and this British national |
| attractions including zoos, music, theater | | | | museum of arms and armour has more than |
| and nightlife, it is no wonder that London is | | | | 40,000 pieces on display. |
| one of the most popular cities in the world. | | | | |
| A visit to London should include these five | | | | Trafalgar Square |
| must see attractions: | | | | |
| | | | Trafalgar Square is often the site of public |
| Westminster Abbey | | | | events and political demonstrations in |
| | | | London. The square, an intersection for many |
| This church, burial ground and coronation | | | | major streets, is a spectacular gateway to |
| site, all rolled into one, is the final | | | | sightseeing for tourists visiting the area. |
| resting place of great kings, poets and other | | | | You'll find the National Gallery on the north |
| British notables. Westminster Abbey is still | | | | side of Trafalgar Square which is among the |
| used as a church for religious services and | | | | world's best art museums. Looking to the |
| events on a regular basis. The works of art, | | | | west, one will see Canada House, where |
| which are contained in the Abbey, make the | | | | Canadians who are visiting can get a taste of |
| visit truly worthy. Inside the west entryway | | | | home. To the east, although close to the |
| hangs a painting of Richard II. This portrait | | | | public, the stone arches of South Africa |
| was painted in 1390 and is the oldest | | | | house with African animals are worth a look. |
| portrait of a British monarch on display | | | | Be sure to visit 10 Downing Street once |
| today. | | | | you've seen all there is to see in Trafalgar |
| | | | Square. Since 1732, 10 Downing Street has |
| Buckingham Palace | | | | been the home of British Prime Ministers. |
| | | | Along with Churchill Museum, 10 Downing is |
| Buckingham Palace, the official residence of | | | | within walking distance of Trafalger Square. |
| British monarchy, is one of the most popular | | | | |
| tourist attractions in England. If you visit | | | | Harrods |
| in August or September you'll find that the | | | | |
| Palace's 19 staterooms are open to the | | | | What would a trip to London be without a |
| public. Some areas of the Palace are open all | | | | little shopping? The world's greatest |
| year and visitors can see the grandiose | | | | department store, Harrods, is great even for |
| architecture of the building along with other | | | | the window shoppers. And, for those who are |
| exhibits. A must see for visitors is the | | | | looking to spend a bit of dough, this million |
| Changing of the Guard as is a stroll through | | | | square feet of merchandise is every shoppers |
| the 40 acre gardens and grounds. | | | | dream. In fact, Harrods motto is - Omnia |
| | | | Omnibus Ubique - which means "All Things For |
| Tower of London | | | | All People Everywhere". Although it has been |
| | | | around for 150 years, Harrods is as modern as |
| Many have heard of the Tower of London, but | | | | the latest iPod. Many of its departments, |
| not everyone knows it served as a prison for | | | | including the seasonal Christmas shop and the |
| many years. The original structure was built | | | | Food Hall, are world famous for their quality |
| to be used as a fort by William the Conqueror | | | | and abundance of selection. Where else can |
| around 1100 AD. Later the Tower evolved into | | | | you choose from 300 different types of |
| a prison and then into a monument for the | | | | cheese? |
| sizable collection of Crown Jewels which are | | | | |
| still on display today. The highlight of the | | | | These top London attractions are a good start |
| collection is the 530-carat Star of Africa. | | | | point but a second visit will be required as |
| The pear shaped diamond is the 2nd largest in | | | | you will find how much London has to offer. |
| the world and was extracted from a South | | | | |