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