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 London in a Day
London, England’s capital city tops the list of many people’s destinations to visit, while on vacation to Britain. London
has more visitor attractions than any other city in the world and draws
some 30 millions visitors each year. If you only have a day to get
around them then you've a lot to cram in, but here is how it can be
done…
Staying at a central London hotel can be
as lavish or as affordable as you want. myguideBritain has a range of
accommodation in London to suit any budget from just under $200 a night
at London Bridge Hotel, The Paddington Court Hotel or the Mostyn Hotel. Or you could splash out for a stay in the elegant surroundings of The Goring (from $650 a night), The Stafford (from $481 a night) or the Royal Park (from $341 a night). Alternatively you could go self-catering with a stay at Astons Apartments from just ($192 per night).
If this stretches your budget a little you’ll be pleased to know that
most of London's museums and galleries are free. These include the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the V&A, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.
If you're unsure of how to get around London, its worth taking a bus
tours that will take you to all the main sights and cost around £12,
otherwise get yourself a Zone One day ticket for the Tube for £6.20, or
if you're feeling adventurous explore on foot, with a good pair of
shoes and an umbrella - just in case!
Most people will start a tour of London at Buckingham Palace . The best time to get to Buckingham Palace is about 10.30 in the morning to see the Changing of the Guard
at 11.30am - each day (if dry) throughout June and July. From
Buckingham Palace make your way on foot down Birdcage Walk to Big Ben,
the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
. Parliament is open to public view during the summer recess of August
and September, but prior booking is strongly advised. To visit
Westminster Abbey you may have to queue (and for quite some time during
peak times) as it's capacity is strictly limited, but it is well worth
the wait. All of Britain's Kings and Queens are crowned here, in this
masterpiece of gothic architecture and many are buried here as well.
From Westminster, head down Whitehall past Downing Street to the official centre of London - Trafalgar Square
. Here you'll find Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery containing
some of Britain's greatest art treasures ranging from the 13th to the
20th centuries and boasting works from greats such as Botticelli, Da
Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Rubens, Rembrandt, Turner, Monet, Cezanne
and Van Gogh. Round the corner, the National Portrait Gallery is a
must, here you can put the faces to all the famous names throughout
British history, that will keep cropping up as you visit London's
historic attractions.
From here you may want to
use some transport to get to the British Museum (Tube - Charing Cross
to Holborn). If there is one visitor attraction you should see in
London it is this, the British Museum contains around 6 million
artifacts from the four corners of the globe outlining the history of
world civilization. Here you’ll find the controversial Elgin Marbles,
the sarcophagus of Cleopatra and a colossal statue of Rameses III.
From here head towards Tower Hill to see the World famous Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
. If anywhere is worth spending your day's budget it's the Tower of
London, its walls are packed with history, intrigue and even the odd
ghost or two, not to mention the Crown Jewels. From here hop back on
the Tube at Tower Hill to St Paul's where you'll get off to visit the
stunning St Paul's Cathedral
. The great catacombs of the cathedral are where many of the great and
good of Britain are buried, while a climb up the 530 steps to the top
of the central dome will grant you amazing views across the city of
London and at a fraction of the price of the London Eye . From the top of St Paul's Cathedral you could watch the sun go down over London town.
A walk across the Millennium Bridge brings you to the national gallery
of modern art at the Tate Modern or you could head ‘up West’ for the
evening and take in a show at one of London’s famous West End theatres.
Where else in the world could you visit two cathedrals, three art
galleries, one museum, a Royal palace and a number of World Heritage
Sites in one day? Only in Britain and only in London.
For more information on a customized vacation to Britain or London please contact one of our guides.
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