The Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the largest museums of designs and decorative arts in the world. It is located in the region of Kensington and was founded in the year 1852. It is home to several collections of decorative arts, ornaments and much more. These collections of artworks were earlier displayed at the Crystal Palace. The building of Victoria and Albert Museum was designed by Sir Aston Webb and the cornerstone for the building was laid by Queen Victoria. You can also find a variety of European sculptures and tableaux including furniture work, porcelain, jewellery, textiles and much more. The Currie collection at the museum is renowned for French and Italian arms and armour. The outstanding artwork such as Chinese ceramics, Eumorfopoulos sculptures and jade from East Asia are also displayed in the collection. The popular national collection of British Water colours, prints, miniatures, drawings and much more is also displayed in the museum. Some of the most outstanding works of John Constable is also a part of the collection at Victoria and Albert Museum. The National Art Library is also extremely popular and is also a great resource of knowledge.

The museum holds a permanent collection of more than 4.5 million objects. Victoria and Albert Museum is sponsored by the department of Media, Culture and Sports. The museum is located close to several other renowned galleries and museums such as Science Museum, Natural History Museum and many more. The region in which the museum is sited is well known for its enormous culture, educational and scientific importance. The museum is divided into four departments of collections: Furniture, fashion and textiles; Word and Image; Ceramics, Glass, Metal works and Sculptures; Asia. These collections are of great importance for the scholars. These collections are further sub divided into sixteen display zones. Some of the artifacts in the collection are known to be more than 3000 years old. The Cast Courts at the museum are absolutely breathtaking and attract the major part of tourists. The museum displays and organizes a variety of exhibitions. The temporary exhibitions in accompaniment with the permanent display at the museum attract millions of tourists and scholars every year.

Some of the current exhibitions at the museum are listed as follows:
• Baroque 1620-1800 – Style in the Age of Magnificence:
It is displayed in room number – 38, 39 and north court in the museum. It displays one of the most luxurious fashions of the 17th and 18th centuries. The reflection of magnificence and intricacy of Baroque can be seen in the collection.

• Future Fashion Now – New designs from the Royal college of Art:
The exhibition mentioned above is all about the creative collection of the graduates from the royal college of art. The collection features around 50 outfits and is one of the most popular in town. You can also explore a variety of handbags and accessories along with the process of designing. The admission to the exhibition is absolutely free of charge.

• Capturing the Moment, Photographs by Reg Wilson:
The exhibition will be displayed till 10th January 2010 and the entry is free of charge. The collection is displayed in room number 104. The exhibition showcases the spectacular photographs from Britain’s most creative photographer – Reg Wilson. It shows all the aspects of performance process from studio to the main event.

• The Photographer’s Pilgrimage - Exploring Buddhists Sites in Asia:
In the exhibition you can explore the beauty of Buddhist sites in the remote areas of Asia. The collection includes some of the most excellent works of Joseph Lawton and Linneaus. The entry is free of charge.

• Contemporary Drawings:
The entry to the exhibition is free of charge and displays the collection of modern art by several sculptors, photographers and painters.

The Museum offers almost all the necessary facilities and is easily accessible from South Kensington London Underground.

Captivating Beauty of Covent Garden

London - the capital city of United Kingdom is one of the most fashionable metropolitan cities in the world. When it comes to shopping in London, you have a wide variety of options. London’s Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Bond Street etc are some of the well known shopping destinations in London. The number is extremely large and thus it’s hard to talk about all the shopping districts in few words. So, let’s discuss about the Covent Garden which is one of the most visited entertainment districts in the city.

Covent Garden is one of the most vivacious districts in the London city. It offers outstanding shopping, street entertainments, excellent significant theatres, dazzling night clubs and more than 1000 restaurants, bars and cafes offering a wide variety of delectable cuisines.

Shopping at Covent Garden:
From stylish clothing’s to elegant accessories and unique antiques to cheap gif shops, you name it and this district has it. Agne’s B, All Saints, David & Goliath, East and Ellis Brigham are some of the most popular brands at Covent Garden if you are looking for some casual clothes. The district also offers a variety of designer brands offering latest fashions of clothes and accessories. Accessorize. Aldo, Betsey Johnson and Camper are some of the stores extremely renowned for their spectacular accessories. The place is also renowned for a great variety of men’s wear. Calvin Klein, Esprit, Field & Trek and J Simons are some of the most preferred brands for menswear.

Eating at Covent Garden:
Covent Garden is a home to a variety of restaurants, café’s etc. These restaurants offer a wide variety of delicious cuisines. With appetizing food they also offer a warm and homely atmosphere. Covent is one of the best places to go at for the foodies. Covent Garden Grill, Covent Garden Kitchen and Crème de la crepe are some of the restaurants known for serving British food. On the other hand Dacca, Masala Zone and Taste of India are some of the popular restaurants offering Indian food. Bella Italia, Fire & Stone are amongst the restaurants famous for pizza.

Theatre’s in Covent Garden:
Most of the theatres in London are located in Covent Garden. Adelphi theatre, Aldwych theatre, Fortune Theatre, Palladium theatre, and theatre Royal are some of the most renowned theatres in the region of Covent Garden. These theatres present a variety of performing arts such as comedy, opera, drama, musical shows, dance and much more.

Night Life in Covent Garden:
London is globally renowned to offer one of the best night life after New York. Several clubs, pubs, dancing dens etc are located in almost all the areas of London. Amongst all the happening districts Covent Garden depicts the London Life extremely well. A wide range of options are available in the district to enjoy the London night life. O2 Arena, Pop at O2, Jazz Café, HMV Apollo and Belushi’s bar are some of the renowned night clubs and bars.

Attractions around Covent Garden:
Some of the most visited London attractions are located in and around the area of Covent Garden. London Transport Museum, Theatre Museum, Royal Opera House, St Paul’s Cathedral, Photographers Gallery, Sir John Soane’s Museum, National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are some of the nearest attractions.

The district of Covent Garden is easily accessible from the Charing Cross, Waterloo, London Bridge, Kings Cross St Pancras and Victoria tube station. The area has an easy access from almost all the major airports through various public and private transports.

Piccadilly Circus Plaza

Piccadilly Circus is one of the most popular hubs of entertainment in London. Sited in the area of Westminster it is the heart of the London city. The place was named after the famous Piccadilly Street by John Nash. Piccadilly is the most exciting areas in the city and its stifling crowd, blinking ads and vivacious night life makes it even livelier. The circus is decorated during the festive season which often adds to the beauty of the place. The statue of Angel of Christian Charity sited at the centre of the Piccadilly Circus is the most beautiful structure at the place. The Piccadilly Street is well known as the most elegant street in the city. It is home to several well known restaurants, pubs and night clubs. Piccadilly Circus is also famous for numerous theatres sited at the Haymarket, Shaftesbury, Coventry Street and Glasshouse Street. Some of the most popular entertainment and shopping areas of London are also located in the region of Piccadilly Circus. It is by far one of the busiest areas in the city. Piccadilly Circus is extremely popular amongst the tourists. The Piccadilly Circus tube station is also one of the most crowded London underground.

Piccadilly Circus comprises of four streets including – Piccadilly, Regents Street, Covent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue. The Shaftesbury memorial fountain sited at the centre of the circus is a famous London Landmark. Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, Soho and Shaftesbury are located just a stones throw away from the Piccadilly Circus. London itself has numerous attractions and some of the most popular amongst them are sited around the Piccadilly Circus. Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Admiralty Arch, Liberty, St James Palace, Covent Garden, St James Park, Royal Opera House, Queen Victoria Memorial and Cleopatra’s Needle are some of the renowned London attractions located near the Piccadilly Circus.

Several sensational events are also organized at the Piccadilly Circus. Keb Darge’s Legendary Deep Funk is one of such events which is organized every Friday at Madame Jojo’s Westminster. The venue is within the walking distance from the Piccadilly Circus. This dance party is the favourite hub of the party animals and several dancers also participate in the event. The Getdown, Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues, London Friday Night Skate, Lush Launch party at Pacha, Berwick Street Market and Marilyn are some of the other happening events in the area. Piccadilly Circus and the area around is also one of the best places to shop at. It is home to several globally renowned braded show rooms. Lillywhite’s sited within the distance of 1 minute is one of the most visited shops in the town. It owes a remarkable heritage and great brand image. Fortum and Mason, Zavvi - Virgin Megastore (Music store), Water stones Piccadilly (Book shop), Lush (Perfumes) and Simon Carter (Jewellery) are some of the other well known shops in the area.
Piccadilly Circus hosts a wide range of restaurants, pubs and bars. The region offers a variety of delicious cuisines from almost all the parts of the world. Some of the best and the most hygienic restaurants of London are located in the area of Piccadilly Circus.

Amongst all these eateries following is the list of the best amongst them:
• Japan Centre Restaurant Toku – Offers extremely appetizing Japanese cuisines in an outstanding environment. The restaurant offers great hospitality and best prices.

• Noura Central – Lebanese restaurant offering good quality food at exceptionally normal costs. It is one of the best restaurants in London and Paris and is well known for its services.
• Wagamama – Offers South East Asian Cuisine in a mesmerizing atmosphere.
• Chowki – Offering scrumptious flavours of Indian and south Indian cuisines.
• St Alban – Offering modern European Cuisine.
• Fortum and Mason- Well known Café and Delis. A fountain restaurant by the same name offers a wide variety of British cuisine.

Thus it can be said that Piccadilly Circus is the liveliest areas of London and is a must to visit whenever you tour London.

London Night Clubs

The happening capital city of UK – London is amongst the most popular tourist’s destinations in the world. London night life is known to be the best after New York. It is home to several restaurants, pubs, night clubs, dancing dens, theatres etc. As London is a multi ethnic city, you can find a variety of delicious cuisines at the restaurants in the city. Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Piccadilly Circus, West End etc are some of the areas extremely popular for offering vivacious and electrifying night life. Some of the most excellent London night clubs listed below:

• Egg
Egg is one of the most popular night clubs in London. It is sited in the region of Kings Cross St Pancras. The night club covers a wide area and has 3 floors with a gorgeous terrace garden. The club also offers a well maintained swimming pool during the summer season. Egg is also involved in organizing events and can easily accommodate up to 1400 guests but, the minimum number of guests is 50. With a wide variety of rocking music, the night club also offers food, drinks and snacks. The place is well known for dance parties.

• Fabric
Fabric is amongst the most excellent night clubs in the city located at the Charterhouse Street, London. The club has an electrifying sound system in three different rooms. The most attractive feature of the club is the vibrating floor at the club, it is popularly known as the body sonic dance floor. The floor is attached to the 400 bass transducers that emit the melodious bass frequencies. It is also an ideal option for organizing parties and other events. The club also offers a variety of packages and membership schemes etc.

• The Forum
The Forum is situated in the region of Kentish Town, London and is the most popular amongst the youth. It offers a great sense of intimacy and has an exceptional design, architecture and décor. It is the first preference of the people who love watching live performances. Some of the best bands in the city perform at the club. Forum is one the few night clubs who hold a license of playing music for 24 hours. The club can easily accommodate 2500 guests. So all the clubbers, Forum can surely be the next night club on your list.

• Ministry of Sound
Ministry of Sound is a globally renowned name in the industry and was even rated at the sixth position amongst the top 100 night clubs. Sited in the Gaunt Street, London it is one of the busiest night clubs in the city. It offers a dominant and passionate clubbing environment. Ministry of Sound not only offers a dazzling DJ night but it also offers several DJ courses etc. With all such facilities in an extremely thrilling environment, Ministry of Sound has become one of the most successful night clubs in the world.

• The Kingly Club
London Groove is the trendiest night clubs in the region of London’s Soho. The club offers spectacular flashing dance floors with the music of all the rage. It is one of the most desirable venues in the city and is popular for its fine service, sushi, champagne and great music. With one of the coolest crowd in the city the club offers the best music by some of the renowned DJ’S. You can also plan a private or a corporate party at this happening venue. The club offers several membership packages and discounts.

So if you are looking for some of the vibrant venues where you can rock your night, then the clubs mentioned above are some of the best options available in the city. The London night life is so popular amongst the tourists that it is also one of the renowned London attractions.

Tremendous Tower of London

London is home to several tourists attractions and thus is also one of the most preferred tourist’s destinations. Tower of London has been the royal fortress and palace of England’s Her Majesty. Though the Tower of London is no more a royal residence but it will officially remain a royal palace. It is one of the most popular attractions in London and is also a supreme landmark in the city. It is located close to the north bank of the Thames River. Sited in the region of London’s Borough of Tower Hamlets, it is easily accessible from the Tower Hill Tube station.

The place is commonly identified with the well known White Tower. It is a great example of the architecture of Norman military. It is said that the tower was founded by the renowned conqueror – Sir Williams when he affirmed his power and was protecting London.

The Tower offers protection to the city through its excellent defensive structure. It also provides a garrison and controls the citizens by the same means. The last military conquest took place at the tower and thus it is one of the most remarkable iconic landmarks of United Kingdom. The Tower of London is made up of ancient stones and has priceless jewels. It holds several astonishing stories from across the centuries. It always had a gloomy reputation as a palace of death and torture. Despite of this dark image it is an extremely enduring and powerful fortress. It has served as a zoo for several years in the past and had been an imperative armoury.

Sited at the centre of the Tower of London is the White Tower, built by the William in the year 1078. It is 90 feet high with four turrets above the battlements. The influence of the white tower was felt in the entire kingdom. The renowned bedchamber and the crown jewels at the tower are not worth missing. You can also explore the place where the prisoners wept and the heads rolled. The tower held several prisoners who belong to almost all levels of the society. This was the place of confinement of the prisoners and the graffiti left by several such prisoner can still be read. You can also explore a brilliant exhibition – Henry VIII – Dressed to Kill, which started on 3rd April 2009 and will last till 17 January 2009. The exhibition is organized at all three floors of the White Tower. In the exhibition a large number of objects that belonged to Henry VIII are on display. Explore the legend Henry VIII as a sportsman, the king and as warrior.

The exhibition also displays the great royal armouries. Several key paintings from the reign of Henry VIII are also displayed in the exhibition. The objects displayed in the exhibition are presented with new dazzling audio – video effects and lighting. The Tower of London has also been featured in films and documentaries. The attraction is open throughout the year although the timings are different for summers and winters. This summer explore the Tower with exceptional family friendly installations that will reveal the story of this great fortress. The stories of the tower under the attacks and the weapons and soldiers who defended it will also be interacted. The Imperial state crown and the Maundy dish which is still a part of the traditions of the annual monarchy can also be explored.

To add some more adventure you can opt for the Beefeater tour available at the attraction. In this tour the “Yeoman Warder’ which is the body of beefeaters will tell you some interesting stories of the people who guarded the fortress for centuries. You will surely be appalled and astounded by these tales. To brief it all the following lists will tell you what is not to be missed when you visit this royal London attraction:

• The White Tower
• Henry VIII – Dressed to Kill
• Crown Jewels
• Lady Jane Grey graffiti
• Yeoman Warder tours
• Prisoners exhibition
• Tower Green
• Ravens
• Medieval Palace
• Family Fun activities

A Ride to Central London

Central London is one of the most popular regions in London. It is referred to the area located on the north south areas of the river Thames. The central London is widely spread and covers an area of around 26 square kilometers. It can e divided into three districts – the City, South Bank and the West End. Some of the major London places are sited in the Central London. The place offers some of the most sought after locations in the city. Central London is home to several well known London hotels, restaurants, bars, night clubs and several vivacious shopping districts. The theatres of West End are one of the major tourist’s attractions in Central London.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Central London:
• Buckingham Palace – This London attraction is open in summer season only. This year the royal palace is open for tourists between 26th July – 28th September 2009. It is easily accessible from the Victoria tube station and the price of the ticket is 16.50 pounds for adult and 9.50 pounds for children.

• London Eye – This magnificent wheel is one of the most popular tourist’s attractions in the world. Sited close to the river Thames it offers excellent views of the city. Embankment Tube station is the nearest tube station. The tickets for the London Eye flight will cost you around 17 pounds.

• Tower of London – It is one of the historical sights in United Kingdom and attracts millions of tourists every year. Tower of London is also one of the most popular iconic landmarks of London. It is easily accessible through Tower Hill tube station.

• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum – One of the most excellent wax museums in the world. Sited close to the Bakers Street tube station, London.

• London Dungeon – This terrifying traitor boat ride is an extremely adventurous ride. It will cost you 20 pounds approximately.

• London Aquarium – Located close to the Waterloo tube station and the entry will cost you 15.25 pound approximately.

• Tower Bridge – It is one of the most excellent vantage points in London. It hosts several exciting exhibitions throughout the year. It is just a stones throw away from the London Bridge Tube.

• Kensington Palace – This royal palace in the city was once a private country house now the tourists can also explore this beautiful and ethnic palace. The entry tickets are worth 12.50 pounds for the adults.

• St Paul’s Cathedral – St Paul’s is one of the most visited churches in London. You can explore this church at the price of 11 pounds.

• London Zoo – It is amongst the best tourists attractions in the city and has an easy access from the Chalk Farm tube station. The entry ticket for the zoo will cost you around 18.50 pounds.

Night Clubs in Central London
• Egg
• Fabric
• Future Fusion
• Heaven
• Ministry of Sound

Restaurants in Central London
• Greig’s Restaurant – Located in the Bruton Place and offers British Cuisine.
• Browns Bar & Brasserie – Situated at the Maddox Street, Mayfair and well known for European and Brasserie Cuisines.
• 1997 – Popular for Chinese Cuisine.

• 2 Amici Italian Restaurant – Popular for offering delicious Italian cuisine and situated at the Rochester Row.
• Bhatti – At the Covent Garden and offers delicious variety of Indian food.
• Taste of India – Catherine Street
• Tandoori Nights – Covent Garden offers Indian Cuisine.

Shopping in Central London
• Tottenham Court Road – Electronics
• Charing Cross – Books
• Denmark Street –Music
• Bond Street – Luxury Goods
• Covent Garden – Clothes
• Oxford Circus – Clothes and Accessories

Hotels in Central London
Central London houses several cheap hotels, luxury hotels and other comfortable accommodations such as:
• Hilton London Kensington Hotel ****
• Central House Hotel ***
• Marble Arch Inn Hotel *
• Ashley Hotel **
• Grange City Hotel *****

Central London is one of the most vibrant areas in London. It has something or the other to offer for every one. Besides night clubs, bar and restaurants there are several other means of entertainment such as theatres, malls and much more. So next time you visit London, Central London is the place where you can book your hotel.

Science Museum London - Globally Renowned Resource of Technology

London is home to several art galleries and museums. Being the capital of United Kingdom, it has a rich, powerful and royal history and thus it has a lot of museums that still keep the memories of the royal history alive. Some of the museums and galleries in the city are globally well known and attract millions of tourists every year. Amongst all these London’s Kew Gardens, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Photographers Gallery, Tate Gallery and Science Museum are some of the most visited galleries and museums in the city.

Science Museum is one of the most globally renowned museums in the world and is well known for historic collections. Founded in the year 1857, it has a great glass building commonly known as Crystal Palace. The fund generated from the exhibitions held in Science Museum is used in the educational developments as it was initially suggested by its supporter Prince Albert. Science Museum holds more than 3, 00,000 items in its commendable collection. A collection based around a medical theme by Henry Wellcome is one of the most valuable collections in the museum. The museum also hosts a library which was once known as National Library of Britain for Technology, Science and Medicine. You can find several manuscripts, periodicals and early books in this library. This library is a great resource for scholar’s world wide. The medical collection of the Science Museum also serves the intellectuals globally.

The museum has recently launched a new section called Weellcome Wing, entirely dedicated to the Bioscience. The wide range and intensity of collection at the Science Museum makes it a leading centre for demonstrating the contemporary science in the world. The museum also includes several permanent and temporary galleries. The East Hall is the most appealing section and is also the first area seen by visitors in the Science museum. It is filled with a number of iconic steam engines which depict the story of the revolution in British industry. The Exploring Space Gallery in the museum is also one of the major attractions in the science museum. It exhibits a variety of rockets and items that were once used for space explorations.

Science Museum London is one of the most visited London attractions and is extremely popular amongst the scholars and students. The museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 – 6:00 p.m. The entry to the museum is free of charge but there is entry fee for some special exhibitions. The museum hosts a café and souvenir shop which is popular amongst the youngsters. It is easily accessible through several public transports and is within the walking distance from the South Kensington tube station. Educational group tours, events and resource material are also organized by the Science Museum. It is also well known for offering development and professional trainings to the teaching staff from all over the world. The museum is also renowned as a research centre and several facilities for the smooth progress of research are also offered by the museum.