London Science Museum

London is the 9th largest metropolitan in the world and is located close to the Thames River. The city is capital to the United Kingdom and is amongst the most visited tourists destinations in the world. The city hosts a variety of tourist’s attractions and these London landmarks attract millions of tourists throughout the year from all over the world. The great Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Made Tussauds Wax Museum etc are some of the most popular London attractions. The city is extremely popular for its vivacious night life and is well known as an influential financial city in the world. This multi ethnic city celebrates a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. Besides the beautiful sightseeing and attractions the city is also popular as a stunning shopping destination. You can explore some of the globally renowned brands in the city. Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and Bond Street are some of the best shopping districts in the city. The royal history, culture and traditions of England are admired in the entire world.

The remains of the imperial and majestic pasts can still be seen in the galleries and museums sited in the city. London is home to several museums and galleries. The British Museum, Albert and Victoria museum, Madame Tussauds, Clockmakers Museum, Design Museum, The Firepower, Florence Nightingale Museum, Imperial War Museum, National Gallery and Science museum are some of the most visited museums in London. All these museums are not just tourist’s attractions but are also a great source of information for the scientists, intellectuals and students from all over the world.

The Science Museum in London is one such museum which an extensive source of research. The museum is sited at one of the most sought after locations in the city in the region of South Kensington. It has an easy access from the South Kensington tube station. The museum is constructed in seven wide floors of a building with historical structure. All these floors display a variety of items from several varied areas of science. The collections at the museum are based on space travel, chemistry, biology, computing, photography, medicine etc. Some of the collections displayed in the museum are highly interactive. Besides the phenomenal permanent collection displayed at the museum you can also explore a variety of exhibitions in the museums. These exhibitions are based on several sciences and are extremely educative and informative.

Some of exhibitions currently displayed in the museum are listed as follows:

• Ernie - The exhibition will last until 26th June and it displays the first ever machine that generated the winning numbers of the premium bonds. This Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment is one of the oldest machines of this kind. The machine caught the imagination of the public in Britain and the human characteristics in the machine were quite entertaining for the tourists. At the exhibition you can explore the actual development and its linking to the digital electronic computer which is a mind blowing experience.

• Dan Dare and the Birth of Hi-Tech Britain - This remarkable exhibition will last till 25th October. It showcases the extraordinary foundation of the hi tech consumer society in Britain. During the scenario of war in Britain the city found huge advances such as penicillin, radar, jet engines and much more. At this exciting exhibition you can explore the role of technology in Britain after the war.

• Wallace and Gromit present a world of cracking ideas – It is one of the most fun loving and family oriented exhibition in the museum. The exhibition will last until 1st of November and till then you can explore a variety of stories of innovation. It is organized to attract visitors of all ages and to further inspire the flair and creativity of the visitors.

The museum opens at 10 a.m. and is open till 6 p.m, seven days a week except for Christmas holidays.  The guided tours by the guides of the museum are also available for the visitors. Although the entry to the museum is free of charge but charges are applicable for several special exhibitions, 3D cinemas and simulators.

Westminster Abbey London

London the capital of United Kingdom is home to several tourists attractions. The beauty and pleasure that the city offers attracts millions of tourists almost every year. The city is well known for offering several shopping districts and is famous for its fashion statements. This well developed city also offers a great transportation system connecting almost all the parts of the city. London is a multi ethnic city and people from all parts of the world can be found in the city. London’s night life is also one of the major attractions of the city and is said to be the best after New York. It is often said that it’s hard to compete with London when it comes to the number of attractions.

Westminster Abbey is one such attraction that alone attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. The London tour is incomplete without exploring this beautiful London attraction. It is officially known as the Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster. Westminster Abbey is a gothic monastery church which is more of a traditional venue of coronation. The venue is also well known as the burial site for the renowned English monarchs. This royal church does not belong to any of the family of the church – Parish nor Cathedral. The church is owned by the royal family of England. The church is located just a stones throw away from the Houses of Parliament and is within the walking distance from the Westminster tube station. The church is home to the glorious architecture of the ancient times and is must to explore for every tourist. The divine atmosphere of the church is simply serene and is extremely relaxing. The tourist can also explore the coronation throne which the same place where several renowned monarchs of England were crowned. Also enjoy the excellent works of famous Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, etc at the poet’s corner which is full of memorials to these legends of literature. Tombs of Catholic “Bloody” Mary and Protestant Elizabeth 1 are also present in the church and can be visited by the tourists. In the 20^th century the New English Bible was also kept here. The St Edward’s Chair which is the throne on which the sovereigns are seated during the coronation is also placed in the Abbey and reminds of the royal period of the Britishers.

Since, the medieval ages The Shrine of the St Edward who was the renowned Confessor has been the point of attraction in the Westminster Abbey. The church is open 6 days a week but, the timings differ for all the days. The Abbey is also open on Sundays but only for worshipping. The entry is free of charge for the children below 11 years of age and charges are applicable for the rest of the age groups. Though the attraction has several religious grounds but it is considered more of a historical site than a religious place. The church holds a variety of treasures belonging to the royal families. The paintings, textiles, stained glass are displayed in the church and can be viewed by the visitors. The gothic structure of the church is exceptionally stunning. The attractions also organizes several tours guided by some of the most experienced guides and audio guides in different languages such as French, German, Spanish, Russian etc are available at the venue. Special tours for large groups are also available at the church. Shops offering refreshments such as snacks, drinks etc are also available at out side the building as eatables are not allowed outside the building.

Within the Abbey the tourists can also visit the St Margaret’s Church, The Chapter House, the museum and the College Garden.

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.

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.

Buoyant Bond Street

London, besides being one of the most desired tourist destinations is also well known as a shopper’s paradise. The place is extremely popular for its trendy and elegant fashion statements. The city has various streets dedicated to shops offering clothes, fashion accessories, shoes, jewellery, books and almost everything that one could thing of purchasing.

Oxford Street, Regents Street, Covent Garden, Marylebone, Soho, Chinatown, Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly and Bond Street are some of the most popular markets in the city. These streets are extremely crowded and attract millions of tourists every year. After Paris and New York, London is a hub of fashion industry.

Bond Street is one of the most visited streets in London. It is home to several brands such as Gucci, Armani and many more. Located in the region of Mayfair, it is easily accessible from the Bond Street, Green Park, Oxford Circus tube stations and several other public transports. You can find some of the most expensive and elegant shops in this market. It is a best place in London to get antiques, artworks and perfumes. Bond Street is also the major street in the region of West End, which is commonly known as a shopping district.

It has been a renowned street for shopping since the 18th century and thus it is also considered as a valuable part of history. Boutiques of several renowned and premium designers are also sited at Bond Street. Donna Karan, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Niccole Fahri, Ralph Lauren and Versace are some of the most premium names in this area. London’s Sotheby’s Auction House is also located at Bond Street. As far as the jewellery is concerned the street is particularly famous for diamonds and Tiffany, Cartier and Asprey and Garrard are some of the exclusive brands located in the region.

You can also explore various London attractions located around the Bond Street such as Royal Academy of Arts, Photographers Gallery, Liberty of London, Animation Art Gallery, Royal Institution of Great Britain and Allen Cristea. The Bond Street also offers a variety of entertainment venues such as the Queens Theatre, Prince of Whales Theatre, Leichester Square Theatre and much more. Several events are organized in the area all round the year. The place is also well known for dining and is home to several restaurants such as Sketch, Via Condotti, Patterson’s, Wild Honey, The Square and Hibiscus. Bond Street is also popular for night life. It truly illustrates the flavour London’s vivacious night life.

It is a home to several renowned pubs and night clubs such as Madame Jojo’s, Umbaba, Elysium, Molton House, Funky Buddha and Mahiki. London’s renowned fashion college – Cordwainers at London College of Fashion is also located close to the Bond Street. Several luxurious London hotels are also located at the Bond Street such as Grange Langham Court Hotel, Grange St Paul’s Hotel and many more. Thus it can be said the Bond Street is the best place for the fashionistas. It is extremely popular amongst the tourists and is often familiar as London’s most elite shopping destination. You can read about the other shopping districts in London in my previous post -

http://placesinlondon.blogspot.com/2009/06/oxford-street-londons-popular-shopping.html

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of the most vivacious attractions in the city and it alone attracts millions of tourists every year. This beautiful landmark was named after its spectacular towers. This is also well known as Victorian Bridge and is more than 100 years old. This iconic landmark was creatively designed by the renowned architects – Horace Jones and Wolfe Barry. It took several years to turn this design into a reality and finally it was completed in the year 1894. This bridge is 197 feet long and is raised to a height of around 43 meter in order to allow the large ships to pass the bridge.

Earlier it was raised 50 times in a day but the number has eventually reduced to 5 times in a week.

You can observe a great view of Central London from the top of the tower. The experience of exploring the tower from inside is also outstanding. You can also discover the unique mechanism, with the use of which the tower is raised. The Tower Bridge should not be confused with the London Bridge, which is actually just the next to the Tower Bridge. It is easily accessible from the Tower Hill London Underground. Several exhibitions are also hosted at the walkways, twin towers and Victorian Engine room of the Tower Bridge.

The exhibitions are hosted and the history of the Tower Bridge is explained using interactive, films and photos. The walkways at the Tower Bridge offer astonishing views of the river Thames and several other renowned attractions. Thus the place is extremely popular amongst the nature lovers. The exhibitions at Tower Bridge are opened from 10:00 – 18:30 from the month of April – September. In order to make your tour even more exciting and memorable it is recommended to book the tickets well in advance. You can avail discounts on the rates of the tickets, if you are planning to visit in a group.

Behind the Scenes Tour, Introductory talks and Private evening tours can also be booked in advance. You can also take the assistance of experienced guides who can help to explore the tower in a better way. Several restaurants, nightclubs, pubs and bars are also sited around the Tower Bridge. You can also relish a great shopping experience at the London’s Borough Market and several other shops at the Southwark, which are within the walking distance from the Tower Bridge. London’s Tower of London, City Hall, HMS Belfast, Globe Theatre and the Monument are also located close to the Tower Bridge.

For more information read the following related post-
Tower of London.

Chislehurst Caves

Chislehurst Caves are London’s famous man made caves and are very popular amongst the tourists.  These caves have been reportedly stood here through the history dating back to the year 1250 and made a silver mark for themselves in the London history. The Chislehurst Caves are located in the south eastern suburbs of Greater London. The Caves have been used as a popular film location. Famous movies like ‘Doctor Who and the Mutants’, ‘Seven Natural Wonders’, ‘Tribe’ and the ‘Merlin’ were shot here. The Caves have become a major tourist attraction in London lately.

History
The mines are rumoured to be initiated back in 1250. Last they were worked upon in the 1830s. During the First World War, the Caves were used as an ammunition depot for the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. The Chislehurst Caves have also been used for mushroom cultivation. The Caves were used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War. In no time, the Caves had transformed into a city. The underground city ran on electric lighting and had a chapel and a hospital. After the Victory Day in Europe (VE day) the caves were closed to the public.

Many musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd have also performed at the caves during the 1960s. Led Zeppelin had a huge media party organized at the Caves after the success of their first album. Lately in 2008, Cradle of Filth also shot a video for their music album in the Chislehurst Caves. The Caves have been used in a RPG game called ‘Labyrinthe’ recently.
Attractions at the Chislehurst Caves

• Caves Church
• Druid Altar
• Haunted Pool

Facilities Chislehurst Caves offers

• Gift Shop
  There is a gift shop to help the customers take back souvenirs of the tour to Chislehurst. The gift shop also offers jewellery and collectables.
• Free Car Parking
  There are plenty of free parking spaces available for you to park your car, coach or motorbike.
• Restaurant
  The restaurant offers traditional English breakfast and lunch, prepares fresh meals and puts forwards daily specialties. The restaurant is famous for its Skull cakes and Bat cakes. The Caves Restaurant can also be booked for special occasions and parties.
• Private Tours/Party and Advanced Bookings
  Clubs and groups can book the Chislehurst for evening tours. These tours usually last a little longer than the normal 45 minute tour and are extendable up to one and a half hours.
  The Chislehurst Cave can be booked for Birthday Parties to add a tint of ghost stories and excitement which includes buffet meal at the Cave Restaurant.
  The Chislehurst can be booked in advanced for a private tour. This facility is mainly to cater to schools and educational institutes as the Caves tour provides an interactive infotainment about World War 2.

 

Location, Entrance Fee and Timings
The three most important things for a tourist to know:-
Where are the Chislehurst Caves located?
The Chislehurst Caves are located at the Old Hill, Kent, London.

What is the admission fee?
There is a £5 entry fee for adults. £3 fee for under 16 and free for children under 5.

What are the Chislehurst Cave timings?
The caves are open only 5 days a week every Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm BST. There are hourly guided tours too. The Chislehurst Caves however remains open on local school and bank holidays excluding Christmas and New Year.

How to travel to Chislehurst Caves?

• One can walk from Chislehurst Railway station. It hardly takes 5 minutes to get to Chislehurst Caves and one can locate it easily around the Bikcley Arms public house.
• If you plan your journey via bus, you can take 269 and 162 which would drop you to Chislehurst Station. From there you can just walk down to the Chislehurst Caves.
• You can take tubes from Charing Cross and London Bridge to Chislehurst tube Station too.
• And if you are taking your car around the city, remember to take A222 between A20 and A21.  Take the Station road and then take a right turn for Caveside Close.

What’s on at London Trafalgar Square

London is amongst the most vibrant tourists destinations in the world. The city hosts a large variety of events every year. Besides sightseeing, shopping and exploring London places, to be a part of these events is apparently a must to do if you are visiting UK.

Trafalgar Square is one of the most popular London places which is not only known as an iconic London landmark or sightseeing place in London but it is also one of the best venue for several entertaining events in London. It is used for a wide range of events such as filming, demonstrations, photographic shoots, performances and promotional activities. The Fourth Plinth at the Trafalgar Square is especially renowned for hosting art, music and theatre events.

Events at Trafalgar Square

• The Barber of Seville
  The event will take place on the 15th of July 2009 at the Trafalgar Square. It will be the broadcast of the popular Barber of Seville – Royal Opera House. The opera art form itself is extremely popular not only in London but in the entire Europe and thus it is one of the most awaited events in the city. This opera event is absolutely free of charge.

• Sightseeing Photography Tour - Guided Walk
  This event is organized at the Trafalgar Square on every Tuesday from 1 pm to 5 pm. In the tour you can capture the beauty of several historic sights in the city. Some of these historic sights are the Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Statue of Eros, fourth plinth and many more highlights of this popular London place. You need to book the tickets for this event which will cost you around 75 pounds per person. The tickets can also be booked well in advance. The same event is held on every Monday exclusively for Women.

• Antony Gormley’s One & Other – The Fourth Plinth
  The event is going on at the Fourth Plinth and will end on 14th October 2009. This event will continue for 100 days, 24 hours without a single break. You can also visit the square and make the plinth your own. If you get selected by the sculptor Antony Gormley, you can occupy the plinth and use it as you like for demonstrations, performances etc. One and other is an event open to anyone and everyone staying in UK and is above the age of 16 years. To take part in the event you need to register online at oneandother.co.uk. Even if you are not living in UK you can go at the plinth and enjoying the event.

Facilities at Trafalgar Square

• Café offering a wide range of locally sourced food and drinks.
• Public Toilets.
• Heritage Wardens to help the visitors and to provide information.

Getting Here????

Trafalgar Square is easily accessible from several parts of the city. Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Embankment are the nearest Tube stations from the Trafalgar Square.

Where to Stay????

• The Grand at Trafalgar Square
  It is a 4 star London hotel sited just a stones throw from the Trafalgar Square. This luxury hotel offers 63 opulent rooms with several contemporary room amenities such luggage storage, wireless internet, laundry and 24 hour room service. Business facilities are also available in the hotel.

• Radisson Edwardian Hampshire
  Located in the region of Leicester Square, this 5 star hotel in London is one of the most comfortable accommodations around Trafalgar Square. The hotel hosts 124 well appointed rooms with several facilities such as restaurant, terrace, luggage storage, fitness centre, business centre, currency exchange and much more.

• Grange White Hall Hotel
  It is amongst the best hotels in London sited in the ravishing region of Russell Square. The hotel has an easy access to several London attractions including Trafalgar Square. The hotel offers 60 en suite rooms and 8 conference rooms with several world class facilities.

All the above information might help you out while you explore the London city.

London Sightseeing Tours

London, the capital of United Kingdom is sited close to the beautiful banks of the river Thames. The city has an affluent cultural heritage and the imperial traditions of the city have always created an impact on the world history. The city is home to several galleries, museums and tourist attractions. Besides London attractions, London sightseeing is also extremely popular amongst the tourists.

Let’s talk about some of the famous London sights and Sightseeing tours:

• Chinatown
  London’s Chinatown is one of the most vibrant locations in the city. The place is located between the Shaftesbury Avenue and Leicester Square, close to the renowned Soho. The region offers a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, café’s, night clubs and much more. All these happening places make Chinatown one of the most vivacious districts in London. Gerrard Street is the main drag of this district. Amongst the population of 80000 Chinese in London about 40% live in the Chinatown. During the celebrations of the Chinese New Year, papier- mache lion dance is performed at the streets of the city. This celebration itself is one of the biggest events in London. The Chinatown specifically is decorated beautifully during the celebrations. The renowned boutiques of the West End are also close to this London sight. It is easily accessible through the Leichester Square tube station.

• Downing Street:
  Downing Street is one of the most popular front doors in the entire world. It is the Prime Ministers Office, state events venue, venue for the cabinet and the residence for the family of the Prime Minister. The private flat of the Prime Minister – Tony Blair is on the second floor of the building. It is one of the most important places in London and thus is also a popular London sight for the tourists. At 10 Down Street you can also take an interactive tour offered at the sight by some of the experienced guides. During the tour you can explore all the 9 locations and their significance.

• Fitzroy House:
  Since the 18th century, Fitzroy House is one of the popular sights in England and is renowned for its artists and writers. Some of the best writers such as H.G. Wells, George Orwell, Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf were the inhabitants of the Fitzroy House. George Bernard who was a renowned Irish playwright also resided at the Fitzroy Square. It is a popular sight in the city and tours to the sight are organized very often. The sight opens at 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. but only by appointment and the admission to the sight is without any charge.

• London Aquarium:
  London Aquarium is amongst the most visited tourist attractions in the city and it is the first one of its kind in the entire England. At the London Aquarium you can discover one of the largest exhibitions based on the global aquatic life. This one of the largest exhibitions in England and attracts tourists from all over the world. It is also a great resource of research for the scientists. The exhibition at the London Aquarium is displayed in 2 million litres of water. By visiting the sight you can explore several aspects of the marine life.

• Vinopolis – City of Wine:
  Vinopolis is amongst the popular sights in the city and is well known as the City of Wine. The sight is located at the bank side and easily accessible through the London Bridge tube station. The sight offers a variety of delicious food and drinks. The tours at the sight will let you know all about wine. You can spend a day at the site and learn about the making of wine. During the tour you will get 5 tokens with which you can taste 5 types of wines. Several packages offering more tokens are also available.

These sightseeing tours in London are must to explore during your trip as they are not only interesting but are also extremely informative. These tours will make your trip even more joyful and memorable. You can also avail the London sightseeing pass and also attend the London walking tours.

Londons Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is amongst the most popular London attractions. Millions of people not just from England but, tourists from all over the world visit the attraction almost every year. The museum was established in the year 1802 by Marie Tussauds, when she came to England along with 35 wax figures. The museum was established at Baker’s street initially and then was eventually shifted to Marylebone in the year 1884. The collection at present location is updated frequently as per the world events and opinion of the public in general.

This renowned wax museum has several branches in various large cities. It is home to the wax figures of almost all the prominent personalities. Some of the Tussauds wax figures are mentioned below:

• Brian Lara
• David Beckham
• SachinTendulkar
• Kapil Dev
• Britney Spears
• Madonna
• Angelina Jolie
• Amitabh Bachchan
• Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
• Shahrukh Khan
• Salman Khan

It can be seen that from Hollywood to Bollywood, from sports to music and politics, you can find almost everyone at Madame Tussauds. It is strange but true that Gordon Brown – the British Prime Minister was stubbornly voted out by the general public and was not a part of the wax museum. Barack Obama on the other side was a part of the wax museum.

Fascinating Facts about the wax figures:

• Usually it takes around 800 hours or even more for photographing, moulding, measuring, sculpting and painting.
• The collection at the museum consists of around 400 wax figures.
• The museum has already used around 2400 lbs of the special wax from Japan which a non melting wax.
• The crucial data of all the celebrities remain to be a secret and are never revealed.
• It takes around 4 months to complete a wax figure at Madame Tussauds.
• A team of 20 or more artists are involved in the process of creating a wax figure.
• To create one figure it costs 150000 pounds.
• The largest wax figure at Tussauds is 15 feet tall and is of – The Hulk, a comic book hero.
• The smallest figure at Madame Tussauds is just 20 centimeter tall and is of Gingy - The Gingerbread Man.
• More than 500 million tourists have visited the museum since the time it was first opened.

The Madame Tussauds Museum is easily accessible from the Baker’s street tube station. The museum is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The children below 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult aged above 16 years – as per the rules of the museum. Children under 5 years of age can enter the museum without any ticket charges. Pushchairs are not allowed in the museum and can be left at the collection point. You can also avail a discount on the tickets by booking the tickets online. The museum offers a special flexi ticket for those who are not confirmed about the time and date of their visit. These tickets are valid for one week and also allow you to enter through a fast track entry.

Madame Tussauds is also one of the most popular venues for organizing corporate events. The place offers five exceptionally interactive areas designed particularly to organize informal and formal events. These areas can be decorated as per your personal choice and the requirements of the event. The areas are fully equipped with contemporary designs of lighting and sound equipments. Madame Tussauds without a doubt is an extremely interactive experience where people can get close to their much loved celebrities. It is not necessary for you to be a renowned celebrity if you want a wax figure for yourself. You just need to pay 150000 pounds! Although this figure will not be displayed in the museum but, you can the figure throughout your life.

Big Ben

The great and the giant bell at the clock tower is popularly known as Big Ben. It is located in the lively region of Westminster, London. Big Ben is by far the largest four faced tower in the world and every year it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. This chiming clock is also the third largest free- standing tower in the entire globe. This glorious clock tower was built in the year 1288 and was designed by Augustus Pugin. The structure of the tower consists of excellent brickwork and the upper part is framed spire of iron. The large faces of this Big Ben clock are about 180 ft from the ground. In London, this clock of this tower is extremely trustworthy as far as the time is concerned. It is often said that the clock tower keeps impeccable time and rarely stops. The phenomenal main bell in the tower is commonly known as the great bell, along with this enormous bell there are four quarter bells in the tower. These four bells play the quarter hours and are of G, F, E and B sharp. The 20 chime sequence played by the quarter bell is extremely melodious. Most of the people still identify the whole tower as Big Ben but actually the name refers to the great bell accommodated in the tower. A Latin inscription meaning ‘Lord save our Queen Victoria 1’ is imbibed on the base of each clock face.

The Big Ben London has now become a great and well known iconic Landmark of London, United Kingdom especially in the visual media. You can see this location in several films, shows etc where to depict the location of England, Bigben is shown. It has been a recognizable symbol of the country. The tower is also a renowned venue for the celebrations of New Year in London. The radio channels often tune to the chimes of the clock for a grand and harmonious welcome the New Year. Remembrance Day is another event celebrated in the city in which the chimes are broadcasted to mark the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh moth every year and the two minute silence is started when the chimes are heard. All the four chimes of the clock are illuminate every night and this adds to the beauty of the Big Ben tower even more. A unique light is also placed at the top of the clock which also illuminated when the parliament is in session.

The general public and tourists are not allowed to visit the clock tower; one can only see it from a distance. But, yes if you are a resident of United Kingdom then you can write an application to the MP of your region and arrange a visit for yourself. The applications should be sent well in advance at the following address:
House of Commons
Westminster, London
SW1A 0AA

Once you have got the permission to visit the tower you can book any of the tours at your own time preference. Tours for the residents are arranged at set timings of 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am and 2:30am from Monday to Friday. These tours can accommodate maximum 16 people at a time as the space is very less in the tower. But, it is not possible for the non residents to visit the clock tower in any way. Adjoining the Big Ben Clock Tower is the renowned Westminster Palace which houses the sessions of Britain Parliament. The parliament sessions held here can also be viewed by the tourists without any cost. You can also explore several other London attractions such as London Eye, Westminster Abbey, White Hall, Tower of London, London Aquarium and Country Hall Gallery etc. The Cinnamon Club, Ozu, Aji Noodle Bar and Spectrum are some of the most popular restaurants offering a variety of delicious cuisines. London Tower reminds of the royal and glorious history of Britain.