If Big Ben and the Parliament buildings evoke the call of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral can be said to be the spiritual heart of the city. This London icon has a dominating presence in London. The 5th church on this site, it is the magnificent product of the architect, Christopher Wren (1632-1723). Continue reading →

London offers its visitors many wide-open spaces. Most were once the sole provenance of the aristocracy. Today, the gardens provide enjoyment and respite for all. While some may prefer to frolic in Hyde Park, or stroll in Kensington Gardens, Kew Gardens remains one of the city’s true green gems. Continue reading →

The Docklands once dominated the city of London. Ships daily stopped here. When the shipping trade shifted to Tilbury in the 1960s, the docks began to die. The area became derelict. Continue reading →

The British Museum dates back to a collection started in 1753. This massive attraction housed and built in the early 18th century to a neo-Classical design by Robert Smirke, consists of 94 galleries. It is not a day trip for a serious museum-goer. At best, you can only obtain a brief overview of the treasures within.

A brief trip should take you through the worlds of past and present. Do not miss the Rosetta Stone or the controversial Elgin Marbles. There is also the 4th c Roman silver table ware – the Mildenhall Treasure as well as the 7th c ship burial – Sutton Hoo Treasure. Make time to see the Lindow Man removed from a Cheshire peat bog. Do not leave without stopping to admire the beautifully proportioned domed Round Reading Room.

The newest and most prominent of the city’s landmarks is the former Millennium Wheel. Known as the London Eye or the Great Wheel, this structure is the largest observation wheel that was ever constructed. It is 443’ tall and weighs more than 2,000 tons. It consists of 32 pods capable of holding up to 25 individuals. The designers were David Marks and Julia Barfield.

The purpose of the Eye is to provide visitors with a 25 to 30 minute round trip. During the ride, there are a number of sights available for viewing. The view includes glimpses of the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace from a unique angle. On a good day, when the London smog is cleared away and it is not raining, you can see as far as Windsor.

The London eye is close to 2 other popular attractions: the London Aquarium and Dali Universe.

The Houses of Parliament officially occupy the Palace of Westminster. The structure dates from 1099, but only Westminster Hall reflects these origins. The much admired hammer-beam roof of solid oak adds to the dramatic nature of the interior. This Norman Hall is the largest of its kind remaining in Europe.

The Hall is but 1 of 1,100 rooms hidden away in the essentially Neo-Gothic building. The architect was Sir Charles Barry (1795-1860). He was also responsible in London for the HM Treasury Building in Whitehall, Bridgewater House and the Royal College of Surgeons. These reflect his preferred style – Italianate.

At the Houses of Parliament be sure to view the Lord’s Chamber as well as the Common’s Chamber. You might also want to see the 323’ tall Victoria Tower and St. Stephen’s Hall. The latter features vaulted ceilings and faded murals to reflect this new- Gothic style.

Contrary to popular belief, Big Ben is not the name of the clock. It is the nickname of the 14-ton bell residing in the 320’, 4-faced clock tower rising grandly above the House of Parliament. Its name comes from the Chief Commission of Works responsible for the existence of the bell – Sir Benjamin Hall. He saw to its creation and hanging in the clock tower in 1858. Here, it joined 4 smaller bells; these ring out the quarter hours. Big Ben booms in the hour.

Big Ben © by FatPassport

Since its casting at Whitechapel, Big Ben has come to symbolize Britain. Its deep sounding notes reverberate around the world every day. During WWII, it withstood the Nazis. After a visit here, you can take the time to look at another national symbol– the Parliament Buildings.

As a parent, you know the importance of educating your child, while still allowing them to have fun.  What is nice about London is that you can do both at many places, including the three top rated attractions highlighted below. Continue reading →