Days out in London: 5 places to visit
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
When telling friends and family you're heading to London, everyone has their own ideas on the places you 'have to' visit, and the sights you 'must' see. From historical monuments to swanky restaurants and excellent shopping, London has it all, and as such a visit there can initially seem a little overwhelming.
However, with a bit of forward planning there's no need to miss out on anything the city has to offer, particularly if you've read up on the sights you may be interested in seeing. And to help you on your way, we've compiled our list of the must-visit destinations and attractions across the capital; from history to bargain hunting, there's something for everyone.
1) TOWER OF LONDON: For history lovers, the Tower of London has to be the first port of call; having served as a public records office, treasury, prison and zoo, it's got plenty of stories to tell. Head to the Medieval Palace to get a glimpse of what everyday life was like in the Middle Ages, before heading to the Royal Beasts exhibition to find out which exotic animals once called the castle home. Keep your eyes peeled for the tower's infamous ghosts: Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey are both said to be regular visitors to the tower walls.
2) LONDON ZOO: If you're visiting with young children (or big kids), London Zoo is the perfect way to while away a fun afternoon. The oldest scientific zoo in the world has everything from penguins to African hunting dogs, and the daily exhibitions are perfect for finding out more about the lives of these beautiful creatures. Head to the bird of prey flying display at noon, and if you're not too squeamish, the Megabugs exhibit is well worth a look.
3) WINDSOR CASTLE: London has plenty of stunning architecture to admire, and the oldest inhabited castle in the world is no exception; St George's Chapel boasts some of the most detailed gothic architecture and design in the country, and is well worth a visit. For something a little more intricate (and elaborate), Queen Mary's famous dollhouse has electric lighting and flushing toilets!
4) WESTMINSTER ABBEY: From weddings to funerals, lectures and sermons, Westminster Abbey has seen it all, and shouldn't be missed by anyone eager to take in one of the most recognised buildings in the country. James I, Henry VI and Anne of Cleves are all buried here, and the stunning Cosmati pavement on the High Alter should not be missed. For someone looking for some quiet time, the Monk's Garden offers refuge from the hustle and bustle of London life.
5) CAMDEN MARKET: For those looking for souvenirs or some bargain clothing and jewellery, Camden Market offers endless quirky and unique stalls to explore. The market sells pretty much anything and everything: clothing, music, crafts and jewellery, and there's a definite alternative flavour to some of the stalls. For those on a budget prices tend to err on the lower side, but quality can be a bit hit and miss: be prepared to rummage to find the best bargains.
Whatever you end up doing in London, the city certainly has enough to keep you occupied throughout your holiday. Whether it's hunting for bargains or admiring some beautiful artwork or architecture, everyone is sure to find something that they'll want to do, especially if you'll be spending more than a few days there. Plan your itinerary carefully, grab your camera and remember to stop for plenty of snack breaks: you'll certainly need the energy.
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