LONDON is not often describes as a unified city but rather as a conglomeration of villages, whose heritage and traditions are still evolving. It is the capital of England and the United Kingdom and certainly the most populated metropolitan area. Noisy, vibrant, and truly multicultural like Toronto, London is a megapolis of people, ideas and energy. Greater London is situated on the Thames River and it has a population of about 8 million. London is one of the great cities in the world, having been occupied by the Romans, and remains a global capital of fashion, finance, trade and politics.
A Walking Tour from Tower of London to the London Eye
This will cost you 8-10 hours depending on your pace. The walking distance is about 4 km. I advice you to start early at about 8 am. First things first, take the Underground to the Tower Hill station and get off. This is where you will start your day at the Tower of London.
This is the TOWER OF LONDON. Once you get off from the Tower Hill station, go to the entrance of the tower to avoid long line-ups. Tours given by the Yeomen warders meet every hour near the entrance. Listen as they expertly recount tales of royal conspiracy, treason and murder. Don't forget to see the White Tower as it was once a residence of kings. Shiver at the executioner's stone on the tower green and pay your respects at the Chapel of St. Peter ad Viniculum, which holds the remains of three queens. At the Martin Tower, get the dirt on the gemstomes and then see the Crown jewels that were once the property of kings and queens. Take note that these jewels include the largest cut diamond in the world.
The TOWER BRIDGE, which is mistakenly called the London Bridge, was built in 1894 and it is an engineering wonder that puts London Bridge to shame. There is a Tower Bridge Tour but I do not recommend taking it because its just not worth it. Just admire the beauty if the bridge form either banks or you can cross the bridge, then witness the opening of the "drawbridge". If you want to know the time when the "drawbridge" is lifted, check the signs posted at each entrance or call 7940 3984. For more information about the Tower Bridge visit www.towerbridge.org.uk
After crossing the Tower Bridge you can find the DESIGN MUSEUM on Butler's Wharf. Here you can find the latest innovations in contemporary designs. The museum covers product, industrial, graphic, fashion and architectural design. It was founded in 1989 and claims to be the first museum of modern design. From the museum, walk along the Queen's Walk. To your left you will find the HMS Belfast, which was launch in 1938 and then led the landing of D-Day in 1944.
Your next destination is the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre which exhibits detail the intracacies of costuming and stage effects in Shakespeare's day, as well as the modern process of rebuilding of the theater almost 400 years after the original burned down. Today's reconstruction had its first full season in 1997 and now stands as the cornerstone on the International Shakespeare Globe Center. You may even catch one of the free lunchtime or afternoon events.
Next is TATE MODERN, probably the most popular museum in London. One of the world's premiere modern art museum,the Tate promises a new spin on well-known favourites and works by emerging British artists. The public galleries on the third and fifth floor are divided into four themes. The collection is enormous, but gallery space is limited and works rotate frequently. Be sure to catch one of the informative docent tours and don't forget to check out the rotating installation in the turbine room.
After taking a refreshment at the wharf, time to get inside one of the capsules of the London Eye or also known as the Millenium Wheel. The London Eye is definitely one of London's top attraction, popular with locals and tourists alike. As Europe's tallest Ferris wheel, the Eye offers amazing 360 degrees views from its glass pods. When you are inside the capsule, it's like you are inside an airplane. There is a long line-up in here so book your ticket ahead of time. If you want to save some money you can buy a ticket that bundles both the London Eye and Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.
Next is GABRIEL'S WHARF. You can check out its cafes, bars, and boutiques. It's a picturesque spot to enjoy a drink, snack, or meal in one of the riverside restaurants or cafes with spectacular riverside views of the City and St. Paul's. The Gourmet Pizza Company is well known for their fuss-free style and hearty pizzas. There's a lovely village market feel to the area despite the concrete surrounding it. Browse around the shops and you'll be able to see some original pieces of sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, art, and fashion being made.
After taking a refreshment at the wharf, time to get inside one of the capsules of the London Eye or also known as the Millenium Wheel. The London Eye is definitely one of London's top attraction, popular with locals and tourists alike. As Europe's tallest Ferris wheel, the Eye offers amazing 360 degrees views from its glass pods. When you are inside the capsule, it's like you are inside an airplane. There is a long line-up in here so book your ticket ahead of time. If you want to save some money you can buy a ticket that bundles both the London Eye and Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.