London exudes royalty, but not just from the monarch that calls the city home. Every aspect to London aims at elegance and class. With a 2,000 year history, people have been flocking to London to live that royal lifestyle permanently or just for a short visit. Its position in southeastern England makes it a key stop on any European itinerary.
The who’s who of medieval England rests underneath Westminster Abbey. The Abbey has remained a coronation church since 1066 and serves as that final resting place for 17 monarchs. Situated in Gothic style, travelers can walk around Westminster Abbey, trying to grasp that just below their feet some of the most famous people throughout history are below. Kings, statesmen, soldiers, poets, villains, heroes, priest and queens can all be found in Westminster Abbey.
Things get somewhat theatrical in London. From impressive Buckingham Palace to the changing of the guard, it seems that shows have been put on in London for centuries. London theater claims some of the world’s best productions. Shakespeare’s Globe Theater lends that history and great theater in the Bankside area of London. While the building is a restoration of the old Globe Theater, the site did once contain the open air playhouse where most of Shakespeare’s plays were performed. The orginially Globe was constructed in 1599. Shows still go on today, transporting visitors not just into the plot of a play, but also into a different time period of London theater.
For more laid back performances, visitors can have a beer with their show. Pub theaters cloud the city, offering a historical yet hip feeling to theater in London. They are also more inexpensive than most performances. Etcetera Theatre remains one of the most famous pubs in London for theatre. It hosts new writings, comedy and readings, all since 1986. The Finbourough Theater is also a popular pub theater. It has won several awards and showcases great plays and musical performances.
A visit to London would not be complete without having an audience with the royals of London. The Tower of London may be the best place to start. This site contains 900 years of history, when the structure was used as a palace, fortress, prison, zoo, and place of execution. The Crown Jewels can even be viewed here. The People’s Princess, Diana Princess of Wales, still lives on in London. Kensington Palace served as Diana’s official home in the city. Travelers can peruse the State Apartments today and even view the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. The royal aspect to end all in London is without a doubt Buckingham Palace. The Palace still functions as the Queen’s official residence. During summer months, the staterooms are open to tourists. Travelers can also view that famous changing the guard in front of Buckingham Palace daily.
The royal features to London continue in the forms of greenery. There are 8 Royal Parks for viewing, but perhaps the two most well known are Greenwich Park and Hyde Park. Greenwich Park has been awarded placement on the World Heritage Site list. It is among the oldest of the Royal Parks, holding historical buildings as well. Hyde Park offers the feel of the country within a city. Serpentine, a boating lake is popular in the summer along with Rotten Row, a riding track. The Diana Memorial Fountain can also be found within Hyde Park.
After all that touring, travelers may need to kick up their feet and take in some English tea. Afternoon tea halts all aspects of busy London life. No matter who you are, the Queen even, Londoners sit down to afternoon tea. With scones and mini-sandwiches on the side, tea has become a way of life and second lunch. Many popular venues host afternoon tea including The Ritz. The Ritz has been brewing tea for tourists and locals for years, becoming an institution for that afternoon cup of tea. The hotel offers 5 sittings of tea a day, but spots book up quickly. It is recommended to reserve a cup and seat weeks in advance. Other hotels and department stores offer tea without a wait. It is not difficult to find some restaurant or institution serving a warm cup and tasty scones.
As the River Thames runs through the city, London swirls around with life. This life is not just present tensed. Some of the most famous of kings, queens, poets, writers, soldiers, and statesmen have all passed through the city. Many have never left and that feeling is apparent anywhere a travelers goes in royal London.
