London is a incredible city, full of many different cultures interspersed in with the magnificent history of Great Britain. No matter the time of year London is worth visiting, just bear in mind that the summer months will be the most crowded. There are so many wonderful places to see and things to do, most are of course tourist attractions but they're worth experiencing. I've visited London 4 times and still feel I have many new places yet to experience but fear not, London is a city you will always want to return to. Buckingham Palace The palace is only open for tours when the Queen is not in residence. That happens in August and September when she is staying at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Staterooms are open to tour. They are very luxurious and elegantly decorated. You'll see famous paintings by such masters as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Canaletto and others. You'll also see famous sculptures, elegant examples of Porcelain and beautiful furniture. This year there was a special art exhibit celebrating the 70th birthday of Prince Charles. Of course you can walk around the palace outside the gates anytime of the year and see the royal palace guards which is still a very neat thing to do. The Grand Staircase The Blue Room The Picture Gallery The Throne Room The State Dining Room The Drawing Room The front of the palace A Royal Palace guard The main entrance gates with the Royal Coat of Arms Parliament and Big Ben Visiting Britains Parliament is fun and exciting. I believe its something all visitors to London should do. You get the chance to see how the British government works as you visit the House of Commons, pass through the Commons chamber as well as the Lords chamber. I recommend taking a guided tour as the guides are very knowledgeable and are happy to share the workings of their government with visitors. Big Ben is actually the huge bell inside of the Elizabeth Tower at the northern end of Parliament. It rings in conjunction with the Great Clock. Currently and for a few more years yet all of Parliament is under an extensive renovation. Big Ben will not ring again until this is complete but it is easily recognized and is well worth visiting. The Elizabeth Tower, Great Clock and of course Big Ben inside Outside Parliament The Central Lobby The Commons Chamber The Lords chamber The London Eye Resting on the south bank of the Thames River the London Eye is the tallest Ferris wheel in all of Europe. It's the most popular tourist attraction in the UK. It provides some of the best views and Kodak moments in all of London. See for yourself! My first view of inside the capsule Our view of Parliament and the Westminster Bridge Another view of London behind the Thames, Brilliant The happy couple enjoying the view with a glass of champagne The views are just magnificent The Churchill War Rooms The Churchill War Rooms is one of the five branches of the British Imperial War Museum. It is located beneath the Treasury building in the Westminster area of London. It was the underground stronghold where Prime Minster Churchill and his military commanders ran the British war effort during World War II. Giving the victory sign with a Royal Marine on guard Making sure all Military directives and dictations were typed up One of the bedrooms for a high ranking officer The telephone switchboard room A conference room A touch screen that gave a chronological account of the war A command center The British National Museum London has a number of incredible museums but I'm focusing on the British National Museum. So many historic sites in the world I've had the privilege to visit all had one thing in common. Many of their artifacts were obtained during the expansion of the British Empire and are exhibited in the British National Museum. Admission is free but everywhere I turned inside the museum was a donation box and sign asking you for a donation. The museum is huge so allow sufficient to see as much as you can. Images from the Ancient Egypt exhibits Images from the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens The Sky Garden Opening in January of 2015 with 3 floors resting on top of the 36 floor building located at 20 Fenchurch street, the Skygarden offers a 360 degree view of London in the midst of an open terrace in the midst of London's highest public garden. There are 2 bars to enjoy a drink with a view and also 2 restaurants to dine in the clouds. You can book a free visit to the open terrace area or take a chance and stand in line to get in. A view of the open terrace and garden A view of London from the Skygarden The view of the Tower Bridge The happy couple enjoying a glass of Champagne with a view I have shared with you only a few of the many incredible places to explore and enjoy in London. I could have gone on but I'll save other attractions for future posts.
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