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A Guide Around London

A Guide Around London

London is home to some of the most famous and iconic attractions in the world.  From Buckingham Palace to the double-decker bus, from the red telephone box to the Tate Modern; London’s sites are instantly recognisable. 

Westminster
 
The historic city of Westminster has played an essential role in the governance of the present United Kingdom for 900 years. Monarchs have resided in the area since the first Palace of Westminster was built in the mid 11th Century.
 
No longer used as a royal residence, the present Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, was completed in the mid 19th century. You can still attend daily debates and watch committee hearings today.  And then there’s nearby Downing Street which is the residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
 
The Monarch’s official London residence today is Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II welcomes visiting heads of states here and is also the focus for national celebrations.
 
Westminster Abbey
 
Westminster Abbey is a living Church, part of the Church of England – where almighty God is worshipped daily in this fine Gothic shell, and yet it is more recognised as a historic site than it is a religious one. It is the venue of coronations since William the Conqueror in 1066, and the final resting place for many sovereigns, politicians and writers.
 
Tower of London
 
This historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames has a rich history which lends its story well to the 2.5 million visitors that pass through its doors each year.  Once you have got beyond the rings of defensive walls and moat you will see spectacular royal armour, offering a fascinating insight into the personalities, power and physical size of England’s kings. Allow yourself to be dazzled by the 23,578 gems that make up the Crown Jewels, and enter the prisoner exhibition where you will learn the origin behind the phrase ‘sent to the Tower’. With brutal beheadings and countless executions there are many ghost stories and legends that are sure to send a chill down your spine.
 
London’s Tower Bridge
 
With its close proximity to the Tower of London this eye-catching bridge couples up nicely as part of a day excursion.  As you walk across the bridge you can see amazing views across London.  Taking in the late Victorian architecture from a distance is equally pleasing and it provides an iconic backdrop for many visitors’ photographic memories.  If you are lucky enough to time your visit right you may catch a rare glimpse of the raising of the bridge to allow the thoroughfare of commercial boats crossing the river. 
 
British Museum
 
London has a great variety of world class museums and galleries but none come more popular than the British Museum.  Well, technically the Musee du Louvre in Paris and Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York do, but the third most visited museum in the world does boast the largest and most comprehensive collection in the world, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginning through to present day.  With more than 8 million artefacts and objects on display you can choose to learn about an encyclopaedic range of topics from the 4,000 year history of money in the Citi Money Gallery through to the ancient civilisations of the Mayas, Incas, Greeks and Romans. 
 
National Gallery
 
If you have a keen eye for artwork then you simply cannot go wrong with a visit to London.  While the British Museum tops the bill for human history and culture – the National Gallery more than steals the show for its collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.  Highlights include work from the prominent Italian Renaissance artists to the post-Impressionist works of Vincent van Gogh.
 
Round Up
 
London can change with the times as much as it pleases and yet it still manages to maintain all of its old charm from the Victorian days and beyond.  With so many sights to choose from, it is even more imperative that you spend your time wisely in this fascinating capital.

Gren Tours

Gren Tours is run by tourist guide Glen Portch who achieved the Institution of Tourist Guiding’s ‘Blue Badge’ qualification in 2004.  Glen specialises in bespoke, private tours of London and Great Britain for individuals, small or large groups. The most popular tour is a one-day introduction to London which includes the famous landmarks of Westminster Abbey, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. For visitors who have been to London before then, there are other tours exploring areas such as Greenwich in detail, museum and gallery highlights tours and themed tours. Glen’s Beatles tours are particularly popular. London tours are best conducted on foot and public transport but Glen can guide you in his comfortable Mercedes van. 
 
There are many popular destinations within easy reach of London and Glen can take you on day trips to towns and attractions including Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford. If you want to venture further afield, then multi-day trips can be arranged.
 
Glen can also start your tour from airports and cruise ship terminals finishing at your hotel. If you are in transit and have time between flights for a brief tour, Glen can oblige.

For more information visit 
www.grentours.co.uk or contact Glen directly by email at tourtheuk@grentours.co.uk or by phone on +44 7949 185140.

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