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London

It's All Relative

Front of HotelMore Photos
  • by hayward68
  • A travel journal
  • Last Updated: January 30, 2002
Journal Usefulness Rating 3 out of 5
Journal Usefulness
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I've been to London many times and at different times of the year. No matter what the weather, from sun to fog to rain to snow, it's still my favourite city in the world. My mum is from this city so I visit relatives a lot.

It's All Relative

Overview

Wander the streets of London doing all the normal tourist things, and then hit the back streets to discover some interesting little pubs and sights that the regular tourist would miss. The markets are some of the best places to wander and find great items to take home with you.
A great way to view the city is by a cruise on the Thames, it's a unique viewpoint and very enjoyable at any time of year.
I still remember my first return visit to London after leaving it when I was 3 years old. I was just in awe of the history and culture of this city and couldn't wait to start exploring the city of my mother's youth. Walking through Harrod's was a little different experience than for most tourists, my mother worked here when she was younger and envisioning her there gave me a a little insight into her life.

Quick Tips:

Watch out for pickpockets in this city. Keep your purse tight and in front of you.
I never bother with traveler's cheques in this city as it's just so much more convenient to use my bank debit card in the ATM's.
Remember to bring your voltage adapter and the right plugs or you could find yourself frying your hairdryer.

Best Way To Get Around:

The London transit system is great, buy a travelcard for whichever zones you will be visiting and use it. It pays off if you're doing a lot of sightseeing. I sometimes stay at a cousin's house that's in zone 4 and by the time I've gone into London and back again the cards pretty much paid for itself.
Otherwise, put the comfy shoes on and just wander around, getting lost is half the fun, you find the best things this way.

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Georgian House Hotel

Hotel

Georgian House Hotel

The building was built in 1851 by William Chinnery Mitchell and the hotel is run by his direct descendants.
The rooms are fairly small, at least my single was, but you have the option of an ensuite if you wish. The room comes equipped with a phone, TV, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. From what I recall there were 4 floors plus the basement level but there is no lift so be prepared to haul your suitcase up the stairs. Full English breakfast was included in the price and is served in the basement level of the hotel.
There''s a small lounge on the ground floor and internet access is available through one computer.
This hotel is very close to Victoria Station, within walking distance.
Georgian House Hotel
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 22, 2002

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Georgian House Hotel
35 Saint George`s Drive SW1 London, England
834 1438

Sidney Hotel London Victoria

Hotel

Front of Hotel

Sidney Hotel

Nice, friendly hotel. Rooms were small but clean and an ensuite is optional. Each room has a phone, hair dryer, TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel consists of 4 levels from ground floor up and a lower level. There are two lifts serving the 82 bedrooms so no worries about the heavy suitcase or pack. A ironing board and iron is available, just ask reception where it is.
There`s a bar in the reception area that stays open later than the pubs and has a small selection of beers and spirits.
A full English Breakfast is included with the room price and it''s served as a buffet in the basement level.
About 10 minutes walk from Victoria Station, or a 2 minute walk from Pimlico Station
Sidney Hotel
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 22, 2002

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Sidney Hotel London Victoria
68 76 BELGRAVE ROAD London, England
44 20 78342738

Maple Leaf

Restaurant

Go Canada!

Maple Leaf

Walk in here and expect to find a few Canadians. I think most of us stop in here at least once. Claims to be the only place outside North America with Molson Canadian on tap. I don`t drink it though, I prefer something with some flavour.
You can occasionally catch some Canadian sports teams playing on the tv screens. Lots of Canadian memorabilia on the walls. I was especially taken with the `Go Leafs Go` carved in the wall. That`s Toronto`s hockey team :)
Items on the menu reflect the Canadian theme and you can try Canadian back bacon or a French Canadian dish, poutine, basically french fries with gravy and cheese curds.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 22, 2002

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Maple Leaf
41 Maiden Lane London, England WC2E 7LJ
(020) 7240 2843

The Jugged Hare

Restaurant

Time for a Pint

The Jugged Hare

This pub is in a former bank and it's quite spacious inside with high ceilings. The food was great, I had a sweet potato pie that was delicious. A good variety of beer on tap to enjoy as well.
There were lots of locals in there enjoying a pint at the end of their work day. Very close to Victoria Station.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 22, 2002

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The Jugged Hare
172 Vauxhall Bridge Road London, England

Thai Cafe & Restaurant

Restaurant

Thai Cafe & Restaurant

A small but great Thai restaurant located not far from Pimlico and Victoria stations. Excellent food at very reasonable prices. The service was extremely quick. I can totally recommend the PAD PREW WAN with chicken.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 22, 2002

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Thai Cafe & Restaurant
22 Charlwood Street London, England
(020) 7592 9584

British Museum

Activity

British Museum

This is one of my favourite places in London. The museum was founded in 1753 and is one of the greatest museums in the world, showing works of man from prehistoric times to present day. My favourite things here are the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian exhibit and Lindow Man. I`m fascinated with this body that they found in a peat bog.
This museum has collected some of the most amazing relics and antiquities from the glory days of places such as Asia, Egypt, Greece and Rome, along with prehistoric and medieval Europe.
One of the more fascinating collections is the Egyptian one. In this collection resides the infamous Rosetta Stone, which finally allowed modern day man to decipher hieroglyphics. It was discovered by French soldiers in 1799.
On a more controversal note of late are the Elgin Marbles from Greece. These are 5th century BC reliefs from the Parthenon and were "acquired" by Lord Elgin in 1810. The Greeks have insisted many times that they should be returned to the people of Greece and it should be interesting to see what the outcome will be.
The Roman-Britain sections includes, among others, the aforementioned Lindow Man, thought to be the victim of ritual sacrifice and the splendid Sutton Hoo Ship. This ship was a burial ship found in Suffolk complete with an unknown king.
There are exhibits from all over the world to see and temporary exhibitions make their way to the museum as well but you will need to pay to view them.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 22, 2002

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British Museum
Great Russell Street London, England WC1B 3DG
+44 (207) 7323 8299

St Paul's Cathedral

Activity

St. Pauls

St Paul's Cathedral has been a local landmark since the late 1600's. Built by Christopher Wren after the great fire of 1666 it has soared over the London skyline ever since.
Admission is £5.50 and you can visit the crypt in the basement or climb to the Golden Gallery, stopping at the Whispering Gallery and the Stone Gallery along the way. The Whispering Gallery got it's name because you can supposedly hear a whisper from one side of the gallery to the other.
The view from the Golden Gallery is specatacular and well worth the climb up the 530 steps.
The crypt houses the tombs of Christopher Wren, Nelson and Wellington to name a few.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 22, 2002

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St Paul's Cathedral
The Chapter House London, England EC4M 8AD
+44 (20 7) 236 4128

Tower Bridge

Activity

In the sunshine

Tower Bridge

This ornate bridge is very picturesque. Everyone takes a pic of it! You can take a tour inside and go up to the walkways which provide a great scenic view up and down the Thames. There are shows, working models and full size steam engines to tell you the history of the bridge and the reason for its construction. It was built in 1894.
Adult admission is £6.25
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 22, 2002

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Tower Bridge
Tower Hill London, England SE1 2UP
+44 (207) 403 3761

Tower of London

Activity

Ravens Cages/Tower Bridge

Tower of London

One of the premier tourist sites in London, the Tower of London has been a palace and a prison. At other times it also housed the Royal Mint, a royal menagerie, royal armouries (since moved to Leeds) and royal observatory.

The White Tower is the focal point and was built by William I to protect London and impress his subjects. Later royals kept adding to the site until it enclosed 18 acres.

One of the more gruesome aspects of this site is that is was used for executions, some notable ones being Lady Jane Grey, Ann Boleyn, Sir Thomas More and the Earl of Essex.

The Beauchamp Tower is interesting to visit as you can see inscriptions on the walls placed there by prisoners awaiting their time with the executioner.

The Crown Jewels are an attraction which many people line up for ages to see, I've yet to do so and probably never will as I'm just not interested. The lineups can stretch for a very long way.

Be sure to see the Ravens who are a symbol of the British Empire. It's said that if they leave the Tower of London, the British Empire will crumble.

If you wish, you can view the Ceremony of the Keys, but you'll need to plan that in advance. You'll need to write for permission at least one month before you wish to do it, tickets are free.

Admission to the Tower is around £10 for an adult. You can join a free tour by the Beefeaters who will take you around the site and tell you the history of the place.

I recommend going early before the hordes of tourists show up. It is a very popular tourist attraction.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 23, 2002

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Tower of London
Tower Hill London, England EC3N 4AB
+44 (207) 709 0765

Buckingham Palace

Activity

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. You are able to tell when she is in residence by her personal standard on the flagpole which flies when she is home.

Originally this building was the London home of the Duke of Buckingham, hence the name, but it was bought by King George III and Queen Charlotte in 1762. It has been renovated several times over the past centuries with the East Front being built in 1847. That's the area which you would most likely see, being the side which faces the Mall.
Several areas are open to the public including the Royal Mews which houses the state carriages. One such one being the gold state coach used for coronations.
You might want to see the Changing of the Guard which takes place from April to July at 11:30 and on alternate days from August to March.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 27, 2002

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Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace Road London, England SW1A 1AA
+44 (207) 321 2233

Madame Tussaud's

Activity

The Late Freddy Mercury

Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus

This attraction is the music industry version of Madame Tussauds. Here you will find the wax figurines of some of your favourite musical entertainers from the Beatles to David Bowie. Have your picture taken with one of your favourite singers or buy souveniers in the attached store.

An interesting portion of Rock Circus is the graveyard area, where the figures of deceased singers and band members are placed, such as Freddy Mercury and Michael Hutchence.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by hayward68 on January 27, 2002

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Madame Tussaud's
Marylebone Road London, England NW1 5LR
+44 (870) 999 0046

About the Writer

hayward68
hayward68
Toronto, Canada

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