St. Paul's Cathedral

Built on the site of a Roman Temple to Diana, St. Paul's is an impressive part of the London skyline.  It was built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1697, after the previous version had been destroyed in a the Great Fire of London. Wren submitted plans to demolish and rebuild that dilapidated structure only six days before the London fire destroyed it, but the commissioners refused to have the old Norman building pulled down. Even though St Paul's is big, the earlier,  Norman Cathedral was even bigger and had the tallest church spire ever built.  The stone was brought from Caen, France, by boat.

Wren, however, did create the domed masterpiece in place today, which took 35 years. Wren himself is buried in a crypt below the dome he built, alongside Lord Nelson. It's relatively stark inside the cathedral, however; it contains few monuments. It became a symbol of British resistance to Nazism during the blitz when it suffered no war damage, due to a team of vigilantes who defused every bomb that fell near it, at great personal risk. This probably explains why it feels a bit militaristic inside - more like the kind of glorification the Imperial War Museum is moving away from.

St. Paul's is linked by an impressive modern bridge to the South Bank's Tate Modern.

If you're thinking of planning a group trip to the area, consider booking a private coach.  There are many coach hire services available in London and the UK to help with the task -- check out one such site: London coach hire.

The Changing of the Guards

The fabled changing of the guard actually happens at all of the Royal Palaces, so, if you want, you can avoid the crush at Buckingham Palace.  Smaller changing of the guard ceremonies are held at St James' Palace and Windsor Palace.  The guard change doesn't take place every day at Buckingham Palace; make sure to check the notice board in front of the Palace.  Some of the guard regiments are actually quite dowdy looking, for instance, the Gurkas. But when a full ceremony is taking place, with the regimental band marching out of the Guards' Barracks and the soldiers dressed in red with full busbees, it is quite the spectacle.  And the best part?  It's free.  If you're looking to plan or simplify a group trip to see the changing of the guards, consider using a London coach hire service.  It makes travelling as a group as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare, whose body rests in Westminster Abbey, would likely approve of Sam Wannamaker's painstaking efforts to rebuild the Globe next to the Southwark Bridge.  It was reconstructed using original techniques and materials.  Theatre-going in the 17th century was quite a different experience.  With minimal sets, the productions often required the audience's imagination.  Tickets for the shows sell out in advance, but day tickets as "groundlings" or standing are usually available.  The standard of the productions improved markedly in 2001 from a low start while Mark Rylance was directing and acting, but they sadly slumped after he left.  If you're planning a group trip or outing, consider hiring a VIP coach to make your trip to the reconstructed Globe easier and more enjoyable.

Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum has become an excellent showcase of the experience of war.  It has transformed itself from a celebration of military success and different ways of killing and maiming into a museum about the realities of war.  The museum is good for kids and adults.  It features excellent actors leading mini-tours in costume.  The new Holocaust exhibition is a bold step, and the Blitz Gallery is atmospheric.  The travelling and rotating exhibitions are world-class.  Housed in a former insane asylum, the Imperial War Museum offers a unique vista on modern warfare.  The museum is a great educational opportunity; if you need to transport a large group of students to the Imperial War Museum, consider reserving a school coach to make the job easier.

The Fashion & Textile Museum

The Fashion and Textile Museum is a garish orange and pink museum, which is located on Bermondsey Street in Southwark, London SE1.  The museum is not a historical nor in any way intellectual experience, but rather it is a kind of like Fashion Cafe without the burgers.  Its main audience, it would seem, is teenage girls dying to see the fashions worn by celebrities.  Definitely a narrow, though dedicated audience.  The Fashion and Textile Museum would work well for a school trip related to fashion or design, especially for young girls.  If considering taking a large group to the museum, hiring a coach may be advisable, as transportation and parking in the area can be difficult.

Greenwich's Old Royal Observatory

The Old Royal Observatory is a favorite for those who want to stand with one leg in the West and one in the East.  After facing challenges from both France and the United States, Greenwich is now secure in its position as the centre of the world.  The Old Royal Observatory offers great views, especially at sunset, over London and the Dome.  The Old Royal Observatory also has the original clock used in the film and TV series 'Longitude'.  Take a train from London or the Docklands Light Railway from Bank and then you can enjoy a walk through the foot tunnel that links Island Gardens to Greenwich stations.  If you're planning a large group trip, you may want to consider booking a coach hire service.

The HMS Belfast

The HMS Belfast is part of the Imperial War Museum.   This battleship is moored beside the Tower Bridge and is really for the enthusiast only, but anyone will find it impressive that people went to sea, and did battle in these ships that, from a modern perspective, resemble tin cans.  The Maritime Museum in Greenwich has more early examples of Britain's war machinery.  For other examples of Britain's military machinery, there's the new Royal Artillery museum.  

The London Zoo - Visit Animals in the Heart of the City

The London Zoo is currently engaged in an effort to transform itself from a 'zoo' in typical sense to more of an eco-friendly 'Conservation resource'.  However, the London Zoo is still a wonderful way to see animals in their more or less natural habitat.  Nationally, and internationally it isn't rated as highly as Chester Zoo, where the idea and practice of 'cruelty free captivity' was developed.  Feeding time for the great apes and penguins remain a favourite among zoo visitors, and the insect house is an amazing sight as well.  It is easy to get to, located at the north end of Regent's park.  If you're thinking of taking a group trip to visit the London Zoo, coach hire can help make your trip hassle-free.  It is conveniently close to the Camden Market, Madame Tussauds and a walk along the canal.  

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is quite a spectacular tourist attraction.  It is laid out over several acres in a pleasant London suburb.  It makes a great place to visit on a sunny afternoon, but it doesn't work quite so well in foul weather.  The various greenhouses and exhibitions are spread out over the Kew Gardens grounds.  If you're planning a group trip to Kew Gardens, you might think of utilizing a coach hire service (London coach hire, Birmingham coach hire, UK coach hire) to make your trip easier!

The London Aquarium

If you love aquariums and want to see some fish while you're in London, then you should visit the aquarium in County Hall.  It has a great atmosphere and is quite beautiful.  It features Easter Island statues immersed in a multi-story pool.  Well designed, aesthetically pleasing and well constructed, the London Aquarium provides a haven from the chaos and bustle of the surrounding city -- at least, if there are no school trips to the aquarium that day!

The London Eye

The London Eye is a huge, modern version of Vienna's Prater ferris wheel.  The Eye dominates the river skyline opposite the Parliament. Previously, queues for the London Eye were horrendous, but since a new ticketing system was put in place, things have improved markedly.

You can book a whole capsule if you wish. Take a telephoto lens if you want to get a good photo of something specific from the top of the Eye - London is a VERY big city.  Our favourite natural vantage points lie at the top of Greenwich Hill. Near the Ranger's House or the Observatory there are much more atmospheric scenes as the sun slices down the city skyscrapers. Another good viewpoint is Parliament Hill, on Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill in Regent's Park.  A spin on the London Eye and a quick trip to the surrounding area can make a nice group trip.  If you're looking to book a trip, you may want to look into a coach hire to simplify your planning.

As far as booking your ride on the London Eye, make sure there's good weather before you go up as it's a really depressing ride when it's rainy and overcast.  The Eye is usually closed for its annual maintenance at the end of January/beginning of February, so be sure to check their website.

Madame Tussaud's

Many big cities have some sort of wax museum, but Madame Tussaud's is the mother of them all. It's definitely a popular attraction - the queues, especially on the weekends, can be horrendous.  You can, however, pre-book a ticket online and walk past those waiting in line, if you wish.

Madame Tussaud's has worked hard over the years to build its reputation, and it has achieve a semi-official status among wax figure museums.  Also on the site is the planetarium, which is much like all other planetariums, but probably bigger.

Madame Tussauds is located on Marylebone Road, approximately 100 yards from Baker Street tube, and it's also close to Sherlock Holmes' fictional residence which maintains a small 'Museum'.  

If you feel fatigued after visiting Madame Tussaud's, you can go on a quick walk 400 yards north to Regent's Park and beyond to Primrose Hill, where you'll find a great view over London.  On the weekend it's also a quick and easy walk right through to Camden Market.

London Tower Bridge - A Classic London Landmark

No trip to England would be satisfying without a walk or cruise along the Thames and an up-close view of the London Tower Bridge.  Directly adjacent to the Tower of London, the London Tower Bridge harkens back, of course, to the nursery song "London Bridge is Falling Down".  Of course the actual "London Bridge" mentioned did almost fall down but was saved and gently transported and reconstructed in, of all places, Arizona.  The London Tower Bridge is a classic London landmark and a great photo opportunity.  Many like to take a cruise or group bus tour along the Thames as an opportunity to take in an expansive view of the river, the Tower of London, the London Tower Bridge and surrounding landmarks.

Windsor Castle - A Slice of Royalty

For American visitors, having the chance to see a castle that is 500 years old is a unique experience. In the United States, even the oldest buildings or sites often date only to the 18th or 19th century.  So American tourists are often awed to discover that Windsor Castle is 900 years old! It is one of the largest operating castles in the world. Windsor Castle serves as an alternate residence for the Queen and the Royal Family. But visitors are also welcomed to tour large parts of the castle and wonder at the collection of elegant art works and treasures owned by the Royal Family. Keep an eye on the horizon if you visit this favorite tourist site because at Windsor Castle you will sometimes see the flag flying. If you do, it's a sign that the Queen is currently in residence.  Wondering about transportation to reach Windsor Castle?  If you're traveling as a group, a UK coach hire service may be a good solution to simplifying your travel plans.

Wimbledon - Perfect for Tennis Fans

The location of one of the international Grand Slam Tennis events, Wimbledon is practically a shrine for grass tennis players all over the world. Annually during the last week of June and the first week of July, men and women play tennis on the grass courts at Wimbledon, hoping for the chance to get to the tournament finals.  They all hope to be featured on television, around the world, on the famous "Center Court" of Wimbledon. Tickets for the Grand Slam event at Wimbledon are difficult to obtain, but anyone can visit Wimbledon at other times of the year. For many, just visiting Wimbledon is a dream come true.

Oxford and Cambridge - The "Education" Jewels of the UK

In the English university system there are two giants: Oxford and Cambridge.  These schools have a world-wide and time-tested pedigree.  Incredibly enough, the history of both of these institutions weaves back through time to the thirteenth Century when they were both founded. 

They've continued to survive, thrive, and build their reputations for excellence over hundreds of years.  Leading scholars, politicians, theologians and philosophers of England and the world have taken their degrees at one of these two institutions. Today the two universities, made up of a number of distinct colleges, offer degrees to some ten thousand students. While these are operational universities, they also are historical sites and can help foreign visitors and international students to gain a better understanding of the reverence paid to Oxford and Cambridge.

If you're planning on travelling to Oxford or Cambridge as a group, make sure to consider your travel options ahead of time.  Individual cars, train or coach hire all are transportation solutions to getting to Oxford and Cambridge.

Stonehenge - A UK Classic

Among the unique and archaeologically classic sites in the UK is Stonehenge. This circular collection of large standing stones tells of the existence of mankind in the area of Wilstone County, England, more than 3,000 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Scholars vary in their opinions of why Stonehenge was built.  Some scholars and historians view it as a place where human sacrifice could have been offered, while others connect its existence to astrological signs or the rotation of the sun around the Earth. Whatever its creators' intent, Stonehenge continues to mystify modern man and is one of the ten top tourist destinations in the United Kingdom. To preserve this incredible monument, tourists are no longer allowed to walk among the stones, but for a small admission fee, you can get closer to the distant past than you are ever likely to get again.  If you're planning a group trip to visit Stonehenge, think about booking a coach to make your trip easier (London coach hire).

With a wondrous location on Cornwall’s dramatic Atlantic coast, Tintagel is a storied place where the legend of King Arthur was born. This spot is rich both in flora and fauna and in history.  It provides a breeding ground for sea birds, lizards and butterflies and will offer you the opportunity to take them in first hand. Tintagel Castle is Cornwall’s most memorable site. The castle was built in the 13th century; now in ruins, it still has the power to inspire the heart and the mind.

There are many relics of antiquity to be found at Tintagel, including the so-called King Arthur's Footprint on the Island and a carved rock from Starapark.  These have been written about these as Bronze Age ritual objects. "King Arthur's Footprint" is a hollow in the rock at the highest point of Tintagel Island's southern side. It is been determined that it is not entirely natural, as it has been shaped by human hands at some point. It is possible that it may have been used for the inauguration of kings or chiefs as the site has a long history, stretching as far back as the Dark Ages. The name is probably a 19th century invention by a local castle guide.

Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare's Home

You may not have heard of Stratford, or more correctly, Stratford-upon-Avon, but you've almost certainly heard of William Shakespeare.  Stratford-upon-Avon was Shakespeare's birthplace and is a major UK tourist destination.  It lies on the River Avon, about 22 miles south east of Birmingham and 8 miles to the west of Warwick.

Stratford-upon-Avon is home to England's Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which was completed in 1932, and is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company.  The village also boasts among its tourist attractions five houses that are related to Shakespeare's life.  They are all owned and maintained by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.  These homes include Hall's Croft, Nash's House, New Place, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, and Mary Arden's House (Palmer's Farm).

Stratford-upon-Avon certainly offers the tourist a chance to see a real-life slice of history.  Transportation to the area is relatively easy, as it is accessible from the junction of 15 and the M40 motorway.  If you're transporting a large group, it may be advisable to use a coach hire service.  There are also rail lines running from nearby Birmingham and London.

Big Ben - Quite the Clock

Big Ben is the iconic London landmark and classic. The 320 foot high clock tower is named for its largest bell, which weighs over 13 tons and was cast in 1858 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in East London. It remains one of the largest bells the foundry has ever cast. Each clock face on Big Ben is over seven meters in diameter.

Westminster Abbey - A London Must See

Westminster Abbey largely dates to the Norman Conquest, though the Western Towers were more recently constructing in the mid-18th century. Westminster Abbey has been the setting for every Royal Coronation since 1066. You can visit the Chapter House, and view its medieval floor tiles and wall paintings showing scenes from the Apocalypse. You can take a break from the worst of the throngs of London tourists in the Cloisters.

The Tower of London - World's Most Famous Prison?

The Tower of London dates back as far as Roman times. The Tower itself dates from the time of William The Conqueror. The Tower has been a castle, prison, royal mint, one time zoo, and is still home to the Crown Jewels. You can view the Imperial State Crown, which is set with the 530 carat Culinan I, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world.

Trafalgar Square - A London Landmark

Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous squares in the world. It features Nelson’s Column, honouring Admiral Nelson’s defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1805, which stands over 170 feet tall. The Square also features a statue of Nelson that stands at over 18 feet. Just north of the Square is the National Gallery, which features masterpieces by da Vinci. Also nearby is the National Portrait Gallery. West of the Square is Canada House and to the north east is the Church of St Martin’s in the Fields.

My First Post - What is Travel the UK

Hello all!

Welcome to my blog: Travel the UK (http://traveltheuk.blogspot.com).

First off, some definitions:
UK (the United Kingdom): The United Kingdom is a unitary state consisting of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.^[19] It is governed by a parliamentary system with its seat of government in London, the capital, but with three devolved national administrations in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, the capitals of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland respectively. (according to Wikipedia).

Travel: Travel is the change in location of people on a trip through the means of transport from one location to another. Travel is most commonly for recreation (as part of tourism or to visit friends and family), for business or for commuting. (again, according to Wikipedia)

So, in this space, I will daily bring you a unique UK travel destination, idea, tip, deal, picture, trip plan, et cetera.

If YOU have requests, specific venues/areas/cities/museums/etc you want to hear about, or suggestions, you can post a comment here or email me.