London Calling Family Trip
- Day 1 (4 schedule items)
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- Continental flight CO110 departing 9:25pm EWR for LHR
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- A London, United Kingdom
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[Full Description]
London is the capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, and is the largest city in Western Europe. Situated on the River Thames in southeast England, London is historically one of the great world cities and remains a global capital of politics, culture, fashion, trade and finance. London will serve as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
London boasts a vast number of attractions for the traveler. Among the most famous are Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster (including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament) in Westminster. Shoppers can head to Portobello Road, which claims to be the world’s largest antiques market, for antiques, souvenirs and other knick-knacks or simply a walk through time.
London has a large variety of shows from fringe to Broadway-like musicals and productions. The West End district is where you’ll find the last type, with famous imported Broadway shows and some very good local productions.
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- Heathrow Express - Home Page
- B Courthouse Hotel Kempinski London - London, United Kingdom -, Unite...
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Courthouse Hotel Kempinski London - London, United Kingdom -
Doubletree Courthouse London-Regent St in the West End of London gives guests a chance to experience something a little different. As it's name suggests, this hotel was once the Great Marlborough Street Magistrate's Court and many a famous face has been in the dock in years gone by. This unique and quirky hotel, just a short walk from Covent Garden, retains it's original features but provides every modern comfort one would expect. The magnificent original features of this Grade II Listed building remain throughout the hotel, such as the waiting room, the Number One Court, (complete with the Judges bench, witness stand and dock.), three prison cells and the iron bars that separate the lobby lounge from the bar.[Full Description]
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- Day 2 (3 schedule items)
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- C British Museum - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse, London
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British Museum - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
The British Museum is one of London's top tourist attractions as well as a major scholarly resource. Its collection was bequeathed to the nation in 1753 and the Museum's distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th Century. The collection expanded massively during the heyday of the British Empire, leading to the Museum's notoriety for plundering sources all over the globe and leaving it with over 6.5 million objects to look after. The displays cover about 14 acres and it is simply too tiring to tackle them all in one visit. The best way is to pick a collection or exhibition that interests you, explore that, and make return visits. And if you haven't got time for a proper visit, drop in for a coffee at the lovely Court Restaurant. Admission is free but charges may be made for temporary exhibitions.[Full Description]
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- D Buckingham Palace - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse, London
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Buckingham Palace - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
Buckingham Palace has been the official abode of British royalty since 1837. The forecourt is the setting for one of London's most popular tourist events: The Changing of the Guard. The Mews are working stables, where you can see the Queen's horses and state carriages. The Buckingham Palace state rooms are only open during certain days in August and September. Just outside the front of the palace, you can enjoy the Queen Victoria Memorial Gardens and the Victoria Memorial, a striking and impressive sculpture facing the Mall. The visiting hours vary seasonally.[Full Description]
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- E Amaya, London
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Ever since its establishment in October 2004, Amaya has been receiving praises and flattering reviews from its visitors as well as the press. The restaurant's decor boasts a blend of Indian and western styles - sandstone panels, flowers on tables and elegant glass cutlery. Experience the exciting taste of India through a wide variety of seafood and grilled vegetables from the northern and southern parts of the country. Most desserts are sugar free, so calorie conscious eaters can heave a sigh of relief.[Full Description]
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- Day 3 (6 schedule items)
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- F Houses of Parliament - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMus, London
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Houses of Parliament - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMus
For over 900 years this impressive assemblage of Gothic buildings has been the home of the British government. The building covers an area of eight acres and consists of 1100 rooms, 100 staircases and 11 courtyards. The House of Lords occupies the southern end of the building while the House of Commons occupies the area to the north. The best view of this massive expanse can be seen from nearby Parliament Square. Within the Houses of Parliament there is Westminster Hall, the Crypt Church, Members' Lobbies, the Commons Library and the Peers Library. The tower containing Big Ben looms just outside. To attend PMQ (Prime Minister's Question Time) in the House of Commons, UK citizens need to contact their local MP in advance. Otherwise, there is a queue at St Stephen's entrance.[Full Description]
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- G Big Ben - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse, London
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Big Ben - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
"Big Ben" is the name of the clock inside the famous tower that also forms part of the Houses of Parliament. Its impressive mechanism weighs in at over 13.5 tons, and the pendulum, which beats once every two seconds, is 13 feet long and weighs 690 pounds. The clock was named "Big Ben" after the First Commissioner of Works, and since 1885 a light above it has been lit while the House of Commons is in session. UK residents can schedule a time to climb the clock tower. Unfortunately, non-citizens of the UK are not permitted to climb the clock tower.[Full Description]
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- Westminster Abbey
- H Leicester Square - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse, London
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Leicester Square - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
Located in London's West End, the always busy Leicester Square houses its fair share of pedestrians. The middle of the square features a small park, which one could find a 19th century statue of William Shakespeare. Visitors often take advantage of Leicester Square for a night on the town. With a number of movie houses, restaurants, theaters and nightclubs within walking distance, Leicester Square is packed on Friday and Saturday nights.[Full Description]
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- I Wagamama - Leicester Square, London
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Wagamama serves up a pan-Asian cuisine that features a fusion of eclectic traditional favorites with modern flavors. The fare is made fresh and all items are featured on a dietary menu, allowing guests full access to the ingredients in their food. Orders are taken via electronic pads, meaning that preparation begins in the kitchen as soon as you have made a choice on what to order. Dishes come to the table in the order that they are prepared, which can be problematic for groups who want to eat together. Start off with a range of dumplings, or dive right into the kare noodle soups. The atmosphere is also a major draw with lots of open, light space and minimalist decor. The end result is a dining experience that has only grown in popularity as new locations have opened worldwide.[Full Description]
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- London theatre news, tickets, listings and features | The Of
- Day 4 (4 schedule items)
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- J Trafalgar Square - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse, London
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Trafalgar Square - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
Trafalgar Square was built following the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The man responsible for this famous naval victory, which finally destroyed French naval power and secured Britain from invasion, was Admiral Horatio Nelson. A column, with an 18ft statue of Nelson at the summit is the centerpiece of the Square. At the base of the column are the renowned Landseer lions. Renovations in 2003 removed traffic lanes to make room for a sizable staircase, connecting the National Portrait Gallery to the square. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery border one side of the Square, and it's a good place to sit and soak up the atmosphere on a sunny day. The Square is also famous for the large number of pigeons that congregate there. It's one of the main places that visitors come to take pictures.[Full Description]
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- K National Gallery - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse, London
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National Gallery - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
National Gallery is a magnificent Georgian edifice, on the northern side of Trafalgar Square, housing a massive collection of Western European Art. Works of Master Leonardo Da Vinci can be found in the Sainsbury wing of the gallery, alongside Botticelli and Bellini. Titian, Michelangelo and Raphael can be found in the West Wing. Whereas in the North Wing, Rubens, Rembrandt and Caravaggio are located, and Seurat, Canaletto, Degas and Monet are in the East Wing. A portable CD guide is available in six different languages.[Full Description]
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- L St Martin-in-the-Fields - United Kingdom Attraction - Travel, London
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St Martin-in-the-Fields - United Kingdom Attraction - Travel
One of London's many noteworthy churches, you'll no doubt stumble across St Martin-in-the-Fields when you visit the neighboring National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. Along with having Buckingham Palace in its parish, this church holds many events, such as the free lunchtime concerts on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Although St Martin-in-the-Fields is located right on the busy Trafalgar Square, it is one of the best places in the city to go for a little peace and quiet. Designed in 1726 by James Gibbs, the church is also home to some of the most beautiful woodwork and Italian plasterwork in all of London.[Full Description]
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- M National Portrait Gallery - United Kingdom Attraction - Trav, London
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National Portrait Gallery - United Kingdom Attraction - Trav
The National Portrait Gallery houses portraits of movers and shakers in British history from the Tudors to the present day making it a must for lovers of art. Founded in 1856, the collection on display is amongst the most comprehensive in the world and no restrictions are placed on the mediums used. As well as the traditional oil paintings and watercolors there are drawings, miniatures, sculptures, silhouettes, caricatures and photographs. The subjects on show range from Oliver Cromwell to Jarvis Cocker. Admission is free.[Full Description]
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- Day 5 (3 schedule items)
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- N Tate Modern - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse, London
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Tate Modern - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
Opened in 2000, Tate Modern has amazed industry insiders, art lovers and tourists alike. The museum, located among the drab, concrete blocks of Bankside, has few of its original features; it used to be a 1950's power station. Inside, there are many innovative and attention-grabbing works, with a variety from 1900 to the present, from the most important artists of the century to today's rising stars. Admission is free for most exhibits. Check website for further details.[Full Description]
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- O Globe Theatre - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse, London
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Globe Theatre - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
Visit the glorious reconstruction of Shakespeare's original playhouse, built some four centuries later. This version of the Bards venue also boasts of the first thatched roof in London since the Great Fire. The partially open-air theater provides a standing area and some seating provisions. The Globe Theatre Company, Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Globe Education work together to provide a historical and educational experience while putting on some of the finest performances in this fabulous theater. Come and soak up the atmosphere even if you are unfamiliar with the Bard's work. Tickets can be bought via the internet or directly from the Globe Box Office.[Full Description]
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- P London Eye (Millennium Wheel) - United Kingdom Attraction -
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London Eye (Millennium Wheel) - United Kingdom Attraction -
Known as both the London Eye and the Millennium Wheel, this huge 443-foot ferris wheel on the South Bank gives a fabulous bird's eye view of London. Its inception in the beginning of 2000 honored the Millennium; and the spectacular views stretch for 25 miles on a clear day to include views of Windsor and Tunbridge Wells. Up to 25 people can fit in each of the wheel's "capsules." The wheel turns surprisingly slowly; it takes thirty minutes to go round, so there's plenty of time to spot landmarks and take photos. Hours vary by season. Check website for timings.[Full Description]
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- Day 6 (5 schedule items)
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- Q Oxford, United Kingdom
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Oxford Travel Guide & Vacation Information - TravelMuse
[Full Description]Oxford, England is perhaps best known for the aged and prestigious University of Oxford, but the city is good for much more than an education. Situated about two hours east of London, Oxford was first connected with the city via the Great Western Railway in the mid-19th century. The 20th century witnessed education and car production as Oxford’s two major economic endeavors, a model that continues to play out there today.
The easiest way to navigate the city is using the park and ride system, which has four buses that connect to the city centre. Most major attractions center on the architecture of the college, which has given the city the nickname the City of Dreaming Spires.
Bring the camera to snap shots of the university’s captivating architecture, built around the River Thames, which runs through the campus. In the summer, shop at the historic Covered Market in central Oxford or punt on the Isis (a portion of the Thames).
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- Bodleian Library
- THE CHERWELL BOATHOUSE, OXFORD
- Christ Church Website - Welcome to Christ Church
- Turf Tavern, Oxford - Pub Website
- Day 7 (4 schedule items)
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- R Covent Garden & Soho - London Shopping - TravelMuse
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Covent Garden & Soho - London Shopping - TravelMuse
An open-air party atmosphere still pervades in Covent Garden's Piazza. The 18th-century iron and glass former fruit and vegetable market has evolved gracefully and now houses a craft market, fashion boutiques and other upmarket stores which are a great place to pick up gifts. Stroll down Long Acre, Floral Street and cobbled Neal Street for good quality high street brands. Charing Cross Road is where to go if it's books you're after as there are shops specialising in everything from crime to medicine and law. Electrical goods can be found on Tottenham Court Road where wide boys in ties wheel and deal. Buy beautiful gifts at Covent Garden and wardrobe staples from the surrounding streets. Book worms will love the specialist book stores on Charing Cross Road and techy boffins will enjoy haggling for electrical goods on Tottenham Court Road.[Full Description]
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- Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop, Covent Garden
- S Natural History Museum - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelM, London
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Natural History Museum - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelM
Explore the natural history of planet Earth from the prehistoric era to the present day at one of London's most visited museums. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, Natural History Museum is one of London's most beautiful and most recognized. These hallowed halls house more than 300 years' worth of collections, with over 68 million specimens. Broadly divided into Life and Earth galleries, the museum provides much more than can be seen in a day, and your feet will get tired before your brain does. Let your kids run wild amongst dinosaur skeletons, erupting volcanoes and life size constructs of blue whales. It's unlikely they'll ever forget their first visit here. Admission is free.[Full Description]
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- T Sarastro, London
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Feast your senses in this flamboyant, theatrical restaurant set behind Covent Garden's Theatre Royal, close to The Royal Opera House. Sarastro's dramatically warm atmosphere is just the icing on the cake for the gastronomical splendor that they whip up. The food is generically Mediterranean in style, sprinkled with Turkish specialties such as Anatolian style lamb, kofte and baklava. There is a three-course set Opera Cabaret menu and the wine list is very reasonably priced considering the potential tourist attraction. Menus are available online and reservations can also be made by email.[Full Description]
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- Day 8 (6 schedule items)
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- U Cutty Sark, London
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The Cutty Sark is the last surviving tall ship left in the world. Designed by Hercules Linton, the Cutty Sark was renowned throughout the seafaring world as one of the fastest ships of the period. After a colorful career, she was moved to a dry dock in Greenwich in December 1954. Officially opened in 1957 by Her Majesty the Queen, she's been visited by over 13 million people since. The number of 'the old lady's' admirers are bound to increase, as she remains a living testimony to a glorious bygone era of sail and Empire.[Full Description]
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- V Greenwich Park - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse, London
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Greenwich Park - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
Greenwich Park was redesigned by the Versailles landscaper, Andre Le Note, in the 1660's. Enjoy one of the best views in London from the Royal Observatory hilltop. Brass bands play in the park on summer afternoons, and August brings puppet shows to the playground. Roman and Saxon archaeological finds have been made here. A superb day trip, particularly if you take the riverboat from Westminster.[Full Description]
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- W Inigo Jones Queen's House, London
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The Queen's House was built from 1616-1617 for Anne of Denmark by Inigo Jones, the first to bring Renaissance architecture to England. It is one of the most important buildings in architectural history because it was the first English building consciously built in a classical style. While the house has gone through a number of restorations, it is part of the National Maritime Museum. Home to a number of maritime portraits, admission to the house is free.[Full Description]
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- X National Maritime Museum, London
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National Maritime Museum is bright, airy, the whistling wind and fresh air make you feel like you're on deck. The various exhibitions in the galleries offer an interactive experience with heaving open hatchway doors, turning the ship's wheel and using Viking oars. Check out ancient uniforms, follow Admiral Nelson's sea-faring career, watch archive material of passenger ocean travel, discover what life was like in Britain's maritime heyday, and get involved in various workshops. Wind down in the lush Global Garden, the glorious result of exotic seeds brought back by sailors. Admission to the museum is free.[Full Description]
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- Y Royal Observatory Greenwich - United Kingdom Attraction - Tr, London
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Royal Observatory Greenwich - United Kingdom Attraction - Tr
Designed by Christopher Wren, The Royal Observatory Greenwich was founded in 1675 to compute exact longitudes using astronomy for navigational purposes. However, by 1948 London's glow had become too bright for star gazing, and the astronomers decamped to Sussex. Now the Old Royal Observatory is part of the National Maritime Museum. Discover the story of the search for longitude, the history of time and navigation, or stand on the line where east meets west, and the point where the millennium started. Admission is free; some entrance fees may be charged for special exhibitions and events.[Full Description]
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- Z Locale, London
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Locale accommodates 120 people, thereby ensuring that its popularity as a dining option does not lead to long queues outside its door. This also means that you can bring some friends along to find out why everyone is raving about the food here and keeps coming back for more. Try the spinach and goat cheese salad to begin with. Then try the beef ribs, grilled cod or pheasant ravioli. Wash it down with some of the wines and leave some space in your tummy for the dessert; they are to die for and you will feel miserable if you had to miss out on them.[Full Description]
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- Day 9 (4 schedule items)
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- a London Dungeon - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
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London Dungeon - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
This is not so much a museum as a gruesome reproduction of all things that illustrate the darker side of European history. Located underneath London Bridge, in a basement location with ghastly sounds seeping through the front door, this is a sort of haunted house for adults. It has won the Best Unusual Venue tourism award several times in the past. Wander through rooms depicting royal executions, vicious murders, various torture and execution devices, and even the Great Fire of London. The addition of Hollywood-style sound effects and lighting is also a nice touch. The newest addition is the Labyrinth of the Lost - the world's largest and scariest mirror maze. It's all unbelievably tacky, yet good fun in a morbid sort of way be warned, however, that its probably not suitable for small children, and all children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.[Full Description]
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- b Tower Bridge - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse, London
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Tower Bridge - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
Designed by Sir Horace Jones and opened in 1894, Tower Bridge is famous the world over. Due to the volume of river traffic at the time, Tower Bridge was designed to have twin bascules that could be raised. This famous landmark also has fabulous views over the Tower of London and of river life on the Thames. Visitors can ascend by the North Tower and traverse the river protected from the erratic English elements in an enclosed walkway before descending by the South Tower. Also on offer is The Tower Bridge Experience, a fascinating exhibition situated inside the towers and engine rooms. Want to get a great view of the Tower Bridge from afar, but not too far? Head on over to Potters Fields Park, right next to City Hall, where you can enjoy a picnic with a view.[Full Description]
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- c Tower of London - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
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Tower of London - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMuse
The Tower of London is mainly perceived as a medieval place of imprisonment and execution. Nine hundred years of history are embraced within its thick, turreted walls. Even though the Tower's violent years are long gone, an aura of death and medieval torture remains. Today, guided tours are available. The main attraction for most visitors is the breathtaking Crown Jewels. It is also a chance to see the legendary ravens who live within the walls. Folklore has it that if they ever leave, Britain will again fall to foreign invasion. Interestingly enough, orders have been received to clip their wings![Full Description]
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- d Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, London
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Rebuilt after the great fire of 1666, the Cheshire Cheese has probably changed little since Charles Dickens, Doctor Johnson, and Arthur Conan Doyle used to drink at the upstairs bar. The basement and sub basement offer endless nooks and crannies for a quiet drink, serving organic German lager and a range of Adnams ales. Lawyers mix with City office types on weekday lunchtimes, and it's standing room only. Evenings are quieter, though, you have to arrive before eight to get a seat on a wooden bench on Friday nights. On display you'll find the very chair that Dr. Samuel Johnson would sit in while at work or enjoying a pint, and a famous stuffed parrot who entertained patrons with his foul language and mimicry for over 40 years.[Full Description]
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- Day 10 (4 schedule items)
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- The Royal Pavilion, Brighton
- Brighton Pier - arcades, weddings and corporate functions on
- Brighton Toy and Model Museum
- Terre a Terre, Vegetarian Restaurant, Brighton
- Day 11 (2 schedule items)
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- e St. Paul's Cathedral - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMus, London
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St. Paul's Cathedral - United Kingdom Attraction - TravelMus
First built in 694 but destroyed by the Great Fire in 1666, the beautiful building that stands today was designed by Christopher Wren and completed in 1710. St. Paul's has been host to many great occasions including the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965 and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. There are numerous treasures to see and experience in St. Paul's - a visit is a must. However, the Whispering Gallery is worth a special mention. Just a whisper against the blank circular wall can be heard 42 meters away on the opposite side. Admission is GBP10 for adults; seniors GBP9; students GBP8.50; children (under 16) GBP3.50; concession GBP7. There is a small additional charge to visit the galleries.[Full Description]
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- f Harrods, London
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This is one of London's most prestigious shopping venues and serves as a glittering tribute to opulent and stylish things. Owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, each floor scales the heights of designer fashion clothing and accessories, luxury furniture, cosmetics, fine jewelery and classic toys. If you are in a hurry, you can have a complimentary Harrods personal shopper assist you. This Knightsbridge palace has 19 cafés and restaurants, an online casino and a pet department. Harrods's own brand provisions make perfect presents; you can have your purchases delivered anywhere in the world. In the basement, Al Fayed has erected a small gilded tribute to Princess Diana and his son Dodi who died tragically in August 1997.[Full Description]
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- Day 12 (2 schedule items)
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- g Camden Market - United Kingdom Shopping - TravelMuse, London
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Camden Market - United Kingdom Shopping - TravelMuse
Now open seven days a week, Camden Market sprawls across Camden High Street, Camden Lock Place and the Stables off Chalk Farm Road. The Camden Lock Market is great for arts & crafts and the Electric Market (Sundays only) is the place to go for the best variations on the latest high street trends. This is one of the two must-visit markets for anyone seeking street, alternative & hippie styles, the other being Portobello Market. Traders sell everything from second hand clothes to cheap antiques, records, clothes & accessories, as well as decorative items.[Full Description]
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- h Engineer (The), London
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The Engineer has earned itself a well-deserved reputation as North London's top gastro-pub. That new specimen of wonder pubs, where you get far more than a gutful of beer, is a good bet for modern British cuisine, often with a Mediterranean slant. In fine weather punters can enjoy the fresh outdoors in the lovely garden. Book a table. Primrose Hill is a beautiful area and you've now got the perfect excuse to visit. The menu changes fortnightly - with bruschetta, artichoke salad, prosciutto, feta, beef and risotto with Parmesan shavings, all appearing regularly. A huge plus point is that all their meat is free range and organic.[Full Description]
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- Day 13 (1 schedule items)
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- Continental flight CO29 departs 10:30am from LHR to EWR
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