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London Bed and Breakfast - Find B&B on bnbstar.co.uk
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Bed and Breakfast Guide London
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One of the world’s largest cosmopolitan cities, London is just brimming with excitement with all the cultural heritage, fashion, glamour, glitz and entertainment imaginable, once dubbed by Newsweek magazine as the coolest city on earth! It is a vibrant, bustling and exciting place to be, full of history with unmatched royal heritage and culture, no wonder it is the most visited city in the world!
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A treasure trove packed with a huge array of attractions from historical sights and ancient buildings, world-class museums, galleries, theatres, monuments, churches, cathedrals, palaces, parks, bridges and other hidden gems. It’s the city that gave the world the mini skirt, Sherlock Holmes and Charles Dickens, who wrote among other works, the famous Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist. See the unrivalled pageantry and ceremonies and experience the past, present and future of this great and unique city as you tour, dine in style in Michelin star rated restaurants or drink in one of the many picturesque and atmospheric Victorian and Edwardian pubs, some only reached by narrow alleys. For a short getaway, weekend break or a long vacation, why not opt for a comfortable and conveniently situated bed and breakfast in the London area for that perfect combination to make your stay truly unforgettable.
Enjoy the stunning views from ‘The London Eye’ which dominates the river skyline opposite The Houses of Parliament, one of the newest most striking structures recently voted the best attraction in the world and a modern symbol of 21st Century Britain. See London’s famous streets below and its historic sites some dating back to the Roman times and, on a clear day not only can you see London’s famous 55 landmarks, but you can enjoy panoramic scenery as far away as Windsor Castle. Your unique Ferris Wheel’s capsule will hoist you as high as 135 metres above the bustling River Thames below, where you will find several tour boat operators located at Westminster pier, at the opposite side of Big Ben.
Scenic tour boats will take you to the London Tower, Greenwich Observatory and up to Hampton Court and, as you float down the river you’ll pass several famous and beautiful buildings such as the Royal Festival Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Millennium Bridge, The Tate Gallery of Modern Art, Lambeth Palace and other landmarks like Cleopatra’s Needle, Westminster, Lambeth and Hammersmith Bridges, Canary Wharf and Greenwich Palace. Spoil yourself with the best eating experience and dine in style, with an amazing choice of 50 different international cuisines in over 5000 restaurants of which 8 are rated in the top 30 best in the world, London has even surpassed Paris as a gartronomic destination, go shopping in the universally renowned districts of the West End, Knightsbridge and Covent Garden with over 40,000 shops and 83 major street markets to choose from.
Tower Bridge has stood majestically over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, flamboyant pieces of Victorian engineering and it’s the most recognised bridge in the World and a symbol of London. It truly looks impressive, especially at night when it's gloriously illuminated. Two drawbridges open to allow large yachts and other large boats through and it is quite spectacular to see. Moored beside the bridge and part of the Imperial War Museum is the battleship HMS Belfast. The Maritime Museum in Greenwich site of the Royal Observatory and Greenwich MeanTime, has other and earlier examples of Britannia's great sea going ships.
London really knows how to put on a show and you can have a swell of a time without breaking the bank in and around Theatre Land with more productions than Broadway. Wander through historic Westminster to see the many famous icons including Trafalgar Square where looking up you will see Nelson's Column standing at its centre commemorating Admiral Lord Nelson's victory in the naval battle at Trafalgar in 1805 and at its base stands the four majestic Lions. Stop off at the National Portrait Gallery for an outstanding collection of some of the world’s most important paintings from great masters dating as far back as the 13th century. Gaze upon the works of great painters such as Titian, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Raphael and Van Gogh. Stroll down Whitehall to Downing Street, the London home of the Prime Minister and onto the awe-inspiring Houses of Parliament with its remarkable mock Gothic building. Divided into three areas it holds the Royal Apartments, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Clock Tower holds the massive 14 tonne bell of Big Ben, one of the most famous and striking buildings in London and on Wednesdays, when Parliament is sitting, you can watch it in session from the gallery.
Another magnificent attraction is the medieval masterpiece and a work of architectural genius, Westminster Abbey probably the most famous church in England with its fantastic gothic architecture and stunning stained glass. Almost every Queen or King since William the Conqueror has been crowned here. The setting for every coronation since 1066 and the burial ground of Britain’s monarchs since the 13th century, along with great statesmen, scientists, musicians and poets and the Unknown Soldier.
Take the “Hop-on Hop-off” open-top red double-decker buses, with over 90 stops around the capital and by far the easiest way to see the marvellous sights at every turn. The Tower of London, perhaps one of the most famous and well preserved historical buildings in the world is a must visit where you can experience 900 years of history in the medieval palace and see some of the traditions and ceremonies that take place, also view the spectacular Crown Jewels exhibiting the Kingdom’s crowns, sceptres, plate, and the two largest cut diamonds in the world are among the many glittering objects in the collection. It has served as a Royal palace, a prison and for a thousand years the Tower has protected, threatened and imprisoned. Climb the stairs of the White and Bloody tower where Richard III allegedly murdered his nephews, learn about traitor’s gate, be photographed with the famous friendly Beefeaters and see the cheeky ravens, all contributing at making your visit wonderfully atmospheric.
The Science Museum has a vast and impressive scientific collection and the British Museum displays an enormous accumulation of antiquities from all over the world. The museum's assortment range from prehistory and from the bronze and iron ages up to the 20th century. The British Museum displays Egyptian artefacts with perhaps the largest collection of mummies outside of Cairo. Other important museums are the Victoria & Albert Museum housing a large variety of world class decorative arts and crafts with more than 4 million objects.
Listen to some of the world’s best live music at The Royal Festival Hall or The Royal Albert Hall, admire the London Planetarium adjacent to Madame Tussaud's, inside you are invited to discover the basics of astronomy under its large green copper dome, interestingly it has Digistar 3 the world's most advanced star projector, or take part in the interactive 'Space Trail' section which has many detailed models of planets, satellites and spacecraft, here you can watch the universe explode with stunning colours and surreal images. Madame Tussaud's offer among many other interesting exhibits, The 'Chamber of Horrors', wax models of The 'Super Stars' and the 'Spirit of London', this section takes the visitor through 400 years of London history, with events such as the Great Fire of 1666 and the 1960s 'Swinging London', not too far away is No 221b Baker Street Sherlock Holmes “home” now a museum.
The London Aquarium is housed within County Hall on the bank of the Thames and comprises of three levels of exciting and educational exhibits featuring hundreds of varieties of fish and marine life, many of which have not been seen before on these shores. Don’t forget a trip to the famous Cutty Sark the last and most famous of the tea clippers that supplied the British with their favourite drink, it is permanently moored on Greenwich's waterfront. It was built in 1869, and has been moored here since 1954. In her shadow stands the Gypsy Moth, in which Sir Francis Chichester sailed single-handedly round the world for the first time. Choosing a bed and breakfast in London is excellent value for money and you’ll find the hospitality friendly and the ideal base from which to explore the Capital and its environment.
Night life comes alive in Soho and if you want to catch real rock stars on a night out in the lively discos, night clubs and diverse music venues including The London Palladium, The Talk of the Town and the world famous Ronnie Scott's jazz club situated near the glamorous and magical world of the West End, a mecca for shows, clubbing, eating and Chinatown, located between Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue one of London’s distinct and popular ethnic enclaves where for instance you can see the telephone kiosks rigged out as pagodas and fake Oriental gates. Within easy walking distance is Covent Garden where street performers have made it the street entertainment centre of London, there you’ll also be spoilt for choice of fashionable boutiques, eclectic restaurants, marvellous pubs, shops and a lot more, not forgetting the imposing Royal Opera House nearby. Located in the very heart of London and known around the world for its illuminated neon signs and the statue of Eros, Piccadilly Circus is essentially a busy traffic junction with Regent Street, Piccadilly, Shaftesbury Avenue and Haymarket branching outward from its centre, check out the marvellous array of excellent shops and department stores in Oxford Street, you’ll find everything under the sun making the street the largest in Europe and Piccadilly Circus hosts one of London's largest music outlets, admire exquisite jewellery brows or shop at Hamley’s arguably the largest toy shop in the world situated in Regents Street. For trendy and exclusive fashion head for classy Bond Street, London’s own Rodeo Drive in Mayfair.
For something scary why not cross over London Bridge to the bowels of London Bridge Station for the famous waxwork museum of torture, 'The London Dungeon'. One of the most popular attractions but not recommended for those of a nervous disposition or unaccompanied children. It offers great displays and a unique blend of history and at times it is humourous…but can also be frightening, you have been warned! Check out the terrifying Traitor, ‘Boat Ride to Hell’. As such it can paint an artificially grim portrait of London, experience a walk down a Victorian street to unravel the terrible truth about Jack the Ripper! Experience nasty and hell-raising surprises that will make your hair stick up on end as you journey through the dark alleys of the past, you’ll be amazed at the real life it portrays as statues gives you the idea the person is standing live in front of you as you experience the humiliations and fears just like the people who were condemned to death have undergone. See and feel the terror from the times of King Henry VIII and the French Revolution, view the tools and implements used in torture and punishment all displayed and explained including the gruesome guillotine.
A visit to the charming East End of London should be included in any itinerary, the Cockney world and Bow Bells, the saying goes that if you were born within the sound of the bells you're a true Cockney. The well known 'Oranges and Lemons' St Clements church is nearby and there is a quaint little enclave in Bow Lane off Cheapside, behind the church, or if you like the pearly Kings and Queens then there is a Cockney Museum, a charity that helps underprivileged children. For the real Queen, then visit Buckingham Palace that has served as the monarch’s permanent London residence and where the famous Changing of the Guard takes place. The Queen’s Guards, accompanied by a band, arrive from Wellington Barracks having marched via Bird Cage Walk to the Palace. You can also see smaller ceremonies at all the Royal Palaces. Around Buckingham Palace you will find the beautiful Green Park and St. James's Park, which belonged to the Palace but now are open to the public.
Within walking distance you will also find Hyde Park, which is becoming famous for ‘Concerts in the Park’. Situated next to St James's Palace proudly stands the stately Clarence House, former home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, now the official London residence of Prince Charles, William and Harry. As with Buckingham Palace you can also go on a guided tour. The Royal Mews forms part of Buckingham Palace and house the carriages and horses used by the Queen and the Royal Family during state and ceremonial occasions. A visit provides an opportunity to see the Royal Household in action and visitors can also view the Gold State Coach that is used for Coronations, State Visits, Royal Weddings and the annual State Opening of Parliament.
To find those enchanting souvenirs go to The Old Curiosity Shop mentioned in Dickens, amazingly it still exists just north of the Strand, on Portsmouth Street. Bloomsbury is home to numerous writers and artists and the book trade. In the Golden Square Mile of the City, one of the world’s top three financial centres, you’ll find the original 'Old Lady of Threadneedle Street' The Bank of England, it was built on the site of the ancient Roman city of Londinium and has an interesting small museum. Enjoy the relaxation and comfort of bed and breakfast in London for a remarkable, enjoyable and culturally enlightening vacation.
A must visit is St. Paul’s Cathedral a magnificent building and an architectural triumph built on the site of a Roman Temple to Diana, this impressive part of the London skyline was raised by Sir Christopher Wren in 1697 and has seen many lavish settings for state ceremonies. Marvel at the relics of a medieval world, in the crypt there are effigies and fragments of stone that pre-date the Cathedral. Don’t miss the dome and its whispering gallery, the cathedral still remains the strong spiritual focus of Great Britain. The neo-Byzantine architecture of Westminster Cathedral built in 1895 is the spiritual home of English Roman Catholics and is the principal Roman Catholic Church in London. It is made up of 12 million terracotta coloured bricks and brilliant bands of colour streak across the outer walls.
Undoubtedly the most attractive of London's public open spaces is Regent's Park now housing London Zoo, it originally started life as a royal hunting ground for Henry VIII. Inside the park's Outer Circle is a network of small pathways that takes you to the picturesque and immaculately kept Queen Mary's Gardens, while the long and straight Broad Walk runs from Regent's Park Tube station all the way up to Primrose Hill. Regent Park also boasts a boating lake, bandstand, tennis courts and, during the summer months, an open-air theatre stages Shakespearean productions.
For shopping try South Kensington one of the most fashionable districts along with Knightsbridge where the imposing Harrods reputed to be the most exclusive and best department store in the world is located and Chelsea’s Sloane Street full of world class brands of designer boutiques, but start with the famous Chelsea’s King’s Road and end up in Kensington High Street with its fabulous market and chic boutiques. Outside the centre of leafy London you’ll find other interesting things to see and do, but wherever you decide to stay, be it in Wimbledon where the greatest grand slam lawn tennis tournament in the world is held every summer or enjoy a tram ride in Croydon where all the government buildings are, you’ll find the underground and public transport services to take you to all the places of interest, excellent. Staying in bed and breakfast in London is a unique experience where you can soak up the historical sights and enjoy what London has to offer no matter which area you choose to stay.
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Area Guides for London
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East London B&B Guide London
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A visit to the charming East End of London should be included in any itinerary, the Cockney world and Bow Bells, the saying goes that if you were born within the sound of the bells you're a true Cockney.
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City Guides for London
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South Kensington B&B Guide London
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Westminster Abbey B&B Guide London
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Covent Garden B&B Guide London
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Regents Park B&B Guide London
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Piccadilly Circus B&B Guide London
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Westminster B&B Guide London
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Soho B&B Guide London
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Bromley Court (Bromley, London)
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Winchester (Highgate, London)
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