The Capital of Fog Albion
“If you are tired of London, then you are tired of living, because there is everything you can expect from life.”
Samuel Johnson (1777)
Big Ben and Westminster Abbey photographed from across the River Thames.
After nearly three centuries, Samuel Johnson would surely recognise all the familiar places in the city, stretching along the banks of the Thames, and today could drink coffee in Covent Garden or stroll through the city’s narrow alleys to churches and stables reminiscent of the Middle Ages. And, science fiction writer HG Wells could now attend the debates in Parliament, applaud the musicians at Albert Hall, or listen to a military band in the Royal Park.
London was founded in AD 43, during the invasion of Britain by the Romans, led by the Emperor Claudius. The Romans settled in the territory of the modern district of the city, built a bridge over the Thames and created the famous commercial centre, which attracted many merchants. Many centuries later, the terrible plague of 1665 claimed the lives of 70,000 Londoners, and a year later, 4/5 of the city’s buildings were turned into ashes by a terrible fire. Some of the oldest buildings were restored according to the preserved drawings and, today, the city is an incredible mix of centuries-old buildings of various eras. London, permeated with respectability and the spirit of English traditions, is lively, colourful and very green.
Big Ben and Westminster Abbey photographed from across the River Thames.
What to see
Tower and Tower Bridge
What is the first thing to spend time at in London if you only have a few days? Of course, the Tower. Today, it is not only the oldest building that has been preserved in the city, but also the most valuable vault, where most of London’s history is concentrated. Over the centuries, the fortress was changed and completed, gradually approaching the appearance that can be seen today. The oldest part of the Tower is the White Tower, built in 1078 as a fortress to protect against attacks, as well as the personal residence of William the Conqueror. Be sure to take this place in because, here, you will find the sceptre of the English king Edward VII, adorned with the world’s largest diamond, Cullinan-1, weighing 530.2 carats. Here, among other treasures of the British Empire, is also kept the Kohinoor diamond (186 carats), famous for its sad history, adorning the crown of Queen Elizabeth.
Tower Bridge – the most famous bridge in London, it is both adjustable and hanging. In the central span between its two towers at a height of several floors is a gallery, offering breathtaking views to the west and east of the city. The floor in it is made of glass and collects many who want to take a selfie on it.
The Big Ben, the House of Parliament and the Westminster Bridge at night, London, UK.
Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey – the traditional place of coronation and burial of English monarchs. Also, here lie Samuel Johnson, Tennyson, Browning, Dickens and many other famous writers and poets. The modern Parliament building was erected in 1850 on the site of the original construction, which was almost completely destroyed during the fire of 1834. Today, meetings of the House of Lords and the House of Commons are held here and, on certain days and hours, anyone booking a tour can visit them and see first-hand how important laws are adopted for the country.
The most famous part is the Big Ben Clock Tower, which received its name from the name of the 13.5-ton bell. It is known, without exaggeration, to the whole world and is the hallmark of the city. The Big Ben clock has shown the exact time since 1859.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace – the official London residence of the British monarchs. When the queen is here, the standard flies over the roof. Part of the premises of the palace is open to visitors, usually one or two months a year, when the queen leaves for her summer holidays. To see the changing of the guard (11: 00-11: 30) at Buckingham Palace, you need to come in advance, as there are usually a lot of people in attendance and there is a chance that, in a large crowd, you simply won’t see beyond the heads in front of you.
What to do
- At the weekend, stroll through the Portobello market flea market, where you can try delicious dishes from street chefs and buy beautiful vintage knickknacks as souvenirs.
- Be sure to visit the Chinatown in Soho, with a variety of ethnic restaurants and where Prince Charles himself comes to taste Dim Sum.
- Go to the British Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of antiquities and visit the Tate Modern art gallery.
- For fans of Harry Potter, visit the Kings Cross station complex to see the non-existent platform 9¾, from which the express went to Hogwarts.
- Stroll through Piccadilly and look into the company’s tea shop, Fortnum & Mason (founded in 1707). This is the official supplier of the royal court of Elizabeth II. Here, you can buy unique tea blends, as well as luxurious dishes and accessories for tea drinking.
- View the Tower Bridge (schedule at TowerBridge.org.uk).
- Visit the Cathedral of St. Paul, built at the beginning of the XVIII century in the City of London.
- Drink champagne in the highest bar of the city, Vertigo 42, on the 42nd floor of Tower 42.
- Take a tour of the oldest theatre in the city, Globus, in which William Shakespeare himself played.
- Order ‘afternoon tea’ at the Ritz Hotel. Afternoon tea is served here in the palm chamber. Reservations should be made six weeks in advance.
Transport
In London, well-developed public transport is the metro, the famous double-decker buses (double-decker), trams, railway, water transport and, of course, a taxi. Many Londoners have never thought about buying a personal car, and every year the number of cars per capita is steadily decreasing. But, the cost of parking is growing and today is recognised as the highest in the world. If you have decided to rent a car, get ready to lay out from £2.20 to £4.40 per hour, if you are lucky to find free space. The parking penalty is £80, or £130 if you have not paid for entry into central London (£11.50).
Shopping
30,000 shops and boutiques in London will tire even the most persistent shopaholics. Oxford Street is considered the most famous place for shopping in London, but Londoners and tourists also enjoy the popularity of Bond Street in Mayfair and Knightsbridge, which houses Harrod’s famous shopping centre. Londoners, themselves, prefer to visit Selfridges, a high-end department store, while shopping in Harrod’s is now firmly the love of Arab and Russian buyers. Many worthy boutiques can be found in the same Mayfair, on Carnaby Street in Soho and on Kings Road in Chelsea.
Food
Burger & Lobster
The chain of restaurants, Burger & Lobster, owned by Russian restaurateur Mikhail Zelman, serves only steaks and lobsters, accompanied by lettuce and French fries. A serving costs £20. Be sure to order potatoes with truffles!
www.burgerandlobster.com
Gordon Ramsay Royal Hospital Road
Being in London and not going to the restaurant of the King of English cuisine is absolutely impossible. It is only institution in the city with three Michelin stars. Try a piece of fried foie gras with caramelised chicory – and you will certainly return here again.
www.gordonramsay.com
Marivanna
Marivanna is an establishment in prestigious Knightsbridge. The unusual design of the restaurant, reminiscent of a traditional house in a village or an apartment of a grandmother and grandfather with samovars and old photographs, attracts visitors of various nationalities. They say that even Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge once tried borsch here.
www.marivanna.ru/london
The Harwood Arms
London’s first gastropub to receive a Michelin star, The Harwood Arms offers a two or three course dinner menu for £22.50 or £27.50.
www.harwoodarms.com
Hakkasan
The restaurant was founded by the owner of Wagamama and Yauatcha, Alan Yau. With modern Chinese cuisine, excellent dim sum and, perhaps, Sting at the next table, it is a full-on experience. Specialties are silver cod soaked in champagne and Chinese honey and Peking duck with royal beluga caviar.
www.hakassan.com
Sketch
Four years ago, the founders of the restaurant came up with the idea – to combine modern art, music, video and design with fine dining. The result: continued popularity and rave reviews from critics and lovers of everything unusual. High-quality French dishes from Chef Pierre Gagnaire, desserts and cocktails await you. The signature dish is langoustine with tartar sauce, stewed or roasted.
www.sketch.uk.com
Marivanna
Marivanna is an establishment in prestigious Knightsbridge. The unusual design of the restaurant, reminiscent of a traditional house in a village or an apartment of a grandmother and grandfather with samovars and old photographs, attracts visitors of various nationalities. They say that even Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge once tried borsch here.
www.marivanna.ru/london
The Harwood Arms
London’s first gastropub to receive a Michelin star, The Harwood Arms offers a two or three course dinner menu for £22.50 or £27.50.
www.harwoodarms.com
Hakkasan
The restaurant was founded by the owner of Wagamama and Yauatcha, Alan Yau. With modern Chinese cuisine, excellent dim sum and, perhaps, Sting at the next table, it is a full-on experience. Specialties are silver cod soaked in champagne and Chinese honey and Peking duck with royal beluga caviar.
www.hakassan.com
Sketch
Four years ago, the founders of the restaurant came up with the idea – to combine modern art, music, video and design with fine dining. The result: continued popularity and rave reviews from critics and lovers of everything unusual. High-quality French dishes from Chef Pierre Gagnaire, desserts and cocktails await you. The signature dish is langoustine with tartar sauce, stewed or roasted.
www.sketch.uk.com
