Very posh. Situated, strangely, on Buckingham Palace Road.

The "Changing of the Guard" occurs here from time to time. This is when soldiers march about and wave their guns around.

Find out more about the changing of the guard from the official website of Her Royal Highness The Queen

There’s been a church at this site ever since 604 AD, although the present building dates back to the 17th century- it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666, and took all of 35 years to build. The high, ornate white dome of the cathedral is the second largest in the world and looms up above the surrounding streets.

Within the church, the most awesome feature is the high altar- it’s huge, and truly impressive: all of four tons of Italian marble, topped with a cross which towers three metres high. Spend at least 10-15 minutes wandering around the church, looking in on the beautiful chapels. After seeing the church, take some time off in the churchyard- it’s a deliciously quiet, serene and lovely place, great for a breather from the crowded cathedral itself.

Nearest Tube: St Paul's

Excellent museums well worth a visit whilst in London.

Both museums feature artefacts and reconstructions of all manner of hisorical and natural objects, including dinosaurs, inventions and plenty of other amazing displays.

These museums are great for children as well as adults, and are extremely educational.

london zoo

Located at the north end of Regent's park, London Zoo has long been a favourite with tourists and Londoners alike.

Like most zoos, it has lots of animals in cages, pens and tanks. Current favourites include a fish which is able to crack brazil nuts in its jaws, as well as a pair of Komodo dragons.

London Zoo is convenient for Camden Market and Madame Tussauds.

british museum

Situated in Bloomsbury, not far from Tottenham Court Road, is the British Museum. Not to be missed.

As well as having an enormous stunning glass roof, which reflects light in the most amazing way, the British Museum contains incredible items from the last 2 millions years of history, including Egyptian Mummys!

Many historical periods are covered in detail, including Ancient China, Egypt, and more.
Great Russell Street - (44) (0) 207 6361555

More info on the British Museum Website

Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road

With acres upon acres of lush golf courses, hundreds of Scottish castles and more wide-open space then any other nation in the United Kingdom, vacations in Scotland are among the most popular in the world. In particular, Scotland golf vacations are a favorite among golfing enthusiast of every skill level. Whether you travel to Scotland for history, relaxation, or some time spent in the great outdoors, vacations in Scotland will not disappoint.

Located north of England and Wales, Scotland has developed a fiercely independent culture that has survived the political tumult the country has seen. The area is thought to have been settled in 843, when Kenneth I of Scotland became King of the Picts and Scots. The Picts were a northern kingdom that was conquered by the Scots and blended with their kingdom when Kenneth became Scotland's first King. Later in the 11th century William, the Conqueror, led the Normans to defeat the Scots, and the nation is today part of Great Britain and the United Kingdom.

A Scotland golf vacation is one of the most appealing ways to enjoy the country. Scotland boasts more then 400 golf courses ranging in price and exclusivity. A Scotland golf vacation can be an excellent way to combine sightseeing with sport. Since nearly every city in Scotland has a golf course, from Edinburgh to Glasgow to the smaller villages, a golf tour of the country will also land travelers in many of the countries best travel destinations.

Sightseeing in itself can be a consuming activity and can also make for great vacations in Scotland. Many tourists travel to Scotland specifically for the popular Scotland tourist attractions. Scottish castles are abundant, and the remains of many are available for viewing to this day. Many of the older castles have come to ruin, but still stand tall as a symbol of the dangerous life that the Scots of old led. Perhaps it is this danger that has developed the strong character of the Scots, and yet travelers will find that locals are among the most welcoming to tourists in all of the United Kingdom.

Other Scotland tourist attractions can be found on the coast. Since most of the cities in Scotland are located on the coast travelers will find that much of the action happens there. Popular Scotland tourist attractions include the Glasgow cathedral, Mugdock Country Park, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Burn's Cottage, and more. The country is literally filled with both legend and monuments.
Eating at restaurants for those who travel to Scotland can be an adventure. Local fare, for the most part, will center around thick stews, beef, and variations on dishes using oats (such as an oatcake). Haggis is the food most non-Scots think of when they think of Scotland; however, it is considered a delicacy. Travelers will find it available in many traditional Scottish restaurants, but those feeling adventurous should be aware that haggis is made from a mixture of sheep parts (lung, stomach, heart, and liver) and spices.

If all that food leaves you longing for a nap, keep in mind that Scotland has plenty of great hotels to choose from. No matter how you plan to spend your time in this gorgeous northern country, anyone who plans to travel Scotland will be delighted by the welcome of the people and charm of the country.

Deciding when to take a vacation in the UK can depend on a variety of factors. Weather, rates, and festivals all play a part in when the best time is for you to plan your vacation in the UK. Tourist attractions in the UK are open all year long, so you won't need to plan around tours and the openings of cathedrals. Depending on your travel priority, any time is generally a good time for a vacation in the UK.

Weather in the UK is typical of a northern island located near the sea, which is to say rainy. Up north in Scotland, the weather is wet and can be cold at any time of the year. There are still some perfectly gorgeous days in the north, however, and in the summer, travelers will experience the treat of extra long summer days. Further south and west, in England and Wales, the weather is a bit milder, but windy gales and mild showers are still a possibility any time of the year. Again, though, there are still plenty of lovely days and since the winters are not extreme, weather need not ever prevent England vacations or vacations in the UK.

Tourist attractions in the UK are literally open year round, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which are both celebrated in a big way throughout the UK. Travelers will find, though, that historic places like Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, and the London Zoo are open for tours almost every day of the year. Though many of these tours will cost money, there are also plenty of free tourist attractions in the UK that are worth visiting any time of the year, as well. Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park are among the best free spots to visit in the United Kingdom and fit nicely into most England vacations.

For many, tourism in the UK is best enjoyed during the summer. This is because there is an excellent chance that you will encounter a warm, sunny day. Additionally, tourism in the UK features many fun festivals, most of which are totally free to the public. Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London all have major summer festivals and many travelers plan their vacations in the UK around these events.

If festivals aren't a major priority for your travel plans, you may consider planning your vacation for the winter months. Plane tickets and hotels are generally less expensive during the winter, and you'll still be able to enjoy all of the historic sites in the UK. Tourism in the UK winds down over the Christmas holiday, with most of the country taking two weeks off from work to enjoy the season. Although the country will be most quiet during this time, it can be a great time to go and explore the country. Attractions will be open and you'll be free from the hassle of busy tourist crowds.

Whether you plan your vacation in the UK around weather, cheap flights, or tourist attractions, travelers tend to have a great time in the UK no matter when they plan a trip.

British Museum

World-renowned museum of human history and culture.

Over seven millions objects from all over the world are housed in this impressive museum of human history and culture (many of the artifacts are stored underneath the museum due to lack of space).

Founded in 1753, displays ranging from prehistoric to modern times were primarily based on the collections of physician and scientist, Sir Hans Sloane. Notable objects include the Parthenon Marbles, the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, the Sutton Hoo and Mildenhall treasures, and the Portland Vase. The hieroglyphics and classical sculptures are instantly recognisable and world famous, but more surprising is the workmanship and beauty of the Saxon jewellery collection. The treasures assembled here, from Britain's Dark Ages, reveal a period of original and brilliant artistry.

The museum's Great Court with its magnificent glass and steel roof by Sir Norman Foster is an exhibition piece in itself.

Regular events include talks, films, performances and demonstrations.

Best for:
Archaeology and anthropology, artifacts and antiquities, the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles.

Did you know?
'Blackmail', Alfred Hitchcock's first sound film, features both the Reading Room and the dome of the British Museum.

London Dungeon

London Dungeon

Take a trip on the terrifying Traitor Boat Ride to Hell, lose yourself in the Labyrinth of the Lost - the world 's largest and scariest mirror maze – and bury yourself in the ancient crypt of All Hallows by the Tower while Jack the Ripper, the Great Plague and Great Fire of London and a host of Wicked Women all clamber at your heels. Torture, beheading, plague and murder are the main 'attractions ' at this museum celebrating the deepest, darkest parts of British history. In addition to the jaw-droppingly repulsively real animatronics and waxworks, complete with appropriately gruesome sound effects, there are also some (very much alive) costumed actors who are just dying to give you a fright. An excellent way of fostering an interest in the past, the London Dungeon combines real history, horror and humour to bring gruesome goings-on back to life in the 21st century. Special seasonal events add an extra macabre twist to every visit. Please note: The Dungeon is not recommended for those of a nervous disposition or very young children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Did You Know?

It was believed that holding a posy of flowers to the nose kept away the plague and to this day judges are still given a nose-gay to carry on ceremonial occasions as a protection against the plague.

Ticket to includes:

- admission to all of the exhibits and experiences - special seasonal events

Opening and Closing Times:

2 January-15 January: 10:30-17:00 16 January-24 February: 9.30-18.30 25 February-20 March: 10:30-17:00 21 March-4 April: 9:30-18:30 5 April-20 April: 10:00-19:00 21 April-23 May: 10:00-17:30 24 May-01 June: 9:30-18:30 2 June-18 July: 10:30-17:30 19 July-1 August: 9:30-18:30 2 August-31 August: 9:30-19:00 01 September-17 October: 10:00-17:30 18 October-2 November: 9:30-19:00 3 November-30 December: 10:00-17:00* *Except: 24, 26 and 31 December, 1 January: 11:00-16:00 Closed: 25 December

Tower Bridge Exhibition

Tower Bridge Exhibition View London and its ever-changing skyline from one of the best vantage points in the city - 140ft above the Thames - on one of Tower Bridge's spectacular high walkways. The East Walkway boasts fantastic views of the Docklands and the elegant Canary Wharf, while from the West Walkway you can compare the mixed architectural styles of the GLA building, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, the City and Pool of London, Big Ben and the London Eye. Now galleried, these walkways were originally built to transport pedestrians across the Thames when the bridge was being lifted to let tall ships sail past.

Entering via the North Tower, visitors are then whisked smoothly and seamlessly by lift to the top (47 metres above the Thames) where they have a unique opportunity to see the Bridge's spectacular steel skeleton from within. Find out more about the fascinating history of the Bridge through a series of short films, while interactive computerised kiosks and graphic panels explain the significance of the incredible views. End your tour with a dramatic descent into the historical Victorian Engine Rooms. Installed for the completion of the bridge in 1894, these huge and beautifully maintained, coal-driven engines were used to power the thousands of bridge lifts.

Experiment with models demonstrating the technology behind the Bridge, while viewing an intriguing collection of photographs charting the life story of this world famous construction, before being taken smoothly back down to solid ground. Did You Know? In 1952 a London bus had to perform a dramatic leap from one part of the drawbridge to the other when the Bridge began to rise with the bus still on it.

Theme Park / Amusement Park, Blackpool

Theme Park / Amusement Park, Blackpool

Pleasure Beach Theme Park / Amusement Park, Blackpool is Britain's top, free tourist attraction and welcomes nearly 6 million visitors annually. It lies in 42 acres, started with just one ride in 1896, and celebrated its Centenary in 1996.

There's something for everyone at Pleasure Beach Theme Park / Amusement Park, Blackpool. There are over 125 rides and attractions, plus spectacular shows, including the world-renowned Hot Ice at the Arena and the glamorous and exotic new show Forbidden
.
Get ready to immerse your senses as Pleasure Beach Theme Park / Amusement Park introduces Infusion, the brand new white-knuckle wave. Five incredible loops and rolls plus a double line twist all in one suspended looping coaster. Dare to leave behind dry land and duck and dive around a spectacular starburst fountain, dodge cheeky wet jets and dart through a heart-stopping, curved cascading waterfall as it gushes breathtakingly close to riders.
The theme park / amusement park has everything from thrilling white-knuckle rides - the Big Dipper, Grand National and the Avalanche - to more leisurely cruises around the River Caves and Alice's Wonderland. There's the world's first interactive maze and, especially for kids - Beaver Creek Theme Park, home to Bradley Beaver and his very own Log Flume. Visit the American Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium and the Ocean Boulevard shopping promenade. You can learn to skate in the Pleasure Beach Theme Park / Amusement Park Arena or try one of the 54 restaurants and catering outlets. There are parent and baby facilities and award-winning loos and disabled visitors are made very welcome to the park with an Accessibility Guide Book, plus there are 30 wheelchair places available for each show in the Pleasure Beach Theme Park / Amusement Park Arena.

Britain's biggest privately funded millennium investment, Valhalla at Pleasure Beach Theme Park / Amusement Park, Blackpool officially opened in June 2000. Costing £15 million to build, Valhalla is the biggest most spectacular dark ride ever to be constructed by mankind. The £12 million Pepsi Max Big One opened in 1994 and is the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in any of Europe's theme parks. At 235 feet high and with speeds reaching 85mph, the Big One is certainly head and shoulders above the rest. 1997 saw the opening of yet another UK first, IceBlast; riders are catapulted up a 210 foot tower at 80mph, and thrust back down again for an incredible free-fall descent. And in 2004 the diamond- knuckle experience Bling opened. Riders are lifted a whopping 100 feet above the ground and spun through the air on giant glittering gondolas in three different directions at speeds of over 60mph as the ride pulls 2.5gs.
And now there is no need to try and cram everything into just one day with Pleasure Beach Theme Park / Amusement Park's very own Blackpool hotel at the South end of the 42 acre park. The Big Blue Hotel is cool, chic and a haven of calm and style among the thrills of Britain's top tourist attraction and is setting the new standard for holiday and business accommodation. This unique hotel consists of 157 beautifully designed bedrooms with oversized American space and a totally contemporary feel. Sumptuous fabrics, state-of-the-art lighting, DVD players in every room, funky family rooms and big, big beds are just a few of the innovative touches that make all the difference.