en.infoglobe.cz » Great Britain, London – „The Navel of the World" on the Thames – VIDEO
Great Britain, London – „The Navel of the World" on the Thames – VIDEO
Published: 11.7.2017
Once, London was the largest city in the world. They ruled the entire British empire from here. Precious goods was imported from all around the world and ships departed for adventure and came back later. Today, people from all around the world come here – either to trade, work, admire amazing sights, enjoy local atmosphere or get a taste of world's cuisine.
Let's be honest here – classic sights like Big Ben, the Parliament and Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Shakespeare's The Globe, The Tower and the Tower Bridge take you no more than a day. Here you will see typical red doubledeckers, black taxis, take a ride in the famous Tube, and see Hyde Park. Perhaps you manage to have a ride in the huge London Eye. Perhaps you will get to the top of Europe's highest skyscraper – The Shard. The vista up from there is amazing especially if you are lucky since the weather in London is famously bad. Bad weather and means seeing nothing.
So, why are people so attracted to London? Why does it attract crowds even though it is one of the most expensive cities in the world? Do they want to ride in crammed tube? Do they want to get wet? You can trully comprehend the beauty of London on some precious sunny day. Therefore, you could spot all these small yet very important details making this city so popular.
First, you can meet here people from all around the world. Every nation has brought some of their culture, food, and national pride. This allows you to taste traditional fish&chips and filled baked potatoes, or some of the world's cuisine like Indian, Japanese, Iranian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Kenyan, Mexican, Polish and Greek. The choice is yours.
Moreover, something is always happening here. Concerts, exhibitions, theater, dance, street art, screening of interesting films, fashion shows, flee markets... One doesn't get bored in London easily. Some streets are even like galleries.
For instance, go to Bick Lane market. It is situated in former working class district East End. Alternatively, go to northern London, once summer residence of the "real" Londoners. Today, you encounter here the most diverse ethnic environment yet you are still almost in downtown of the huge and busy city. In Green Lane, you will feel like in land.
If you would like to experience more of an "official" culture, don't forget local galleries and museums. British empire's influence helped to get here some of the rarest items in the world thus creating amazing collections beyond comparison with any other in the world. Moreover, these are free of charge except for temporary exhibitions. Tate Modern, a gallery of modern art, is my favorite. To here I will gladly return at any point in the future. I could spend days there.
London is entertaining. And you won't mind raining that much either. Only, don't expect any smiles as everybody will be in hurry to be in warmth of their home..
If you use low-cost airlines, sooner or later you will certainly be taken to Stansted Airport near London. It is here that most of the flights are very cheap. As a result, the airport has become a popular hub for other European destinations. Don't stay in the airport hall, Stansted's neighborhood is beautiful and it would be a shame to spend your free time.
St Davids is less than 2,000 inhabitants, making it the smallest town in the UK. Most of its area is occupied by the Cathedral of St. David and the premises associated with it. This building also helped the city to its unusual status, it is the largest church building in Wales and it houses the remains of St. David, so obviously can not be part of the village, but the city.
Bath was a spa town in the past, designed especially for sick and crippled visitors. At the beginning of the 18th century, however, it began to attract individuals with a desire for entertainment and relaxation in a picturesque setting. So over time, the visit to Bath became a tradition for many, and the city soon reached its greatest fame.
After the natural and architectural beauty of Wales we will move to the south of England. More precisely to the historic region of Sussex, where our first stop will be the town of Lewes.
Join us to visit the breathtaking town of Windsor, less than 30 kilometers west of London. This historic mansion has been the home of the English royal family since time immemorial, its life-giving artery is the River Thames and its immediate neighbor is the equally famous town of Eton.
Last week we walked through the student town of Eton and today we head to Windsor. Perhaps the most sought-after landmark of the city, which is also its dominant, is Windsor Castle of the same name.
After a short break we return to England, more precisely to the county of Oxfordshire, where we visit one of the most famous university cities in the world - Oxford. This 160,000 center of education offers almost forty dormitories, amazing history, monuments, personalities and, last but not least, its noble atmosphere.
Get to know the UK's capital of through the eyes of a tourist. Today, we will recommend places you definitely need to visit, look at the local cultural habits and reveal several attractions.
On this day we visit a quiant town 2 hours from London. Its inhbitants are proud of their native – the playwright William Shakespeare. Even though he passed away a long time ago you may feel his spirit all around.
Birmingham is known mostly to the fans of sports for it was here where the European league was born as well as the sport of tennis (in the end of 1850s). The city was founded in the times of Anglo-Saxon immigraiton. However, it became the center of trade only in the mid 12th century.
Today, we visit the town of Windsor located 30 kilometers west of London in Berkshire. This little town features beautiful half-timbered houses, winding streets, and cobllestone sidewalks.
The last time when we visited Windsor together we noted that it is one of the most beautiful castles ever. However, once you lay your eyes on Warwick, you realize that it constitutes significant competition to Windsor. Warwick is a massive medieval castle situated by the River Avona. It's history dates back to early Middle-Ages. In the year 915, it was built by the daughter of Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex. This castle soon became an important seat of power. Its lords were even called "kingmakers"
The famous cathedral belongs to the greatest sights in the city. It is the seat of the archbishop of Canterbury, the highest church official of the Church of England. However, Canterbury has been important Christian location for a long time. In the early Middle Ages, St Augustin baptised Anglo-Saxons. In 597, he became the first English bishop. His grave lays close to the city walll. Its importance surpasses even that of the cathedral itself.
Lincolnshire is the destination for today. It is located in east England. The main city is Lincoln which along with Windsor, Warwick, Canterbury, London and York belongs to the most important historic cities of England. The city is home to 130 thousand people. It lays on the River Witham with amazing cathedral rising above buildings around. The center of the city features historic houses, fortification built by the Normans, and you may even see remains of ancient Roman architecture.
Brighton is the most popular and famous sea resort on the English Channel. Once, this large city was a simple fishing village which became increasingly popular among English nobility in the 18th century. They travelled here to breathe fresh sea air and relax in luxurious spa. Today, Brighton is open to anyone. Its pebble beaches are lined with souvenire stores and various attractions.
You must have seen at least one movie about Robin Hood. And if not you surely have heard about him. The legend of this archer is still strong and popular culture keeps it alive. After all, a man who takes from the rich and gives to the poor is certainly not going away any time soon. Robin Hood's nemesis - the sheriff of Nottingham is not least known figure as well. And the city of Nottingham will be our stop today.
Seven Sisters chalk cliffs are undoubtedly among Britain's greatest natural treasures. They are beloved by tourists and film makers who made it the dream place of the main protagonists in the movie Atonement (starring Keira Knightley).
If you happen to travel to England some day, you will surely want to visit its most famous city - London. And then ask yourself a question - what will I actually see apart the famous red buses and Big Ben? Is it worth it? Yes it is! London is the city of history, art, and culture. It is ideal for people who like museums, or galleries.