LONDON THE CAPITAL OF ENGLAND AND OF THE UK

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1 LONDON THE CAPITAL OF ENGLAND AND OF THE UK London, the capital of England and the UK, is the world's ninth-largest city: the population of London is about 8 million.

2 London lies on either side of the River Thames and only 60 km from the North Sea, in southeast England. London is made up of two ancient cities which are now joined together. They are: the City of London, know simply as 'the City' which is the business and financial heart of the United Kingdom. It was the original settlement (ancient Londinium).

3 the City of Westminster, where Parliament and most of the government offices are located. Also Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen and the Royal family are located there too. Together they all make up a region known as Greater London. WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN LONDON Top 10 Places to Visit in London

4 Tourist attractions are mainly in Central London. The most popular and our favourite attractions are: London Eye London seen from the London Eye A recent but already very popular tourist attraction is the London Eye, a giant observation wheel which gives you a panoramic view of London. The 135 meter tall structure was built as part of London's millennium celebrations. The big wheel it s the world's highest observation wheel.

5 Houses of Parliament The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, was the royal home of the Kings and Queens of England until Today the Palace of Westminster is the seat of Britain's two parliamentary houses, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster, commonly known as the Big Ben, is one of London's most famous landmarks. The name Big Ben actually refers to the clock's hour bell (a huge thirteen ton bell that strikes the hour), the largest of the clock's five bells. A light in the clock tower tells when the House of Commons is in session.

6 Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey, located near the Houses of Parliament, is more a historical site than a religious site. Westminster Abbey is one of the oldest buildings in London and one of the most important religious centres in the country. Many kings and Queens and famous people are buried there. Every King and Queen has been crowned in Westminster Abbey since William the Conqueror in 1066.

7 Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular landmarks in London. It is the London home of the British Royal family. It has been the official London residence of Britain's monarchy since Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live there. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace The Queen's Guard changes in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11:30am every day in the summer and every other day in the winter.

8 St Paul's Cathedral The dome of St Pauls Cathedral is the second biggest dome in the world, after St Peter's in Rome. Trafalgar Square

9 Trafalgar Square is the largest square in London. Trafalgar Square was built in honour of Admiral Lord Nelson after his victory in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar. Britain's most famous sea Lord, Nelson died in this famous battle against Napoleon. Dominating the square is the 56 m Nelson's Column, with its 5.5m statue of Nelson on top. It was erected in On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery. The National Gallery houses one of the biggest picture collections in the world. Tower of London The Tower of London was built more than 900 years ago and houses the Crown Jewels, guarded by men who wear 16th century

10 costumes. Throughout its long history, the Tower has served as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, an arsenal and jewel house. The Tower has been both a palace and a prison for kings, queens and other important people: Elizabeth I was held prisoner in the Tower for two months by the order of her half sister, Queen Mary. Mary felt that her throne was being threatened by Elizabeth, so she imprisoned her in the Tower. Tower Bridge London s Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. It is close to the Tower of London.

11 London Museums Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Exhibition The fascinating re-creation of Shakespeare's beloved playhouse. Visitors can see the reconstructed Elizabethan theatre, built with materials, techniques and craftsmanship of 400 years ago.

12 Madame Tussauds The famous waxwork museum containing lifelike wax figures of many famous people, from royalty to villains. British Museum The British Museum is a museum of human history and culture. Its collections, which number more than seven million objects, are amongst the largest and most comprehensive in the world and originate from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginning to the present.

13 Parks in London London has a lot of green and open space. In fact the city has 1,700 parks.

14 The most popular London Parks are: Hyde Park Hyde Park is the most prominent and famous London park. It was once part of a wild and ancient forest, inhabited by wolves. In summer time there is option of renting a small boat and gently paddling in the Serpentine. The Serpentine, a large artificial lake, is located at the south end of the park. It is popular for boating and swimming.

15 St. James's Park St James's Park is London's oldest Royal Park.

16 It is in central London next to Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the House of Parliament Saint James's Park has a large lake with an island in the middle. It is famous for the variety of squirrels, ducks, geese, swans and other birds which live on the lake. One of the most popular sights are the pelicans on the lake.

17 Regent's Park The Regent's Park is situated in northwest London. It s the largest grass area for sports in Central London and offers a wide variety of activities, as well as an Open Air Theatre. Inside the park there is a boating lake where you can rent a boat. The Park is also home of London Zoo. It was originally a royal hunting forest.

18 Transports in London London Underground The London Underground (commonly known as the tube) is normally the quickest and easiest way of getting around London. London is served by 12 Tube lines and 274 stations. London Buses By buses you can go to any place in London. Note that traffic congestion is common. If a bus is full you will not be allowed to get on, but will have to wait for the next one. The majority of buses in London are red and have two levels or 'decks. The double-decker bus is an iconic symbol of the city.

19 London Black cabs The London Taxi's are traditionally all black and have the popular name of black cabs.