As a native of this great land I often forget how popular it is as a tourist destination. The recent financial crisis has had a pretty damaging effect on our economy, but one small silver lining has been an increase in tourism, due to the weakness of the pound compared to other currencies. Despite all the travel shenanigans caused by errant volcanoes and cabin crew strikes, millions of Johny foreigners are still taking flights to the UK and spending a few weeks strolling around our green and pleasant lands during Britain’s hottest summer since time immemorial.
Part of Britain’s touristic charm is its heritage, its numerous historical locations and its quaintness. There are thousands of such spots scattered up and down the country, from the Lake District to the coasts of Cornwall. But of course a visit to the UK wouldn’t be complete without a trip to old Londinium. It may not be the cleanest, or the prettiest of cities, but every nook and cranny is filled with life, culture and historical significance.
Travellers to our great capital are probably not given the best first impression of the city, as most flights to London land in the concrete shiny hellholes of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead, but do not be disheartened because there is a lot more to London than meets the eye; here are three locations you really should take the time to visit.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Built in 1599 at the height of the Elizabethan Golden Age, the Globe Theatre is a must see for any visiting tourist. The theatre is of course associated with William Shakespeare, perhaps the world’s greatest playwright, and during its short lived history the theatre became a focal point for entertainment in London. The theatre burnt down and was even dismantled before it was finally closed and pulled down by Puritans in 1644. The renamed ‘Shakespeare’s Globe’ was reopened in 1996 after being faithfully reconstructed using historical and archaeological data. Plays are held regularly during the month of May-October and during the remainder of the year the building is used for educational purposes.
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
Established in 1759 by Lord Capel John of Tewkesbury, Kew Gardens has overtime expanded from a simple exotic garden to a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the world’s largest collection of living plants. Over 650 scientists are now resident at Kew conducting research and looking after 30,000 different types of flora. The herbarium at Kew contains over 7 million preserved plant specimens and the expansive library contains more than 750,000 volumes, including 175,000 illustrated prints and drawings. As well as the beautiful gardens you will also find a selection of museums, contemporary features and unique historical buildings such as the Great Pagoda and the Palm House, the largest surviving Victorian greenhouse.
The British Museum
The British Museum is clearly one of the greatest museums and that’s not just because it’s free! The museum was established in 1753 in Montagu House on the site of the current museum. In 1825 Sir Robert Smirke began constructing the museums now famous and easily recognisable neo-classical building. Over time the museum became home to some of the world’s most remarkable historical treasure, some pieces, like the Elgin Marbles, are now the subject of intense controversy due to the way that they were acquired. Aside from the various ownership disputes, the British Museum contains some of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Mesopotamian antiquities outside of their respective countries. Some of the most important artefacts hosted by the museum include the Cyrus Cylinder, the Lewis Chessmen, the Sutton Hoo horde, the Rosetta Stone and the Portland Vase.
Recent Comments