London Travel Blog http://www.londonstopover.com/blog Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:31:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Do not be hampered by High Prices in Traveling and Staying in London Much are Offered to you http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/do-not-be-hampered-by-high-prices-in-traveling-and-staying-in-london-much-are-offered-to-you.htm http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/do-not-be-hampered-by-high-prices-in-traveling-and-staying-in-london-much-are-offered-to-you.htm#comments Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:24:33 +0000 gthenappan http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/do-not-be-hampered-by-high-prices-in-traveling-and-staying-in-london-much-are-offered-to-you.htm Look for a budget airfare.

All airports like Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, London City Airport, Stansted, and Southampton keep site maps. The terminal diagrams together with the information about trains, planes and automobiles are indicated in the site maps.  Such, make your trip to London not just budget-friendly but also very convenient.
 
An express train can take you to Paddington Station in Central London from Heathrow.
 
You can choose to visit London in winter so that you’ll not be deterred by its high prices and dreary weather. Even the rates charged by the hotels are comparatively less. Cheap hotels in central London are available in plenty.

You can also take buses and the underground in order to keep you to a minimum expenditure. In London, you’ll take pleasure in many free museums. You cannot miss of course, the theatres of London. Hence, from the half price booth in Leicester Square, you can get your theater tickets for theatre admission. 

You can move in and out of the best restaurants through your constrained budget. London has much of its finest cafeterias, restaurants and food chains that offer reasonable meal prices.

London, is one the best destinations.  If your problem is your budget, do not be hindered. Many good tourist spots, finest dining places, entertainment places and others shall let pass, if you shall not grab any opportunity to travel in London even through you are on a very tight budget.

]]> http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/do-not-be-hampered-by-high-prices-in-traveling-and-staying-in-london-much-are-offered-to-you.htm/feed 0 UK is great! http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/uk-is-great.htm http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/uk-is-great.htm#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:28:04 +0000 gthenappan http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/uk-is-great.htm The country, which cradles the most beautiful cities and sights, should not be eliminated from one’s itinerary.

The highly renowned Waters of the Atlantic, North Sea, English Channel, St. George Channel, and Irish Sea bound UK. Indeed, UK is a real strategic place for commercial and tourism. Be impressed of the grand beauty of United Kingdom that draws anyone’s heart closer.

UK is a constitutional monarchy. The current monarch is Queen Elizabeth. She is the head and the queen of the state.

This country had been a vital part in the World War II. It is one of the countries with largest economy, and remains a political, economic and military influential country.

UK holds tripartite. It has three distinct systems of laws which apply in the territories – England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The Climate

UK is endowed with a considerably good climate. It has a temperate climate with good rainfall all year round. Actually, this allows a permissive atmosphere for the tourists who come to visit the place, especially those who hate so much heat of the tropics. Its temperature runs between -4oC – 38oC.

The Demography

Talking about the population, based on the 2001 UK census, the country’s demographic statistics already hits the scale of 58,789,194. UK has the third largest population in the European Union.

The Beauty of UK

If you have noticed, I am reiterating about the beauty of UK. However, what is beautiful about UK?

Aside from the momentous history that marks special to the world’s accounts, the exemplary legacies, architectural structures, bodies of literature and arts make the country a profound one not just in the economy aspect. Take note, the writings of Sir William Shakespeare which have been immortalized by time, tops the remarkable literary pieces of United Kingdom.

The best of all the famous scientists in Science like Faraday, Newton, Crick, etc. have been inspired by their first learning environment, the United Kingdom.

From UK have the ever-noted films like Harry Potter, Star Wars etc. emerged and become popular to the majority of people around the world.

Lovers who are after peace and serenity can enjoy the luxury of old places like the Westminster Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral, Trafalgar Square etc.

UK is indeed a place to visit. Be emancipated by its beauty!

]]> http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/uk-is-great.htm/feed 0 LONDON: Worlds Leading Tourist Destination http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/london-worlds-leading-tourist-destination.htm http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/london-worlds-leading-tourist-destination.htm#comments Sat, 31 Mar 2007 08:38:30 +0000 gthenappan http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/london-world%e2%80%99s-leading-tourist-destination.htm Come to the one of the world’s leading business, financial, and cultural centers with highly cosmopolitan population and a lot to offer! London is a major tourist destination. Do not neglect the chance to visit the four world heritage sites and exquisite landmarks such as Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. Many other famous institutions include the British Museum and the National Gallery.

Great London, by its area, is asserted as one of the world’s largest cities. Thames, a river where you can navigate, is a primary geographical feature of London. You’ll see from its adjoining areas are the Thames Valley, the rolling hills such as Parliament Hill, Addington Hills, and Primrose Hill.

You’ll always enjoy your stay in London city because of its temperate climate with slight precipitation yearly. The district names of London include Paddington , Bayswater, Kings Cross, Victoria, Earls Court, Marylebone, South Kensington. The names reflect the informal designations, or reflect the succeeded parishes and city wards.
Where can you find the largest financial district and central business district in Europe? Simply in the City of London which has the autonomous local authority. There you’ll find financial and commercial hubs. Are you after main entertainment and shopping districts? You’ll have them in London.

New scrapers and other tall buildings have been erected in London. These have transformed the city’s skyline. Many modern buildings are highly notable in London. Some of these include: City Hall in Southwark, British Library in Somers Town, the Great Court of the British Museum, and the Millennium Dome next to the Thames east of Canary Wharf. Other architectural works and styles are found aplenty in London. Many monuments marked the highly significant history of events in the city.

Nobody from the visiting tourists wanted to miss the parks and open spaces in London and the Royal Parks like Greenwich Park. London is famously noted as “The Green City.” The world has scant number of cities which maintain its green nature. Hence, when you travel to London and stay there for months or a year, you’ll feel closer to nature. Enjoy the numerous exquisite gardens of London.

Are you after international business and commerce? London is its major center and the global economy’s one of the three command centers (the two others are New York City and Tokyo).

The Lingua Franca of London is English. It is a former capital of British Empire. It has its close relationship with the U.S. and various Asian countries. The environment of London is business friendly.

Christianity, the largest religious grouping in London, traditionally dominates. A large number of churches are erected anywhere in London. Anytime you choose, you can travel in any parts of London or its adjoining places in Europe because of its London bus network twenty four hour service. Along with buses are black cabs and tube that are trademarks of the transports of London internationally. The major international air transport hub is in London. The road is car-dominated.

Are you looking for excellent educational system, exemplary leisure and entertainment, impressive bodies of literature and masterpieces of film industry, classical music, opera, ballet, rock/pop music, sports specifically League football clubs? Then, London has a variety of any of them. Visit London and have fun!

If you choose to Book a hotel room in London, the rate you pay can be relatively low when u book a room using our online booking service. The sections you need to check are Bed and Breakfast London hotels, Luxury London hotels, cheap London hotels, central London hotels or click here for a complete list of London hotels.

]]> http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/london-worlds-leading-tourist-destination.htm/feed 0 Relaxing in the Comforts of London http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/relaxing-in-the-comforts-of-london.htm http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/relaxing-in-the-comforts-of-london.htm#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:31:23 +0000 gthenappan http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/relaxing-in-the-comforts-of-london.htm If you are planning on a vacation then London is the place for you.

London is a perfect getaway for those who think they deserve a break from the humdrum of life and for those who want to get their pictures taken with backgrounds that are indeed breath-taking. The tourist spots in London would surprise you with their beauty and history and accessibility— because most of them are open to the public with no amounts asked.

Your vacation itinerary in London would include trips to the landmarks, museums and galleries, and parks and gardens, among others.

Start your vacation right with the London Eye, a good sight to catch beautiful views of London. In the city, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral despite their age still stands proud, historical and majestic. If you are a fan of Shakespeare, one of your vacation stops should include the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Also, do not forget to pay a visit to the iconic Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. If you want to take a retreat from the bustling city, you may seek refuge in Southwark Cathedral. The Somerset House, Leicester Square and the Trafalgar Square define the busy London lifestyle. The Highgate cemetery, Piccadily Circus, Maritime Greenwich, Royal Albert Hall, and Portobello Road are the main attractions which you should not miss or else your vacation will be incomplete.

Additionally, visiting museums and galleries in London should be in your vacation plans. A must see are a number of famous and excellent museums and galleries that are scattered in the city. You may choose from the British Museum, Cartoon Museum, Foundling Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Museum of London, Tate Galleries, Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum, National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich, Wallace Collection, Pollock’s Toy Museum, Imperial War Museum, RAF Museum, and London Dungeon. These places would make your museum vacation enjoyable.

For your park and garden vacation, the following are for you to see: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park, St. James Park, Regents Park, Kew Gardens, Richmond Park, Battersea Park, Brockwell Park, Holland Park, Clapham Common, and Wimbledon Common.

London boasts of these magnificent must-see tourists destinations that you should not miss when you plan to travel and have a vacation in this famous city. You can see the thrilling wonders that London boasts such as the landmarks, museums and galleries and parks and gardens, among others. See you in London!

One of the best location in london is Marylebone, Most of the city’s famous attractions are all within a short distance from here.
Some hotels you can select to stay with are :
Marble Inn – Regents Park Hotel – Bryanston Court Hotel – 10 Manchester Street Hotel – Wyndham Hotel – Sherlock Holmes Hotel By Park Plaza – Wigmore Court Hotel – Radisson Edwardian Sussex Hotel – Parkwood Hotel – Gloucester Place Hotel

]]> http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/relaxing-in-the-comforts-of-london.htm/feed 0 Stay in the best hotels in London http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/stay-in-the-best-hotels-in-london.htm http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/stay-in-the-best-hotels-in-london.htm#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:50:24 +0000 gthenappan http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/stay-in-the-best-hotels-in-london.htm London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, is a beautiful city, teeming with important landmarks and beautiful locales. A huge tourist puller, London houses some of the best hotels in the world.

London offers its tourists a variety of hotels to choose from. Most of them offer great facilities and conveniences to their guests. In most cases, they also offer en suite facilities, pay and park facilities and other benefits to their guests.

While most hotels offer transport facilities at an extra cost, you can also choose to do so on your own, using public transport like trains and buses.

If you intend to tour around London on your own, you should think of staying in a hotel that draws you close to the rest of the city. The best choice of destination is somewhere in Central London, near a main station or underground. In these places you’ll be trouble-free in moving from one place to another.

A trip to London should include a tour to the Buckingham Palace, the Big Ben, London Eye, Kensington Park, the Royal Mews, the several museums and theaters including Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and the Natural History Museum.

A holiday is never complete without the quintessential shopping trip! London offers various shopping centers like Oxford Street, Harrods and the like, for the shopaholics!

Listed below are few of the highly recommended and widely visited hotels in Central London. These are centrally located that can help you move around the city with ease. We have listings for London districts, including Kings Cross, Victoria, Earls Court, Marylebone, South Kensington, Paddington, Bayswater.

Hotel Comfort Inn, near Buckingham Palace – The Comfort Inn is located near the Victoria station and connects well to the rest of the city. It is great for both business and holiday trips.

Kensington Manor Hotel – This establishment is situated in South Kensington, one of the best areas in London.

Radisson Edwardian Sussex Hotel – Located next to Marble Arch, is this one of the most sought-after hotels in London.

Rubens At The Palace – This elegant four-star hotel overlooks the Royal Mews and makes for a great stay.

The Wigmore Court Hotel – This is a family-owned enterprise, which lies close to Baker Street and Bond Street.

The Millennium Gloucester Hotel – This hotel is situated in the Knightsbridge area and so, traveling to anywhere from here becomes easy and convenient.

Hotel Sherlock Holmes – This beautiful hotel is situated near Baker Street station and connects well to the rest of the city.

The Henry VIII Hotel – This hotel is located very close to Hyde Park, an up-market area in London.

The Westminster Hotel – This hotel is bang on Notting Hill, one of the most famous areas of London.

The Selfridge – The Selfridge is located very near West End, again one of the best areas of the city.

The ten cited hotels in London are just few of the mushrooming elegant hotels that cater to the taste or preferences of every tourist. Enjoy the luxury, comforts and services that they offer throughout your stay in London.

]]> http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/stay-in-the-best-hotels-in-london.htm/feed 0 Know the cost of bed and breakfast, while traveling to London http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/know-the-cost-of-bed-and-breakfast-while-traveling-to-london.htm http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/know-the-cost-of-bed-and-breakfast-while-traveling-to-london.htm#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:40:54 +0000 gthenappan http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/know-the-cost-of-bed-and-breakfast-while-traveling-to-london.htm Are you planning to travel to London, either for pleasure or for studies or for work? Then, the first thing that you should know is that London is one of the costliest cities in the world. Hence, you have to plan your place of stay well in advance, taking into careful consideration the budget that you can afford. Though it is true that London is quite expensive, ranges of hotel accommodation that suit any budget are available, including hotels that offer bed and breakfast accommodation as a single deal. Let us take a look at them for proper preparation, while traveling to London.

London has budget hotels, mid-range hotels and luxury hotels. Luxury hotels include 4-star and 5-star hotels. If your financial resources are limited, the best option is cheap hotels. However, many of them offer only bed. Food expenses will be separate. Some of them offer bed and breakfast as part of the deal. The higher the costs of accommodation, the greater are the facilities that come as the total package. The quality of the facilities also varies with the cost of accommodation. Cheap hotel rooms cost £10 to £50 a day.

To cite an example, Blakemore Hotel at Bayswater, in Greater London provides rooms for £32 upwards, with bed and breakfast. A few other hotels that you could choose in this range with bed and breakfast are Cecil Court at Paddinton (£35 upwards a day), The Generator London at Kings Cross (£15 upwards) and Crownwall Hotel at Lancaster Gate (£49 upwards). Court Hotel in earls court (£30 upwards), Colliers Hotel at Victoria (£24 upwards) and Cromwell Crown Hotel at Earls Court (£25 upwards). Except one or two, all these hotels provide bed and breakfast as part of the offer.

Mid-range hotels charge £50 upward for a day only for stay. Bed and breakfast is not on offer in a few of them, while some of them offer bed and continental/English breakfast as a package deal. Full English breakfast costs around £10, while breakfast buffet is around £6. Some of these hotels include tax in their charges, while some others do not.

If you have enough money and are prepared to spend £100 or more a day, you can make your London stay the most comfortable in 4-star and 5-star hotels. However, bed and breakfast is invariably excluded from the price, with only accommodation provided as the basic charge. Continental breakfast costs around £10, while full English breakfast is around £20. Tax is included in only a few basic price offers. It is up to you to choose the type of hotel that you wish to stay, while in London.

]]> http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/know-the-cost-of-bed-and-breakfast-while-traveling-to-london.htm/feed 0 Making reservation for your London trip http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/manking-reservation-for-your-london-trip.htm http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/manking-reservation-for-your-london-trip.htm#comments Sat, 24 Mar 2007 06:22:28 +0000 gthenappan http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/manking-reservation-for-your-london-trip.htm A holiday planned out well in advance is always a hassle-free and an enjoyable experience. To get the most out of your holiday in London, make sure that you book your hotel reservations much before arriving at your destination.

You can easily make reservations with any of the several travel agencies available for this purpose. Booking with these agents, however, will work out expensive for you. So, you can, in stead, cut costs by booking your trip online and in advance of your trip.

Online reservations :
Most of the several hotels in London offer online reservation facilities, so you can book your stay with any hotel you choose. There are a number of online sites giving information on hotels in London, their ratings, pricing and availability of rooms. You only have to go through the reviews and other information, zero in on your hotel and make the reservations in advance.

Making reservations for your trip in advance lets you avoid traveling hassles, especially if you are traveling to a foreign country. Many hotels in London also offer you the benefit of making advance bookings for transport and airport transfers. This way, you can be assured of a worry-free holiday. Booking in advance also lets you book rooms at discounted Central London Hotel .

Many of these hotels also offer facilities to hold business meetings and events, so if you are on a business trip, you can even make reservations for conference and meeting rooms in that particular hotel.

It is always advisable to book advance reservations during holidays and long weekends, as most of the hotels are likely to be full at these times of the year. Reservations made very near before the date of arrival leads to much less confusion and searching for a hotel in this big city.

Making reservations for hotel apartments :
London offers a wide choice of hotel apartments for the benefit of its tourists. An apartment is more spacious and convenient to live in, especially if you are traveling in a biggish group. You can choose from studio apartments, one bedroom, two bedroom and even 3-5 bedroom apartments. The only hitch here is that you have to make your reservations much in advance for these hotel apartments, as they are a great favorite among tourists and are almost always unavailable.

Other choices for you will be to book a cheap bed and breakfast accommodation in london area, or find a cheap deals at luxury hotels in london.

]]> http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/manking-reservation-for-your-london-trip.htm/feed 0 Travel to London is never cheap but still affordable http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/travel-to-london-is-never-cheap-but-still-affordable.htm http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/travel-to-london-is-never-cheap-but-still-affordable.htm#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2007 11:59:23 +0000 gthenappan http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/travel-to-london-is-never-cheap-but-still-affordable.htm London is one of the most expensive cities around the globe. However, certain cheap hotel accommodation and travel deals are available that could be taken advantage of to reduce the cost of travel to London. This kind of saving in your spending could be done, if you know which cheap offers are worth considering.

The starting point of saving money in London travel is in booking a flight that is quite cheap in bargain. Due to the intense competition in air travel, because of the growing number of no-frills airlines, many of them offer last minute flights and special offers that are very cheap. Have a detailed discussion with your travel agent or browse through the net to compare the offer of different airlines. Most likely, you would be able to obtain a flight to London that is cheap and suits your budget.

The second option in money saving is the selection of the hotel accommodation. There are several budget hotels in London, where you would be able to stay at prices ranging from £10 to £27 a day. Most of these hotels include bed and a free breakfast as a cheap package deal. Mid-size hotels are available in the range of £35 to £65 a day. High-class 4-star and 5-star luxury hotels would cost you upward of £100 a day. Most of these hotels offer only stay at their basic price. Breakfast, lunch and other food & beverage expenses, as well as tax, would be extra.

Further, traveling around in London can also be done in a very cheap manner, with several attractive options available. The most important among them is the London Pass. The London Pass is available at £39 for 1-day travel for an adult, while 2-day, 3-day and 6-day passes cost £57, £73 and £112, respectively. Moreover, this pass offers you free entry to more than 55 tourist attractions in London. Additionally, several restaurants, shops and entertainment places like theaters allow special discount prices in the range of 10% to 50% discounts on the basic price. You can also skip queues at many tourist attractions and walk in straightaway, saving valuable time. You not only get free public transport with this London Pass, but also receive a free 160-page guidebook and £425 worth of value. There is no better and cheaper way than London Pass to visit the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle, London Zoo and Kensington Palace, the top 5 tourist attractions in London.

If you are on a business visit to London and still wish to save money, there are several cheap car rental agencies that provide you either self-driven or chauffeured cars or vans at bargain prices. On the other hand, if you are a person who wishes maximum luxury; chauffeur-driven luxury cars and limousines, including a Ferrari F430 can be rented. Cheap car rental charges are around £17 to £24 a day and in the range of £120 to £170 a week. Luxury car rentals come at £50 a day and £350 a week. Most of the car rental quotes include insurance and tax. Weekend car rental packages are also available both in the cheap and in the luxury categories.

From the above, it is clear that travel to London could be undertaken either on a cheap, shoestring budget or on a luxurious style, depending on your budget. However, it would be advisable to make proper reservations well before the starting of the journey to London, by consulting your travel agent, to avoid last minute hitches or discomfort.

]]> http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/travel-to-london-is-never-cheap-but-still-affordable.htm/feed 0 Information on Tower Bridge for tourist http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/information-on-tower-bridge-for-tourist.htm http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/information-on-tower-bridge-for-tourist.htm#comments Sun, 11 Mar 2007 11:24:51 +0000 gthenappan http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/information-on-tower-bridge-for-tourist.htm London is not merely about the king or the queen. If you are coming to England, the Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London and an absolute ‘must see’ for any one travelling to the city as a tourist or even for business. As guardian, standing over the River Thames since 1894, this bascule bridge is often mistakenly designated as the “London Bridge.” In reality that is the next bridge upstream. A charitable trust, overseen by the Corporation of London, Bridge House Estates not only owns the Bridge, but is responsible for the entire maintenance.

Address : Tower Bridge Exhibition, Tower Bridge, London, SE1 2UP.
http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/

Towards the second half of the nineteenth century a better solution than that offered by a fixed bridge was needed. The traditional version would block access to the pool facilities which at the time was located in the Pool of London. Finally it was in 1884 that the city architect Horace Jones submitted a design that was accepted. The original hydraulic machinery that still opened the bridge has since been converted into using oil and steam engines have been replaced by electric motors. The public is allowed to view the old mechanism in the Victorian Engine Room.

U.K, proud home to this architectural marvel is recognized by the world as a unique construction. There are breathtaking views from the high level walkways where you can learn all about the bridge and how it was built. These walkways are specially designed – so that the visitor can take pictures without being hampered by a sheet of glass. Besides, if so desired you can choose from three beautiful, eye-catching and exclusive venues – they make an idyllic spot for weddings or other private and corporate events.

Though river traffic is not much compared to the past, it still takes precedence over road traffic. The bridge is near the Tower of London, St Katharine Docks, and Shad Thames. The London Bridge Station is not more than a ten minute walk away.

There is a lot of accommodation available in London – The Comfort Tower Hotel of London, the Swiss Hotel, The Howard London, Plaza on the River – Club and Residence, Riverbank Park Plaza and City Inn Westminster are popular hotels. We offer you diverse options of hotel bookings in budget, luxury, and super-luxury options. Your holiday can be tailored to suit a wide range of budgets.

If you are looking for a good deal and discounts to boot, our London based online hotel booking service has the perfect answer to whatever your requirement might be — whether that of a bed and breakfast small outfit or a more luxurious hotel like the Rembrandt, which boasts of an exclusive boutique. Instead of arriving in England and worrying about accommodation which will not strain your budget, sit in the comfort of the home and make your bookings online. Before your trip to England we will make your online booking according to the rate that you have specified. It can be as cheap as you desire or it might be the last word in luxury. We are the ones who efficiently handle all the details and give you discounted rates for your chosen hotel. All that you have to do is sit back and have fun during your London holiday.

We also have seperate listings for London districts, including Paddington, Bayswater, Kings Cross, Victoria, Earls Court, Marylebone, South Kensington.

]]> http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/information-on-tower-bridge-for-tourist.htm/feed 0 Information on Big Ben for the tourist http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/information-on-big-ben-for-the-tourist.htm http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/information-on-big-ben-for-the-tourist.htm#comments Tue, 06 Mar 2007 11:53:53 +0000 gthenappan http://www.londonstopover.com/blog/information-on-big-ben-for-the-tourist.htm Big Ben is such an integral part of England, London that to think of one without the other is virtually impossible. Affectionately called ‘Big Ben’ – this is actually the name of the clock’s main bell. Big Ben rose like a phoenix out of the ashes of a fire that destroyed the better part of the Parliament in 1834. After ninety seven designs were submitted, it was Charles Barry who was successful, with a plan where a clock tower dominated. It was in 1859 that Big Ben began its illustrious and precise journey. Since the chimes first sounded, they have become extremely familiar to BBC listeners, not just in London, but all across the globe.

Address : Palace of Westminster, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA . http://www.parliament.uk/

There is a staircase in the 316 feet tower and from the belfry level, there is an excellent view all around. In the lower segment of the tower there are a number of small rooms, including a small prison. It was AW Pugin who designed the cast iron frame of the clock. In diameter the dials are twenty three feet, but the faces are not solid. It consists of a number of bits of opal glass, which are assembled – rather in the manner of a stained glass window. The numbers are each two feet high. A Latin inscription at the bottom of each clock reads ‘God Save our Queen Victoria I’.

Sir Benjamin Hall is the person after whom the hour bell – the Big Ben is supposed to have been named. He was the Commissioner of Works, who was renowned for his bulk, just like the bell! The hour bell of Big Ben is 8 feet in diameter, weighs 13.5 tons, and was cast in 1858 by George Mears of the Whitechapel Bell foundry.

The only major breakdown of the clock was in 1976. The chiming mechanism broke due to metal fatigue on 5 August 1976, and was reactivated again on 9th May 1977. In spite of the heavy bombing that took place, throughout the Blitz strict accuracy was maintained as regards the timing. In 2005, in a terrorist manual, Big Ben was mentioned as one of the possible targets of a terrorist attack.

In the UK, Big Ben is a focal point in New Year celebrations. All TV and radio stations tune in to the chimes. The visual media makes frequent use of the Big Ben if they want to a generic location in Britain to a non U.K resident. This is often done with a hackney carriage and a Routemaster bus in the foreground.

A visitor to London can divest himself of a lot of worries about where to stay by accessing our website, which is London based. Bookings can be made in any central hotel of your choice and you are at liberty to take your pick from Blakemore Hotel, Elizabeth Hotel, the Comfort Inn or even the City Inn. There are a number of good and cheap hotels in central london to choose from; for your convenience we have categorized them as cheap hotels, discount hotels, bed and breakfast and luxury hotels. It is your vacation — you can opt for a package deal or pamper yourself like a visiting royal. Whether you choose to go for a look at the national monuments, shop at one of the hotel boutiques or relax in the very comfortable ambience of your room – our online hotel booking service spares you all the rigueur. What you have to do is just enjoy yourself or move according to your schedule — this is the web site that makes sure you are thoroughly comfortable in the environment of your choice – and within the financial limit you have set. Just get in touch with us for your online booking right now and be prepared to be pampered and cosseted on your UK holiday.

We also have seperate listings for London districts, including Paddington, Bayswater, Kings Cross, Victoria, Earls Court, Marylebone, South Kensington.

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