London
Photography
Food
Excursions
Transportation
Wait a second… Red phone booth, fish n chips, massive clock tower, it looks like we’ve landed in England!
There are not many cities in the world that share the same famous reputation as the iconic London, England. From the long cobblestone streets, to the sculpted magnificent palaces, everything here will leave you with a taste of culture that keeps you wanting to come back for more. It is deeply rooted in tradition and royalty, but also somehow manages to be at the forefront of social, and artistic innovation. It sits atop of Great Britain like a shining jewel encrusted into the royal crown.
At its center is the famous Westminster Abbey, House of Parliament, and towering Big Ben, keeping watch over the city. Down the river a slight way you will find the spinning London Eye overlooking the Thames as it slowly flows toward the elegant Tower Bridge. Perhaps one of the most famous bridges in the world. From there you can hop on the tube, or catch a cab and you’re only a few stops from well, pretty much everything. 221B Baker Street, Abbey Road, Shakespeare’s Globe, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and the list goes on and on. You will never find a shortage of things to do or see in London. There is a little something here for everyone.
Photography
Tower Bridge
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This large Victorian style suspension bridge was built at the end of the 19th century, to provide commuters with a safe way to cross the robust River Thames. Its massive twin towers resemble a gothic style design which was very popular in the era it was constructed. Supporting the towers are large blue metallic beams that swoop down on both sides. This is a fantastic place to capture photos, but you must get there early. Shortly after the sun rises the bridge is filled with tourists.
Saint Dunstan in the East Church Garden
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Saint Dunstan in the East Church Garden is one of those photography gems that seems to hide in plain sight. This incredible building was severely damaged by the Great Fire of London back in 1695. It was then rebuilt and damaged yet again in a bombing blitz during WWII. After the bombing, all that remained were a few walls and the steeple. Since then it has been turned into a beautiful public garden. This location boasts a combination of ancient victorian structures and dazzling green vegetation which is a photographers dream spot.
The Shard
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The Shard is arguably one of the most iconic modern buildings in London. It was designed by the Italian designer Renzo Piano. This building is beautiful, but when it comes to photography there are not many spots that highlight it amongst the sea of skyscrapers that dominate the downtown area. Well lucky for you we found the perfect location to capture the true essence of this modern masterpiece. Lovat Lane is a small traditional English alley complete with a cobblestone street that so happens to have the Shard centered right down the middle of it. You may have to play with the lighting at this location, but the end result is very unique.
Buckingham Palace
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Did you really go to London if you didn’t stop at Buckingham Palace to snap a few pics of the Queen’s Castle?? Probably not. Buckingham Palace is an insanely popular spot for a photoshoot. The whole location is dazzling and covered with attributes of royalty. From the massive Roman statues and fountain in the courtyard to the gold encrusted gates, there is so much you could do with this location. However, you must find a way to beat the crowds. This spot is extremely popular with tourists and is usually filled up from sun up to sun down. Your only chance at getting a decent pic is playing with your angles and waiting for the right moment to take that perfect snap.
Food
The Gloucester Arms
There are not many pubs that scream English tradition the way that The Gloucester Arms does. If you’re looking for a traditional Fish n Chips meal, then this is the place for you. It is located just a short walk from Hyde Park, nestled back on a street corner in South Kensington. Their fabulously flakey fish is hand battered Atlantic Cod. Even if you are not a seafood person you will be after tasting this. It is followed by a bed of perfectly salted crispy chips (French Fries). The aroma of goodness from this dish is enough to make anyone dive in immediately. It is then followed up with a side of fresh vegetables that have usually been prepared in a tradition manner like peas or pickled onions. This is the perfect spot to grab a beer with some friends or catch a game of football.
Transportation
One of the many great things about London is that there is no shortage of ways to travel about the city! We are going to break down our favorite 3.
Hop On Hop Off Bus – These iconic red buses are scattered throughout the city. They are quite literally at almost every street corner. They allow you to move about the city to predestined stops at whatever pace you want. You can “hop on” or “hop off” wherever you would like. An average ticket on any given day is usually around £34 which is equivalent to roughly $44. Since most of the buses are open top this can be a very fast fun way to hit many spots quickly.
Taxi – Another way to get around the dizzying maze of streets known as London is by taking a taxi, which is also sometimes referred to as a hackney or hackney carriage. This is ultimately more expensive then the hop on hop off bus, but the experience is more luxurious. The cab drivers will also be willing to wait for you at certain attractions if you are willing to pay an extra fee. This is a must try at least once. The iconic black cars are one of the few touches of luxury that is still available to the public.
The Tube – Finally in our opinion one of the best ways to get around the city is by the tube, also referred to as the underground. This is an underground rail transit system with stops all throughout the city. It has a total of 11 lines and 270 stations. This is a very efficient way to get around if you’re someone that is punctual about time. It is also very cost efficient. You have the option to pay per stop, or you can get a day pass which usually cost around £12.70 which is roughly around $17.
Excursions
Abbey Road
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Few musicians have ever come close to reaching the magnitude of fame that the English rock band the Beatles did. Their music was more than just lyrics and rhythm. It was the beginning of a rock & roll movement that would eventually sweep across the world. That’s why it was no surprise that their album Abbey Road was an immediate hit upon release. The cover art for this release is iconic in the music industry. Abbey Road is just a small backstreet in London, England, but it would eventually be known by fans all over the world. Today that street still remains exactly what it was when the Beatles walked across it all those years ago. A functioning crosswalk for pedestrians on a busy back street and a piece of music history.
Getsemani
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The fictional character Sherlock Holmes was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This adventurous detective has gained popularity amongst his followers through his brilliant mind, and witty comebacks. The series of books is often associated with the flat on 221B Baker Street where Sherlock lives with his crime fighting partner Dr. Watson. If you are a fan of this book, then you must stop by and visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London. Coincidently it is located at 221B Baker Street. This private museum outlines some of Sherlock’s famous cases, and the tools he used to solve them. A must see for anyone interested in the books.
London Eye
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Have you ever wondered what London looks like through the eyes of a bird? Then you must check out the London Eye. This huge observation wheel allows you to see the city in a way that you have probably never seen before. Standing an incredible 443 feet, this Ferris Wheel hosts over 3.7 million visitors a year. From the top you will have no problem overlooking Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Parliament, and many other iconic English Landmarks.
Millennium Bridge
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With all the focus on Tower Bridge, the amazing architectural feat of the Millennium bridge is often overlooked. This bridge crosses over the River Thames and leads directly to Saint Paul’s Cathedral. It is much more modern looking with sleek metallic supports and glass walls. Unlike Tower Bridge this one is designed for pedestrian traffic only.