No visit to London would be complete without a glimpse of Westminster Abbey, where the Kings and Queens of England are crowned. It is also a national shrine to the artists, poets, heroes and statesmen of Britain. The Abbey is open to the public evey day until sunset except during State occasions.
You can combine a visit to the Abbey with a look at the adjacent Houses of Parliament but for a look inside you will have to stand in line to enter the Stranger’s Gallery in the House of Commons. The Lords admits no visitors. Big Ben, the world’s most famous clock, stands in the tower at the east end of the Parliament building. Nearby is Drowning Street, with the Prime Minister at No 10 and the Chancellor of the Exchequer next door at No 11.
A mile or so down river is the Tower of London (you can go by boat from Westminster pier). Here many a Briton lost his head. Things to look out for are Crown Jewels, Traitor’s Gate and sinister ravens whose departure, legend has it, would herald the fall of England. Their wings are clipped these days just to be on the safe side. Leaving Tower Hill and entering the City a short journey takes you to St Paul’s Cathedral, the magnificent work of Sir Christopher Wren who reconstructed London after the disastrous Great Fire. Climb up into the dome and sample the acoustics: they are remarkable.
At 11:30 every morning the famous ceremony of Changing The Guard takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s London residence. Get there early for a good view.
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