Big Ben's tower renamed

The clock tower know world wide as Big Ben will now be called Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth. It follows a campaign to rename the tower in recognition of the Queen's 60 year reign. The motion called on the House of Commons Commission to consider the change "in recognition of Her Majesty's 60 years of unbroken public service on behalf of her country".

 The Big Ben nickname originally referred to the 13.5 tonne Great Bell within the tower, but has long been the commonly used name for the clock and tower as a whole. Some how " look kids Elizabeth Tower" just doesn't sound right.

Things to do in London

British Museum



The British Museum, in London, is widely considered to be one of the world's greatest museums of human history and culture. Its permanent collection, numbering some eight million works, is amongst the finest, most comprehensive, and largest in existence and originates from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. Some objects in the collection, most notably the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, and the Rosetta Stone.



Crown Jewels

The Tower of London has been the home of the world-famous Crown Jewels for over 600 years. The Crown Jewels include the Coronation Regalia, items used at the coronation of a Sovereign. You can see the "Cullinan I" diamond at 530 carats, the largest cut diamond in the world, set in the Sovereign's Sceptre. You will also see the Imperial Crown of India, set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and 6100 diamonds. I go see them every time I have been in London.



The London Eye

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames, in London, England. It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3.5 million people annually.



Climb the Monument

The Monument to the Great Fire of London, more commonly known simply as the Monument, is a stone Roman Doric column. The only way to the top of The Monument is to climb the 311 spiral steps. It is a narrow staircase and there is nowhere to stop and rest, Plus you come down the same way so be prepared to pass others going the other direction. Do bring your camera as you will have some fantastic views from the gallery at the top.



Harrods Food Hall

Harrods is known for offering everything from fine chocolates to lavish cuts of meat and seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and even fine wines.

Churchill War Rooms

The Cabinet War Rooms provided the secret underground headquarters for the core of the British government throughout the Secord World War. You get to walk thru the rooms just as they were left after the war was over.

Jack the Ripper Tour

As the shadows fall over the city, we approach London's east End, a hotbed of crime and vice in the 19th century. During the autumn of 1888, terror struck when Jack the Ripper came out of the fog and dimly lit alleys just long enough to stalk and butcher his five victims. You will get chills up and down your back just thinking about the panic that spread thru London during this time.

Peter Pan Gardens

In Kensington Gardens, you'll find a statue of a very famous boy. Although he has been here since 1912, he has not aged one day. This is because it's of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. He is an inspiration to the large crowds that the statue draws, reminding them to never grow up. The gardens themselves have great open spaces as well as trees that can be used for climbing and hiding.

Fish and chips

For a cheap and fast lunch, nothing beats it. Stop into a pub order your fish and chips maybe a pint or two, then off for more sightseeing.

The Royal Mews

State vehicles are housed and maintained at the Royal Mews. They include the carriages used for royal and State occasions, such as State Visits, weddings and the State Opening of Parliament. Carriages from the Royal Mews are also used on roughly 50 occasions each year. The most dazzling of all coaches housed in the royal Mews is the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation since that of George IV in 1821.

Cadbury Chocolate

It’s chocolate enough said! I think this is the best chocolate in the world. Stock up before you head back home.



Hard Rock Cafe

Stop by for lunch and see where it all started. That's right this is the very first Hard Rock Cafe. Buy a t-shirt or start collecting Hard Rock Cafe pins.

Covent Gardens

At the heart of the Covent Garden piazza lies the famous market, designed in 1632 by Inigo Jones and now visited by 30 million tourists each year. The large glass covered building comprise several arcades of fashionable boutiques, cafes and arts and crafts.

In the open piazza jugglers, mime artists, variety acts and musicians delight and amaze the crowds. Buy you a cheap lunch and watch the entertainment, I have done this many times and it never gets old.

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