The most famous zebra crossing.

Every single day of the year hundreds of tourists  flock to  a  pedestrian crossing  in North-West London to pay homage to four of the most  famous musicians of the recent past----John, Paul, George and Ringo..

   Abbey  Road  Studios  was  where  they  made  most  of  their  records,  under  the  stewardship  of  George  Martin.

     The  walls  outside  the  studios  are  the  only  spot  in  London  where  nobody  gets  arrested  for  scribbling  or  spraying  graffiti  . Indeed,  there  is  so  much  of  the  stuff  that  the  record  company  managers  send  someone  out  once  every  few  weeks  to  whitewash  the  walls....They  are  soon  covered  up  by  new  messages.

     The  zebra  crossing  outside  the  studios  was  immotalised  on  the  front  cover  of  the  eponymous  "Abbey  Road"  album,  which  was  released  shortly  before  the  four  members  of  the  Beatles  split  up  and  went  their  separate  ways.

       It  has  been  about  three  decades  since  then,  but  the   flow  of  pilgrims  keep  flocking  to  this  corner  of  St. John's  Wood.   Thanks  to  them,  the  legend  will  never  die...

Abbey  Road

Two Scenes from London's West End.

Here are two scenes from the West End, taken early in the morning.

   The  first  picture  is  a  mechanical  representation  of  a  cooper---above  a  pub.

 Below  it  is  a  picture  of  Eros,  in  Piccadilly  Circus.

  Some  Must-See  Attractions  in  London,  England.

Are you in the mist of planning a trip to London, England?  If you are, you may be wondering what you can do and see while there.  Granted, there are thousands of places for you to visit, including landmarks, museums, shops, and restaurants, there are five attractions that you must visit.  These attractions, a few of which are outlined below, make a trip to London worth the journey.

1 – Buckingham Palace

The Buckingham Palace is the most well-known landmark in all of London.  As for its history, it was built in 1702.  Throughout the years, it changed hands many times and underwent numerous restoration projects.  It was in 1837 when it became the home of royalty.  The first monarch to live there was Queen Victoria.  Today, the palace is home to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.  It is also used for administrative purposes.  In fact, it is one of the few working palaces remaining in the world.

If traveling to London in August or September, you can tour the palace’s State Rooms.  Tours are only available during the summer.  Throughout the year, you will find the Changing of the Guards.  On average, a Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs every other day.  A visit to the nearby Queen’s Gallery is recommended as well.

2 – The London Eye

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is located in the Kensington and Chelsea neighborhoods of London at Westminster Bridge Road.  It is one of London’s most popular attractions.

The London Eye is a large Ferris wheel.  It stands 443 feet tall.  Due to its popularity, you might assume a long wait, but that is actually rare.  In fact, most purchase reserved tickets.  There are 32 capsules and up to 25 people can fit in each.  Lasting 30 minutes, a ride on the London Eye enables you to see the London like you had never seen it before and for up to 25 miles away.

3 – The Houses of Parliaments

Located on Westminster Road in the Westminster and St. James neighborhoods of London, you will find the Houses of Parliaments.  Its gothic architecture makes this landmark quite the attraction, but its history is just as important and beautiful.

The Houses of Parliament have been home to the British government for over 900 years!  It is situated on eight acres of land.  It is also home to 1,100 rooms, 11 courtyards, and 100 staircases.  Admission is free and you can visit the House of Commons and the House of Lords.  Guided tours are also available.

After a visit to the Houses of Parliament, stop by for a long look up at Big Ben, which is located nearby.                                                    

                                                                  

4 – The Westminster Abbey

The Westminster Abbey is another well-known London attraction. In fact, it attracts over one million visitors each year!  It is located in the Westminster and St. James neighborhoods of London at 20 Dean’s Yard.  

The Westminster Abbey is referred to as a “Medieval architectural masterpiece.”  Throughout the years, it has been home to many royal events.  It’s official website calls it “a living pageant of British history.”  Inside, you will find a museum that is home to many 13th century works of art and the St. Margaret’s Church.  When visiting, you can opt for a guided tour, independent tour with the use of an audio guide, or you can participate in Sunday church services.

5 – The London Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge is located on Tower Hill in the Waterloo and Southwark neighborhoods of London.  Although you may not recognize the name, you will the structure when it enters into your sight.  It is one of London’s most recognized attractions and has been featured in many movies and books.

The Tower Bridge is comprised of two towers with two connecting elevated walkways and a working bascule bridge below.  The elevated walkways are home to special viewing windows, which do not hamper the quality of your photographs.  Onsite, you will find a small museum that has interactive exhibits, as well as historical films playing.

Although able to tour the Tower Bridge independently, the behind the scenes and evening tours present a once in a lifetime opportunity for all tourists.