This post is written by Taysha Ham, an agricultural communications student at New Mexico State University who visited London last June, during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
My adventure in London was last summer. There were posters all over the city for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee; huge pictures of the queen and her family hung on buildings. London had always been a place that appealed to me. I was interested in the people, the places to see and the history.
Everyone could see the people were so proud of their queen, wearing the country’s colors and waving the flag! It was the perfect atmosphere to visit the city. Everyone was happy and excited to help Queen Elizabeth II celebrate her 60th year as monarch.
Here’s my list of 8 Things You Must Do While in London, England:
1. Take a red bus tour. It’s a great way to not only see the biggest attractions of the city, but to also hear some of the history as well. I recommend riding on the top deck so you are able to freely look around and take pictures.
2. Have a cup of tea. There are several little shops that will serve you a pot of tea to share with friends. A friend and I ordered Chamomile tea that came out in a beautiful teapot with mix-matched tea cups. There is nothing quite like having your own cup of afternoon tea in London.
3. Stroll down Abbey Road. Follow in the footsteps of the Beatles, literally. This famous road served as both a photo location and name of the final album recorded by the group. Recreate a little piece of history as you stroll across the road for a picture.
4. Visit 221B Baker Street London. The home of Sherlock Holmes, see the actual apartment where the main character in the book series was said to have lived. The tour of the building is truly amazing, having props and scenes set up from the book series. The candles are lit; fires are going, as though Sherlock and Watson just stepped out of the house for a moment. The little apartment truly captures a day in their lives.
5. See Big Ben. The famous clock tower is hard to miss, rising high into the sky. I love the architecture of the building, just I love all European structures. The detail in the design of the building is mesmerizing, medieval in style. It was one of my favorite places to see.
6. The London Eye. Although I missed out on taking a ride in the London eye, I would recommend you do. The observation wheel is one of the top tourist destinations in London. It was built to celebrate the new millennium, and offers a great view of the city.
7. See the Tower Bridge. Built East of the London Bridge, the Tower Bridge was constructed to ease the waiting time it took to cross the bridge. While crossing over this huge bridge you will immediately notice its bright blue coloring. Many of the red buses will cross over this bridge, so it will be hard to miss.
8. See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The changing of the guard is the process of the guards changing shifts. It’s a daily tradition that has become popular to witness. If you do not have time, at least check out the breathtaking Buckingham Palace itself.
Have you been to London? What was your favorite things to see?
Taysha Ham knows all about Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. It’s her home town.
A student at New Mexico State University, Taysha is majoring in agricultural communications with a minor in journalism.
This summer she is completing a social media internship for Venture Time Travel.
To learn more about London, check out these travel guides….
Rick Steves’ Pocket London
Lonely Planet London
Grandluxe London Monologue Travel Book
Other posts on the United Kingdom you may enjoy…