The Queen of the Midlands, England

Nottingham - Castle and Pubs

Nottingham is getting some bad press recently with inner city problems of gun crime and burglary. Whilst there is no doubt these problems exist, Nottingham remains for me a great city full of interesting places to see both old and new.

Nottingham is located in the centre of England and is often referred to as The Queen of The Midlands. The City has always been strategically important.

Nottinghamshire countryside provided good hunting grounds for Kings and the forest provided good shelter for outlaws most notably the famous Robin Hood. Although much of the forest has disappeared now, Nottinghamshire still boasts some of the finest woodlands in England with ancient oaks, the oldest of these being the Major Oak. Legend has it that Robin Hood hid in the trunk of this very tree to escape the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

The city of Nottingham has a rich and colourful history. Here are just a couple of places to wet your appetite.

Nottingham Castle

At the heart of the city stands Nottingham Castle, set on a rocky outcrop of sandstone high above the city. The original castle was erected here by orders of William the Conqueror in 1067.

Henry 1 later replaced the wooden structure with an imposing stone castle. This was to remain for hundreds of years as one of the most important castles in England.

The notorious Sheriff of Nottingham lived here when Richard The Lionheart was on the 'Third Crusade', providing the setting for the legendary final showdown between the Sheriff and the Robin Hood.

The castle provided a rallying point for Charles 11 during the English Civil War. Charles erected the Royal Standard near the castle to mark the beginning of the war. A stone in the centre of the roadway at Standard Hill marks the spot.

There are a labyrinth of caves and tunnels under the castle. The most famous of these is Mortimer's Hole where this usurper to the throne of Edward 111 was captured and later executed.

The original castle was all but destroyed. What you see today is a seventeenth century mansion built on top of the original site. Since the late nineteenth century it has been a museum of world renown, housing thousands of artefacts and art collections. With its dungeons and children's activities Nottingham Castle is well worth a visit.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

Carved out of the sandstone rock beneath Nottingham Castle this is reputedly the oldest pub in the world. Established in 1189, the inn provided rest and refreshment to the Crusaders of Richard the Lionheart during the 'Third Crusades'.

Walking inside is like taking a trip back in time. The pub is associated with many fascinating legends which you can discover over a fine pint of 'real ale'. The pub is said to be haunted - you have been warned!

Nottingham by Night

Whether you want to relax with a drink and good conversation, take in a show or party the night away - Nottingham has it all!

Forget the negative, visit Nottingham with an open mind, a sense of humour and watch out for the famous Nottingham welcome "Hey up me Ducks"...

London on a Budget

By : Matthew Marrone
Visiting London on a budget may seem impossible but it can be done if you choose traveling options off the beaten path. High tourist season is typically early April through late September. If you can opt to vacation there from early October through late March, you are likely to find less expensive airline tickets to and from London.

Once you're in the Square Mile, you'll have unlimited options for having fun, sleeping cheap and eating well without spending a wallet full of Euros. Typically, the second most expensive aspect of traveling abroad is the hotel stay, second only to the airfare to get there. Depending on the time of year you travel and your comfort level, your options are wide open.

Consider a home exchange. There are many home exchange facilitators, you can run a web search to find one you like. Members will pay an annual fee, usually $50 to $100. Most house swaps are offered in 1 week increments with a minimum of 2 weeks and you don't necessarily swap your house with the same family whose house you will stay in. You might stay in a London flat while the family of Londoners stays in a home in Thailand while the Thai family stays in your home. Other than the annual fee and possibly a small swap fee, typically under $100, this is a free stay. Of course, you have to be comfortable with a group of strangers in your home while you're away.

Summer holidays in London, while airfare will be at its peak, can still be cost efficient if you don't mind staying in a university dormitory. Many universities throughout Europe, including in London, rent out their empty rooms for about $100 per night during summer and other school breaks. You won't find perks like room service or even a private bath, but the price is right if you just need a place to lay your head.

Religious or not, you can rent a basic, clean room at one of the many convents and monasteries in the London area. You aren't required to participate in any religious activities and nearly all convents and monasteries will rent to ye of little faith, no faith or a different faith.

As for fun and sightseeing, avoid the rental car and driving around town; strap on some comfy shoes or rent a bike instead. No need to search for a tiny parking spot or learning to drive on the opposite side of the street and you can stop to smell the roses whenever you like. Start each day in a different direction and go wherever the wind takes you.

Public transportation is an adventure on its own and can take you all over the city and even into the countryside. Take the London Underground rail system or a double decker bus for a few pounds. London is also working on an above ground rail system to help facilitate transportation.me great eating deals include take out (called "takeaway") meals. The Value Added Tax (VAT) can be 10% or more on dine in meals. VAT isn't charged on takeaway. The added bonus is you get to choose the view or find a great place to eat and people watch.

Eat un American. Try picking up a late afternoon lunch at an ethnic or vegetarian restaurant. You'll not only find some great deals but you'll enjoy a wonderful new dining experience.

Follow or ask the locals. Employees at petrol stations (gas stations), grocery stores and your hotel front desk will likely know some out of the way dining establishments that offer great food for the budget minded.

Understand that budgeted travelers should be flexible and consider their trip an adventure. You might find a hotel, with reliable quality, to be worth the extra money. Dining at a pub might be great for the locals but you may not have the tolerance for fish and chips. Get out there and have fun.

London - Top Five Attractions

By : ian Williamson
London is a city rich and varied in history and yet has a blend of modern facets to please any type of traveler. With hundreds of art galleries, museums and dozens of other attractions including zoos, music, theater and nightlife, it is no wonder that London is one of the most popular cities in the world. A visit to London should include these five must see attractions:

Westminster Abbey

This church, burial ground and coronation site, all rolled into one, is the final resting place of great kings, poets and other British notables. Westminster Abbey is still used as a church for religious services and events on a regular basis. The works of art, which are contained in the Abbey, make the visit truly worthy. Inside the west entryway hangs a painting of Richard II. This portrait was painted in 1390 and is the oldest portrait of a British monarch on display today.

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of British monarchy, Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in England. The best time to visit is in August and September when the Palace's 19 staterooms are open to the public. However, various areas of the Palace are open year round and tourists can still see the spectacular architecture of the building and other exhibits. A walk through the 40-acre grounds and gardens is a must as is the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Tower of London

Many have heard of the Tower of London, but not everyone knows it served as a prison for many years. The original structure was built to be used as a fort by William the Conqueror around 1100 AD. Later the Tower evolved into a prison and then into a monument for the sizable collection of Crown Jewels which are still on display today. The highlight of the collection is the 530-carat Star of Africa. The pear shaped diamond is the 2nd largest in the world and was extracted from a South African mine. The Royal Armouries are also an interesting stop at the Tower of London. The spiral staircase running up the interior is the only way up and this British national museum of arms and armour has more than 40,000 pieces on display.

Trafalgar Square

This large, open plaza is often the site of political demonstrations and other public events in London. Aside from being the intersection for several major streets, the square is a great gateway to sightseeing in the area. On the north side of Trafalgar Square, you will find the National Gallery, one of the world's prime art museums. To the west, you will come across Canada House, where visiting Canadians can get a taste of home; it's worth a visit for everyone. South Africa House is on the east side and although it is closed to the public, the stone arches with African animals are worth a look. When you have seen all there is in Trafalgar Square, be sure to visit 10 Downing Street, the home of British Prime Ministers since 1732 and the Churchill Museum, both are located within walking distance of the square.

Harrods

What would a trip to London be without a little shopping? The world's greatest department store, Harrods, is great even for the window shoppers. And, for those who are looking to spend a bit of dough, this million square feet of merchandise is every shoppers dream. In fact, Harrods motto is - Omnia Omnibus Ubique - which means "All Things For All People Everywhere". Although it has been around for 150 years, Harrods is as modern as the latest iPod. Many of its departments, including the seasonal Christmas shop and the Food Hall, are world famous for their quality and abundance of selection. Where else can you choose from 300 different types of cheese?

These top five London attractions will get you started but you will discover London has so much to do and see a second visit will be in order.
Author Resource:- For more London Articles by Ian Williamson please visit http://www.real-articles.com/Category/UK/190

Planning A Vacation Getaway In London

By : Lee Dobbins
London is indeed one of the most popular choices when it comes to tourist destinations. This mainly explains why their airports are often considered as one of the busiest in the world since a lot of passengers come in and out. Interest springs from the fact that the city manifests a healthy fusion of the ancient times and the effervescent present. It likewise openly embraces what the far along future has to offer. London never loses its magnetism because of its ever-dynamic image that lures all people of varied backgrounds and interests.

Getting to London is very easy as they have five international airports ready to serve you. Once there, going around will not be much of a problem as there are different modes of transportation that you can choose from like taxi cabs, train, buses, and underground. You will never run out of places to visit and activities to do as each area offers something interesting so better arm yourself with enough energy to completely enjoy such a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza.

Social scenes are generally vivacious in North London where you can find attractive interior suburbs like Islington and Camden Town. Areas in West London, on the other hand, are high-end in nature, examples of which are Kensington and Belgravia. A lot of major attractions may be found there like the Royal Albert Hall and Kew Gardens. It is a first-rate place for shopping and appreciation of outstanding architecture. If diversity is what you desire, then East London is the best place to be. There you will find something trendy and modern as well as something historic and deeply cultural. Central London is quite easy to explore as the spots within it are in proximity to each other like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Aquarium, London Eye, Southbank, Tower Bridge, and Tower of London. Moving downward is an area influenced by different cultures and this is what South London is known for.

These only prove that in any area of London, there will definitely be a part where you can identify yourself with and enjoy. This furthers London's welcoming appeal as it appreciates and promotes everyone's individuality and uniqueness. If art, for example, is what appeals to you, art galleries are numerous and widely spread in different areas like the Tate Art Galleries, The Royal Academy, The National and the National Portrait Gallery, and many others. Each of these boasts of extensive and magnificent collections. Similarly, there are also several museums within the city like The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Science Museum, and Natural History Museum which are all located in the Kensington area. These and many others attract the attention of both young and old.

Performing arts seem to have successfully blossomed in London too. In fact, London is considered as its home base in England, specifically in West London. Thus, you need not be surprised when presented with so many options when surveying for a theatre.

Furthermore, if you aim for relaxation that is close to nature, parks are the best place to be. Fortunately, there is literally an abundance of green spaces in London. You may easily take advantage of the sunny days and lull your time off at places like St. James Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Regent Park. A day or so away from the busyness and complexity of the modern world is definitely worth all your time. Just a simple walk or sport in these types of places will surely soothe your senses.

Of course, food tripping often comes with any great vacation. This is specifically apt in London as the food choices are as varied as the lifestyle and culture of the people living in it. Cuisines come from all parts of the globe. If you are a little concerned about the prices in most restaurants which are quite high, you may want to try out other options like ethnic eating places, good pubs, and convenience stores. Better yet, you may want to plan ahead of time for a picnic at the park of your choice.

With this wide array of activities and places to choose from, a vacation in London will surely make time run out so easily. It will even be more exciting if you are going to enjoy such wonderful experience with your family and loved ones. Indeed, you can never go wrong in choosing London as your next vacation destination.

London Vacation Attractions

By : Lee Dobbins
London is among the most famous cities in the whole world. Millions of tourists flock to it every year, but most of them are not able to explore the entire city and witness its grandeur. Thus many visitors return to London during several vacations to relish more of its wonderful attractions. If you are yet to see this beautiful city, or if you have already went there but still want to see more of what it can offer, consider visiting the following attractions that will truly make your visit unforgettable:

1. The Tower of London - one of the most important sites in the great city. Consider yourself not being in London if you have not been to this attraction. This medieval fortress houses the world famous Crown Jewels. It is also known as a prison and execution sites of many of England's historical icons including Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and the Duke of Norfolk.

2. The Tower Bridge - this drawbridge serves as the easternmost entry of Thames. It also has a museum which allows tourists to walk along the old pedestrian paths to have a great view of the city. It is a must see for any London vacation.

3. The London Eye - this is one of the newest attractions in the city, created by the British Airways. It is a giant Ferris Wheel that sports 32 closed capsules that allow people to have a 360-degree view of the great historical city. A great theme park, this can make a vacation fun for any age.

4. Westminster Abbey - this famous religious site is known for being the venue for many coronations of English monarchs as well as their burial. It boasts of great architecture that exemplifies the style of the 13th and 16th centuries.

5. The British Museum - an art and history museum. This attraction is home to one of the world's largest collections of antiquities from ancient Rome, Greece, and Asia. It also houses artifacts from prehistoric and ancient Britain.

6. The Buckingham Palace - you probably know this as the home of the British Royal Family. Be sure not to miss the changing of the guards, which is one of London's iconic attractions.

7. The Houses of Parliament - this site combines three attractions in one. It is the location of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and the Big Ben, which is probably the most recognizable attraction in the city. It exemplifies great gothic architecture from the Victorian era.

8. The National Gallery - this gallery is home to a great collection of European paintings. The great thing about this attraction is that the entrance is free. The permanent collection encompasses paintings from 1250 to 1900 from Western Europe.

9. St. Paul's Cathedral - this historic site has been the venue of many notable events such as the funeral of Winston Churchill and the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales. It is an architectural masterpiece rebuilt by renowned Christopher Wren in 1710. This is also one of London's attractions that offers a great view of the city, with its 530-stair high gallery.

10. Shakespeare's Globe Theater - this theater is a reconstruction of the original Globe theater where several of Shakespeare's plays were first showcased. It is a replica of the original theater and is considered to be a historical site. A great site for a cultural vacation.

11. Trafalgar Square and the Admiralty Arch - this attraction is a monument honoring England's most respected maritime heroes. Its main feature is the statue of Lord Horatio Nelson that stands 145 feet high. It is also considered to be the centermost part of London. The Admiralty Arch, which is just across this landmark, was built in 1910.

12. Sir John Soane's Museum - this attraction is an exemplification of eccentric architecture. It features a unique and unusual combination of colors, curious perspectives, and a weird display of ornaments from different historical periods.

13. Notting Hill - this very fashionable and trendy district has been popularized by a film starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It has a very characteristic and cozy feel of a small village.

There are many other great attractions in the great city of London. A few days of vacation in the city would not be enough to see them all. However that might be an excuse to keep on returning to this fabulous city over and over again - an ordeal that you probably would not mind.

Author Resource:- Lee Dobbins writes for http://london.travel-cents.com/ where you can learn more about London vacations and sightseeing.

Accommodation for the 2012 Olympic Games

If you are going to the 2012 London Olympic Games then you certainly have a lot to look forward to. In order to ensure you get the most out of your stay, it is best to consider where you are going to stay as soon as possible! When you sort out your accommodation early it is easier to look forward to the trip, and it is also much easier to book a place that will be positioned nearer the main event – which is a great advantage when public transport and the city as a whole will be so busy at that time.

As well as many practical advantages to booking early, there are also financial incentives too. Because hotels, guest houses and rental accommodation would all rather know they are busy than leave getting fully booked to chance, they will often offer financial incentives to confirming a booking before the event occurs.

If you are unsure about what accommodation to stay in during the 2012 Olympic Games then you will not be the only one. With many luxury hotels and other great accommodation options, it can be hard to be able to choose which is right for you. The cheapest option is usually a guest house or rented accommodation. Although, even those will be much more expensive because of an increase in demand during the time in which the Olympics are on. If you are more concerned about your budget than anything else they are also great hostel accommodation and Lodging deals that you can take advantage of, which will be a fraction of the cost of the other options.

While you are away for the Olympics one of the most important elements is staying in a place which is close enough to the city center to make traveling to the event easier. For this, there is no one type of accommodation which will have an advantage over another. Many of the luxury hotels are positioned there, however so is rental accommodation. Guest houses are generally positioned on the outskirts of the city so you should check the travel arrangements in advance if you are considering staying there.

Many people like to have a personal service, while others would much rather have their privacy instead. If you feel uncomfortable staying alongside a lot of people then you should probably consider rented accommodation. This is the best option for those that do not like to be restricted to the time they can come in at night, as well as those that would rather not worry about children crying or what time they have to get up at in the morning.

On the other hand, hotels and guest rooms are the best way to kick your feet up and not have to cook at all. Another advantage is that you will get an opportunity to meet a lot of people that you are living with and hopefully you will go home with friends that you may have for the rest of your life. Whatever accommodation you choose, make sure you choose soon as it will not be abundant forever!
By : Bruce Abbott

Rented Accommodation 2012 London Olympic Games: Is it Right for you?

By : Bruce Abbott
The Olympic Games in London 2012 may still seem a long way off, however failing to prepare early will only lead to upset when it comes to booking accommodation for the big event. In the past with the Olympic Games and other major sporting events, those that fail to place a deposit on accommodation early rarely end up staying where they would like to. Through being prepared you can not only choose where you will be positioned, you can also choose between all the great hotels, rented accommodation and guest houses that will be available. There are also usually financial incentives for placing a deposit in advance – which means you will be guaranteed a place, you will not risk last minute price hikes and you can relax knowing you will have a great time.

Temporary rented accommodation for the 2012 London Olympic Games is generally available because property developers, land lords and even home owners decide to rent out their accommodation and capitalize on the increased demand during the games. Rented accommodation is much like a home away from home; you will have the keys and only you and the people traveling with you will be able to stay there.

Advantages

You can eat and sleep at whatever time you please. You can also choose to eat in some nights, eat out other nights and basically live as you do when you are back at home. The added flexibility also means you can have guests over, smoke if you want to, take animals with you and anything else that the landlord would appear to be okay with.

Many people enjoy their privacy and what better way to get privacy than in rented accommodation? You will not have any other guests to worry about, nor will you have to be treated in a way that is meant to accommodate for everyone, rather than your needs specifically.

The cost of rented accommodation is often much cheaper than a hotel. The reason for this is that there is no service associated with your accommodation, which is in turn a saving that you will get to benefit from. If you book early you can expect exceptionally reasonable prices.

Disadvantages

When you are away you will not have the luxury of room service or other services which are very much the essence of the hotel experience. You will have to go out for dinner or cook yourself, and you can forget asking anyone else to calling a cab for you!

Rented accommodation may not be available near the city center which means you could have a long traveling distance between where you stay and where you are going to watch the London 2012 Olympic Games.

When people are away on vacation they may wish to meet new people from different cultures and make friends that they can associate their holiday with, and hopefully keep in touch with for much longer. When you stay in rented accommodation, much of the opportunity to get to know people is removed.

Author Resource:- Bruce Abbott, a proficient writer, writes for hotels London olympic games. The author writes articles about private accommodation London 2012 olympic games and guest house London 2012 olympic games. Supplementary editorials that were written by Bruce Abbott about bed and breakfast 2012 London olympic games are accessible on the internet.

Guest House 2012 Olympic Games – Making the Right Choice

By : Bruce Abbott

With the 2012 Olympic Games rapidly approaching, the time to prepare your accommodation is now. With London already being the chosen place to host the event, those that are planning on attending are already starting to make provisions, meaning those that do not start soon will not get the first choice of places to stay. When attending the games there are a variety of options in terms of accommodation – from hotels, to camping, to rented accommodation to Guest Houses.

Guest houses are becoming a very popular choice among holiday makers, and especially those that are attending events because of the advantages that they offer. The flexibility that they offer, coupled with the luxury and ease of making a booking make them perfect for anyone to take advantage of during their stay in London for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Advantages

When you stay in a guest house the atmosphere will be much different from a hotel, and as such you will not have to alter your plans to cater for the other guest’s needs. If you want to wake up later for breakfast, or enter your guest house later on than the curfew, then they will be happy to accommodate. You may also be able to influence the menu to get the kind of food that you would like the best, rather than your choice from the options available on the menu.

Guest houses are much more private than a hotel and are much more homely too. You will not have to meet hundreds of guests like you would in a hotel; rather, they cater for a smaller amount of guests and deliver a much more personnel service.

When you visit a guest house you can get to know the people who own the guest house, and they will be able to give you great information on the area where you are staying, travel routes and nice places to eat out. This will be especially useful for the London Olympic Games – it can be hard to find your feet in a new city!

Guest houses can work out much cheaper than a hotel because the people who own the guest house live there anyway, meaning there are less costs. Also, because guest houses are a less conventional means of accommodation, there will be less competition as a result of the games being on.

Disadvantages

Guest houses are generally not in the center of the city, and as such it will take you longer to get to the events which will be held in the city center. Because guest houses are generally on the outskirts you will also find that public transport will be less reliable as well.

Guest houses may be uncomfortable to stay in if you do not get on with the owners. The reason for this is that because there are less people staying there, you will have to experience more one on one conversation with them than you would ever have to in a larger hotel where you could easily go un-noticed.

Malmaison, Oxford, England

The Malmaison Hotel Chain is known the world over for its distinctive and unique style, but even they are living on the edge as they open their newest hotel in Oxford, England. Just when you thought there was nothing new under the sun, Malmaison opens a hotel in a converted prison. Yes, I did say a prison. Because this new hotel has the Malmaison name, you know this old prison will have comfortable rooms, a light and airy style, and the latest in fashionable furnishings. Still it’s a prison.

If you are interested in staying in a truly historical place, Malmaison Oxford is definitely a place you should consider. Most historians think there has been a prison on the grounds since 1166. In 1236 the Chancellor of Oxford College was allowed to use this prison for Scholars who strayed from the doctrine of the College. Later Christ Church located at Oxford donated meat and supplies to the prison for its inmates.

The prison that is now on the grounds of the ancient prison was updated in the late 18th and early 19th century. Now that was a long time ago, and finally the prison was closed in 1996 because it was considered too old to serve as a prison any more.

After extensive renovation, the new hotel opened this November. Because this is a historic building, the architects, as much as possible, kept the original layout and many of the antique fittings. There are 94 rooms in this slightly weird and eccentric hotel. Some rooms will be the original cells with two cells converted into the room and one cell to be used as the bathroom. The walls had to be torn down and the décor changed to luxurious rather than austere. There are some very deluxe rooms in the Governor’s House, but what would be the fun of that. If you want the real prison experience, but in comfort and style, choose the converted cells.

For the squeamish, this hotel is not dark and dank. It will not feel like a prison unless you have an overactive imagination like I do. If I ever go there, and I hope I will, I will try my best to channel the original ambiance of the prison. Call me crazy but I have always had an affinity for old prisons. They fascinate me and the chance to stay in one is a once and a lifetime opportunity. I want the luxury of a nice hotel but the history of the old prison. This hotel sounds like a great place to visit and enjoy history at the same time. Most of Oxford’s “powers that be” hope that this luxury hotel will start a re-emergence of the area. There is already talk of new restaurants and shops that will help to re-gentrify the area so you better hurry and make a reservation before the tourists take over and change it forever.

Avebury Henge, England

We already talked about Stonehenge near Salisbury. Although Stonehenge is one of the most visited sites in London Avebury Henge gets little notice. It too has a large stone circle; in fact it is the largest in Europe. It also has a prehistoric mound called Silsbury Hill. Since Avebury is only thirty miles from Salisbury, you should plan to see them both.

One difference between Stonehenge and Avebury Henge is that you can walk around and touch the stones at Avebury Henge. Because of abuse by tourists, at Stonehenge there are ropes around the stones so you really can’t get up close and personal. Avebury’s stone circle dates to around 2600 B.C. No one really knows the exact age or why the circle of boulders was created. Some people actually think extra-terrestrials created the circle. Another train of thought is that witchcraft was the purpose or that giants created the circle to fight God. None of these is the least bit scientific so take them with a grain of salt.

Historians speculate that at one time there were as many as one hundred stones, but through the years, many have been broken or disappeared entirely. In the thirties an archeologist was hired to check-out the area. He found the body of a small boy. He is thought to be from pre-historic times. He was named Charlie and is on display in the Alexander Keiller Museum in Avebury.

The town itself isn’t much; it is very quiet and contented off the beaten path. Maybe that is the beauty of the place. You can come see the stones up close without worrying about hordes of tourists. When you visit Stonehenge consider giving Avebury Henge a visit too.

Ellery Coleman

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

I know you are probably thinking how tacky, a wax museum. Big deal! Well, it is a big deal. When I went in London I had a great time. I looked at all of the people, had my picture taken with some of them, and got scared in the dungeon. What more could you ask for?

Madame Tuddaus is a landmark in London. It is also a very busy place and always full of tourists. Still, you can walk around at your own pace and see what you want. You can stay all day if you want. It is fun and campy. I went over ten years ago so many of the “famous” people may no longer be there. They tend to be trendy.

All of the figures are dressed in really interesting costumes and really look like the people they double. I guess Michael Jackson has had many incarnations since he is always changing is look. You really know you have made it when a wax statue is made of you. I don’t know anything about the process but guess it’s nothing like the way Vincent Price did it in Murders in the Wax Museum. Just joking.

The dungeon is creepy. It is dark and has the kind of music you always hear when you know someone is going to die soon. There are several vignettes of Jack the Ripper, the most famous of all London bad guys.

If you want to avoid horrible lines, go early or go to London in the off season. Even though some might say “tourist trap,” I disagree. I loved it.

I Know a Man Who Can Take You To Narnia...

By : Duane Shinn

I know a man who can take you to Narnia.

Well, not really Narnia, but to the very spot in England where Narnia was born in the mind of C.S. Lewis, author of "The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe", which was recently released as a major motion picutre by Disney, and the entire Chronicles of Narnia series.

His name is Ron Brind who was a childhood pal of Lewis's stepson Douglas Gresham and a frequent visitor to Lewis's former Oxfordshire home in the 1950's.

This wonderful tour takes place in Oxfordshire, England, and visits places of interest including Lewis's former home 'The Kilns' and the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, Oxford, which was Lewis's final resting place.

The tour duration which is approximately 3 hours and commences from outside the Randolph Hotel in Beaumont Street, Oxford, which is noted for its connections with Colin Dexter, who wrote the very famous Inspector Morse novels, and frequents the Randolph. En-route you will see the remains of the old 'City Wall', Magdalen College from Longwall Street where Lewis was elected a Fellow in 1925, Magdalen Bridge, where the famous Oxford May Day celebrations take place, and Magdalen College School, which was attended by Doug.

You will be taken through Headington to see one of the former homes of J R R Tolkien and to The Kilns, Lewis's former home which was purchased jointly in October 1930 by Mrs Moore, Jack and Major Lewis. A short stroll away is the lake that yielded the Punt from the murky depths, owned by Lewis. How did the Punt get there? Find this out on the tour!

In leaving the Kilns, the tour passes a local watering hole used by Jack and Warnie and travels to Holy Trinity Church in Headington Quarry, where the vicar Mr Tom Honey will, subject to commitments, allow you to see inside this beautiful building. Outside in the Churchyard you will see the grave of C S Lewis and Mrs Janie King Moore, mother of the writer's close friend Paddy Moore.

You will also see the entrance to the Mayfair Suite at the former Wingfield Hospital, today the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, where Jack and Joy's marriage was blessed in a bedside ceremony in December 1956 because her death was thought to be imminent. The penultimate stop will be Oxford Crematorium to see the memorial plaque to Joy Davidman in cloister 2 and if you wish knowledge of exactly where Joy's ashes were scattered.

The tour finishes at the Eagle and Child pub in Oxford's magnificent St Giles thoroughfare. This famous watering hole was regularly used by Lewis and his circle of intellectual and literary friends known as 'The Inklings'. It is here that you will be presented with a personalised Certificate recording your visit to 'The Kilns' - a memento of your tour and a reminder that the Lewis legacy lives on.

So even though he can't take you as far as Narnia, he can take you to the very places where Narnia was conceived and born. And if you've seen the Disney movie titled "The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe", it's likely that you would love to see where and how Narnia was born.

London England

What an incredible place to visit, especially for first time European travelers. At least you don’t have to learn a new language although speaking and understanding people from England does take a little practice. Everyone is so friendly in England; the pace is as slow or as fast as you want to make it; and everything you have ever wanted in a city is only a walk away.

For first time travelers, London is the place to start. You might base in a London hotel and travel though the city for a week and not see everything. You can visit Palaces and humble cottages which were home to famous poets. You can visit cathedrals known the world over or find the birthplace of the Methodist Church. You can see first rate London shows or see offbeat London street performers. There is something for everyone in London.

One piece of advice; don’t travel unless you must in the summer. There are hordes of people in London in the summer. The temperatures can range from 99 to 50 in the course of a day. There is little or no air conditioning in London unless you stay in a very expensive hotel. There are few hot days so there is no need for air conditioning, but on those rare hot days, we spoiled Americans will wilt pretty quickly. Touring London in the off season is so much better. There are fewer lines, less traffic, and much less stress.

If you can, book several walking tours of the different sections of London. Obviously, you can’t walk all over London because it is huge, but you can walk with a historian through many famous sections. A bus tour is a must and probably should be booked for your first day. See everything, enjoy the sites, and make new friends. London is one of the best places in the world. As a poet once said, “If you are bored of London, you are bored with life.”

Tower of London

I know what you are thinking - Tower of London - tourist trap of the world. Not so. There may be tourists everywhere, but this is one of the most interesting historical buildings in all of the world. The tower is the last place many very important people saw before their deaths.

Think of Sir Thomas More; he lived in the tower while he waited for justice. Unfortunately, justice never came. He died for his faith and his beliefs. All he had to do was sign a paper saying he agreed that Henry VIII was not married to his first wife and approve of Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. Many people would have signed the paper and never given it a second thought, but Sir Thomas More chose death rather than lying. People today could certainly learn something about character from him.

While we are on the subject of Anne Boleyn; this is where she spent her last night hoping against hope that Henry VIII would change his mind. He didn’t and she was be-headed by a French swordsman. Henry already had another wife in mind. Anne was in the way.

Think of the little princes. The mystery of their deaths has never been solved. We all think Richard III probably had them killed, but definitive evidence has never been found.

Many British traitors breathed their last breaths here before they fell to the ax. Of course, there are no longer executions here, but the tower was a horribly feared place in its time. No one wanted to be sent to the tower. Few people lived long after being sent to the tower of London.

When you visit the tower, think of its historical importance. A thing of horror and pain for most who were sent there, the Tower of London lives on in history.