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On your London backpacking trip, some major attractions are a must. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and on Horse Guards Parade are free displays of colorful Royal pageantry. In August and September Buckingham Palace itself is open to visitors. Take a look at the Houses of Parliament and the famous clock-tower that houses 'Big Ben'. Other unmissable sights include the Tower of London with its colorful 'Beefeaters' (yeoman warders), Tower Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's elegantly-domed masterpiece. There's also Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. Hang out at Earl's Court or the cosmopolitan Covent Garden - London is a backpackers dream. One of the best ways to see London's famous landmarks is to take a guided bus tour, or one of the many other tours including boat and horse-drawn omnibuses - for the best possible value, grab a London Pass.

London Overview

London stands on both banks of the River Thames, in the south-east of England. Founded in the time of the Celts and the Romans, the city which was once known as Londinium has grown to become a vast and commerical trade centre. With an area of approximately 720 square miles, it is together with New York and Tokyo, one of the three largest cities in the world.

The city is blessed with its geographical position on the River Thames and is a chief entry point to England from mainland Europe. The London docks are visited by ships from every part of the globe, making London a great distribution centre. Today great lines and modern roads branch out in every direction from London, serving all parts of the United Kingdom. London is also a great financial centre and is home to many of the world's leading banks and insurance institutions.

As well as being the capital of England, London is the seat of government of the United Kingdom and is a royal residence. The Palace of Westminister situated on the north bank of the Thames River is home to both the houses of the British Parliament.

Buckingham Palace is the Queen's London home. London is also a great centre of culture and education. The University of London and its many colleges attract students from all over the Commonwealth and the world. The vast history and culture of the city is visible by its many museums and galleries, containing collections of neverending interest. London also contains many churches, the majority of which were designed by the architect Sir Christopher Wren following the destruction of the city after the Fire of London in 1666. Two of the country's most famous churches, St Pauls' Cathedral and Westminister Abbey are found in the London region.

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