Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is the best known of the many squares in London. It is a popular place for tourist. Nelson's column is on one side of the square.

The column is guarded by four lion statues. It stands 46 m (about 151 ft) high. On top is a 5.5 m (18 ft) statue of Admiral Nelson. He was killed at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Around the square are several important buildings including the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. Both have free admission. Other building around or nearby are: St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Canadian High Commission (Canada House), South Africa High Commission (South Africa House), the Institute of Contemporary Art and the English National Opera.

War Rooms

The Cabinet War Rooms are where the leaders of Britain planned World War II. The location was chosen because it is near Downing Street and the Parliament Buildings. It is now a small museum. They have tried to restore the rooms as much as possible to how they were when the War ended.

Attached to the War Rooms is the Churchill Museum which celebrates one of the most colorful and important Prime Ministers of England. It relates both his personal setbacks and personal victories.

In the War Rooms, you can see where Churchill ate, slept and worked during the dark days of the War. You can walk the halls that he walked. You can get a sense of how cramped and uncomfortable those days were.

London Parks

This is a picture of Buckingham Palace taken from the middle of St. James Park. One of the nice things about London is the amount of green space. It seems like you are never more than walking distance from a park.

The three parks that I have visited most are: St. James Park, Green Park and Hyde Park. James Park stands between Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Parade. It is also close to the Parliament Buildings ("Big Ben") and Trafalgar Square.

Green Park is north of Buckingham Palace. On the other side is Piccadilly and Green Park Tube Station, which I have often used.

Hyde Park is huge and is the best known park in London. It is a popular location for a picnic or just a lazy afternoon.

Regents Park is another popular park. Baker Street Tube Station is on the South West Corner of it. With all of the tourist attractions in this area, it makes for a busy park.

If you visit London, take time to walk through and if possible, relax, in one of the parks. It may be one of the highlights of your trip. The simple pleasures are often the best.