Any time is a great time to visit London. While they enjoy a temperate climate all the year through, peak months for tourist travel tend to be April through October. It’s springtime once again and the glorious city of London is abuzz with activity.
The Chelsea Flower Show, which has been held in the grounds of the Chelsea Hospital every year since 1913 is one of the most prestigious. The opening day is attended by the Royal family each year. This year’s show will take place May 22-26. May is also an exciting month to visit this year with the Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to take place on May 19 in nearby Windsor Castle.
London can be an expensive city to visit, but there are many terrific attractions you can enjoy for free. The National museums are free of charge and there are several to choose from. Here are just a few:
- The Natural History Museum – This huge collection, which includes the famous dinosaur gallery, is housed in a stunning German-Romanesque style building circa 1883.
- The British Museum – Founded in 1753, this museum features artifacts such as Egyptian mummies and the world famous Rosetta Stone.
- The National Gallery is located on the famous Trafalgar Square. Western European paintings from 1250 to 1900 are on display here, including the works of such artists as Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.
A visit to one of the weekly farmer’s markets can be a real treat as you stroll through the aisles of produce, flowers, fish and more you may begin to forget you’re in the city. Borough Street Market is open to the public each week from Thursday through Saturday. Located at the south end of London Bridge and directly beside the Southwark Cathedral this market is also a great place for you to grab a quick bite to eat from one of the local food sellers.
A stroll through Hyde Park is a great way to relax and enjoy one of the many green spaces within the city. Within Hyde Park you will also find Kensington Palace and Gardens, which was Princess Diana’s official residence from 1981 until her death in 1997. The Palace charges an admission, but the gardens are free and worth a look.
Harrods Department Store is an attraction unto itself and it is free to look, just don’t be tempted to buy! The store occupies over five acres and has 330 departments in its over a million square feet.
Finally, no visit to London is complete without seeing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The ceremony takes place on Saturdays. For the best view of the horse guards marching in, arrive by 11:00AM and stand in front of the Victoria Memorial statue right where the two roads intersect.
Of course, this is just a small sampling of the wonder that London has to offer, which is what makes it such an appealing place to visit. There is truly something here for everyone!
Pam Reimann