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A visit to our friends "across the pond" is a delightful study in the
roots of American culture. Literary giants like Shakespeare, Dickens and
Faulkner come to life on this storied island. Yes, England swings-from the
double-decker buses of London to Stonehenge's mystical circle to York's
medieval grandeur. Scotland's green grasses give way to pristinely
preserved cities and an unmatched commitment to hospitality. The world
itself seems just a bit more civilized as you roam the land of tea,
biscuits and royalty.
Fast Facts
- Capital: London
- Population: 60.5 million
- Language: English, Welsh
- Currency: British pound (GBP)
- Time Zone: EST plus 5 hours
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz
History
Not always a world powerhouse, Britain was riddled with invasions
during the early stages of its history-from the Roman invasion in 55 B.C.
to the pivotal incursions of the Angles, Saxons and Jutes in the fifth and
sixth centuries, and on to the Norman conquest in 1066. Norman rule
effectively ensured Britain's safety from further intrusions and ushered
in a unique culture, system of government, religion and educational
system.
Initiated to support William the Conqueror's holdings in
France, Britain's policy of active involvement and trade with continental
Europe endured for several hundred years. The defeat of the Spanish Armada
in 1588 firmly established England as a major sea power. Thereafter, its
interests outside Europe grew steadily. In search of an alternate route to
the Spice Islands, English explorer John Cabot reached North America in
1498. The first established English settlement didn't occur until
Jamestown in 1607. During the next two centuries, Britain extended its
influence abroad, culminating with the long reign of Queen Victoria from
1837 to 1901. At this point, the mighty United Kingdom encompassed roughly
one-fifth to one-quarter of the world's area and population.
The
twentieth century saw a Britain with resources heavily depleted by war and
colonies that had developed a stronger sense of nationalism. Between WWI
and WWII, Ireland gained independence from the United Kingdom, save six
northern, predominantly Protestant counties. In 1926, Australia, New
Zealand and Canada were granted autonomy within the empire, becoming
members of the Commonwealth. India and Pakistan gained full independence
in 1947, followed shortly thereafter by the majority of the United
Kingdom's holdings worldwide. But although the Great Britain of today is
only a fraction of its former self, it still maintains a strong,
democratic voice in the modern world. As one of the five permanent members
of the UN Security Council and a founding member of NATO, the UK pursues a
global approach to foreign policy and enjoys the respect of nations
worldwide.
Weather
Great Britain's weather is wet year-round, with pleasant summers and
cool winters. London fog goes beyond the city limits, as humidity creates
many misty mornings across the whole island. The East Coast is the coldest
in winter, while the West gets the most rain. Bring lightweight clothes in
the summer, and warmer layers in winter, especially in the North.
City Highlights
London
You'll receive guidance from your Local Host on how to make the most of
your stay in the lively British capital. Sightseeing with a professional
London guide includes all the famous landmarks: Royal Albert Hall,
Kensington Palace and the area's splendid museums, Knightsbridge with
Harrods, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, and
Westminster Abbey. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, a
17th-century masterpiece, and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham
Palace, if held.
Enjoy independent activities with so much to do
and see. On the longer (8-day) stay, your valuable London Visitor
Travelcard makes it easy to get around on your own, and take advantage of
your London for Less information booklet for shopping, dining, and
sightseeing discounts. You'll also get a ticket for the 450 ft. high
London Eye on the eight-day stay. Excursions to the Tower of London,
Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge, Warwick Castle and
Stratford-upon-Avon are available, as well as evening theater options.
Other popular sightseeing choices include Madame Tussaud's Waxwork
Museum with its world renowned collection of figures of the famous and
infamous; Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, known for its 300 acres of over
40,000 varieties of plants; the Tower Bridge with spectacular views from
the walkways 140 feet above the Thames; and the British Museum, the oldest
museum in the world (founded in 1753) with over 94 galleries and thousands
of artifacts.
If shopping is on your agenda, try some of London's
general street markets like Old Spitalfields, an old covered market that
is the antithesis of shopping malls; or Petticoat Lane, the famous Sunday
market that sells mainly clothes; or Portobello Road in Notting Hill, for
antiques and miscellany. The list goes on and on.
Your host will
have more information and plenty of suggestions for the rest of your stay.
For a few ideas, check out local host
picks in London.
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