HISTORY LOVER’S GUIDE TO LONDON | Best tourist attractions in London | Top 20 things to do in London
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- Опубліковано 25 гру 2024
- What are the TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN LONDON if you’re a history lover? In this video from History Calling, I take you around what I consider to be the best tourist attractions in London for those of us who love to time travel on our holidays. I’ve been to virtually everything on the list, from the Tower of London, to Westminster Abbey, to St Paul’s Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace and I’ll share with you how long these attractions take and give you a mix of both free and paid for options to while away your holidays. I’ll also make some suggestions about where you can stay in London on the cheap, the usefulness of things like membership of Historic Royal Palaces and the London pass and I’ll even include a bonus attraction you can visit which isn’t in London, but which can be done on a day trip from England’s capital city. If you love Tudor history, Hanoverian history, royal history, medieval history, art history, World War Two history or any combination thereof and you’re hoping or planning to visit London, then this is the video for you. Alternatively, if you just want to travel vicariously through your screen, you’re going to love this too. So sit back and enjoy the history lover’s guide to London as I become your historical tour guide for the day.
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WEBSITES FOR PLACES MENTIONED
Disclaimer: you click links and use these sites at your own risk. I’m not vouching for any of them. I’m just providing the links for convenience. You should always do your own research.
Tower of London
www.hrp.org.uk...
Tower Bridge
www.towerbridg...
HMS Belfast
www.iwm.org.uk...
UK parliament tours
www.parliament....
Big Ben tours
www.parliament...
Westminster Abbey
www.westminste...
Churchill War Rooms
www.iwm.org.uk...
St Paul’s Cathedral
www.stpauls.co...
Globe Theatre
www.shakespear...
Buckingham Palace
www.rct.uk/vis...
Kensington Palace
www.hrp.org.uk...
Royal Museums Greenwich - Royal Observatory
www.rmg.co.uk/...
National Portrait Gallery
www.npg.org.uk...
National Gallery
www.nationalga...
Kew Palace
www.hrp.org.uk...
Hampton Court Palace
www.hrp.org.uk...
British Museum
www.britishmus...
V&A
www.vam.ac.uk/
Natural History Museum
www.nhm.ac.uk/
Imperial War Museum
www.iwm.org.uk...
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What’s your favourite thing to do in London, or what attraction would you most like to see if you went there? Let me know below and remember you can also find me at:
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As stated elsewhere I need to visit inside the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Natural History Museum.
I need to go back to Windsor, visited years ago, but didn't go in St. George's Chapel. Also, visit Frogmore graves.
Do not miss, if you are a lover of jewelry, the William and Judith Bollinger Gallery at the V and A. It houses an enormous amount of spectacular jewelry, including historical pieces like the emerald parure which Napoleon and Josephine gave to their adopted daughter Stephanie de Beauharnais on the occasion of her marriage. Lots and lots of sparkly things.
When I was in London (2018) I took a river cruise. I really enjoyed it. We saw the back-side and under-side of some of the attraction you mentioned.
This year I went to the Tower of London and oh my gosh,it was just amazing I love it so much.I would definitely go back
I live in Central London so this really is my back yard. My tip to anyone is not to spread yourself too thin. Do less in a day and make it count, promising yourself that you’ll come back to see other things. I’d personally recommend late openings of many of the museums and galleries when you can often avoid the worst of the crowds. Evensong at Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s Cathedral can be a restful experience at the end of the day and costs nothing.
Please don't feel the need to adjust your pronunciations to appease whiny brats. I absolutely love it and more importantly, that's your natural accent!
I love your videos ❤
Thank you so much. I don't do it on very many words, mainly just ones with 'ow' in them (excluding show and anything that rhymes with that). Sometimes it's just easier than dealing with the ignoramuses.
I completely agree with that comment. Besides, English is spoken in so many different ways all over the world. How would you ever choose one way to say "Tower?"
Came to say exactly this. As Australian we get so much grief from N.Americans to be "hard to understand"(We don't all talk like Crocodile Dundee!). It is offensive to see someone being forced to change their pronunciation to suit a particular group's ears. Your accent is a mark of who you are and where you are from, shouldn't have to change for anyone! 💖
@@HistoryCalling As someone from Appalachia who also pronounces the -ow- sound "wrong" - ignore the idiots, probably the same kind of people who travel abroad and expect everyone to speak broadcast English to accommodate them. Your accent is beautiful and unique, please don't change a thing!
I love your accent as well ms HC. I love the wee norn iron accent, mind you I am over the Irish sea and is the only country I have been to which had no issue with my real surname (which has strong links to NI)
Don't ever change your accent, it's beautiful and people who give your grief just want a reason to complain. Accents are a part of culture and of history, it makes your channel so much more genuine ❤ except for the content and scientific accuracy, it's one of my favorite things about your videos ❤️
Thank you very much. Most people are lovely about it to be fair, but there's always some cretin somewhere who doesn't appear to know that not everyone sounds like them.
@@HistoryCalling That's always something one can count on 😅 I'm Swedish but have American family - in Sweden my accent has never been American enough (and neither have I), but the American side gets upset and feel rejected when I don't call myself American in part because of my accent 😅 and in Swedish, I have the southern (often ridiculed) accent, so no one is happy with that either because "they can't understand") 😅 So, I'm rigorously committed to make no one but myself happy by just being me and calling myself whatever I feel like and speaking whatever way I do ☝️😌😂 They can complain and call it wrong all they want - I choose to call it personality 💃😁😂 I would love to have your accent, never ever change it or hide it! ❤️
People who complain about how u sound have absolutely nothing going on in their lives. I hope you dont change how you speak for them. Your true fans will be here.
Thanks Christy. I do wonder sometimes if they live under a rock when they try to 'correct' my accent to make me sound American. Do they not realise that people in other parts of the world have different accents? The level of stupidity is pretty mind-blowing sometimes.
Do not change your accent for anyone. Its wonderfully charming and adds so much to your videos ❤
Thank you. I won't and to be fair, most people are very nice about it. There's just the odd cretin 😊
@@HistoryCalling theres always one. Lol.
Who are these whiners complaining about your accent? I'm American and I can understand you just fine.
Thank you. It is quite rare on the whole. Most people if they mention it at all are lovely about it. :-)
@@HistoryCallinggood 😊
I love her accent!
@HistoryCalling Americans generally like Irish accents, and it's probably one of the attractions of your channel.
As someone from the UK, there are definitely people with a much more difficult to understand accent than hers.
A little tip for Londoners is that you could contact your local MP. They will arrange a free of charge visit for you to Elizabeth tower and Big Ben. All you need to have is a permanent residence in the city. Something I didn’t know existed and was delighted to discover.
Yes, I've heard about schemes like that. Definitely worth a look in if you live in London, as you say.
Half the reason I watch your videos is that I enjoy your accent. You don't have to change it for me.
I'm Scottish and I love your accent, its not broad at all, I recognised the Celtic origins but took a while to locate it to Northern Ireland. it's really nice to hear someone with an accent doing history.
Thank you. I love the Scottish accent too. You'd probably have placed it more easily if you heard me talking in 'real life'. I tend to have a stronger accent off UA-cam, plus I speak a bit quicker and say things like aye, wee and auk (is that even how we spell it? I never write it down) all the time! :-)
I adore your accent! Please don't change up - it's the content that matters and anyone who has an issue with how you speak can go elsewhere.
Thank you. I won't change it, promise :-)
I've been to a few of these locations and loved them so much! I found the burial place of a man with my husband's name in the cloisters at Westminster Abbey. It said "plumber of this collegiate church". I called my husband to tell him I'd found his grave. He was installing a new water heater at our church when I called. 😀😀😀😀
110% would reccommend hampton court palace ! i was there last month and as someone with a long standing love of anything tudor, it was a dream come true & SO SO beautiful !! i genuinely did not want to leave & i thought to myself i HAVE to come back, no way is this a one off visit ! would defo reccommend a million times over
Do not ever change your accent! I am an American and I adore hearing it. I am a southerner and also sometimes get grief from my countrymen for my accent and I ignore it. Accents are fascinating.
I can't believe that anyone would complain about your accent, I think you speak very clearly. My mum is from N. Ireland as well, from C. Antrim, some people there can have a really thick accent, yours is very soft in comparison.
OMG I LOVE THIS!! I haven't been to London since I was 18. I am due for a return visit to one of my favourite places in the world
Thank you. Yes, you definitely should go back if you can. I hope the video gives you some ideas about what to go see. :-)
Make no apologies for YOUR accent. I'm visiting the UK and London now... enjoying it and your videos. Thank you.
Thank you. Have a wonderful trip :-)
I love the sound of your Northern Irish "tower" ❤
Thank you :-) I wish everyone did (though most people are very nice about it to be fair).
Visiting London is my dream ❤❤❤
It is an incredible city. You're never bored there. I hope this video gives some inspiration for what you could visit and that you make it there soon :-)
@@HistoryCalling You know what . To me and my heart LONDON is the best place on earth. I would never get bored there . If possible I will settle there forever .
It's just so expensive unfortunately :-(
@@HistoryCalling I have just made the target to settle there . I have no hurry . I will wait . 😀😀
Can you do something similar for Ireland?
I'll be in London next week, thank you this is timely!
Excellent. I hope you're able to enjoy some of these attractions. Have a wonderful trip :-)
I love your accent, my mum was from northern ireland and she passed away in January and its so nice to hear the accent again ❤
My favorite history nerd place to visit is the British Library Treasures Gallery. They have one of the copies of the Magna Carta, Jane Austen's writing desk, the only known example of Shakespeare's handwriting, and Beatles song lyrics written on a napkin(serviette), among many other things. It was beautiful, and stunning, and somehow humbling.
Your gorgeous accent is what first got me coming back to your channel!
Thanks for the list. It's very informative. I've visited (from Australia) most of the venues that you mentioned, and your assessments are spot on.
I'd like to offer one tip relating to the Tower of London: register to attend the Sunday morning church service, which rotates between St Peter ad Vincula and the chapel of St John the Evangelist in the White Tower (the one I attended). All you have to do is email your name to the appropriate email address given on the Tower's website. On the Sunday morning you get early entry to the Tower precincts by getting your name ticked off the 'church list' by the staff at the entrance. Not only do you have the enjoyment of a service in either of the historic chapels, but you also have time before and after the service to wander around the Tower precincts effectively on your own. I visited on a rainy winter's Sunday and quite literally had the place to myself. If you like to sit and let the history of a place sink in, without being buffeted by thronging and noisy crowds, you'll love the experience.
Great advice, thanks! I attended the Ceremony of the Keys when I visited London, but would love to attend a church service at the Tower should I ever get there again.
Keep saying tower the way you’re comfortable with! It’s a lovely accent and people should be quiet! 😀💜
Love your accent please don’t change it’s beautiful xxx
Thank you. I won't. I just like to head off some of the dumb comments sometimes :-)
I visited London when I was around 22 years old. I was told that American tourists were really easy to pick out by their tennis shoes and clothing. I am extremely fair almost clear with blue eyes and dark hair. People absolutely assumed I was a native or an Irish visitor. Lots of natives asked me for directions. Once they heard my voice, they were pretty surprised.
I’ve been to London twice, but unfortunately only long enough to catch a bus on my way to other places. I’d love to see all of these sites, but I think visiting all of the famous dead people would be my first pick.
By the way, as an American, I love the way you say “tower” in your native accent! 😁
Oh you should definitely come over again and try to see some of these places. You'll not regret it. Thank you for not minding the accent. Most people are lovely about it actually. There's just the odd cretin who emerges from under their rock to be a troll.
Never bookmarked/saved a video so fast - planning a trip in the next few years!!!
Thank you. I hope you get to go. It really is an amazing city 😊
What a fantastic video! It's been many years since I was last in London and I'll probably never get back there again, so it was wonderful to be reminded of some of the places I've visited, and to see more that I never have and wish I could!
I'm planning to visit London again this autumn, but when I was there before my favorite places included The Tower of London, the V&A Museum, and on Sunday we worshipped at St. Paul's Cathedral. That was an incredible experience and I recommend it to everyone. As a nurse of 45 years I'm hoping to visit the Florence Nightingale Museum. I know it's small and doesn't appeal to everyone, but important to me. Thank you for this video. It was most informative.
Would LOVE to visit Hampton Court and the V&A is my favourite museum. It’s FULL of amazing things to see❤
We stayed in London when I was 8, several decades ago. My chief memory is Hampton Court. They had an actual maze you could walk in, very exciting for an 8-year-old. Also I remember a courtyard and some very small royal apartments with lots of red. We also saw the Tower of London (rather dark, lots of suits of armour), British Museum (creepy mummies), shop exhibits (lots of Alice in Wonderland that year), and I think we saw Trafalgar Square.
Early this century, went back for a day visit, walked across the bridge and saw the big Ferris wheel and the terracotta army exhibit.
I love the way you say "tower" it was making me smile before you even said anything about it. Your accent is beautiful and one of the reasons I love your channel. Don't stop being you! ❤
1979. I got to see London. I was 18. Did't have much money, but I still had a nice time. Museums. Changing of the guard at Buckingham. Tower of London (had my pic taken with a Beefeater...that's a cheap souvenir). Saw Elizabeth Tower but did not tour it...however, I took a photo as Big Ben chimed 12 noon.
It was a part of a tour with an American concert band. We made a recording at EMI Abbey Road studio. Attended a faux medieval banquet at Old Palace Hatfield House.
It was a very nice visit for just a few days.
I love using the water taxi along the Thames, really feels like time travelling seeing London from the water, especially going past the Globe Theatre
I've never done that but it does sound amazing. Even seeing the Tower and Tower Bridge from HMS Belfast gave me a whole new perspective on them.
@@HistoryCalling It really is strange as you do get used to seeing them from the same perspective in most instances.
The water taxis are pretty regular and good value, but obviously not as many stops as the tube. I think you can even do a river cruise with afternoon tea which sounds fun
Yes! I got to Greenwich on the Uber Thames Clipper and it absolutely lovely!
@@mirandamom1346 It's one of those things I never really think about using until I do 😂
Ahh. SO lovely. You've helped me reminisce with a smile, AND begin to plan my next visit. May I add that Covent Garden, the Theatre District, Leicester Square, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the Portrait and National Galleries are close-by and very walkable. EXCELLENT restaurants. Westminster is about a mile walk down Whitehall, with several historical stops along the way.
I have been fortunate enough to have been to London twice: 1988 and 1989, when I was a very young man. I had my love of history even back then, so I’ve been fortunate enough to have been to many of the sites and places you suggested, with the largest exception being Buckingham Palace, as it was not open to the public back then. I hope I can return to catch a few of the things I missed; however, I am planning a “bucket list” trip with my closest friend/partner (not sure exactly WHAT her and I are 🤣) to Ireland. Not until 2025, I think, because she needs to take time off from her job (fortunately I’m retired, so my schedule is flexible).
Thank you for sharing your insights, and bringing back some very wonderful memories of my youth!
You're very welcome. I hope you get to come back and tick lots of things off the list. 😊
My two suggestions the London Mithraeum, a Roman temple located just round the corner from St. Pauls and across the river from the Tate modern in the Bloomburg building and it's free and the monument to the great fire of London, in the city of London, it's I think £5 and amazing views over the city.
I'm not familiar with the London Mithraeum but I'm now adding it to my list. I've only seen the outside of the Great Fire Monument.
Amazing! Thank you! I’m going to add this to my list as well. Anything Roman blows me away.
When I was in London, I went to the Sherlock Holmes museum. (I know it is not history) but it gives a super insight into victorian-era medicine/science. I had a tablet with me and I asked the staff member if they could photograph sherlock's science set. As a science nerd, I loved this, you had to go into the shop next door to get tickets.
❤ Your camera skills are on full display here, HC. History lovers will most certainly benefit from your suggestions. I was wondering if you would ever consider doing something similar for your homeland. London is fantastic but your videos on Ireland including the Giant's Causeway and the witch burning have moved NI up on my list of desired destinations. It probably wouldn't get as many clicks as a video on London and I'd understand if you'd be hesitant. Just wanted to throw it out there. Great job! Thanks for this and have a great week. 🙏🏼
If this one does well I would certainly do Dublin and Belfast guides, however it all depends on this one.
@@HistoryCalling 👍🤞
I second the proposal!!!
I adore your accent. Please do not change/adjust it for anyone. I am American and I have trouble understanding some of the accents here. 😂 This is super helpful. We went to London for the 1st(and only) time in 2016. I have been dying to go back ever since. We were floundering here and there; I wish we had had your insight back then. ❤ We are coming back March 2025, God willing. I cannot wait to use this information. Thank you, thank you! PS: my favorite was St. Paul’s - I was so moved by the beauty looking up at the ceiling, I cried. Also, if you go behind the altar you will see where there is a dedication to America for joining the fight in World War II. Very moving.
I would add to this list: the british library where you can see a wonderful collection of historic books and other exhibitions (I saw a music exhibition with original sheet music from people like Beethoven and a napkin with the text of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds) and in one of the courthouses I‘m pretty sure you can see Magna Charta
Hello, Just a note to say that I thoroughly enjoy your channel and I really appreciate your expertise, objectivity, excellent research, and your delivery of the content, accent included. I also am impressed at your success without revealing your identity. Thank you for all that you offer to those of us who listen regularly and support your work.
Aww, thank you very much, both for the lovely message and the support. 😊 I mean the identity will possibly leak at some point, but I would like to stay private as much and as long as possible.
I lived in London for a long time and have been to all of these at one point or another, some of them in a working capacity so saw a lot of things that tourists don't see. I love history and love these videos on this channel. I have to say that it does help that she has the sexiest voice I've ever heard in my life.
OMG!!! My friend and I are meeting in London in May of 2025. Both of us have never been and I was going to start researching (mostly) historical attractions for her and I to visit in and about London. You have saved me so much time. I absolutely love history, and of course your channel. Thank you for posting this and I will send her the link to watch.
Excellent! 😊 I was hoping it would be helpful for people like yourself. Have a wonderful trip and I hope you get to go to lots of these places.
I would love to visit the war museums as my Dad was an avid enthusiast! He had passed, but his love of history had definitely been passed to me! Actually, Any museum would be a dream for me! But, alas, I’m not ever likely to make it a reality as I am older and live in the states. So I will continue to watch your videos and dream. Your accent is lovely. Never apologize for it!
Never say never. Perhaps you could still make a little visit across the pond. If not though, then I'm glad my videos give you a little look at what's here, just as I like seeing the Egyptian pyramids on screen, as I doubt I'll ever visit them in reality.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament look wonderful after the recent renovation. Great video, loved it!
They were amazing! I highly recommend them if you get the chance.
Hearing that you spent 45 minutes just in the Plantagenet gallery at the RPG, gave me such joy.
It must be almost overwhelming being surrounded by, not only the historic antique portraits themselves, but by the faces of the many individuals that you have personally researched, people you have come to know and appreciate.
All of their faces looking back at you.
Thanks for sharing this information.
🙂🐿🌈❤️
P.s I also REALLY love the little tune that you use for this channel. 🙂
So nice to be able to escape the madness with Trump for a few minutes. Your voice is so soothing. Thank you thank you 😊
Yeah, that was mad wasn't it? I couldn't quite believe it when it came on the news very late the other night. As one of my friends texted me, it was history in the making.
😉💛
That could be the reason I'm plunging into one historical novel after another right now. The more ancient the setting, the better!
This is exactly the kind of honest travel review for the kinds of attractions I want to see on the rare occassion I get to leave the US (haven't been out of the country since 2011). I'm sorry, it seems based on some of your comments that this video hasn't quite hit it's audience yet. Fingers crossed!
Thank you. Yeah, this one's not performing well unfortunately. It happens I guess. If I didn't experiment, I'd never find some other topics (like the recent death by toilet video) that do do well. It's sad though. I was hoping this one would do well so that I could do similar videos for other cities, but I guess it's not to be. Anyways, I'm glad you like this one at least.
@@HistoryCalling I'd quite like similar videos for other cities.
Great stuff. Very helpful video. Also, your “loo review” really made me chuckle! 😂
I love London! My father was in the US Air Force and we were stationed in England in the early to mid-80s. I saw much of the items on your list. And don't ever apologize for your accent! It's wonderful! 🙂
As an American, please ignore those ridiculous comments about your accent. I can understand what you say perfectly fine, and I really enjoy listening to your voiceovers. I've been bingeing your videos nonstop for weeks now, haha. It's probably the same Americans giving you grief about your accent that give me grief about my Southern accent. I know people who say "tower" very similarly here in the South--it just makes your accent more comforting to me :)
My dream vacation!! 😍
I hope you get to make it a reality some day and can go to some of these attractions. :-)
Same ♥️
Oh man if only you had one of these for Edinburgh, I’ll be there next week and am looking forward to all the history compared to my barely a century old Canadian town🙏
If this video did well enough I would do one for Edinburgh, but the early signs aren't great unfortunately. I will recommend though that you try the Castle, Holyrood Palace, the Georgian House and the National Museum of Scotland. A walk down the Royal Mile is also very interesting, as is St Giles' Cathedral.
@@HistoryCallingI’ve made sure those are all in my itinerary! Thank you. If it’s any consolation I loved this video 😁
It's surprising to see how much I, a Dutchie, have seen in London. Almost everything you show here. I've even been to Kew Gardens. I had friends who lived in a suburb, a few minutes walk to a tube station. The last time was probably in 2001. So for me this was really a trip down memory lane. Thank you so much.
Wow! This list you've curated is so extensive and absolutely wonderful! I've been to most of them at various times but I had no insider tips and advice before I went. Things like toilets, accessibility, heights etc are really important and are often overlooked so please can I thank you for pointing these very important things out! I would go back to every one of these places, in a heartbeat!
You should organise a tour! You'd be the best guide as you know what is what, and can easily point out fact from fiction!
This has made me so very happy! Unfortunately, none of my family or close friends are into anything history related but the times I have gone to some of these places, I've dragged my sister along with me under the guise of a birthday present! As her birthday is in the summer it always works! But I have to say, with it being her birthday we always have plenty to drink after! 🥂
Thank you so much, HC, for this video, I'm going to email it to myself so it's always with me! Now... if only I could find like-minded people to go with....🤔 😊❤
Thank you. I'm so glad you find it helpful and I commiserate with you about not having like-minded history lovers to go to places with. That's a pain.
The V&A was definitely the highlight of my first visit to London a few years back. More recently, I loved my visit to the church of St Bartholomew-the-Great. My group got a lovely tour from the verger with lots of information about the history and architecture.
Been to quite a few of these, but nothing will EVER beat my visit to Westminster Abbey on a sunny morning in 1993. Bookmarked for the stuff I missed, thanks for this wonderful video 😀.
Ignore Americans who complain about your accent. This American finds your accent charming and a pivotal reason, aside from your factual historical story telling and knowledge of art history, you are one of my favorite history channels.
St. George’s chapel and the Tudor part of Hampton court are my top favorites so far
Yes, I really wish you could take pictures inside the Chapel. HCP was amazing as well. I'd only been once before, a long time ago and didn't remember that much about it, so it was pretty much as good as getting to see it for the first time.
@@HistoryCalling not sure if you’ve had the opportunity but staying on for evensong was a super experience. Being sat there amongst all those immense historical figures, whilst relishing in the sound of those angelic voices is next level. I looked to my left and there was Catherine of Aragon’s window and Edward IVs tomb and opposite him Henry VI’s tomb, Henry VIII and Jane Seymour in front of me - knowing their stories just blew my mind, topped by the singing that literally brought tears to my eyes.
So something that was missed, and was an amazing visit, was the London museum. I know that not everything could me touched on but as one of the museums that takes you back to Roman times in the City, it was so much fun to see some of whats been excavated.
Also, having used the audio guide in the British Museum, yes, it really did help to navigate and find more interesting things to look at within those walls.
I'm glad you included the HMS Belfast. I love old naval warships. Having grown up in Houston, I visited the USS Texas many times even played ceremonies on her deck when I was in junior high band. Launched in 1911, and refitted/updated in the 1920s, she is the oldest surviving dreadnought class battleship in the world, and served in both world wars.
All that said, I would love to visit the Belfast.
Yes, V&A is fabulous and the Cafe is amazing! One of the absolute best museums I've visited! Been there many times and would definitely go again!
Totally agree! :-)
Amazing, thank you! And pronounce Tower however you like, love listening to your accent.
Thanks Karen. I will. It's too much effort to be honest to always remember to alter my pronunciation anyway. My 'tar' just slips out after a while! 😊
Excellent, excellent video!
Some years ago I visited London for 5 days and managed to cram 11 of your recommendations into my visit. I also visited the Banqueting House where I imagined Charles I getting his head struck off again while I stood outside (the Rubens paintings inside are amazing), attended a criminal trial at the Royal Courts of Justice (not my trial), and enjoyed a performance of the Orchestra at the Royal Opera House. I would have liked to tour the Houses of Parliament, but I wasn't organized enough to get tickets. I went in late March, so I didn't have to stand in line for anything except for a 10-minute wait for the crown jewels. Hint, hint.
I spent all day at the British Museum, by the way. I walked in when it opened and left at dusk.
EDIT: I also went to Charles Dickens' house, but he wasn't home.
Thanks Pete. I'd love to go to Banqueting House, but it's hardly ever open now. I do check every time I'm headed to London if my trip is going to coincide with one of the few days it's available, but so far no luck. How rude of Charles to not be available to receive guests :-)
I went to London in 2012 and 2013. My autism was undiagnosed back then, and my health was about to enter a decade long shit period, so it was kind of stressful and now hard to remember for me. I'd love to go back to England now I have better coping strategies and know my specific interests better so I can appreciate everything more!
I enjoy the cadence and tone of your voice. Your accent is beautiful! You just be you and don’t even give a single care. ❤
Wow, though I've been to London more times than I can count, this reminded me of all the things I still have to see! I tend to travel there with others who have never been, so we see the same two or three things. The National Gallery/National Portrait Gallery started my love affair with London. I remember coming face-to-face with the Arnolfini Portrait and being blown away because I had recently studied it in school and never thought I'd see it in person. Then I saw the painting of Lady Jane Grey and was so moved I had to learn everything I could about her and by extension the Tudor era. Twenty years later and I probably know more British history (and royalty) than my own American history. I feel the same about the British Museum. I went there to see some specific things, but several were not on display (and no way of knowing until I got there). In spite of holding so many amazingly historical things, the way they are presented is anticlimactic. It seemed like a deliberate downplaying of the pieces or something. Also, the crowds were insane and it all was a little much for me, sadly as I have been dreaming of seeing many things displayed there for most of my life. I can vouch for the cafe at the V&A. We had tea there and it was so wonderful! I never get enough of that museum. And I do urge you to visit the Natural History Museum. I've only been once, and had to practically sprint through as they were closing, but it was incredible and I would love to go again.
That was a delightful trip down memory lane. One Away Day that was tops on my list that you didn't mention, which DOES count as history although not written, is Salisbury and Stonehenge. I took that one back in the 1970's, though, so much has probably changed and besides I now like Avebury much more. I've taken students to London, given scholarly papers there, made official trips representing my university, limped around with a broken toe, taken teenaged grandchildren, and have just gone for fun. I never tired of it. In addition to historic sites, I love getting rush theater seats and going to the art galleries (both Tates, the Courtauld, the Wallace Collection and others). Or simply going to the pubs, walking everywhere, and watching people. I think all that is behind me now, but it is a joy to remember it all, and to think about the very few places on your list which I haven't visited. Thank you so much!
Thanks Ann. I was just saying yesterday how much I'd love to go to Stonehenge and I just finished working on a video (not due out for ages mind you) that had me wishing I'd been to Salisbury Cathedral too. Great minds think alike!
This video is awesome!! Don’t let anyone say anything about your accent. I love listening to you talk. Thank you again ❤
love the accent, love the history, love the tour! Have been fortunate to visit some of the places on your list and still would like to visit them again! Though we were scolded by our Beefeater tour guide on our pronunciation of aluminium🤣
Ah, I take it you're American? Yes, the way we say aluminium is very different, but that's part of the fun of different accents. :-)
@@HistoryCalling Canadian😀
I'm Polish, but I'm a huge English history lover, espesialy Tudors and time of War of the Roses. I've been in London twice. I saw Westmister Abbey, House of Parlement, Tower of London (I spent almost 7 hours there, because I wanted to see EVERYTHING! 😆) and lots of museums and parks, but somehow I'be never heard abaut the National Portraits Galery! I would love to see that place! It's a pity I didn't have the opportunity to watch your video before my travels 😅
I loved it all the Chapel it was closed when we went( .Tower of london) and we saw it from the tower (thr bridge) we didn't tour we went with eyes wide open thansk so much it was great to see what I have thanks again @historycalling
I always buy the guide book that way if no photos are allowed I have the book to have as a reference did that everywhere went to England Scotland Ireland and Northern Ireland in 2019
I agree, the V&A café is the best in any museum I've ever visited in the UK or abroad. ❤
It's amazing isn't it? My jaw nearly hit the floor when I saw it.
Any 16th century " nerd" will just love the combination of the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery, along with the V&A ✨️ ❤️
I absolutely love your accent, pronunciation and soothing voice. It makes these videos better!
Been terrifically sick all week, so I'm late to the party. Thanks for the wonderful bedside tour; the fresh air was much needed; and if anyone else makes a crack about your beautiful dialect I'll 'tower' and feather 'em.
I used to go to London quite often (also my brother lived there for a couple of years). There is so much to do and to explore and I loved it. Thank you for this video 🙏. Greetings from Germany
Yes, it's a fantastic city. I'm never bored when I'm there. I would love to go to Berlin too though. It's been on my wish-list for a while now.
@@HistoryCallingBerlin is nice in the summer time 😊. My brother lives there (after London). Hamburg is also worth a visit 👍. P.S. I like your accent and voice. I visited Northern Ireland a few years ago and was glad I did.
Thanks Anita. Yes, I used to have a friend who lived in Berlin, but it was a long time ago and at the time, I didn't have the money to visit the city. It's a pity. It looks fascinating.
@@HistoryCalling I hope you'll have a chance to visit, I keep my fingers crossed 🙏
I saw the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Mews on a school trip about 10 years ago. I also saw the British Museum, London Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum, as well as St Paul's
I have no problem understanding your accent. It’s lovely. Highly recommend Westminster Abbey and Kensington Palace.
I loved the Tower of London and Westminster abbey. That is the most I could do in a day and a half.
I have started watching My lady Jane about Jane Grey. It is not historical accurate but is is a great show.
Can’t wait for the new season of the serpent Queen
I've never seen either show :-( I don't have the relevant channels.
I view History Calling for the interest and knowledge gained. I also admire your analytical and objective approach. As a bonus to all this, however, I absolutely adore your lovely voice!
Thanks! Very well done, looking forward to your future videos. Don’t change your accent. ❤
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE VERY KIND DONATION (and may I also just say that I love your username. It's making me smile as I type this). The accent will stay, I promise 😂
I absolutely LOVED this! Perm-saved for when I take my bucket list trip (or trips). Fantastic video - THANK YOU!
Thanks Ben. I hope you get to London and I especially hope (given your surname) that you get to Hampton Court Palace 😊
WEST END THEATRE TICKETS SOLD ON THE DAY ARE AVAILABLE AND OFTEN CHEAPER from each theatre box office instead of kiosks. We were surprised to get deals and amazing seats for 'Back to the Future' and other shows by doing this. The new big hit show tickets should be purchased online in advance. There are dozens of excellent, older shows still running - Agatha Christie, musical revivals, etc.
Fantastic video ! I absolutely love your video. Thank you very much. One of my earliest recolletions is a visit to St Paul Cathedral, when we started to climb the stairs to the top floor. We were breathless after climbing the stairs and seeing delightful scene from there.
As usual, another fantastic video!!
I have to say, Hever Castle (even the walk from the train station through the fields) is my happy place. I love it so much. It feels like you’re leaving the real world for a bit, surrounded by beauty and history. Swans, gardens, glistening ponds. And all things Anne Boleyn?! Sign me up!
Thanks for the great tips, I’m headed back this Autumn!! ❤
One option for the British Museum is the free guides that take place throughout the day, each focusing on a particular section. They seem to be volunteers (I got the impression they were mostly retired teachers or enthusiasts) so the quality varies, and sometimes they don't show up, but they can be good if you find the exhibitions dry or have questions.
London has so many fascinating buildings
(The Gherkin, the Razor, 20 Fenchurch St. just to name a few) all of which would be of great interest, especially to those of us who have only recently "discovered" them.
BTW, your pronunciation is wonderful. We love hearing you.
I would love to go one day. Especially to the Globe Theatre and the Natural History Museum, just to name two places.
I hope you get there! :-)
I have to say that i really loved the statue of Peter Pan in Hyde Park.
I think I remember seeing that during my walk-though. I won't lie though, I was a bit distracted by the Diana garden and the Albert memorial.
I always LOVE your videos but this one might be my favorite! ❤ I’m saving it for my trip to London!!!!!
I went to the British Museum with my daughter and enjoyed a time limited run around. It was very busy and although I enjoyed it, I have the same comments. I was very surprised by the staff who didn't have a clue where things were. My favourite is the Victoria and Albert, no doubt.
Well, that was wonderful! Thanks for sharing your tips and thoughts. I will watch this again, no doubt, and recommend it to others. Cheers!
Thanks Sarah. I hope it helps you plan a trip at some point 😊
This comes out of fantastic time, in one month we will be visiting London and it’s our first trip so thank you so much!
I’ve visited London several times. This is a great presentation! My “must visit” list includes the British Museum, the Soane Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Westminster Abbey, The Tower, the British Library, the Museum of London, Osterley Park, Syon House, and Chiswick. My hotel of choice is the Morgan (around the corner from the British Museum). One thing about the British Museum- I’m not that fond of the renovated courtyard. The scale dwarfs the museum galleries and exhibits, and diminishes the artifacts somehow.
There is great theater in London also. Everything you discussed you would do during the day (except see a play at the Globe). Many of the theaters are historical in their own right and there are always plays and musicals worth seeing. Nice list!
OMG, I've always wondered why so many people zip through museums so quickly when they were apparently interested enough to go in the first place. But History Calling has just revealed the secrets! I swear, things are interesting in good museums - but you do need to stop and read about them on the plaques to understand why!
Great vid HC. Some advice for those in London with time on their hands. Take a stroll around the actual City of London and Westminster. There is so much hidden history there which folk will have heard of - some real hidden gems - ie. The Monument (Fire of London 1666) and The Templar Church at The Inner Temple, Dr Johnson's House (complete with cat!!😄) It's my favourite thing to do. Take snacks and water and wear good walking shoes / trainers.
Yes, I totally agree. I just stumbled across Southwark Cathedral and the Golden Hinde whilst out on a random walk.
@@HistoryCalling Random fact - I was part of a crew that helped do the restoration work on RRS Discovery - Scott of the Antarctic's ship(early to mid 80's)when it was in St Katherine's Dock right next to the Tower. Also worth a visit in its own right.
Oh that sounds amazing!
Hello HC 👋, this was a great video. This is something we probably could have used back in 1988 when my high school choir went to England over spring break. We spent three days in London one day in Cardiff Wales 2 Days in Stratford upon Avon. Stonehenge etc. We sang in Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London Cardiff Wales Cathedral and Castle. Warrick Castle.
We visited Windsor St George's chapel and actually performed at St George's chapel. We sang in all the churches for like 10-15 minutes when an Archbishop found out that there was an American choral group. Unbeknownst to us at St George's Chapel we wind up doing a 45-minute to an hour's performance. Had no idea why.
When we got back on the bus one of the guys in our group looked at the director and said okay spill it why is it that we literally performed for almost an hour inside St George's chapel and all the other churches and Cathedrals that we have visited we've only done a 10-15 minute selection of a few songs. Princess Diana found out that an American choral group was inside the chapel she asked the Archbishop to ask us to perform. So unbeknownst to us we are performing for Princess Diana prince's William and Harry and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother so four members of the royal family we are doing a 45-minute to an hour performance for and we have no idea we're actually performing for the royal family. They are in a section of the chapel that was not accessible to us, but the could see and hear us.
We did the Beefeater tour inside the Tower of London and we saw the rooms that Queen Anne was held in prior to her execution and where the actual execution was for her. When he talked about her ghost roaming the halls of that wing and the actual room she was held in in. I'm here to tell you I got chills up and down my spine and my hairs on my arms and back of my neck stood up because I actually saw and felt the cold air of her ghost. A faceless ghost. I get chills now just thinking about it.
The tour guide that we had knew right away that I had seen a ghost he asked me if I had seen her I said yes he said okay I won't say anything not everybody is sensitive to ghosts but apparently you are so you're forewarned all the other places you go into you might encounter a few more. He was right I didn't necessarily see any other particular ones but I definitely felt them.
I had hoped to one time make it back to England and see some of the other places I especially wanted to go to Edinburgh and see Scotland. We just didn't have the time to do that we crammed a lot in as it was. Towards the end of our trip one of my classmates got sick and it made it really difficult for us to even continue on with some of the tour because our main concern was now getting home safely and getting her to the hospital.
I never saw Madame Tussauds as much as I would have wanted to. The free time that we were given wasn't very long and there was not enough time to stand in line for Madame Tussauds to see. I did see a version of it in Las Vegas at the Venetian Hotel in the late nineties. But not the London one we also didn't get to see Phantom of the Opera while we were in Londo.
Why the choral director for unknown reasons didn't think that a choral group that also had a bunch of theater kids in it wouldn't want to go see the Phantom. Instead we saw a performance when we were in Stratford upon Avon of a Shakespearean thing and it was performed by all men needless to say that was a little weird for us. The performers were great and they came up and spoke with us after the show but they all asked seeing we had been in London did we see the Phantom? We told him no and they all kind of looked at the choir director like why didn't you take these kids to Phantom and she honestly did not think we would be interested in it because it was a 3-hour show she never bothered to ask us either so I missed my chance to see Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman perform in London.
I did get to see Sarah performance Christine in Chicago when she popped up unexpectedly to do a performance that nobody knew she was going to do. She just showed up and they announced that night that all the way from London, here to perform the part of Christine Daae is the original Christine Sarah Brightman.
I have wonderful memories of my trip to England in the fact that I got to perform in castles Cathedrals churches Abby's Etc is something that I will never forget
Thanks for another great video in taking me down memory lane