Study Abroad with Us! Westminster Abbey One of London’s most popular tourist destinations, the Abbey is a testament to Britain’s rich history, both modern and ancient. It is home to nearly every monarch’s coronation starting with William the Conqueror in 1066 to the current Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Nearby are also the tombs of Queen Elizabeth I and her rival Mary, Queen of Scots. Some points of mention include the Henry VII Chapel, an addition built by that very monarch in the early 16th century. It is now his final resting place along with his wife. There is also the Poets’ corner which includes tombs and memorials of William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, The Bronte sisters, Williams Wordsworth, Charles Dickens, and Geoffrey Chaucer. Be sure to check out the peaceful cloisters and the college garden, as well as the inspiring Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Admission: £12 for students Tube: Westminster, St. James Park Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org London Aquarium Not your average aquarium! One of the highlights is a three-story high tank in which swim a large variety of ocean life, everything from sharks to flounders. There is also an open tank where you can pet rays. Admission: £16.20 Tube: Westminster, Waterloo Website: http://www.londonaquarium.co.U.K. The London Eye The world’s biggest wheel, it can hold 960 people at once! On a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles. Each “flight” is 30 minutes long. For the best views, take a ride just before dusk, but plan on a queue. Admission: £17.95 Tube: Westminster, Waterloo Website: http://www.ba-londoneye.com
London Student Guide 2011-2012
Shakespeare’s Globe A reconstruction of the Elizabethan outdoor theatre, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed. Today you can see a professional performance of many of Shakespeare’s famous works as well as some modern pieces. You can take a tour of the theatre and an exhibition. The most economical way to get the most out of this experience is to buy a standing ticket and stand in front of the stage as a “groundling” just as they did during Shakespeare’s time. Admission: Tour & Exhibition: £8.50 (An addition £2 off if you present a performance ticket) Performances: Seated student tickets range from £12-£32 Standing tickets only £5! Tube: Mansion House, London Bridge, Cannon Street Website: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/ Harrods The world famous department store is a must see, even if you don’t purchase anything. It opened in 1849 and has over 300 departments. Harrods sells everything from elephants to airplanes! The food halls, located on the lower floors are the ultimate in grocery decadence. There are also many restaurants and food stalls to stop for an afternoon tea. Admission: Free Tube: Knightsbridge Website: http://www.harrods.com Kensington Palace The home of many popular royals including William and Mary, Queen Anne, George I, George II, and most recently Princess Diana. It is also the birthplace of Queen Victoria and where she was told, upon the death of her uncle William IV, that she was queen. Today, the staterooms are set up in the way they would have been in the time of William and Mary in the 18th century. Also on display are Princess Diana’s dresses and other special changing exhibitions. If you have the time and the budget, it is recommended that you have tea at the Orangery on the palace grounds. Best place for afternoon tea in London! But if you are visiting during the highseason, be prepared for a wait if you do not have a reservation. Admission: £11 for students Tube: High Street Kensington, Queensway, Notting Hill Website: http://www.kensington-palace.org.U.K. Madame Tussaud’s Nowhere else can you get as close to the stars as Madame Tussaud’s brings you. The celebrities range from current A-listers like Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Daniel Radcliffe, and Jim Carey, as well as history’s brightest stars such as the Beatles, Ghandi, Humphrey Bogart and Henry VIII. The cast also includes some of your favorite film characters like Jack Sparrow, Spiderman, and Scarlett O’Hara.
Florida State University
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