Scotland

London, the capital city of England in the United Kingdom of Great Britain, is one of the top vacation destinations in Europe. One of the main reasons for the popularity of London is the fact that it has so many historically important buildings and landmarks as well as a number of world class tourist attractions. While many of the top places to visit are either directly or indirectly related to the Royal Family of Great Britain the ancient traditions and historical institutions add to the unique appeal of this wonderfully diverse city.

Throughout the history of the United Kingdom it would seem that most of the important events have occurred in London. Obviously, with the King or Queen living in the city and the Houses of Parliament being there, most of the important political events happened in London. However the city also has played an important role in the cultural development of Great Britain and this was extremely apparent during the lively period which has become known as the “Swinging Sixties”. With important events such as the “Ally Pally Pothead Rally” taking place and the most famous bands basing themselves in the city, London has, for many decades, acted as the musical capital of England and the United Kingdom.

Abbey Road is one of the most famous streets in the world. This famous street in London is well known as the cover of a Beatles album, Abbey Road. The Beatles (John, Paul, George & Ringo) are photographed walking the road (on the pedestrian crossing). Paul McCartney is shown walking barefoot and John Lennon is wearing his white suit.

The design of the album cover was resonsible for a lot of fans feeling angry and upset. The cover was supposedly evidence that Paul had died (in a car crash). The most obvious clue was that he was barefoot. He also had his right foot forward not his left like the other band members. Another two clues were that he had his eyes closed and was holding his cigarette in his right hand not his left (Paul played guitar with his left hand). Other clues are evident in the album cover but are more obscure.

The famed album acquired its name after the London street where it was recorded. The EMI studios were where the Beatles recorded a lot of their songs, which George Martin produced. The studios changed their name to Abbey Road Studios in 1970 when the band finished recording an album which later proved to be their last recording together.

The astonishing success the Beatles found is still as strong as ever today. This is evident every year when fans from all over the world make the grand tour to London to visit Abbey Road. The fans, both old and new come to have their photographs taken, like their idols, strolling across the pedestrian crossing. This can be problematic, as the fans have to wait for a break in the traffic, to be able to do this.

Abbey Road studios are housed in a large Georgian townhouse in the reputable area of St John’s Wood, London. The house next door, which is used as a place to rest ones head, is also the property of EMI. Musicians use the house whilst they are recording or mastering their recordings in the studios next door. Some musicians only stay for a short while, unlike the fab four who spent 129 days at Abbey Road, in 1967, recording their immortal album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

When planning a visit to the Uk, Abbey Road is often found amongst the lists of landmarks to visit. So whilst on holiday here you might like to have your photograph taken at the world famous studios or emulate the Beatles and have your photograph taken whilst walking across the road.

So, next time you visit London, consider taking one of the many tours of the city. Some tours of London focus on those places associated with famous musicians and the swinging sixties while others take in the typical tourist attractions of Buckingham Palace and the likes. Remember that there are many incredible places to visit that are well off the well beaten tourist map of London and, with only a little investigation, you will find yourself discovering hidden London.