Scotland

A popular and exciting place for tourists across the world to come and visit is England. England has lush and beautiful countrysides, historic cities, and many other interesting places to visit. One famous landmark worth seeing is Hadrian’s Wall in the North East of England, which dates back to AD122. However, the first port of call for most tourists is London.

London is a wondrous place to visit whether for a city break or a two week vacation. Never just set aside one day for visiting London, you will have wasted most of your day on deciding which fascinating place to visit first. One interesting fact that would shock the tourist from other coutries is that many English people have never even visited their capital city.

There are so many things to do and see in London it is impossible to list them all at once. Surprisingly one of the newest attractions in London also happens to be one of the most popular – The London Eye. Another popular attraction nearby to the London is the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. However, one place which must not be missed is Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace only became the official residence of the British monarchy in 1837. It was Queen Victoria who chose Buckingham Palace as her official royal residence. Ever since then Buckingham Palace has been known around the world as the most famous residence of the British royal family. The palace is located in the centre of London and has always been a rallying point for the British people at times of great joy and sadness.

Buckingham Palace was originally built as a townhouse and not a palace. The Duke of Buckingham had the house built in 1703. The house was the design of William Winde, and was basically a large town house. Rumour has it that the original house built on the site of a brothel.

Over the next 75 years Buckingham House was enlarged by the additon of three wings around a central courtyard. The main architects responsible for these additions were John Nash and Edward Blore. It was also John Nash who was responsible for the interior design of the monumental staterooms.

The last of the structural additions to the palace were made in the 19th and early 20th century. One of these additions was the facade which was added in 1913 by architect Aston Webb. It is Webb’s work on the palace that we all recognise today.

Throughout England the Queen has numerous homes. Some of these homes are more well known than others. Windsor Castle in Berkshire is another official residence of the Queen not too far from London. A favourite residence with Queen Victoria was Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Balmoral is also a favourite of the current monarch. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were vacationing here when they heard of the horrific car crash in Paris in which Diana, Princess of Wales lost her life.