Thames River

Thames River

The River Thames is a river flowing in the south of England. The river flows along several well known towns including London, Kingston upon Thames, Windsor, Reading and Oxford. The Thames is the second longest river in united Kingdom, and the longest in England, but the River Severn, which is partly in Wales,is the longest in United kingdom.

Thames with London Eye and Aquarium

 It starts from Cotswolds and flows in the North Sea. The Thames is 346 km long, officially the source of the river is quoted at Thames Head near village Kemble in the Cotswolds. Seven Springs in Cheltenham is also sometimes quoted as the river source as it is located further 22 km in length, also Seven Springs flows throughout the year whereas Thames Head is seasonal.There are 80 island in the Thames.

Various species  of bird feed on the river, like Herring Gull, Swan, Black headed Gull. Thames contain both sea water and fresh water, supporting for both seawater and freshwater fishes.

Thames River Barrier

 The Thames River Barrier is the world's second largest movable flood barrier, and is located near Woolwich. The main purpose of building such a huge engineering miracle was to save the city of
London from flooding from very high tides and storms.

The barriers were first proposed after floods in 1928 Thames Flood (14 people died) and 1953 North Sea flood (307 people died). proposals were asked for large flood barrier in line with allowing ships to pass through barriers for trade from London Docks.

The site was choosen at Woolwich for its strong riverbed and straight banks. The construction started in 1974 and finished in 1982. the Barrier was officially inaugrated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 may1984. The total construction cost was around £500 million and an additional £100 million for the river defence against the floods.
The Barrier is build across the 520 metre stretch of the river Thames and is divided into four 61 metre movable spans. The flood Gates open in circular motion and a complete 180 degree for the maintenance purpose.

The barrier is closed hundred times since 1982 to 2007 to protect the city from flooding from the high tides.
On 27 October 1997, Due to heavy fog one ship named MV Sand Kites collided with the Thames Barrier's Pier, and finally sank after taking all counter-measures against sinking and was lying on the river bed for a few further days till it was re-floated in mid November 1997.
The Barrier was designed to protect London against the big floods until 2030.

Visiting:
            The Thames river barrier can be visited by bus (161, 177, 180and 472), tube the nearest one is north Greenwich Tube station, Greenwich DLR Station, River Taxies Available every hour from Westminster pier,

royal parks of london

There are basically eight royal parks in london.

 Green park:-

 King Charles II created  it in 1668 as a deer park,covers 47 acres , it is situated between Hyde Park and St. James Park.Green park has no lakes and a few monuments, and Green Park tube Station is the major tube station located on piccadilly, Jubilee and Victoria lines.

                        My personal experience of walking through the park was very enchanting, with a huge range of sights and sounds. There are many cafés and restauarants to tickle your taste-buds.

As the season changes from winter to summer, like in most parks in london, you can see many different spicies of birds around you.

 Getting there:- The Green Park is very closely csituated to bus and tube and is walking distance from Victoria railway station.
Nearby attraction:
Buckingham Palace
St James palace

Hyde Park:-

aerial view of Hyde park

                   Hyde park is one of the best landscapes spread over a 350 acres.there are more than 4000 trees,lake,green pasture, horse riding, roller blades and many more things that will make you think that you are away from the city center. The park is basically divided into halves by the Serpentine lake.

the park has a grand entrance at the Hyde Park Corner, was made in 1825.
Places of interest in Hyde park are The Serpentine Lake, Diana Princess of Wales Museum, Londons Holocast Memorial, and another memorial for the 7/7 terrorist attack( it has 52 steel pillars), Achilles statue.

One of the best attraction other than the concerts and proms going out throughout the year at Hyde Park is the Winter Wonderland, London's famous Christmas attraction, which has a giant wheel and many other entertaining activities for the whole family and also not to forget in the winters is the Ice Rink








Getting There:-
 There are five London Underground stations located near the edge of Hyde Park,

• Hyde Park Corner
• Knigthtsbridge
• Queensway
• Lancaster gate
• Marble Arch

Also there are many buses available to reach there.

Nearby attraction:
Oxford street
Royal Albert Hall




Kensington Gardens :-

Peter pan

Scenic view 

                                              It was a part of Hyde Park until 1689, when William and Mary moved into Kensington Palace, Queen Caroline made the Long Water,Round Pond in 1728. Kensington Gardens covers 275 acres of land, is basically a palace garden, so basically is very beautiful with trees and flowers to add to its magnificent looks.

There's cafe on the Broad Walk to serve your taste buds, and also there are refreshment points  open all year and a restaurant called Orangery at the Kensington Palace

The Long Waters

The Gardens have 178 spicies of birds in the meadows, the long Waters and The Round Ponds.

The main attraction of the park are Italian gardens, the Albert memorial, Peter pan Statue and The serpentine Gallery, Diana playground for children, and of course the Kensington Palace.
Nearby attraction:
Natural History Museum
Science Museum






St. James Park:-

Near the lake

                          Created by Henry VIII , and redesigned in 17th century for the King Charles II and again modified in 1820 by John Nash. St.James Park is situated in the heart of London , rather smaller garden with a lake comparing to the other royal garden, covering 58 acres. The lake is home to ducks, pelicans and geese, St. James park is also has many ceremonial parades throughout the year.

Beautiful sunny day at the garden

The main attraction of the garden are Pelicans, Horse guards parade, The Blue Bridge and The Mall ( The Queen's ceremonial route from Buckingham Palace).

Closely located are bus routes, tube and Victoria railway station.
Nearby attraction:
National Portrait Gallery
London Eye



Greenwich Park:-

Park from The Obesrvatory

                                            Greenwich is the oldest Royal Park and is home to Red deer, covering 183 acres, situated on the top of a hill, gives the visitors a splendid views over the Thames river to St. Paul's Cathedral and much more. The scenic views are breathtaking, one of my personal favourite park. this park is also part of the World Heritage Site. The park also has the Prime Meridian line and has the old Royal Observatory.

Prime Meridian line

The main attraction of the park are The Observatory, Wolfe Statue, Pavilion Tea House and the Boating Lake.

Greenwich Park has bus routes and is close to Blackheath railway station, also you can use the Dockland's Light railways (DLR) to get close to the garden and walk towards it.

Nearby attraction:
Cutty Sark
Greenwich Market









Richmond Park:-

                            King Charles I created this walled deer park, Richmond Park is spreads over a land of 2500 acres and is the largest Royal Park in London, is home to 650 free roaming deer. the park opens at 7:00 am in the summer and 7:30 am in the winter and closes at dusk all year round.
The park has a range of facilities including playground, educational facilities, toilets (including some for the disabled people). Food and refreshments are also available at:





Roehampton Cafe
Location: Roehampton Gate car park
Tel:02088767933

Pembroke Lodge:
Tel: 02089408207

Getting There: Reaching Richmond Park is easy with the network of buses that goes around it.
Nearby attraction:
Kew Garden
Ham house


Bushy Park:-

Deer resting in shades

                     King Henry VIII took over Hampton Court Palace in 1529 and established the Bushy Park as a deer hunting ground.  Bushy Park is the second largest Royal Park in london , covering 1,100 acres, it lies near Hampton Court Palace.

The main attraction of the park are Woodland gardens, Water garden, Diana Fountain and Chestnut Avenue.

Chestnut Avenue

Chestnut Avenue was built by Sir Cristopher Wren for a great approach to Hampton Court.Deer still roam freely throughout the garden.

Getting there:
                     The closest railway station are Hampton Court, Hampton Wick, Teddington, Fulwell and hampton.Bus routes 111,216,265 and 411 also pass the Hampton Court Gate.

Nearby Attraction:-
Hampton Court Palace
Kempton Park racecourse

The Regent Park:-

                               Was used by King Henry VIII as a hunting ground in the 19th century, but later was created as a park for Prince Regent by John Nash. The Regent park is spread over a land of 410 acres, includes rose gardens with a variety of 400 roses.

The Main attractions are Queen Mary's gardens, Open Air Theatre, Garden Cafe, Boathouse Cafe.
There are many refreshment cafe's available all around the garden.

Getting there:
                   The regent Park is convenient for bus, tube routes and is walking distance from Paddington and Marylebone station.

Nearby attraction:
Madame Tussaud's
ZSL london zoo

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow airport is the busiest airpot in the United Kingdom. It is owned by BAA. Heathrow Airport has 5 terminals.Heathrow Airport is used by more than 90 airlines to fly for more than 170 destinations.

Terminals:

Terminal 1:

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 was first opened in 1968 and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in may 1969. In 2005 a redevelopment of the terminal was completed. Before terminal 5 was opened terminal 1 was the base of British Airlines.

Terminal 2:

Heathrow is currently constucting a new terminal 2. the terminal 2 is expected to open in two stages , first opening in 2014 and second opening in 2019.

Terminal 3:

Terminal 3 was opened in 1961 to handle flight departure of long haul routes. Facilities includes UK's first moving walkway. there were further improvement in 2007 to improve the passenger experience, reduce traffic congestion, and to improve security.Virgin Atlantic was assigned their own dedicated check-in, known as zone A.

Terminal 4:

It was first opened in 1986, is connected to the terminals 1,2,3 by a cargo tunnel. It has recently undergone  revamp to accomodate 45 airlines. the forecourt has been upgraded to reduce traffic congestion. An extended check in area and departure lounges have been delivered, and a new baggage system has been installed.

Terminal 5:

Terminal 5 is situated between northern and southern runways at the heathrow site and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on march 2008. The  first two weeks of terminal 5 were troublesome which caused around 500 flight cancellation, now exclusively used by British Airlines.

How to reach to Heathrow Airport:

Public transport:

Trains:

Heathrow Express  is a service from london's paddington station, trains leave enry 15 minutes and it takes 15 minutes to reach heatrow station.

Heathrow connect is a service from Paddington stopping at 5 national rail station, leaves every 30 minutes and take approx. 25 minutes journey time.

London Underground Piccadily Tube serves  airport terminal 1,2,3 and 4.

Bus and coach:

Many buses and coaches operate from heathrow terminals.National Express and Oxford Bus Service operates from various parts of UK.

London buses route 285 ,490 also serve terminals.Bus route N9 operates in the night when train are not operating.

Taxi:

Taxis are available at all terminals.

Car:

Heathrow is accessible via the motorway M4 and A4(terminal 1,2 and 3), the M25 motorway(terminal 4and 5), and the A30 (terminal 4).

Bycycle:

There are bycycle routes to some terminals.Bycycle parking is also available at the airport.

Top London Attraction

British museum:-

The world famous British museum shows the art of man from prehistoric time to modern times from around the world.  It highlights includes Greek and roman antique, ancient Egypt and Sudan collection, middle east collection, painting and drawings, Asian artefacts, ancient coins and medals and many more interesting and knowledgeable artworks

Entry is free but special exhibitions require tickets.

The London eye:

The London eye is a major attraction of London’s skyline.it is the world’s highest observation wheel; it has 32 capsules, each weighing 10 tons, and can hold up 25 people. Anyone visiting London must see the London eye. It offers a view of London’s most  famous landmarks and scenic views.it take the wheel  30 minutes to take a full circle. If you book online it is cheaper and you can also get deal including other attraction

Science museum:-

It is one of my personal favourites, it has answer to every question you can ask, even will inform you about how your brain works. You can see the major scientific achievements in the world in the field of science. It also features IMAX cinema.

Entry is free but some exhibition requires tickets.

The tower of London:

You can take a tour with one of the yeoman warders around the tower of London, being one of the most famous buildings in London and the world. Its history dates back to 900 years as royal palace, prison and a place for execution and jewel house. You can see the white tower and go through the kings bed chambers (bedroom) and have a look at the crown jewels. Book online for cheaper tickets.

National maritime museum:

One of the greatest maritime museums, the national maritime museum contains models of ships, submarine, paintings, trophies from all over the world. You can find about the ancient maritime London and the large ocean lines and study about the trade across the sea.

Entry is free, some exhibition may require tickets.

Madame Tussauds:-

 

At Madame Tussauds you will find some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to Bollywood king Amitabh bacchan, you will see influential figure from all over the world from sports, politics, media, movies and even royals. You can get pictures clicked around them as a remembrance. Book online for cheaper tickets.

Royal botanical garden ( Kew Garden):

Located in 300 acres of beautiful  landscape the Kew garden is located near the river Thames between Richmond and Kew .the gardens are known as a world heritage site with six beautiful glasshouses and are home to a wonderful collection of plants from all over the world including over 12,000 trees. Kew garden is known for a wonderful day out for families and individuals. Don’t miss out the palm house, princess of wales conservatory, a walk to the pagoda, and climb up for a bird’s eye view at the tree top walkway. Book tickets online for cheaper rates.

Richmond Park:

This is a beautiful royal park and is home to around 650 free roaming deer’s. Richmond park covers more than 2000 acres with great cycle paths, riding stables, two golf courses, and power kiting. The views are stunning.  There is fishing available at Pen Ponds.

Entry is free.

Buckingham palace:

 

Buckingham palace is known as the office and London residence of The Queen, as well as the royal administrative headquarters. You can see the 19 state rooms from the heart of the palace which are lavishly furnished with some great treasures. The palace garden is known as home to 30 different  species of birds and 350 different flowers. The garden café serves selection of tea, coffee and juices with a choice of confectionary. If you are lucky you can also see change of guards. Buy the tickets at the palace.