London has a diverse range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries. In July 2007 it had an official population of 7,556,900 within the boundaries of Greater London, making it the most populous municipality in the European Union. The Greater London Urban Area (the second largest in the EU) has a population of 8,278,251. while the metropolitan area (the largest in the EU) has an estimated total population of between 12 million and 14 million.

The London Underground network, administered by Transport for London, is the most extensive underground railway network in the world, London Heathrow Airport is the world’s busiest airport by number of international passengers and the airspace is the busiest of any urban centre in the world.

Transport is one of the four main areas of policy administered by the Mayor of London, however the mayor’s financial control does not extend to the longer distance rail network that enters London. In 2007 he assumed responsibility for some local lines, which now form the London Overground network, adding to the existing responsibility for the London Underground, trams and buses. The public transport network is administered by Transport for London (TfL) and is one of the most extensive in the world.

Cycling is an increasingly popular way to get around London. The London Cycling Campaign lobbies for better provision. The lines that formed the London Underground, as well as trams and buses, became part of an integrated transport system in 1933 when the London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) or London Transport was created. Transport for London (TfL), is now the statutory corporation responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London, and is run by a board and a commissioner appointed by the Mayor of London.

The City of London is a geographically-small City within Greater London, is the historic core of London from which, along with Westminster, the modern conurbation grew. The City’s boundaries have remained constant since the Middle Ages, and hence it is now only a tiny part of the larger London metropolis.

The City of London is now a major business and commercial centre in the world, ranking alongside New York City as the leading centre of global finance. It is often referred to as just the City or as the Square Mile, as it is approximately one square mile (2.6 kmฒ) in area; note that these terms are also often used as metonyms for the UK financial services industry, which is principally based there. In the medieval period the City was the full extent of London (as distinct from the nearby but then-separate village of Westminster, which became the City of Westminster), but the term London now refers to a much larger conurbation containing both ‘cities’. The City of London is still part of London’s city centre, but apart from financial services, most of London’s metropolitan functions are centered on the West End. The City of London has a resident population under 10,000 but a daily working population of 311,000.

The City itself has two independent enclaves within it — Inner Temple and Middle Temple. These two areas form part of the City and Ceremonial County, but are not governed by the City of London Corporation. The Corporation governs the rest of the City and also owns various open spaces (parks, forests and commons) in and around London.

Information by http://www.findtravelguide.com ,http://www.justuk.org

* New Year’s Day Parade
The New Year’s Day Parade is parade of 10,000 performers from all around the world through the streets of the West End of London from Parliament Square to Piccadilly, which takes place annually on 1 January. More Info athttp://www.londonparade.co.uk.
* London International Mime Festival
The London International Mime Festival is an annual festival of contemporary visual theatre which takes place every January. More info at www.mimefest.co.uk.

February

* Chinese New Year Festival
The Chinese New Year festival to mark the start of the Chinese New Year, the date varies from late January to mid-February. More info at http://ibps.org.uk.

March

* Whisky Live London
Whisky Live London is the most important England’s whisky event of the year, offers the chance to learn about the culture and history of whisky, try and taste hundreds of whisky brands.
* St Patrick’s Day Parade The Parade is in commemoration of St Patrick where bands from the UK, Ireland and USA, community groups, and others take to the streets of central London for a spectacular march.

April

* Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
Cambridge and Oxford University boat clubs race annually each Spring on the Thames river alogn 4.25 miles. The event is very popular, not only with the alumni of the universities also with rowers in general and the public who wants participate.
* London Marathon
The London Marathon is the second largest marathon in participants terms, the race is along a course of 42.195 km (26 miles and 385 yards), runners stretches from Greenwich Park and Black Heath to the Buckingham Palace Mall.
* London Golf Show
It is the biggest public European Golf Show. It shows a wide range of golf equipment, apparel and all related to the game.
* London Horse Harness Parade
The London Harness Horse Parade is a horse parade and takes place annually on Easter Monday at The South of England Centre, Sussex.

May

* The Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show is a garden show and takes place every year on five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, it shows the best garden designs and horticulture, and show ideas to take for new gardens designs.
* Hampstead & Highgate Festival
Hampstead & Highgate Festival is a competition of classical compositions, and variety of arts. It takes place at North London villages.
* Dulwich Festival (London)
Dulwich Festival is an arts and cultural events aim to celebrate local talent, professionals and amauteurs participate in artistic events. Visit for more information http://www.dulwichfestival.co.uk
* London International Festival of Theatre
London International Festival of Theatre, is a progressive biennial theatre festival which creatively explores local and global issues using theatre as a catalyst. More information visit at http://www.liftfest.org.uk.

June

* City of London Festival
The City of London Festival is an arts festival that takes place in the City of London for two or three weeks in June and July. The Festival offers classical music, opera, film screenings, lectures and guided tours.
* Spitalfields Festival
Spitalfields Festival is a music festival that takes place in the Spitalfields area of Tower Hamlets. Classical music is typically played, however in addition much of the music reflects local ethnic groups.
* Summer Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair
The Summer Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair is one of the largest fairs in the international art and antiques calendar. Hundreds of distinguished UK and international dealers showcase an unrivalled selection of the finest works of art at the Olympia Exhibition Centre
* East Barnet Festival
East Barnet Festival is a three-day music, arts and sports festival and one of the largest community festival in the London region.

July

* The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is an annual event run by the Royal Horticultural Society at Hampton Court Palace.
* The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
The BBC Proms is an eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music concerts held annually in Central London.
* Greenwich + Docklands Festival
The annual Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is an extended Midsummer weekend of ravishing free outdoor performances from major international companies, and pioneering new work from UK artists.

August

* Notting Hill Carnival
The Notting Hill Carnival is a large street festival and celebration of Caribbean culture, whith parades of costumed dancers and colourfully decorated floats.
* Coin Street Festival
The Coin Street Festival takes place at Coin Street and celebrates the co-operation in its many forms and is held on the South Bank between the National Theatre and Tate Modern.

September

* The London Festival of Chamber Music
It is a four weeks festival, aims to make chamber music accessible to a wider audience, with performances of the highest standard at local venues.

October

* The Chelsea Crafts Fair’s
The Chelsea Crafts Fair’s is a showcase of the finest contemporary craft from the UK.
* Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival
Shows the original Pearly Kings and Queens gather in their buttoned suits for the annual Harvest Festival Service, takes place at the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square.

November

* The London Film Festival
The Times BFI London Film Festival showcases the best new films of world cinema, ith an extensive schedule of industry and public forums, education events, lectures and celebrity interviews.
* London to Brighton Veteran Car Run The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is the longest-running motoring event in the world the racers have to drive for 86km (54 miles) from Hyde Park in London to Brighton, it takes place every first sunday in November.
* Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night is a annual Britain celebration on November 5th. The event displays firework, the lighting of bonfires and the ceremonial effigy-burning of one Guy Fawkes.
* Lord Mayor’s Show
The Lord Mayor’s Show is a street parade which in its modern form is a fairly light-hearted combination of traditional British pageantry and elements of carnival.

December

* Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
It celebrates the beginning of Christmas, is world’s most famous Christmas tree lighting at Trafalgar Square.

Information by http://www.justuk.org

Also is a very big effort for travelers to find the right place and the right prices where to eat because there are many venues from witch choose and perhaps London is the most expensive city to eat in, but as any other places taking a look the city we can find some good restaurants with good food and affordable prices.

Inevitably prices are very expensive at venues closest to major tourist attractions. Some areas with inflated prices trading on travellers’ gullibility and lack of knowledge are the streets around Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, the British Museum and the Palace of Westminster.

Here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants area by area.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is an attractive area with a covered piazza complex at its centre. It’s popular with tourists but can be pricey. If you’re looking for an inexpensive meal in this area your best bet is to try out some of the large bar/restaurants such as Wagamama and All Bar One, where you’ll find reasonable quality food in stylish surroundings at affordable prices.

If you want to experience a traditional London restaurant, try Rules on Maiden Lane. It’s rather expensive but it’s worth it. Reputed to be the oldest restaurant in London, it has a beautiful vintage interior and serves old London favourites, from oysters and eels to pies and puddings.

Another famed London restaurant and popular hang-out of the rich and famous is The Ivy on West Street. You’ll need to book a table weeks in advance to savour its wonderful modern and luxurious British cuisine – shepherd’s pie, leek tart, kedgeree and the deliciously decadent sticky toffee pudding.

South Bank

Urban redevelopment has seen lots of ‘gastro-pubs’ pop up in this area – chic and trendy bars serving high quality food in informal surroundings and at reasonable prices.

For fabulous modern European cuisine, try Festival Square on the ground floor of the Royal Festival Hall. It’s a relaxing caf้-bar serving everything from light snacks to filling main course dishes.

Another popular gastro-pub is the award winning Anchor and Hope on The Cut. In contrast to many of the bars in this area, its d้cor is traditional, with oak panelled walls, but its food is most definitely up-to-date. Try the beetroot and goat’s cheese salad or the lamb shank with minted beans.

Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is home to many of London’s top academic institutions such as University of London, University College London, Birkbeck College and the British Museum. It’s always bustling with students and as a result there’s a great choice of good but cheap caf้-bars and brasseries as well as some more upmarket restaurants.

The Coffee Gallery on Museum Street, next to the British Museum, has an eclectic range of organic and vegetarian dishes, from sandwiches to salads and pastas.

One of the best ethnic eateries in the city is Hakkasan, London’s first Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. It’s chic and sophisticated, with inventive dishes and a fashionable cocktail bar.

Knightsbridge and Chelsea

Two of the most fashionable and exclusive parts of London, Knightsbridge and Chelsea are dotted with upmarket and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has London’s only restaurant with three Michelin Stars. Named simply Gordon Ramsay, it’s on Royal Hospital Road near Chelsea Embankment.

Founded in the 1950s, the Troubadour on Old Brompton Road is an eclectic caf้-bar with a prestigious live music heritage. Bob Dylan, Charlie Watts and Jimi Hendrix are among the stars who have performed here. The epitome of London bohemia, this West London institution has a deli, club and caf้, and it’s great place to hang out for food, drinks and music.

Camden

Camden is young, hip and trendy and there’s nowhere better in London for a lively night out. There are restaurants of all sorts interspersed between vibrant bars and clubs.

For excellent French cuisine, try Le Petit Train on Chalcot Road, or Belgo Noord on Chalk Farm Road for hearty Belgian cooking and great beer. The best tapas can be enjoyed at the Spanish themed Bar Gansa on Inverness street.

Soho/Chinatown

Soho is probably one of the best places to eat out in London in terms of quality and value for money. Most of the restaurants offer fabulous cooking at reasonable prices, especially in Chinatown, where there are some great Szechuan, Thai, Cantonese, Japanese, Indonesian and Vietnamese restaurants. Try Imperial China Cantonese restaurant on Lisle Street, Kulu Kulu Japanese restaurant on Brewer Street, Busaba Eathai Thai restaurant on Wardour Street or Saigon Vietnamese restaurant on Frith Street.

Brick Lane

London’s large Asian population is concentrated in the East End, especially around Brick Lane. Lined with Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, it’s earned the nickname the ‘Curry Mile’. Monsoon is one of the hippest modern Indian restaurants, with contemporary Tandoori dishes as its speciality, whereas Sweet and Spicy gets back to basics, serving top-notch Indian food in modest surroundings. One of the most stylish Bengali restaurants is Caf้ Naz, a sleek caf้-bar with modern wood and steel d้cor and atmospheric lighting. Its fish and seafood dishes are delicious. Preem is another good Bengali restaurant with a fantastic range of balti dishes.

Islington

Once a run-down residential area, this inner-city suburb in the north of London has been given a new lease of life in the last few decades. The beautiful Victorian townhouses have been renovated and it’s now a trendy and fashionable part of London with an air of bohemian chic. The restaurants are a varied mix of stylish and quirky. The Elk in the Woods, for example, is reminiscent of an old lady’s living room. It’s a small and cosy place on the lovely cobbled Camden Passage. Just like the d้cor, the food is inventive and unusual – with a modern European influence. Flaming Nora is a great burger restaurant and takeaway, but it’s not a typical fast food joint. The burgers are all made from the freshest, highest quality meat and fish, chargrilled to perfection. Aberdeen Angus, lamb and tuna burgers are the specialities, and it also does a great line in skewers and kebabs.

Information by http://www.justuk.org

The Romans first visited in the 1st century BC, traded with the Celts and had a browse around. In AD 43 they returned with an army led by Emperor Claudius and decided to stay, establishing the port of Londinium. They built a wooden bridge across theThames (near the site of today’s London Bridge) and used the settlement as a base from which to capture other tribal centres, which at the time provided much bigger prizes. The bridge became the focal point for a network of roads fanning out around the region, and for a few years the settlement prospered from trade.

This growth was nipped in the bud around AD 60 when an army led by Boudicca, queen of the Celtic Iceni tribe based in East Anglia, took violent retribution on the Roman soldiers, who had abused her family and seized their land. The Iceni overran Camulodunum (Colchester) – which had become capital of Roman Britannia – and then turned on Londinium, massacring its inhabitants and razing the settlement. Boudicca was eventually defeated (and according to legend is buried under platform 10 of King’s Cross station), and the Romans rebuilt London around Cornhill.

A century later the Romans built the defensive wall around the city, fragments of which survive. The original gates – Aldgate, Ludgate, Newgate and Bishopsgate – are remembered as place names in contemporary London. Excavations in the City suggest that Londinium, a centre for business and trade although not a fully-fledgedcolonia (settlement), was an imposing metropolis whose massive buildings included a basilica, an amphitheatre, a forum and the governor’s palace.

By the middle of the 3rd century AD Londinium was home to some 30,000 people of various ethnic groups, and there were temples dedicated to a large number of cults. When Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in 312, this became the official religion of the entire empire, although the remains of the Temple of Mithras survive in the City, a testament to London’s pagan past.

Overstretched and worn down by ever-increasing barbarian invasions, the Roman Empire fell into decline, as did Londinium. When the embattled Emperor Honorius withdrew the last soldiers in 410, the remaining Romans scarpered and the settlement was reduced to a sparsely populated backwater.

Information by http://www.lonelyplanet.com

Lundenwic (or London marketplace) was established due west of Londinium (around Aldwych) as a Saxon trade settlement and by the early 7th century the Saxons were converted from paganism to Christianity. Rome designated Lundenwic as a diocese and the first St Paul’s Cathedral was established at the top of Ludgate Hill.

Saxon settlement was predominantly outside the city walls to the west, towards what is now Aldwych and Charing Cross, but the settlement became the victim of its own success when it attracted the Vikings of Denmark, who raided the city in 842 and burned it to the ground 10 years later. Under the leadership of King Alfred the Great of Wessex, the Saxon population fought back, drove the Danes out in 886 and re-established what soon became Lundunburg as the major centre of trade.

Saxon London grew into a prosperous and well-organised town divided into 20 wards, each with its own alderman, and resident colonies of German merchants and French vintners. But the Danes wouldn’t let it lie, and Viking raids finally broke the weakening Saxon leadership, which was forced to accept the Danish leader Canute as king ofEngland in 1016.

With the death of Canute’s son Harthacanute in 1042, the throne passed to the Saxon Edward the Confessor, who went on to found an abbey and palace at Westminster on what was then an island at the mouth of the River Tyburn (which now flows underground). When Edward moved his court to Westminster, he established divisions that would – geographically, at least – dominate the future of London. The port became the trading and mercantile centre (the area now known as the City), while Westminster became the seat of politics and administration.

Information by http://www.lonelyplanet.com

No início do século 13 Liverpool era somente um povoado às margens do rio Mersey, habitado por meia dúzia de pescadores. No início dos anos 60 era pouco mais que uma cinzenta cidade portuária da Inglaterra, sem quaisquer atrativos. Agora, em pleno século 21, o nome Liverpool é sempre associado, em qualquer lugar do mundo, a uma palavra que mudou a história da música: Beatles. E por causa deles, depois de Londres, esta talvez seja a cidade Inglesa onde mais se ouvem línguas diferentes. De todos os cantos do mundo as pessoas vem para cá, à procura de um sonho que se recusa a acabar.

Sim, somos fãs dos Beatles, como já deve ter dado para perceber, e esta foi a única razão que nos trouxe à Liverpool. Não que tenhamos atravessado o mundo especialmente para vir até aqui, na verdade já estávamos passando pelas redondezas e resolvemos passar dois dias neste local para conhecer a cidade que virou mito. Neste particular é interessante observar como aqueles que no início eram chamados de “os quatro cabeludos de Liverpool” se transformaram na principal indústria turística deste lugar, embora nenhum dos quatro esteja mais morando aqui. Ruas, bares, restaurantes, pubs, museus e até o aeroporto foram batizados com os nomes de John, Paul George e Ringo.

Liverpool pode ser dividida em três áreas básicas, em termos turísticos. O centro tradicional, como em qualquer outra cidade inglesa, com sua rua de pedestres concentrando o comércio. A seguir a Mathews street e adjacências, onde está o famoso Cavern Club, região que forma a Beatlelandia, e finalmente a região portuária, conhecida como Albert Docks, próximo à qual situa-se o principal símbolo arquitetônico da cidade, o Liver Building (primeira e últimas fotos da página) e outros prédios importantes, como a prefeitura, que aparece na imagem ao lado. Estas três partes da cidade estão muito próximas e podem facilmente ser percorridas a pé.

Ao lado uma imagem do número 10 da Mathew Street, onde o sonho começou. O Cavern Club foi inaugurado em 1957, e em julho daquele mesmo ano os Quarrymen (primeiro nome da banda de John e Paul) se apresentaram neste local. Mais tarde, já com o nome de Beatles, foram mais de 250 apresentações neste endereço até serem descobertos por Brian Epstein e se tornarem sucesso. Em pouco tempo o Cavern Club também estava mundialmente famoso. Apesar disto, em 1973 o local fechou e foi demolido. Isto causou tanta comoção que nos anos 80 ele foi reconstruído exatamente no mesmo local e com os mesmo tijolos utilizados em sua construção original, embora tenha ficado um pouco menor. É agora uma das maiores atrações turísticas da cidade, e sempre apresenta shows com as novas bandas de Liverpool.

O local foi escolhido devido à sua situação. King John precisava de um porto para embarcar soldados rumo à Irlanda, e Liverpool ficava praticamente em frente à Irlanda.

A torre do Radio City Tower é a construção mais alta da cidade, embora não se possa dizer que seja bonita, pois quanto vista de baixo dá a impressão de ser um disco voador pousado sobre um mastro de bandeira, ou então um daqueles brinquedos de criança que vai descendo e enrolando pelo mastro abaixo. Não é um lugar aberto ao turismo, mas é o melhor espaço da cidade para conferências e coisas do gênero, o que não era nosso caso.

Preferimos fazer o clássico roteiro Beatle, e neste caso sugerimos não deixar de incluir o Beatles Story, uma das principais atrações de Liverpool. Este tributo à John, Paul, George e Ringo está localizada frente ao rio Mersey, em Albert Dock e consiste num tipo de museu audiovisual, que vai contando a história dos Beatles à medida que vamos passando de uma sala a outra. No caminho há muitas coisas interessantes, como uma reprodução do Star Club de Hamburgo, onde os Beatles tocaram no início da carreira, o Cavern Club, os estúdios de Abbey Road como eram em 1963, centenas de fotografias inéditas, roupas usadas pelos Beatles, além dos usuais souvenirs, bolsas, camisetas e até alguns CD raros.

Fãs dos Beatles não podem deixar de fazer o passeio Magical Mystery Tour, roteiro de 2 horas de duração feito a bordo de um ônibus idêntico ao usado no filme dos Beatles. Durante o percurso são visitados todos os principais pontos da cidade relacionados à vida de John, Paul, George e Ringo. Suas casas, locais referidos nas músicas, escolas, onde foram as primeiras apresentações, etc. O ponto de partida também fica no Albert Dock, junto à Strand Street.

Na vista aérea ao lado vê-se a região central da cidade, com a Radio City Tower no lado direito, o Liver building no lado esquerdo ao fundo o rio Mersey. Na verdade mesmo, não fossem os Beatles, Liverpool nunca estaria em nenhum roteiro turístico pois esta sempre foi uma cidade portuária, industrial e sem maiores atrativos arquitetônicos.

O brasão do rei tinha um pássaro como símbolo, o Liver Bird. Este brasão real se tornou também o emblema do porto e mais tarde deu nome à cidade.

Este monumento, bem no centro da cidade, foi erigido em homenagem à rainha Victoria. Este e outros memoriais mostram que, se esquecermos que Liverpool é a cidade dos Beatles, esta pode ser considerada como uma típica cidade inglesa, onde a família real é sempre lembrada.

A parte central, como sempre destinada aos pedestres fica em torno das ruas Lord Street, Church Street e Tarleton. O principal shopping é o St. John Center, na Lime Street, onde há diversos restaurantes, lojas e cinemas. Outras atrações importantes da cidade e que merecem ser visitadas são a Walker Art Gallery, a catedral de Liverpool, a Tate Gallery e o museu Merseyside Maritime Museum. E claro, todas as atrações do Albert Dock.

Veja um vídeo que colocamos no Youtube feito neste dia. Clique em Caminhando em Liverpool.

O Albert Dock é um dos principais pontos da cidade, uma visita que não pode ser esquecida por quem vai a Liverpool. É uma área junto ao rio Mersey, inaugurada em 1846 pelo príncipe Albert, consorte da rainha Victoria, e destinava-se a enaltecer a grandeza do porto de Liverpool, seus navios e sua importância como centro comercial para toda a Inglaterra. O local foi totalmente reformado, e diversos prédios foram transformados em museus ou outras atrações. Há diversos barzinhos, cafés, restaurantes, pubs, estúdios de televisão e o Beatles Story.

Em 1807, quando foi abolida a escravidão na Inglaterra, o porto de Liverpool era responsável pela metade do comércio marítimo da Inglaterra com o resto do mundo.

Durante a segunda guerra mundial os nazistas queriam a todo custo acabar com o porto de Liverpool, e a cidade foi severamente bombardeada.

O nome Penny Lane tornou-se símbolo de uma época. Perto deste ponto há um cruzamento de cinco ruas formando uma rótula de trânsito – roundabout, como dizem os Ingleses – muito movimentada, batizada de Penny Lane Roundabout. John e George nasceram perto daqui. Todos os Beatles freqüentavam muito a área. A primeira mulher de John, Cynthia, tinha um apartamento em Penny Lane a trabalhava na loja Woolworth’s a uma quadra daqui.

Penny Lane fazia parte do dia a dia de todos eles e a letra da canção In my life, escrita por John refere-se a este lugar. Foi no entanto a música de Paul (embora eles assinassem todas composições como Lennon & Mc Cartney, Penny Lane foi inteiramente composta por Paul), que tornou esta pequena rua famosa. Durante muito tempo a prefeitura da cidade precisou, quase diariamente, providenciar placas novas para a rua, porque as existentes eram levadas por fãs ansiosos por uma lembrança. Agora as placas de Penny Lane foram abolidas e o nome passou a ser pintado diretamente nas paredes dos prédios da rua.

Batemos esta foto no centro de Liverpool, em plena Mathew Street. No final dos anos 60 esta rua era o centro musical e intelectual da cidade, com lojas de disco, bares, pubs e locais onde se apresentavam as novas bandas a procura do sucesso, entre as quais, claro, os Beatles. Nesta quadra fica o Cavern Club, onde eles tocavam. Desde 1993 é realizado aqui o Mathew Street Festival, sempre em agosto. Geralmente mais de 100 bandas se apresentam a cada ano, e o evento atrai 100 mil pessoas a cada edição.

No que ficou conhecido como a “Blitz de maio de 1941″ durante três noites consecutivas toneladas de bombas foram jogadas sobre a cidade. Os incêndios e a devastação foram terríveis.

Para quem gosta de Beatles, seja um fã veterano ou um recém convertido, Liverpool é uma cidade essencial, ao mesmo tempo estimulante e nostálgica. Pensar que nestas ruas e bares foi forjada a maior revolução musical e comportamental do mundo dos últimos cem anos é fascinante, mas ao mesmo tempo nos deixa uma sensação ambígua. Sente-se uma certa melancolia quando vemos que o turismo de Liverpool é voltado basicamente para algo que ficou no passado. Mas também sente-se algo reconfortante ao ver tantos jovens conhecendo e curtindo o som do Beatles.

No final, o saldo que levamos de nossa visita à Liverpool foi bom, pois percebemos que, enquanto alguém em algum lugar estiver ouvindo uma música dos Beatles, o espírito daquela época permanecerá sempre vivo.

The town dates back to approximately AD 600, and over the centuries has thrived as an agricultural centre; as the location of Alnwick Castle and home of what were in mediaeval times the most powerful northern barons, the Earls of Northumberland; as a staging post on the Great North Road between Edinburgh and London, and latterly as a modern rural centre cum dormitory town. The fabric of the town centre has changed relatively little and still retains much of its original character; however there has been appreciable growth in size over the last ten years, with a number of housing estates covering what had been pasture, and new factory and trading estate developments along the roads to the south of the town.

Buses run between Newcastle and Alnwick. Alnwick has no train station, but it is possible to take the train to Alnmouth and catch a taxi or a bus to Alnwick (less than 5 miles). Newcastle Airport lies around 45 minutes drive-time away, and provides 19 daily flights to London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London City), with regular flights to other UK centres. The airport also operates regular flights to many European destinations, along with destinations in Africa and North America. Newcastle Airport is the nearest, however for alternative flights, Edinburgh Airport, Manchester Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport are all within 150 miles.

The Hairy Lemon is quiet, well-priced public house in Bondgate Within, located halfways between the Castle and the Market Place. Blackmore’s is a friendly new modern bar next to Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without. Much more friendly atmosphere for tourists.

Information by http://www.findtravelguide.com

Many of the stones are missing or buried, having been considered evil by the local farmers during mediaeval times, they were toppled or broken up, many of which to be revealed and restored in the 1930s by the famous archaeologist Alexander Keiller. The village and henge lie at the centre of one of the most exciting megalithic landscapes in the world, with the remains of two prehistoric processional avenues of stones leading from the circle, leading to other nearby prehistoric points of interest such as West Kennett Long Barrow and Silbury Hill.

Avebury lies at the heart of the Wiltshire Downs, accessible easily from the M4 motorway, and is located about 6 miles west of Marlborough, along the A4 (Bath Road) at the junction of the A4361 and the B4003. Local signposting directs visitors to the official tourist car park which is situated just south of the circle itself off the A4361. There is a local village car park located in the centre of the village, but this has restricted parking for non-residents during daylight hours.

The Red Lion pub serves a wide menu of meals and snacks in its two indoor restaurants, and is open all day. The pub has bench tables out in front which can be pleasant to drink at in summer, but are too close to the busy road to make eating pleasant. The tea room located in the courtyard beside the Great Barn Museum is open seasonally and sells sandwiches, buiscuits and teas, and has an indoor and outdoor seating area.

Information by http://www.findtravelguide.com

Historic cities, culture & sports in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is located in Western Europe. It consists of Great Britain and some other islands, including one sixth of the island of Ireland. The island country is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel and the Irish Sea. The country has a diverse landscape consisting mostly of hills with some rolling plains in east and southeast.

London is the capital of culture, fashion and business in the UK. it is also one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world, with some of the most visited museums and palaces in the world. The second largest city in England, Birmingham is the city of canals, art and culture with numerous concerts, theatres and art galleries to explore.

More British cities. The multicultural city ofManchester has fascinating historic buildings and canals and wide entertainment scene. In addition, Manchester is the city of sports with successful football clubs and opportunities for outdoor activities. A city of art, architecture, music and sports, Liverpool is a historic port city with magnificent neoclassical buildings, docks and fascinating museums. The European Capital of Culture for 2008 has a lively entertainment and sports scene. Cardiff is the capital of Wales with many cultural activities and historical attractions, and the lively port city of Newcastle in the North of England also deserves your visit.

Historic attractions. The green university city ofCambridge boasts a wide selection of historical monuments, museums and galleries. Rich in cultural life, Cambridge hosts numerous concerts and theatres. The famous university city of Oxford also offers plenty of historic and cultural attractions, while the capital of the Northern Ireland, Belfast is a city of rich cultural heritage with numerous renovated castles and monuments. Many tours from London stop in the famous stone monuments of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, near Salisbury. A World Heritage Site,Stonehenge contains impressive stone formations from the Neolithic and Bronze Age.

Beach holidays & island vacations in the UK

The sunny, fashionable seaside town of Brighton in the south coast of England is a fascinating mixture of history, culture and entertainment. The streets of Brighton are dotted with fine boutiques and art galleries and the pebble beach is a popular spot for relaxing. Another charming seaside town in the south coast of England, Bournemouth is home to long golden-sanded beaches by the clear blue sea. The seaside town of Blackpool is home of the most popular fun park in the United Kingdom, the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Isle of Wight’s unspoilt nature and fine beaches are ideal for outdoor activities and water sports, and the Lake District National Park is an excellent choice for outdoor sports and more. The remote southwestern county of Cornwall has breathtaking, unspoiled landscapes with coastal cliffs and moors ideal for hiking, and sandy beaches by the blue sea, and many old towns and fine galleries to explore.

Scotland. A fascinating mixture of new and old,Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland with spectacular medieval castles, palaces and cobblestone streets, museums, galleries and festivals. The Lothian countryside near to city has historic buildings and wonderful green parks ideal for golf. Edinburgh is a good starting point to trips to other fascinating destinations in Scotland, such as Loch Ness, one of the most famous lakes in the world, and home to the mythical monster. The biggest city of Scotland,Glasgow offers visitors great opportunities for shopping and nightlife, as well as plenty of historical and cultural attractions.

The Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernseyenjoy the warmest climate in the United Kingdom. The unspoiled nature is ideal for outdoor activities. Another popular UK island destination, the British Crown Dependency of the Isle of Man offers unspoiled nature and historical attractions to be admired. With its monkeys, tunnels and scenic rock,Gibraltar is one of the places, which has had more than its share of fascinating and diverse tourist attractions, particularly so if you take into account the miniature size of this British protectorate located in the southernmost point of Europe, surrounded by Spain.

History and culture of United Kingdom

The United Kingdom was a leading industrial and maritime power in the 19th century which had a key role in developing the democracy, literature, arts and science with colonies all over the world. Many famous philosophers, scientists and writers are British, William Shakespeare being the most remarkable of them. Since the collapse of the huge British Empire in the World Wars the country has a key role in many international organizations like the European Union and NATO. Nowadays the United Kingdom is a prosperous constitutional monarchy with a Queen. Even today the United Kingdom has fourteen overseas territories remaining from the British Empire. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have their own legislature and government.

Cultural superpower. The inhabitants of the UK represent different ethnic backgrounds. The United Kingdom has a remarkable position in developing classical music and rock and pop music with famous bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Developed in the United Kingdom, football is the most popular sport in the country with famous and successful football clubs of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. The famous Wimbledon tennis Championships are held in London. Motor sports are popular in the country with many championships and successful Formula one and rally drivers. Other important sports are cricket, golf, snooker and horse racing.
Practical information for your trip to United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has a mild and damp climate with mild winds. Cloudy weather and rain can be expected at any time of the year, and the temperatures rarely exceed 30ºC in summer or get below 0ºC in winter. The best times to visit the United Kingdom are springs and summers from April to September, July and august being the peak seasons for tourism.

Visitor services. The United Kingdom has excellent facilities for visitors with a wide selection of accommodation and restaurants. Especially London and other major cities in South east are very expensive. The big cities have very vibrant nightlife with trendy bars and clubs, and the famous English pubs serving both food and the British real ales can be found almost everywhere, even in the countryside.

How to get there. The United Kingdom has several airports serving both international and domestic flights between the major cities. The Heathrow Airport near London is the busiest airport in the world with numerous connections from all over the world. Due to the strict security regulations at the airports delays are not rare. The Channel tunnel connects the United Kingdom to France. There are regular and comfortable but quite expensive rail connections from continental Europe to the United Kingdom via the Channel Tunnel. The country can also be accessed by car or by inexpensive buses via the Channel Tunnel, or by ferries from several European ports.

Getting around. The extensive and comfortable public transportation in the United Kingdom consist of trains and buses, as well as domestic flights. The many islands can be accessed by ferries. There is an extensive road network in the country but there are some tolls on bridges and tolls. The United Kingdom drives on the left. Many kinds of taxi can be found in the United Kingdom.

Safety. The UK is generally a quite safe destination for visitors. However, crime such as theft and pickpocketing does happen especially in the large cities. Due to the threat of terrorism there are tight security regulations in many public places.

Information by http://www.happytellus.com/united-kingdom