Travelsmartplanet

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The Shard is the newest tourist attraction in London and it was fabulous. You lift off in multiple elevators to get to the 72nd floor where there are 360 degree views, viewing platforms, selfie options, a flower wall, and a café. You can walk down to the 68th and 69th floor for more views. Notice here the Tower Bridge, the snaking path of the Thames and the London Eye.

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Two “red and black” guards, keeping an eye on the crowds going in to see the British Crown Jewels. The line moves fast and it sure was worth it. These Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, are Members of the Sovereign’s Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary, and are more commonly known as the Beefeaters. You can skip the crowds at Buckingham Palace and do two-for-the-price of one and see them here at the Tower of London.

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If you have strong calf muscles, it is definitely worth the 100’s of winding steps to the Whispering Gallery. Not only does it give you a great view of the cathedral below, but you can learn the whisper secret. You can ask one of the guides up there to tell you where to sit to try it out. Don’t give up, it’s delightful when you can make the hundreds-year-old magic work.

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Beyond the regal London, you might come across a dragon in the sky when you take the Hop On Hop Off Bus. This one was on the way to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Free ride when you buy the London Pass.

Tags: Britain, British, bus, bus tour, cathedral, city, City Pass, city view, double decker, double decker bus, dragon, England, Europe, Great Britain, History, hop on hop off, hoponhopoff, landmark, London, London City Pass, London Pass, london sights, London view, monument, ride, sights, sightseeing, St Paul's Cathedral, statue, tour, tourist, tower, Tower of London, Trafalgar, travel, Travel blogger, UK, United Kingdom

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You never know who you might get up close and personal with when you are on top of the Hop On Hop Off Bus in London. Included on the London Pass. It’s a whole different perspective seeing the city this way.

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Diana’s gowns are displayed in Kensington Palace with descriptions of where she wore them. She was much taller than we thought.

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Photo op at Queen Victoria’s desk in Kensington Palace. On the desk are her diary notes from the day when she became Queen in this very Palace.

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Loved loved loved the wallpaper drawings of Princess Diana in Kensington Palace where she lived. Her sons now live here with their families. This wall is hidden in a little hallway near the public bathroom.

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Picture yourself walking around in this gown. Queen Victoria did. She was much smaller than we think.

Tags: British, CostSaver, display, England, Europe, exhibit, garden, gown, Great Britain, History, Kensington, Kensington Palace, London, monarchy, palace, queen, Queen Victoria, royal, royalty, sights, sightseeing, tour, tourist, Trafalgar, travel, travelblogger, UK

Diana walked through these gates and in these gardens, and her gowns are displayed in an exhibit here. Oh yes, and famous Queen Victoria lived here too. Diana walked through these gates and in these gardens, and her gowns are displayed in an exhibit here. Oh yes, and famous Queen Victoria lived here too. Princes William and Harry have come back to live here – with memories of their Mom and Dad surrounding them.

Tags: Britain, castle, display, Europe, exhibit, exhibition, famous, garden, gate, gated, gown, Great Britain, Kensington, Kensington Palace, King, London, memory, palace, Prince, Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess, Princess Diana, queen, Queen Victoria, royal, royals, royalty, sights, sightseeing, tour, tourist, Trafalgar, travelblogger, U.K.