Among the countless tourist attractions in contemporary London, such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, the one that can easily be considered the unforgettable “Queen” amongst them all, is the British Museum. Britain’s national museum of archaeology and antiquities was established by an act of Parliament in 1753, when the government purchased three large private collections consisting of books, manuscripts, prints, drawings, paintings, medals, coins, seals, cameos, and natural curiosities. Today, home of approximately seven million objects from all continents, the British museum is considered to be the most popular and famous museum in the world.

Located in the Bloomsbury district of London, the British museum’s collections in archaeology and ethnography are particularly outstanding. Being one of London’s principal tourist attractions, the visitor can admire its famous holdings, like the Elgin Marbles, carvings from the Athenian Parthenon, the Rosetta Stone, the Portland Vase, the Benin Bronzes, Egyptian Mummies, and the Chinese ceramics. Its drawings collection holds more than 2,000 drawings constituting the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections.

Since it first opened its doors to the public, on January 15, 1759 the museum has been illustrating and documenting the story of human development and culture from its early years to the present day. Because the British Museum does not charge any admission fees, the exception being some temporary special exhibitions, interested publics from around the globe line up outside its doors waiting to enter its amazing gallery showrooms and admire the plethora of human creations kept in there.

But some of its most prestigious holdings, like the Parthenon Marbles and the Benin Bronzes are among its most disputed collections. These collections are the subject of great controversy and political debates since various organizations lobby in favor of their return to their native countries of Greece and Nigeria respectively. But regardless of the harsh criticism, the British Museum has refused to return either collection, arguing that if the British Museum was to return to their original geographical location any of its current possessions that would mean empty rooms for a great many museums around the world. Although critics argue that these artifacts, among others, should now return to their home countries, the British Museum continues to support that it is an appropriate custodian and has the inalienable right over these disputed creations under British law.

Nevertheless, the fact still remains that the British Museum is one of the most important London destinations one should not miss visiting when circumstances allow a ride to one of the most famous and interesting capitals in the world.

Being one of the largest and most populated cities of Europe, London, the United Kingdom’s capital is a cosmopolitan area in which a highly diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions coexist today. According to a Guardian newspaper editorial, “London in 2005 can lay claim to being the most diverse city ever.” With more than 300 different languages spoken in London’s streets by its permanent residents, such a claim seems at least reasonable.

During my last London visit, I was astonished by the multicultural experience a tourist like me could have, just by visiting different neighborhoods and talking to a variety of people. In fact, the city is considered today to be an international transport hub and an extremely popular tourist destination, making London one of the most visited world’s capitals; a fact that tremendously promotes its multicultural character.

London’s metropolitan are has considerably grown over the centuries, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries increasing industrialization that led to rapid population growth. England’s capital was the most populated city of the world until 1925, when New York overtook its immense number of citizens. London continued to grow until World War II and the Green Belt legislation which led to its population largely remain static. But although urban building constructions were not allowed to take place at the same speed as before, the city’s habitats? number continued to increase. Today, London’s wider metropolitan area has a population between 12 and 14 million depending on the definition of that area. According to the 2001 census, 27 percent of London’s population was born outside the UK and about 29 percent were classified as non-white non-counting the unknown tens of thousands who did not complete a census form. But even this total does not include the second the third generation immigrants, who have inherited the traditions of their parents and grandparents.

Ethnically diverse and historically rich, London continues to attract people from around the globe who find in its neighborhoods their new home. London in 2006 is uncharted territory. According to sociologists and historians, never have so many different kinds of people tried living together in the same place before. Virtually every race, nation, culture and religion in the world can claim at least a dozen of Londoners. But, what some people see as the greatest experiment of multiculturalism of the last centuries is already challenged by the global political and social developments which have recently begun to point out that harmony and peace are more than ever subject to the powers of race and ethnicity.

Being one of the busiest European capitals, London is one more city that needs its citizens to take an initiative to reduce its traffic jams. Cycling, also known as biking is a great exercise apart from a very inexpensive way to reduce the problem of overpopulation that requires fewer vehicles circulating the city’s streets. Especially if you live in London and are able to ride a bicycle, this article might convince you to leave your car parked away for a week and use your dusty bike to go at work during a spring, summer or early autumn morning.

After servicing your bicycle and ordering a cycle guide for the different areas of London from Transportation for London you can begin your new biking hobby and reduce frustration while decreasing the city’s parking problem. In fact, according to London transportation experts, one can cover 4 miles in an average of 22 minutes in Central London by bike, when it take approximately 40 minutes to cover the same distance by car. Did you know that eight bikes can be parked in the space a car occupies Moreover, people in cars are exposed to three times more pollution that pedestrians or cyclists. If you are not yet convinced, perhaps knowing that London has around 500 policemen on bikes and the ambulance service in Central London is supported by a fully equipped cycling paramedic team, might make you reconsider. In addition to the above, cycling reduces in half the chances of heart disease, lowers a person’s blood pressure and stabilizes the heart’s rate. Also, frequently riding a bike increases calorie consumption as it is an excellent physical exercise that raises the metabolic rate and helps people loose weight, improving their figure.

If transporting yourself to work is not feasible via a bike, selecting to ride it during your leisure time and experience the wonderful London parks and waterways, can be an excellent choice. In any case, it is advisable for you to wear your protective gear and to watch out for pedestrians who frequently cross without looking the traffic on busy city roads. Appearing from nowhere, they are a cause of a large number of bicycling accidents and thus, you should always put on your protecting clothing, especially the helmet. Remember that although most people consider London to be one of the bad weather capitals of the world, with heavy rain falls and extreme cold condition, it is in fact the driest place in UK, having a similar climate to that of Denmark. Finally, remember that most of the public transportation forms in London, like buses, tubes, and trains, accept folded bikes. In case the cycling version you own belongs to the standard category, then you should probably check the information available on taking your bike on London’s public transport. For example, the official Transport for London website states that bicycles can be taken free of charge on some sections of the underground network outside peak times. So, get your bike on the road again and feel like when you used when being a kid. It is an easy, fast and most importantly, fun experience for any age!

Oxford Street, located in the City of Westminster, existed from Roman times until the 17th century primarily as a westwards route out of the City of London towards Oxford, hence its name. Today, Oxford Street is one of the busiest shopping districts and the world?s largest shopping street, having more than 300 shops that attract annually around 200 million of consumers.

The development of Oxford Street as a prime shopping area began at the start of 20th century, when the first furnishing specialists, Waring & Gillow, opened its doors in 1906. In recent years, Oxford Street represents the heart of London?s West End shopping, running for approximately a mile and a half from Marble Arch at the north east corner of Hyde Park, through Oxford Circus to St Giles? Circus, at the intersection with Charing Cross Road and Tottenham Court Road. Opposite to the Tottenham?s tube station, the recently refurnished, ?The Tottenham? pub claims to be the only pub on the whole Oxford Street. But, with numerous clothes shops, record shops, like the famous Virgin Megastore and the HMV unit, which is the largest music store at 50,000 square feet, multiple computer games shops and department stores, including Selfridges, Oxford Street is an ideal location for those on leisure travel and time to browse through its colorful shopping windows. But although the street has multiple stores for one to choose from, these are not the most fashionable or the most expensive in the city of London. For those interested in other principal shopping areas, Knightsbridge is an excellent choice, especially because it is there where the famous Harrods department store is located.

Famous for its celebrity launches and promotions, Oxford Street becomes the focal point during the Christmas period because of the wonderful Christmas lighting tradition that began in 1959. Decorated with thousands of festive lights Oxford Street celebrates the Christmas spirit at a heavily publicized ?turning-on? ceremony in mid-to-late November, when a chosen celebrity flicks a switch that illuminates the rays of light that go on until January 6.

Plans have been announced in 2005 for what could be an audacious new move to change Oxford Street from its current traffic clogged state into a pedestrian paradise. Proposals to end the gridlock feature closing the street entirely to all traffic, even buses and build a new monorail stretching from one end to the other to transport people along. Critics however have pointed out that a monorail simply caters for shoppers too lazy to walk down the entire length of the street and that this is already well served by tube which would simply require improved accessibility to existing stations and perhaps a new station half way up the street.

The Georgian city of Bath England is the most-visited place in the UK after London. Each year it attracts about two million visitors from all over the world. What is it about this small town, which you can easily walk across in less than a day, which is so attractive to so many people?

Let?s start with the obvious ? it is well-known that Bath still has a staggering array of Georgian architecture from its building boom in the 18th century. There are also Victorian, Edwardian and modern houses and commercial buildings, but the Georgian centre is astonishingly intact despite the so-called ?Sack of Bath? in the late 1960?s and 70?s which saw Georgian streets demolished to make way for new developments.

Walking around the honey-toned streets and crescents of Bath, you can really sense the past, and get an understanding of how people lived in those long-ago times in a way that is simply not possible in other contemporary towns.

Certain significant sites are reputed to have been designed and constructed according to the ancient principles of sacred geometry. Maybe this accounts for the sense of calm and well-being which descends as you wander from Queen Square up Gay Street to the Circus, and then along to the Royal Crescent.

Bath is a green city, in that trees and hills can be seen on the horizon from virtually anywhere in the city. In addition, there are many leafy parks within easy walking reach of the city centre in which to sit and listen to the rustle of the leaves, enjoy the sunshine and watch passers-by as they walk their dogs, carry home shopping or eat their picnics.

The location of Bath England is a favourable one ? within a 90 minute train ride of London and close to busy neighbouring Bristol and to the M4 and M5 motorways with quick access to the South West and the Midlands. The coasts of Somerset and Dorset are close enough for a day-trip to the sea, as are the pretty villages of the Cotswolds, the hills of South Wales and the ancient towns of southern England such as Winchester and Salisbury. Less scenic but significant for employment is the M4 ?Corridor? to which many hi-tech and communications companies have been attracted in an English version of Silicon Valley.

The city of Bath England is well-known as a festival city ? there are events going on here all year round. The world-famous Bath International Music Festival takes place for 2 weeks each year in late spring, and attracts top musicians and orchestras, as well as national radio broadcasters. The Festival of Literature has grown quickly in stature since its inception in the 1990?s and boasts best-selling authors from all genres. There is an atmospheric Christmas market held in the shadow of Bath Abbey each December, a half-marathon, food festivals and sporting events.

Add to this a diverse collection of some of the country?s best independent shops, top-quality restaurants serving food of every kind and every nationality, plus a clutch of pubs which have earned Bath the title of ?real ale capital? and you begin to understand the pull this little city has for people within the UK, where it is a favourite weekend destination, and worldwide.

The icing on the cake has now finally been added with the recent opening of Thermae Bath Spa. The controversial project with all its delays and overspending is now complete, and once again visitors and residents are able to bathe in the natural hot spring waters which rise through the earth here. Spa bookings are much higher than predicted and local hotels are reporting brisk business due to interest in the spa. Come along and see for yourself why Bath England has been famous for health and hospitality for over 300 years!

The only difficulty you face when planning a visit to Europe is deciding where to go. There is so much to see, so many beautiful cities and so little time that you are spoilt for choice. In no particular order, these are five cities that you should see. There are many, many more such as Barcelona, Madrid, Budapest, Prague ?

London. When you tire of London you tire of life as someone once said, and it is still true even now. London is dirty, noisy, crowded and the public transport isn?t the best in the world but there is something about London that has to be experienced. Hyde park, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, a walk along the Thames, Harrods, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Soho. You can go on and on.

Paris. If you are planning a visit to Europe, how could you not spend at least a few days in Paris? It is probably the most chic city in the world, with its beautiful architecture, cafes, churches, monuments, art galleries and more. Walk along the Seine or take a bateau mouche to see the city from the river, climb the Eiffel tower, visit Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, eat, drink and be merry.

Rome. Like London Rome is noisy, crowded and amazing. It has great food and great wine combined with thousands of years of history. Visit the roman forum, Vatican City, the Coliseum., the Fontana di Trevi and the Pantheon. As with all these cities, the only hard decision is what to miss out if you only have a limited time. You could live in Rome for a month and only scratch the surface.

Venice. Simply, the most beautiful city in the world. It has to be seem to be believed. After visiting St Mark?s Square and the main tourist sites, I would suggest leaving the normal tourist areas and wandering through the back streets to see something of the real Venice. Even during the long tourist season these are relatively empty, and you will stumble across many hidden gems, not only architecturally but also gastronomically.

Berlin. In common with the other cities, there is a lot of interesting history attached although Berlin is different in that much of it is more recent. You can follow the track marking out the Berlin wall, see the last remaining bits of wall (now preserved), Checkpoint Charlie, the last remaining watch tower and so on. There are also an astonishing number of museums and beer halls within easy reach, and of course the Berlin State Opera.

Finally, a little bit of language helps. English is widely spoken, especially in the tourist areas, but people appreciate it if you make an effort in their language. This doesn’t have to be more than hello, goodbye but it usually gets a good response. You will also find that in places where you might expect an understanding of English, such as the metro in Paris, it can surprisingly be absent.

According to UK rail holiday specialist company, Great Rail Journeys (GRJ), 40,000 Britons take package rail holidays every year. Whether the change in attitudes is due fear of flying, or simply a move to slow down away from the hectic pace of normal life, avoiding the inevitable rush to meet tight deadlines imposed by connecting flights, and crowed airports ? many travelers today have chosen that they simply don?t want to travel to their destination by plane.

Back in the 1950?s rail holidays were all the rage, despite commercial aviation just starting to take hold following relief from the austerity of the war and an excess of ex-military aircraft. As the 1960?s and 70?s progressed however, technological advances meant that flying became more affordable and traveling abroad by air took hold. For many years rail still had the advantage of cost over air travel for internal journeys, however the growth of the low cost airlines, and poor investment in the infrastructure of many of the UK train lines, has left a sad legacy for the UK rail network.

The change in the trends over recent years back towards rail travel, especially by younger travelers, may in part be due to the ease with which the Channel Tunnel affords access to Europe. It is common these days for young travelers to go on extended travels across Europe by purchasing a Eurailpass. These sorts of trips are most often associated with backpacker holidays, but they represent an extremely convenient ways to easily see a large amount of Europe as the Eurailpass ticket offers unlimited train travel throughout 18 different European countries.

With good networks of European lines, frequent departures on the busy routes and fast train services such as the German ICE, French TGV or the Eurostar connecting France with London, it can often be faster to travel by train rather than flying. One of the main drawbacks experienced by many rail travelers within Europe is the difficulty that can sometimes be experienced finding accurate information and booking linking tickets. Rail providers rarely have details of other rail providers? services, and most UK travel agents can provide very little rail information once the traveler gets beyond Paris or Brussels. A few websites such as Seat61 have sprung up to help fill this gap and, despite being an amateur site rather than a commercial venture, can prove to be a good resource for planning rail trips abroad.

UK domestic breaks have also seen a recent resurgence, with UK short weekend breaks becoming extremely popular for shopping trips, quick family getaways or for visits to London to take in a West End show. Recently a few short break travel companies and rail networks like GNER have teamed up to provide a wide variety of rail package deals to UK cities in an effort to bring more travelers back to rail travel by making journeys cheaper and quick holidays easier to arrange.

While the words of Robert Louis Stevenson, ?The speed is so easy, and the train disturbs so little the scenes through which it takes us, that our heart becomes full of the placidity and stillness of the country?, may not seem to fit in with the current popular image of the UK rail network, many Brits appear to be turning away from the airlines in favour of the railways for trans European travel and short break getaways.