Famous for it's many historic buildings, there is much to see and do in England's number one tourist destination. There you will see St. Stephen's tower better known as Big Ben, named after Sir Benjamin Hall, First Commissioner of Works. Big Ben ( 320 ft high ) is actually the hour bell ( 13.5 tons ). The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey stand next to the clock tower and were designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1852. Harrods is the world's most famous and largest department store. Located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, it stands 6 stories with 1 lower level. Patrons are advised to leave all backpaks and oversize bags at the Left Luggage Dept. and you might as well leave your camera in your bag because they don't allow any picture taking either.
Some spectacular landmarks can be seen while taking an excursion boat ride down the Thames River. We took a trip on one of "Catamaran Cruisers" tour boats, which left from the Charing Cross Pier at Victoria Embankment. The River Thames is 215 miles long with the last 95 miles being tidal. That part of the Thames has a rise and fall of up to 26 feet ( 8 meters ) twice a day and a flow of up to 4 knots. Among the notable landmarks that can be seen are the Tower of London, Globe Theatre, London Bridge, Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, and the Port City of Greenwich.
