A visit to the London Parliament is a fantastic opportunity to discover one of the city's most emblematic buildings.

Today, I'm taking you on a tour of the premises.

Here we go!

Parliament in London: article summary

Parliament in London: a historic monument

The Palace of Westminster has been a royal palace for over 1,000 years. Originally King Canute's hunting lodge, it was the principal residence of the kings of England from 1042 to 1512, when King Henry VIII moved out after a fire.

The Houses of Parliament were built on the site of the medieval palace in the 19th century after another major fire.

Although most of the buildings look very old, they are in fact only 150 years old, with the exception of Westminster Hall.

Westminster Hall: one of the oldest parts of Parliament

Westminster Hall was completed by William the Conqueror's son in 1098, and was once home to the Palace of Justice.

It's a real pleasure to walk around here. Many of the most exciting moments in British history took place within these walls.

More recently, it was here that Nelson Mandela addressed Parliament and that the bodies of the likes of Winston Churchill and King George VI were laid to rest before their funerals.

Parliament in London: find the secret door to Robeing Rome

The Robing Rome, with its ornate ceilings and gold leaf, is probably the grandest dressing room you'll ever see.

There's even a throne here built for Queen Victoria. This is where the Queen comes put on his state robes and imperial crown.

A copy of Charles Iᵉʳ's death warrant sits here as a stark reminder of what can happen to a monarch who tries to interfere with Parliament.

See if you can find the damage caused by Churchill

A bomb fell on the House of Commons during the Second World War, so the government had to move to the House of Lords.

Winston Churchill was Prime Minister at the time and he hit on the office during his speeches in the House of Commons.

The table in the middle of the House of Lords is this very table and on our guided tour of Parliament, if you look carefully, you can see the mark where Churchill's signet ring scratched the table.

Parliament in London: see the House of Commons for real

The House of Commons is the room you'll probably want to visit when you're in Parliament. Unlike what you see on TV, it's smaller in real life.

Parliament has 650 members, but there's only room in the hemicycle for 450 people on the benches.

Another interesting thing is that the Queen is not allowed in this room. No British monarch has been allowed in since King Charles Iᵉʳ burst into the Commons.

Discover suffragette history at St Stephens Hall

In the early 20th century, suffragettes regularly chained themselves to the statue of Lord Falkland when they called for women's suffrage.

The women caused such a disturbance that they banned women from the central hall for ten years, from 1908 to 1918.

Parliament in London: don't miss the Jewel Tower

Your ticket for the guided tour of Parliament gives you free entry to the Jewel Tower opposite the Palace of Westminster.

It was built in 1365 to store the personal treasures of King Edward III and was originally surrounded by a moat. to make any attack more difficult.

The official archives of the House of Lords were housed here from 1580 to 1864, so it's the perfect place to see copies of exciting documents like King Charles Iᵉʳ's death warrant and the Act of Parliament that abolished slavery.

How much does it cost to visit Parliament in London?

There are several ways to book a tour. You can book a tour online or at the ticket office in front of Portcullis House.

A self-guided audio tour costs :

• 19.50 for one adult and one child
• 8 for each additional child.

A family version of the audio tour is also available. The 90-minute guided tours cost :

• 26.50 per adult
• 11.50 per child

I advise you to make a reservation. However, some tickets may be available the same day at the box office.

The Houses of Parliament in London are an incredible place to visit. During your vacation, I recommend you make a detour to this place. You'll be able to appreciate an important part of the country's history.

Once you've visited the interior of the Saint Paul's Cathedralyou'll understand why it occupies such an important place in London's history.

Far from the glitz and glamour of London's West End, St. Paul's Cathedral and its surrounding streets give the impression of being trapped in time.

Today, we focus on the cathedral, its history and the importance of this place for all Londoners.

Saint Paul's Cathedral: article summary

Saint Paul's Cathedral: a fascinating history

St. Paul's Cathedral was built on the former site of a church dating back to 604 AD.

Legend has it that King Ethelbert of Kent built this wooden church as a tribute to the apostle Paul. However, the church suffered enormous damage in two separate fires, as well as during the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The cathedral as we see it today was built between 1675 and 1710 and designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren, influenced by Michelangelo's dome at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Throughout its history, Saint Paul has been a key location for several important events in British history, such as :

• The wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1981
• Funerals for Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill, the Duke of Wellington and Margaret Thatcher.

It's no surprise that many guidebooks consider this magnificent church to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. of any visit to London!

Highlights of Saint Paul's Cathedral

From chapels and monuments to religious art, statues and galleries, it seems that every nook and cranny of Saint-Paul offers a kind of historical delight that every visitor will appreciate.

On entering, visitors are greeted by eight scenes from the life of Saint Paul, and a view of the Nave.

In the northern part of the avenue stands the famous Duke of Wellington monument, along with a group of statues representing bravery, cowardice, truth and lies.

Climbing the Dome

No visit to St. Paul's Cathedral would be complete without climbing the 560 steps to the top of the Dome and the Whispering Gallery.

This massive circular enclosure offers visitors a magnificent view of the cathedral's interior from above, and it is said that even the slightest whisper can can be heard throughout the cathedral, thanks to the gallery's impressive acoustics.

If you have the stamina, you can also climb a further 117 steps to see the stone gallery and a further 166 steps for the golden gallery.

Saint Paul's Cathedral: discover the crypt

Another famous space inside St. Paul's Cathedral is the crypt, located on the first floor.

Here you will see the final resting places of many of London's most important historical figures, including the tombs of :

• From the Duke of Wellington
• By Christopher Wren
• From Admiral Nelson

Visitors can also visit the Oculus, a theater located in the cryptwhich offers visitors a 270-degree cinematic experience highlighting the long history of St. Paul's Cathedral.

During the film, viewers will learn everything from the Great Fire of London to the Blitz, as well as more about the cathedral's architectural design.

How do I get there?

There are a number of ways to get there. You can borrow :

• Visit metroSt. Paul's station is a two-minute walk from St. Paul's Cathedral.
• Visit trainCity Thameslink station is a three-minute walk away.
• Visit busYou can get to Saint Paul via buses 4, 11, 15, 23, 25, 26, 100 and 242.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets at the door cost :

• 18 for adults
• 16 for students and seniors
• 8 for children aged six to 17

If you buy your ticket online in advance, you can save up to £2 per ticket and also benefit from queue-cutting entry.

Admission includes the cathedral floor and crypt, and the dome's three galleries.

Please note that the cathedral may close on certain dates for certain events, so it's a good idea to check the official website before you visit.

Saint Paul's Cathedral: what are the opening times?

Saint Paul's Cathedral opens :

• Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visits last around two hours.

Practical information

The admission ticket includes an audioguide available in several languages. The audio tour includes a touch-screen multimedia guide with headphones, so you can listen to the tour and stroll around the cathedral at your own pace.

Please note that photography inside the cathedral is prohibited. If you plan to climb the 257 steps to the Whispering Gallery, be sure to wear good shoes.

Visitors can attend religious services free of charge. There is also a cafeteria and a gift store inside the cathedral.

A visit to Saint Paul's Cathedral is almost a must on any trip to London. Discover another facet of this exceptional city.

A day's shopping in London is an experience to be savoured, and what better way to do it than withOxford Street for shopping?

Today, I'm taking you shopping in town.

Follow me!

Oxford Street store: article summary

Oxford Street store: at a glance

This district, home to the biggest department stores, is located between the 3 metro stations:

• Marble Arch
• Bond Street
• Oxford Circus

Over a length of about 1.2 km, you'll find numerous shopping opportunities in different price ranges.

If you start your shopping spree in Marble Arch, you'll come across some of the best shopping opportunities in London.

What are the best stores?

As soon as you leave the metro Marble Arch at the Oxford Street exit, at the start of the shopping street you'll see Primark lettering on a red brick building.

This Primark store has a sales area of around 6,500 m². Here, you'll find fashion accessories at low prices, just like in the other branches of this textile discounter.

T-shirt prices over £10 are the exception rather than the rule. It's up to you see if the quality is to your liking!

Oxford Street store: Park House and its River Island boutique

In the building next door, called Park House, is another remarkable store, a branch of the River Island fashion chain.

Based in London, this British company is known for its young, trendy fashion at affordable prices.

In 2013, singer Rihanna presented her own fashion collection in this River Island boutique.

Those who prefer more conservative fashion need only cross the street. The Marks and Spencer store is there.

With 16,000 m² of retail space, it's London's largest store.

Discover Selfridges London

The next building occupies an entire city block and houses the famous Selfridges department store. The wide range of luxury products is presented in a clever and elaborate way.

Go on a shopping spree in the various sections of the largest department store in France.Oxford Street.

Just beyond the Selfridges building, on the same side of the street, is the store of a well-known English company.

Over 3 floors, the Dr Martens store presents many different models of its famous shoes. Among the products on display are numerous photos, information and exhibitions on the history of Dr Martens.

The original workers' shoes developed over time into a cult object for certain youth movements as a sign of solidarity with the working class.

A multi-brand department store

After about 400 m, you'll find another branch of a British department store chain.

The John Lewis store is housed in a simple building. From Levi's to Hugo Boss, from Reiss to French Connection, the fashion of top brands at reasonable prices is the motto here.

But there's also a department offering a wide range of electronic goods. Enough to diversify your shopping and find other treasures during your shopping day.

It's only a few metres to Oxford Circus, a busy crossroads of Oxford Street and Regent Street.

Here you'll find a flagship store for H&M, the Swedish textile chain, and Niketown, the London flagship store of the American sporting goods manufacturer.

Oxford Street store: continue shopping on Regent Street

If you still can't get enough of shopping, you can either continue right on Regent Street towards Piccadilly Circus.

You can also turn right a block later towards the pedestrian zone of Carnaby Street.

Of course, you can also simply continue your walk down Oxford Street to Tottenham Court Road tube station. This area of the shopping street is dominated by small stores. But there's another Primark store just down the road. in front of the metro station entrance.

How do I get there?

To get to Oxford Street, take the subway. You can get off at :

• Marble Arch
• Bond Street
• Oxford Circus

At Oxford Circus station, you can also use the Bakerloo Line and the Victoria Line.

Oxford Street store: what are the opening hours?

Most stores and department stores are open:

• Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday from 12 am to 6 pm

Oxford Street is not only popular for its many stores, but unfortunately also for its crowds.

If possible, avoid shopping streets between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday afternoons. Because there are usually dense crowds and long queues in the metro stations.

Now it's time to explore the stores on Oxford Street. During your stay, you'll enjoy many exceptional shopping opportunities, to discover London in a different way.

It's not very difficult to take a ticket for London's Sky Garden.

Located on the 35ᵉ floor of an imposing skyscraper in the City of London, this is the perfect place to admire a panoramic view of London's rooftops.

Today, I'm talking about it.

Sky Garden ticket: article summary

Where can you get your Sky Garden tickets?

Tickets for the Sky Garden are free of charge, but you must reserve a time to visit.

Free tickets are distributed every Monday morning (excluding public holidays) three weeks in advance. Choose the entrance time that suits you best and reserve your ticket. Tickets are delivered by e-mail.

Walk-in tickets are sometimes available, but they are rarer during school vacations and on weekends. busy periods like Christmas.

Be aware that there is airport-style security when you enter the building. You'll be searched and have to pass through a security gate.

Visit Sky Garden website indicates that you need to bring an ID (or passport) with you. So be prepared to present any type of document.

What is the Sky Garden?

London's Sky Garden opened in January 2015, but its development and construction have not been without controversy.

The area where the tower is located was never designed for such a tall building, and concerns have been expressed about its visual impact on the city, particularly on neighbouring buildings, including Tower Bridge and Saint Paul.

However, approval was eventually granted on the basis that the skyscraper would feature a magnificent public park with free access for all.

When the building finally opened its doors, critics claimed that the green space occupying the top of the building was a far cry from the public gardens initially proposed.

Initial drawings showed towering trees and a series of stepped gardens rising to the full height of the space. Far from what we find on site today.

One of the best views in London

Whether or not the gardens live up to their original promise, there's no denying that the Sky Garden offers some of the best views in London, particularly to the south across the river and to the west towards central London.

With no other tall buildings to block the view, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of London, including landmarks such as:

• Visit Tower of London
• Saint Paul's Cathedral
• Visit London Eye

It's a great way to watching life go by along the Thames.

Today, the Sky Garden is located on the top three floors of the Walkie-Talkie building, with two express elevators. transport visitors up to the 37ᵉ floor.

On site, you'll find :

• A large observation zone
• An open-air terrace
• An outdoor terrace
• Two bars
• Two restaurants

Today, the public garden is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike, thanks to its spectacular views. from its observation platform.

Where is London's Sky Garden?

The Sky Garden is located at 20 Fenchurch Street in London. The monument to the Great Fire of London is just around the corner, as is St Dunstan-in-the-East, one of London's hidden gems.

To get there, you can take the metro :

• Monument
• Tower Hill
• Tower Gare
• Aldgate
• Bank
• Mansion House

The Sky Garden entrance is on Philpot Lane, at the south-west corner of 20 Fenchurch Street. Signs on the first floor of the building will point you in the right direction.

Tickets for London's Sky Garden: when is the best time to visit?

Mornings are one of the best times to visit, especially during school vacations when it can get very busy in the middle of the day.

Late afternoons are also a good option. Please note that children under 16 are not allowed access to the Sky Garden after 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. at weekends.

One of my favorite ways to visit the Sky Garden is to make a reservation. a breakfast slot.

Open weekdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m., you can enjoy the gardens and the view early in the day.

Now you know more about Sky-Garden tickets and the building that houses it. On your visit to London, I recommend you make a detour to the Sky-Garden. You'll discover an incredible view of the city and the Sky-Garden. sunrise over London.

Eurotunnel is a high-speed train under the English Channel.

It's a quick and easy way to travel between London and Paris.

The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Today, I'm going to tell you all about it in this article.

Here we go!

Channel Tunnel: article summary

Channel Tunnel: book your ticket online

To begin with, I advise you to book your seats a few weeks before your trip on Eurostar.com.

You don't need to book your tickets in advance, but the later you book them, the more expensive they will be.

If you need to cancel your tickets, Eurostar offers a fairly flexible cancellation policy. Be sure to check their policies before booking your ticket, because they differ depending on the type of ticket you book.

There are three different types of class services:

• Standard
• Standard Premier
• Business Premier

Passing customs and security checks at Paris Gare du Nord

Before you leave, you'll have to pass through an airport-style security checkpoint. The UK is not a country in the Schengen zone.

It is therefore necessary to pass Eurostar's customs and security checks, located on the upper level of the station.

The queue for the Standard ticket is considerably longer than the Business Class queue, so it's best to allow yourself plenty of time here.

If you arrive at the station more than two hours before your departure, you will not yet be able to queue. customs and security control.

Channel Tunnel: wait in the Eurostar departure lounge

Once through customs and security, you'll be in the Eurostar departure lounge. Here you can sit back and relax waiting for the doors to open for your train.

The show features :

• Duty-free stores
• Restaurants
• Free Wi-Fi connection for 20 minutes

If you have purchased a Business Premier ticket, there is a separate Business Premier lounge.

Prepare for boarding

As the clock approaches your departure time, it's best to start queuing at the gate. closest to your train carriage.

Gates usually open 20 to 30 minutes before departure time. Once the gates have opened, you are free to enter the train platform.

Train under the Channel: find your place

To find your seat, you'll need to locate the train's car number. This can be a bit tricky for beginners.

If you have any problems, there are station agents nearby to help you. When you find your car, you'll find space to store your luggage.

The luggage rack is quite small, so if you have a large suitcase, you may find it hard to use the available space.

There are also luggage racks above your seat, but you don't have to worry about them. to fit a small suitcase or hand luggage.

Enjoy a good meal during your crossing

Your ticket is sometimes accompanied by a light meal and drinks, including alcohol, served at your seat.

However, I recommend that you get something to eat at the station in advance. It will be much more satisfying.

Train under the Channel: connect to Wi-Fi during your journey

The Wi-Fi signal is quite strong at first, but as the train approaches rural areas, the signal becomes rather weak and it can be difficult to use.

It's perfect for checking e-mail. However, you won't be able to view photos or videos online. Don't expect to be able to surf too much with the train's Wi-Fi.

Arrival at London St Pancras International

When you leave the Eurostar station at St Pancras InternationalYou can either take the Underground or a cab to your final destination in London.

Taking the train under the English Channel is a real little adventure. During your crossing, you can enjoy the calm of the clattering rails and take a moment to relax. before setting off to discover London!

In this article, I explain how to driving through the Channel Tunnelto get to London easily from France!

Here you'll find

• How to drive through the Channel Tunnel
• How much does it cost? How long does it last?
• What you need to know
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
• And much more!

If you're looking for information on using the Channel Tunnel by car, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Best site to book your Channel Tunnel crossing: you have the DirectFerries which allows you to compare rates between different companies.
-> Click here to travel to England by car at the best rates

Channel Tunnel by car: article summary

Channel Tunnel by car: can you drive to London?

If you plan to go visit London In the near future, there are several transport options for reaching the British capital, separated from France by La Manche.

By plane, convenient but expensive, by ferry, long and costly, by bus if you have time to spare, by train if you opt for the Eurostar or... via the Channel Tunnel by car ! It's this last solution that I'm presenting to you.

Channel Tunnel presentation

The Channel Tunnel has opened in 1994 and it's still a real technological feat: it links England to northern France, making it easy for millions of passengers to make the journey.

The Eurostar train runs through it, but the structure of the tunnel and the shuttle that allows you to cross the Channel Tunnel by car are managed by the Getlink company.

It's the longest tunnel underwater in the world, with its 3.9 kilometers under the English Channel and a total length of 50.45 kilometers. It is immersed at 75 meters deep at its lowest point! In terms of speed, it reaches 160 km/h underwater, before reaching 300 km/h once back on land.

It's a project at exorbitant cost (nearly £5 billion at the time), which took 6 years to complete and involved over 13,000 workers.

How do I get through the Channel Tunnel by car?

You can't roll not underwater, but on a shuttle bus christened Eurotunnel Shuttleto drive through the Channel Tunnel.

It links the cities of Calais (France) and Folkestone (in the county of Kent, south-east England).

It will then take a little less 2h drive from Folkestone to London!

Please note Ferries: it's possible to take a ferry from some of France's coastal towns, such as Dunkirk, St-Malo or Le Havre, or to arrive in some of England's towns, such as Dover.
You can compare routes, companies and fares at this price comparison tool for crossing the English Channel by car.

How do I get to London by car with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle? 

Opting for the car can be a cost-effective solution compared to air travel, and practical if you're planning to travel across Great Britain. Here's how to organize your crossing!

Book your tickets online

Via the Directferries.frHere you can book your tickets, comparing the various options available: one-way, round-trip, short- or long-stay, flexible schedules, adding a pet, and so on.

Enter your license plate and/or the type of vehicle concerned, and you'll be shown an overview of the fares. Book your ticket and confirm.

Please note that a single vehicle ticket includes up to 9 passengers.

Pick up your tickets on the day

With the validation email you received when you booked, all you have to do is pick up your ticket. the day of your departure.

Simply go to a boarding agent or one of the automated kiosks and enter the reservation code. You'll receive the corresponding boarding pass immediately.

Cross the border

We remind you that a passport to travel to London and you'll have to cross the border. This is often quite quick. But be sure to check that you have the good identity document with you, because an ID card isn't enough!

In addition, the car documents will also be requested.

Wait, then get on board!

25 min before departure time, boarding will begin. If you've got some time to kill before then, you can relax in one of the cafés or do a little shopping in the duty-free zone, identical to those found in the world's major airports.

At the appointed time, you'll climb into your vehicle for departure, and you won't be able to get out again.

How long is the journey?

The journey between Calais and Folkestone takes 35 minutes. As with air travel, however, you need to allow extra time for check-in, boarding and disembarkation.

It is necessary to arrive minimum 30 minutes before boarding begins. For the more stressed, plan ahead!

And once in Folkestone?

Folkestone is 120 kilometers from London. The terminal where you will exit is at junction 11A of the M20 freeway. Follow the M20, then the A20 to London, to reach the capital. in 1h50/2h depending on traffic conditions.

We remind you that driving is reversed...!

How to reach the Eurotunnel Shuttle terminal easily?

The starting point of the Channel Tunnel is at the following address: Eurotunnel Calais, 62231 Coquelles, France

You can access it via :

• exit 42 then 42b of the A16 freeway - Follow Enregistrement then direction Tourism terminal
• Eurostarfrom Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lilles or Limoges, before renting a vehicle locally.

Practical information about this trip under the English Channel by car 

Here's what you need to know about driving through the Channel Tunnel for your trip to London.

Rates and booking

Rates vary according to your reservation date (they open up to 9 months in advance), the type of vehicle, the length of stay and the options chosen. Available tickets are :

• Short stay Ecofor 5 days or less
• Flexiplus for 5 days or more / no time limit, with flexible boarding times
• One-way and round-trip options

A standard ticket costs at least 102 euros/vehicle. If you're traveling with several people, this can quickly add up to big savings. On the other hand, travelling by car alone or in pairs can be expensive.
You can also take a look at the rates for different destinations (Folkestone, Dover...).
Compare!

Opening hours

The Channel Tunnel can be reached by car every day of the year.

There are up to 4 departures per hour during peak periods. And shuttles run 24 hours a day.

Practical information

Check travel conditions carefully to petsupdated since the end of 2021.

Note that cars that run on LPG are not authorized in the Channel Tunnel; that it is NO SMOKING in the train; that the toilets may not be accessible during the 35-minute journey.

And don't forget to review the terms and conditions of your English-style driving before you hit the road, as you'll need time to adapt and a good knowledge of the rules in force!