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You Go Girl Alert British Heritage Pass Change Recently the British Heritage Pass has changed. It no longer covers these London sights: Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Queen’s Gallery, Royal Mews and Windsor Castle. It’s no longer a deal for the London visitor. We had purchased the pass for years, since it had been a wonderful value for tourists. Unfortunately, many of the websites that sell the GBH pass are not alerting the customers of this major change. One of our readers informed us, so we could pass along the information to you. You may want to consider the London Pass in its place, which also covers major London attractions at a discount. You can either purchase the pass in London or ahead of time on line. If you purchase on line, your pass will also include public transportation within zones 1-6. For more specific information go to www.londonpass.com or for frequently asked questions regarding the London Pass go to www.londonpass.com/faq.asp . We have personally never purchased the London Pass, since the GBH was always more economical.
This London travel guide is just for the girls! So grab your best friend, sister or mom and start planning a trip to London for the ultimate girl getaway. We highlight the sights that women like. If you’d like to visit Buckingham Palace, shop at Harrods, or check out the half-price theater tickets at Leicester Square, our guide will show you the way. Our Beatle tour will take you “here, there and everywhere.” We loved Princess Diana and include several sights that are meaningful in her life. You’ll be fascinated by the world of Henry VIII and the entire Tudor dynasty. Divinci Code fans will enjoy tracing the paths of Sophie and Langdon as they race through London. Wherever you go, our detailed maps will point you in the right direction. London is an expensive city, but we have found ways to make it affordable. Learn how to find extraordinary bargains on air, hotel and package deals. From cheap to chic, we’ll show you the best places to eat and shop. Unique to our guide is our suggested book list of London novels, which will enrich your journey and inspire you to go beyond the pages. Our recommended reading covers a wide range of books, from a light read to more in-depth material, making it a great choice for women’s book clubs. Our book has been endorsed by Philippa Gregory, author of The Boleyn Girl, The Queen’s Fool and The Virgin’s Lover. Philippa Gregory is an outstanding historical fiction author, about our guide she writes, “A thorough and authoritative guide for the women traveler focusing on specialist trails through London: Tudor, Princess Diana, and the Beatles. The straightforward style and enthusiasm of the authors would encourage any traveler, and some of the tips for enjoying the best of London’s great tourist sites are invaluable.” Philippa Gregory If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of the London travel guide, follow this link to our publisher’s site at Book Surge. The book can also be purchased through Amazon. You Go Girl - London is available on Amazon.com here. Upcoming events in London
Tower of London For the first time in the 1,000 year history of the Tower of London, a woman is a Yeoman Warder! Although other women have applied for the job, Moira Cameron is the first to be selected, and was hired on September 3, 2007. After a six month training period, Moira will be guarding the Crown Jewels and welcoming tourists…You Go Girl! Twilight Tours (Wednesdays only, November 5, 2008 – March 25,2008, excluding December) Experience the Tower after the visitors leave. You will be guided by a Yeoman Warder, who will tell you tales of past residents and the secrets that are kept within this ancient palace. Tickets can be purchased on line, hours 1900-2030. The Ceremony of the Keys (March 25, 2007-Jan 1, 2009) Nightly, the Yeoman Warders and the military guard secure the outside gates and bring the keys to the Resident Governor. The Bowyer Tower (May 5, 2007- January 1, 2009) Allegedly, the Duke of Clarence met his death at the Bower Tower in 1478, drowning in a barrel of malmsey. Now open to the public, explore the Bowyer Tower and learn more about the legend of the Duke of Clarence. Medieval Palace (March 21, 2007 – January 1, 2009) The Wakefield Tower, St Thomas’s Tower and the Lanthorn Tower are collectively known as the Medieval Palace. Built by Henry III and his son Edward, the rooms have been restored to reflect the times of the former kings. Prisoners of the Tower (July 4, 2007-February 1, 2009) Enjoy special exhibits and interactive displays focusing on the famous prisoners of the Tower. Learn their stories and find out where they were held. Check www.hrp.org.uk/ for further details on the upcoming events at the Tower of London.
Hampton Court The Great Maze (March 21, 2007- January 1, 2009) Enter the maze and explore the challenging pathways. Gardens Exhibition (March 21, 2007-January 1, 2009) Trace the evolution of the Hampton Court gardens; from Tudor times to the present. Ghost tours (October 31, 2008- December 28, 2008, Fridays and Wednesdays, 1900) Guided tours after visiting hours to some special “haunts” of Hampton Court. Hear eerie tales as you wander through the Haunted Gallery, Henry VIII’s apartments and parts of the palace that are not usually open to the public. Many dates are already sold-out, if you are interested in this tour go to the website and purchase your tickets ahead of your visit. Fireworks Spectacular (November 1st open at 16.30 show at 20.00) A display of fireworks, laser light show and music on the East Front of Hampton Court. Young Henry VIII Exhibit (June 27, 2007-January, 2009) Believe it or not—young Henry was quite the catch in his day. This exhibit might change your perception of the King, who is most famous for being overweight, ornery and married six times. Check www.hrp.org.uk/ for further details on the upcoming events at Hampton Court.
Kensington Palace Diana, fashion and style A new exhibit at Kensington Palace that focuses on the changes of the Princess’s style, from her early romantic ruffles to the sleek sophisticated wardrobe of the 1990’s. The exhibit features dresses never before seen at the Palace and the cost is included in the price of admission. Check www.hrp.org.uk/ for further details on the upcoming events at Kensington Palace.
Windsor Castle
HRH the Prince of Wales: An Exhibition to celebrate his 60th Birthday May 16, 2008-February 22, 2009 This exhibit highlights key moments in Prince Charles’s life and reflects his many interests including music and the arts. Family photographs, favorite books and a small group of watercolors painted by HRH are included in this exhibit. Visit www.royalcollection.org.uk for further information.
The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Treasures of the Royal Collection (October 17, 2008- April 26, 2009) A remarkable collection featuring paintings from Rembrandt, works by Faberge, fabulous jewels and ceremonial pieces. Visit www.royalcollection.org.uk for further information.
National Portrait Gallery Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life (October 16, 2008 – February 1st, 2009) Over 150 photos of celebrities, royalty and personal friends and family are included in this exhibit of this famous photographers work. Extra charge for this exhibit.
Lord Mayor’s Show (November 8th, 2008) Every year since 1215, the newly elected Mayor of London has traveled from the City of London to pledge allegiance to the Crown. The procession has developed into a celebration of diversity, bringing together more than 6,000 people that create the history of London. The procession begins at 11am at Mansion House and proceeds down Cheapside to St. Paul’s Cathedral, where the Lord Mayor is blessed. From St. Paul’s the Mayor goes to the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand, where the Mayor swears allegiance to the Crown, and then heads back to the City. At 5pm the Lord Mayor launches a spectacular fireworks display over the river Thames between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridges. For more information including the parade route visit www.lordmayorsshow.org
The State Opening of Parliament (December 3, 2008)
The State Opening of Parliament is English Pageantry at its best. The opening marks the beginning of the Parliamentary session and is opened by a speech by the Queen outlining the Government’s proposed policies and reviewing the last session. The Queen’s procession is escorted by the Household Cavalry, which starts at Buckingham Palace and proceeds down The Mall to Westminster and then on to Parliament. It is here that Queen Elizabeth II delivers her speech in Royal robes to Parliament. For more information go to www.parliament.uk
Winter Wonderland (November 28, 2008- January 4, 2009) During this winter celebration, Hyde Park is transformed into a winter wonderland. Open everyday from 10am- 10pm (with the exception of Dec. 25th) the park features London’s largest outdoor ice rink, 50 meter observation wheel, caroling singers, cafes, and a German market that has a large selection of arts, gourmet gifts and crafts.
Getting around London The Oyster Card is the newest, cheapest way to get around London. It can be used on buses, the Tube, trams, DLR, London Overground and some rail services. Daily price capping ensures you the cheapest fares for all the journeys that you make in one day. The automatic top-up (cost about $5.00) will automatically increase your credit, so you never run short of coverage. This card can be purchased at most Tube stops or prior to your visit. For more information visit www.tfl.gov.uk/
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Rent the Tudors first season, although not historically correct, it’s fun to watch. The release of season two is on Dec. 30th, 2008, maybe a New Year’s present?
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