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Tackling the list of ‘must visit’ tourist places
June 2, 2008Katie Wickham
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| Courtesy photo |
| Katie Wickham found the Travel Bookstore, the shop featured in the movie, Notting Hill. |
Before leaving the states, I composed a list of things I wanted to see in London. To accomplish my goal, I have worked every weekend planning and visiting these places. But the list, now 28 items long, keeps growing. Here’s the abbreviated version of my highlights:
Top London Items Checked Off So Far
1. The Tower of London. I am a huge Henry VIII fan, especially with the story of Anne Boleyn. I saw where Anne was beheaded and the site of her grave. One of the first things I did, it still tops my list.
2. Kensington Palace. I also am a fan of Princess Diana, so visiting this palace, her official residence until 1997, was a must. The palace gardens were beautiful and the palace was stunning. A group of us walked around the palace and garden before making our way to Notting Hill, where we found the Travel Book Shop from the movie, Notting Hill.
3. British Museum. Of all the museums I have explored, this tops my list. This museum has something for everyone. For example, a special American sketching exhibit showed the growth of American art during key historical periods, such as World Wars I and II and city life in the 60s and 70s.
4. St. James Park. This is by far my favorite place to sit and relax within the city. It has beautiful landscapes of flowers at every corner and the bridge over the pond offers a perfect view of the city.
Outside London:
1. Jane Austen’s Home and Museum in Chawton Village. As an avid Jane Austen reader, this is something I had to visit. I saw the desk on which she wrote Emma, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion. I also saw the bedroom she shared with her sister, Cassandra.
2. Saddleworth Village outside Manchester. This was a perfect trip to make on our first weekend in England. This area was beautiful and quiet. I enjoyed a true English village in the countryside away from the bustle and hustle of London streets. And I had my first experience of a true English pub.
I love working during the week, learning about public relations in another country. Our class on British media has proven worthwhile with our visits to Channel 4 and the BBC. And touring on the weekends has been full of life-changing moments I will take with me when I cross over the pond back to the states. Cheers to a summer in London.