All about Sherlock Holmes "The Greatest British Detective Character"

"My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people don't know."

• Who Does not Know Sherlock Holmes?

Who does not know Sherlock Holmes, the most famous fictional character from the realm of English literature? He is the most famous consulting detective in the world, which was successfully listed in the Guinness World of Records as "the most widely played the character in the movie," with a total of 75 actors who ever act it!

• History Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is the work of the Scottish author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who created the profession of the world's first consulting detective. This detective is known as genius, logical, disguised champion, a great observer, and deductive inference expert, that means draw a general conclusions from small things. According to Doyle, the character was inspired by Dr. Joseph Bell, his professor and lecturer of Medical when he was in college. Total, Sherlock Holmes stories written in the form of four novels, A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of the Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and The Valley of Fear, and 56 short stories published in five anthologies, namely The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, His Last Bow, and The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes.

• The appearance of Sherlock Holmes

The first appearance of Sherlock Holmes was in 1887 in the novel A Study in Scarlet. At that time, Doyle age just 28 years old, and his work is seen by critics as an exercise, because his structure and style of writing is yet stable. However, this novel remains the most influential work of literature from the 19th century. Previously, the novel script was rejected by a number of publishers. Just after Ward Lock published it, a good public response led Doyle to continue to produce the Sherlock Holmes stories. In 1891, Doyle started its cooperation with the Strand magazine, which publishes short stories about Sherlock Holmes for 25 years!

Most of the Sherlock Holmes stories told by Dr. John H. Watson. Their meeting occurred in 1881, when Dr. Watson, who had to retire early from the military because of an injury, had to find a place to stay in London. Dr Watson ran into his old friend, Stamford, who then, introduced him to Sherlock Holmes, who also was looking for a friend to share the rent of apartments. Shortly, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson agreed to become roommates. Since then, Watson became a partner of Sherlock Holmes in solving the cases that come to their practice: 221B Baker Street.

Watson has two unique role in Sherlock Holmes life, who was described as a loner who had no friends. The first, as an assistant in investigating the case. Second, as a documentary of their cases. Friendship with Watson is the most important relationship that Sherlock Holmes had. Behind the cold character of Sherlock Holmes, he was very fond of his friend.

Watson described Sherlock Holmes as an intelligent man who have bohemian life. It means that although the method of investigation and the way Sherlock Holmes thought was very neat and bright, in personal he is eccentric and messy. Sherlock Holmes also likes to confuse the police whose difficult to follow his genius mind. Therefore, Sherlock Holmes was often labeled as an arrogant, and consider that solving the cases as a game rather than for justice.

• The Proper Era to Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes and Watson popular in the Victorian era because, at that time, the most Britons was very scared with rampant criminal action. The existence of a detective consultant and physician/army, though fictional, make Victorians find a hero. In fact, this different horrendous duo character is still popular until this modern era. 

So that in 1914, made the first film adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes story, A Study In Scarlet. This silent film featuring James Bragington, who actually an accountant. We was chosen because he is considered as the most similar to the illustration of Sherlock Holmes by Sidney Paget. Unfortunately, this historical movie missing.

Sherlock Holmes who live in the 21st century? That is made by BBC One. The background move from Victorian Era into the millennium, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson put on the internet and Blackberry to solve his cases.

• Sherlock Holmes is a great inspiration for Forensic Science

Sherlock Holmes was a great inspiration for forensic science, especially with his ability to observe traces of shoes, tire tracks, traces of blood, blood spots, bloodstain, the poison residual, and ballistic analysis. Sherlock Holmes is also the first figure who introduce the use of a magnifying glass or loop as a means of investigation. For his services to forensic science, in 2002, the Royal Society of Chemistry in Britain confers honorary fellowship to Sherlock Holmes. He was the only fictional character who accepted the award.

• The Boredom of  Sherlock Holmes Author

Doyle apparently got bored wrote about Sherlock Holmes, and decided to 'kill' this character. In the short story The Final Problem, published in 1893, Doyle brings Sherlock Holmes with his archenemesis, Professor James Moriarty, the criminal consultant. At the climax of the story, they were confronted in the Reichenbach Falls, local tourist attractions in Switzerland, and fight till  they both fall together into the abyss.

Public uproar! A total of 20,000 readers cancel their subscriptions to Strand magazine to show protest against the death of their beloved detective consultant. Finally, with the insistence of the publisher, Doyle re-animate the characters in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Since then, Doyle wrote about Sherlock Holmes over the next 24 years.

• The Creator behind The Character of Sherlock Holmes

No wonder that Sherlock Holmes expert in forensic science as the creator of Sherlock Holmes character is a doctor. But who actually Doyle?

Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland, of Irish descent. His father, Charles Altamont Doyle, was an alcoholic. Their families live in poverty and are not too happy.

When Doyle was 9 years old, his wealthy relatives pay him for school. Doyle was studying in a boarding school for 7 years. His free soul and tend to rebel dislike the rigid school system. To amuse himself, he made up a story. Many school friend who likes to listen to Doyle's stories.

In 1876 Doyle graduated, but the father hospitalized in a mental hospital instead. Doyle decided to enter medical school at the University of Edinburgh. In the middle of the study, he took time to write short stories and send it to the media. Doyle was 20 years old when he was offered to become a doctor on the ship, Hope, that towards the North Pole. In this journey, the adventure soul of Doyle honed.

After returning to England, and graduated as a doctor, Doyle opened the practice in Portsmouth. Slow but sure, the career of the young doctor uphill. He also began to build a family together Louisa Hawkins, whom he married in 1885. But that does not mean his desire to become a writer forgotten.

In March 1886, Doyle began writing a novel that catapulted his name. Two years later, the novel A Study in Scarlet appeared, and the world knew Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Then Sherlock Holmes became a legend and Doyle was leaving a career as a physician to fully concentrate as a writer.

In July 1930, the author was found fallen in his yard in East Sussex, with one hand gripping the left chest. He breathed his last surrounded by his family, with his last words were addressed to his wife, "You're Really Beautiful". Words that also reflects the life as the creator of Sherlock Holmes.

What a great story! It turns out that behind the remarkable character of Sherlock Holmes, the creator is also the great one. Because of its legendary, the government opened The Sherlock Holmes Museum which is a privately run museum in London, England, dedicated to the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. It opened in 1990 and is situated in Baker Street, bearing the number 221B by permission of the City of WestminsterHow about it, mate? Have you read all the great stories of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson? I've read everything already you know! There are many other incredible British writers which I will write in my blog. Keep reading my blog, lads. Keep Calm and God Save All of Us!

Afternoon Tea - Royal Family and Britons Tradition

     

       Drinking tea is not something special in Indonesia. In Indonesia, drinking tea is usually enjoyed in the morning or in the afternoon by reading the newspaper or as serving drinks to the guests. By contrast, as in certain countries such as the UK, Japan, Russia and China where tea is part of a tradition and culture. Every country has its own history, culture and traditions which is different each other. A tradition in the state is also inseparable from the history. A unique history make tea as a tradition in the UK.

       The first entered of a tea in the UK in 1662 by Catherine of Braganza, who is Prince Charles II ( King of England) wife. When she comes to the UK, the princess brought tea leaves from her country. In the moment of garden party or private party, Catherine serving a cup of tea to the duchess. Unexpectedly, the tea turned out to be favored by the nobles.

       The afternoon tea tradition first emerged from the kingdom. Precisely in the early 1800s, the British countess initiated the tradition of drinking tea in the afternoon because the meal only done twice a day that is at breakfast and dinner. So as waiting in for the dinner, these British countess feel hungry. No exception Queen Anna Maria Stanhope Russal, a seventh generation of Queen Consort in Bradford, England, which has a strategy to deal with this problem.

       Queen Anna asked his bodyguards to provide tea and several kinds of cakes in the afternoon. She drank the tea and ate the cakes on the quite in her bedroom. However, as time passes, the other British nobility also do the same thing. Therefore, the tradition of drinking tea in the afternoon passed on to this day, although the meal is increased to three times a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus afternoon tea. However, because of afternoon tea was born around British nobility, this tradition is being considered quite luxurious in the UK. Usually, the Britons doing the afternoon tea for a celebration days, birthdays and weddings.

       Although afternoon tea is a tradition in the UK, but only certain people can doing this tradition. Tea prices increased in the UK causing this tradition can only be enjoyed by the nobility. Increasing the price of tea due to the tea tax rates that are still monopolized by China. In addition to the expensive price, tea culture is synonymous with luxury equipment and the particular procedure. Many variants of tea are served for afternoon tea such as english breakfast, earl gray, chamommile, peppermint, jasmine green tea, edelflower tea , lapsang souchong tea from China and many other kinds of tea.

       Twinings tea is a brand of tea which is very close to the British royal family. Twinings is the person who first introduced her tea to the royal family. Until now Twinings name is always present in any event of the British Kingdom. 

       The tradition of drinking tea in England known as afternoon tea. Afternoon tea was held at 3-5 pm. It is served with snacks such as sandwiches, scones, thick cream, assorted sweet foods such as cakes and pastry. Scones is a traditional English cake in the form of pastry filled with jam from fruits. The food is served on a tray with sweets terraced placed at the very top.

       In addition, there is also the other tea tradition known as high tea which is served early at 6 pm before dinner. The menu is different with afternoon tea that is bread, meat, fish, eggs, cakes and do not forget presented along with the tea. This event combines the concept of dinner with afternoon tea. The food served at the high table is not as small lounge like the afternoon tea table.

       Well, it is very unique to know about tea drinking tradition of English nobility. Tea has many benefits one of them as an antioxidant and free radical scavengers. So anyone who wants to try the tradition of drinking tea in the afternoon? or even you are already making it a tradition every afternoon as well? I  still have a lot of information about the UK. Read on my blog. Keep Calm and God Save All of Us!

11 Classic British Dishes have got your mouth watering

The United Kingdom is possibly one of our favorite destinations if you are looking for tradition. Yes, not only a tourist attractions. We do have a wide and varied cuisine in Britain today, no more do we suffer under the image of grey boiled meat! After years of disparagement by various countries (especially the French) Britain now has an enviable culinary reputation. In fact some of the great chefs now come from Britain, I kid you not!

However Britain's culinary expertise is not new! In the past British cooking was amongst the best in the world. Traditional British cuisine is substantial, yet simple and wholesome. The aim of this article is to pay homage to the British culinary revolution with 10 classic dishes that you have to try.

1. Lancashire Hotpot

The Irish have their stew, the Welsh have Cawl and in Lancashire they have Hotpot. Lancashire Hotpot is probably the most famous dish to come from the county of Lancashire and as you can see in this recipe it is very simple and straightforward to make. Hotpot is a long, slow cooked recipe, yet unlike many stews, it is still quite light and suitable for eating all year round (save perhaps on a really hot summer's day). Pop it in the oven, leave for a couple of hours and you have a great supper dish and, it tastes even better the next day when the flavours have had time to develop.

2. Bangers and Mash

You might see this on offer in a pub or cafe. Simply put, bangers are sausages, and mash is potato that's been boiled and then mashed up (usually with butter). The sausage used in bangers and mash can be made of pork or beef with apple or tomato seasoning; often a Lincolnshire, or Cumberland sausage is used. The dish is usually served with a rich onion gravy. Although sometimes stated that the term "bangers" has its origins in World War II, the term was actually in use at least as far back as 1919. The name banger is believed to come from the habit of sausages bursting in the pan with a bang if cooked too quickly.

3. Steak and kidney pie

A classic in British Food has to be the Steak and Kidney Pie. This steak and kidney pie recipe, may at first seem a little daunting but that is only because the filing needs a long slow cook, but that gives you lots of time to make the pastry. To save time, you can make the pastry ahead of time or use the time while the filling is cooking to make and rest the pastry.

4. Kedgeree

Kedgeree is a traditional British breakfast dish made from curried rice, smoked fish, boiled eggs, parsley and lemon juice. Kedgeree may be considered a traditional British breakfast dish but its roots are well bedded in Indian cooking having started its life as khichari, a humble dish of rice and lentils. Thanks to the British Raj and the colonization of the sub-continent the dish was taken, adapted and turned into something more familiar to those serving in India, and it returned to these shores with them.

5. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is one of Britain's favorite foods. This is the UK’s most popular dish and was, as legend says, created in an Indian restaurant in Glasgow. It is even considered one of our national dishes. There are many chicken tikka masala recipes, some hot, some creamy, some creamy and hot! This is my favorite chicken tikka masala recipe because I like a spicy, but not too hot or creamy dish. It is so easy to make and the success of the dish is allowing plenty of time to marinate the chicken; allow a minimum of 2 hours up to overnight in the refrigerator.

6. Fish and chips

Deep-fried fish in a crispy batter with fat golden chips is still one of Britain and Ireland's favorite meals. The love for them ranks alongside Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddings , and the recently nominated Chicken Tikka Masala , as the English National Dish .
No one knows precisely where or when fish and chips came together. Chips (pommes frites) had arrived in Britain from France in the eighteenth century. The first mention in 1854 was when a leading chef included ‘thin cut potatoes cooked in oil’ in his recipe book, Shilling Cookery. Around this time fish warehouses sold fried fish and bread, with mention of them in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist published in 1830.
There are claims to the first ‘chippie’ (fish and chip shop) from Lancashire in the North and London in the South of England. Whoever it may have been, the trade grew to feed a rapidly expanding population, reaching a staggering 35,000 shops in the 1930’s, leveling to around 11,000 now. The Federation of Fish Friers in the UK claim that in 1995 the British consumed 300 million servings of fish and chips equating to six servings for every man woman and child in the country. The record for the largest number of portions sold in one day by an independent fish and chip shop is over 4,000.
Fish and chips helped feed the masses during the First World War and were one of only a few foods not rationed in the Second.

7. Full Sunday Roast : Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding

What is a Full Sunday Roast? Given that Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding is one of the British national dishes it comes as no surprise In Britain and Ireland Sunday lunch is considered one of the main meals of the week. Across the British Isles and Ireland there are different names for this special meal and you will hear it called Sunday lunch, Sunday dinner (even if it is eaten at lunchtime) and most commonly, a full Sunday roast. Sunday lunch is referred to as a full Sunday roast because the star player in the lunch is a roast meat. There is no better main course for a traditional Sunday lunch than a roast. Roast Beef is the number one favorite but other roasts like pork, lamb or chicken work well. Yorkshire Puddings are sometimes served as a starter or with the main course alongside the meat with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables. No Sunday Roast is complete without lashings of gravy made from the meat juices.

8. Beef Wellington

If you want a classy dish to feed your crowd then look no further than a classic British food - a Beef Wellington.
Beef Wellington was named after the Duke of Wellington in 1851 and has graced British tables ever since. It is based on a classic French boeuf en croute - beef wrapped in pastry. When perfectly cooked, the beef remains soft and melting and the pastry jacket, crisp and golden. Cooking several Wellingtons is no easy job but the results are fabulous. Serve with huge tureens of vegetables and you are on to a winner.

9. Welsh Rarebit

Welsh rarebit, perhaps the most famous Welsh dish of them all and one which, along with Irish Stew and Scottish Haggis, travelled the world over. This tasty treat is a chic version of cheese on toast and is made using grated Cheddar or Stilton cheese and a mustard and beer sauce that is mixed together with an egg and placed on top of a slice of toast before being grilled in the oven.

10. Syllabub

In the seventeenth century, a milkmaid would send a stream of new, warm milk directly from a cow into a bowl of spiced cider or ale. A light curd would form on top with a lovely whey underneath. This, according to Elizabeth David, was the original syllabub. Today's syllabub is more solid (its origins can also be traced to the seventeenth century, albeit to the upper classes) and mixes sherry and/or brandy, sugar, lemon, nutmeg, and double cream into a custard-like dessert or an eggnog-like beverage, depending upon the cook.

11. Bubble and Squeak

Bubble and squeak (sometimes just called bubble) is a traditional English dish made with the shallow-fried leftover vegetables from a Sunday roast dinner. The chief ingredients are potato and cabbage, but carrots, peas, brussels sprouts, and other vegetables can be added. It is usually served with cold meat from the Sunday roast, and pickles, but you can eat it on its own. Traditionally the meat was added to the bubble and squeak itself, although nowadays the vegetarian version is more common. The cold chopped vegetables (and cold chopped meat if used) are fried in a pan together with mashed potato until the mixture is well-cooked and browned. There are various theories as to the origin of its name, one of them being that it is a description of the action and sound made during the cooking process.

There are many more traditional foods in the UK that actually make you feel hungry, but traditional foods above are the most popular. How about that? How hungry you are seeing all the delicious British traditional food ? there's more diversity in the UK that I will discuss in my blog. Do not forget to read my blog. Keep Calm and God Save All of Us !!

The differences between England, UK and Great Britain

Many people are still puzzled as why there are several designations for England. There are several people only call it England, some call it the UK and even some call it Great Britain. For people who do not live in the UK as an example Indonesian people will certainly find it difficult to understand. In this article I will explain the differences and the meaning of each term.

• What is the UK or the United Kingdom ?

Name of the country we are talking about is the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. UK was formed in 1770 which is a combination among England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. United Kingdom consists of several countries, that are England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland called as the State is mistaken. So in Indonesia if a news on TV or internet call "British Prime Minister" means the question is the Prime Minister of the UK or the United Kingdom. In addition, the definition of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland is different. Prior to 1922, the definition of UK is including the Republic of Ireland but after independence only Republic of Northern Ireland are to be part of the UK. The official language of the UK is English. Even though, Wales and Scotland have their own language but both are much the use of English.

• What is Great Britain ?

The term Great Britain is an island which consists of England, Scotland, and Wales. Britain and Great Britain are two different terms. Britain is the official name of the only two kingdoms which are England and Wales even though Great Britain comprises England, Scotland and Wales. This title is given by the Romans when it came to the island of Britain. The capital of England is London, the capital of Wales is Cardiff, the capital of Scotland is Edinburgh, the capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast.

• What is England ?

England is one of the parts that make up the United Kingdom other than Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The most extensive region of England among other Adala is 2/3 (two thirds) broad United Kingdom. The word England comes from Anglos. This title is given by the German people who invaded Britain in the 5th century. If you watch the England football team with the Red Cross flag, it is England not the UK.

• The differences between British and English

Many people think that 'English' is the same as 'British'. It is not! People who are English are from the country of England. On the other hand, British people are people who live in Great Britain and the UK. English is certainly British but the British are not necessarily English because the people in Scotland and Wales do not want to be called as English, they are referred to as Scottish or Welsh. They do not live in England and they have their own parliaments, so why should they take their identity from England? They have their own identity.

• History of the making of the UK

In 1543 during the Tudor period. England and Wales are the unity region while Scotland and Ireland is a separate kingdom that has its own parliament and legislation. In 1603 England and Scotland has one king, King James IV of Scots who became know as King James I in England. Scotland and England became one until 1652. In 1707 through "The Act of Union", Scotland became part of the United Kingdom. In 1801, there was an agreement to merge into (Union Act) a territory called "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland". In 1922 through Anglo-Irish agreement, Irish eliminated from the UK so that the remaining Northern Ireland are to be part of the UK. While the Southern part of Ireland become an independent country.

The description above is a brief explanation of the differences between England, UK and Great Britain. It is quite obvious after reading my article, right? have you become more curious about this royal kingdom? Do not forget, read on my articles. Keep Calm and God Save All of Us!

10 horrendous places in the UK you should visit

United Kingdom has always been famous with a wide range of tourist attractions that invite curiosity entire travel lovers worldwide. Its  legendary and very well preserved tourist attractions, making the country which is now led by Queen Elizabeth II is getting looks amazing as it seemed graceful and beautiful. These are horrendous places in the UK.

1. Big Ben Clock Tower

Big Ben clock tower is located in London exactly at the eastern end of Westminster Bridge, Parliament Square and the eastern end of the Houses of Parliament. The name Big Ben originally taken from a small bell that was in it, formerly called the Great Bell. Big Ben is also a more popular term for Elizabeth Tower. The tower was built as part of a plan to build a new palace by Charles Barry, after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire on the night of October 22, 1834. The tower height 96.3 meters (316 feet) and was built by the Victorian Gothic style. Caused by several things including thermal effects, changes in soil conditions, the clock tower Big Ben suffered a slope to the west sea to 8.66 inches. Big Ben was made by Edward John Dent and designed by a lawyer and a royal astronomer Edmund Beckett Denison and that George Airy.

2. The London Eye

The London Eye is the tallest ride in London, England. The shape resembles a giant windmill with a height of 135 meters and 120 meters in diameter wheel. The London Eye is located on the banks of the River Thames, precisely located next to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben clock tower legendary. Designed by architects David Marks and Julian Barfield, this giant wheel consists of 32 pieces of the capsule. It will rotate at speeds of 0.26 meters per second. You will spend about 30 minutes for one round. With this considerable time, we can enjoy the view of London as much as you like.The London Eye are becoming the tallest Ferris wheel as Europe was not only interesting foreign tourists but also  local residents. The location of London Eye is very strategic, it makes this destination visited by many travelers.

3. Tower Bridge

London's Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. Its Victorian Gothic style stems from a law that forced the designers to create a structure that would be in harmony with the nearby Tower of London. Plans for the Tower Bridge were devised around 1876 when the east of London became extremely crowded and a bridge across the Thames in that area of the city seemed a necessity. It would take another eight years - and lots of discussions about the design - before construction of the bridge started. The bridge, designed by city architect Horace Jones in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry, would eventually be completed in 1894. Taking photographs of the Tower bridge is a favorite London tourist activity, but you can also go inside the bridge, where you'll have a magnificent view over London from the walkway between the two bridge towers. 

4. Tower of London

                                         

The Tower of London was built at the beginning of the eleventh century by William the conqueror. The tower was expanded during the thirteenth century into the fortified complex that we know today. The Tower's most popular attraction is its famous collection of Crown Jewels. Construction of the Tower of London was initiated in 1070 by William the Conqueror, shortly after his victory at Hastings in 1066. The Tower was built to enforce the power of the Norman king over the newly conquered land. The fortress, strategically located at the Thames, was originally not more than a temporary wooden building which was replaced later by the White Tower. Over time the complex was expanded into a stronghold with about twenty towers.Today the Tower of London is best known for its Crown Jewels, but it used to be notorious for the many political opponents of the kings that were locked, tortured and killed in the Tower. The Tower was also a royal residence: several kings lived here, especially during turbulent times when the donjon seemed a lot safer than the palace in Westminster.

5. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official London residence and is used to receive and entertain guests on state, ceremonial and official occasions for the Royal Family. The palace was originally built in 1705 for the Duke of Buckingham. The Palace is located between The Green Park, Hyde Park and St. James's Park. Buckingham Palace's 19 state rooms, ballroom and gardens are open to visitors during August and September while the Queen makes her annual visit to Balmoral. The State rooms house some of the Royal family's greatest treasures including paintings and the finest French and English furniture. Visit the spectacular Palace Ballroom and tour the Palace gardens with views of the west front of the Palace and the lake. There is an entry fee and tickets are limited so you should book ahead if possible. 

The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11.30 every day in summer, every other day in winter. The New Guard marches to the Palace from Wellington Barracks with a Guards band, the Old Guard hands over in a ceremony during which the sentries are changed and then returns to barracks.The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and is free to watch. 

The Victoria Memorial is the golden statue of Queen Victoria which sits in front of the Palace facing down The Mall.The Queen's Gallery is a permanent space dedicated to exhibitions of items from the Royal Collection, the wide-ranging collection of art and treasures held in trust by The Queen for the Nation. Only a small part of the collection is on display at any time so the objects on display are continuously rotated making it worthy of repeat visits. The Royal Mews houses the State vehicles used by the Royal Family for coronations, State Visits and royal weddings. The stables are also home to the horses that take part in The Queen's official and ceremonial duties. 

6. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a square in the centre of London and is named after the battle of Trafalgar. The focal point of Trafalgar Square is Nelson's Column which towers 151 ft above the square with an 18 ft statue of Nelson on top. At the bottom of Nelson's column are four bronze cast lions that appear to be on guard. There are four plinths within the square. Three of them support permanent statues of General Sir Charles James Napier, Major General Sir Henry Havelock and King George IV and The Fourth Plinth displays a piece of contemporary art that is on a changing programme. On the north side of the square there is a cafe serving food and drinks from 10am until 6pm everyday. Heritage wardens are present in the square, 24 hours a day and can answer questions and advise tourists about local attractions. Trafalgar Square used to be famous for the thousands of pigeons that congregate there and one of the attractions was to feed them. However, the pigeons caused a lot of mess within the square and it is now forbidden to feed them. The nearest underground tube station is Charing Cross on the Northern and Bakerloo lines.

7. Gherkin

30 St Mary Axe, is affectionately known as the Gherkin due to its Gherkin like shape. It is a 40 floor skyscraper located in London's financial district and was designed by Lord Foster and Ken Shuttleworth. The building was officially opened in May 2004 and uses several energy saving methods which make it twice as power efficient as other skyscrapers of its size. There is a plaza with an Arcadian Garden on the ground where the public can marvel at the sixth tallest building in London. Despite its curved appearance, The Gherkin only has one piece of curved glass in its construction and that is the lens at the top of the building. 

8. British Museum

The British Museum, opened in 1753, houses a world collection of art and antiquities from ancient and living cultures that spans two million years of history. There are over 7 million artefacts housed in the museum representing every history period from the Vikings to the Romans to the Egyptians and Medievel Europe with examples of pottery, jewellery, statues, paintings, sculptures and many more. Entry to the museum is free but there are admission charges for entry to exhibitions. As exhibitions change, check the website or call for specific information.There are lots of activities for children including six trails to explore, workshops, performances and storytelling and backpacks containing puzzles and games. Free art materials are also available for you to create your own pictures. There is a restaurant, two cafes and a picnic area. 

9. Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace has been home to the royal family for over 300 years and was where Diana Princess of Wales resided. Today it is the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Kensington Palace holds a wealth of history with many Royals calling it home over the years. It has all the glamour and grandeur you would expect of a palace. The King's Apartment has an amazing collection of old masters including Tintoretto and Van Dyck and the staircase walls are painted with William Kent's life sized portrayal of George I's court. The magnificent State apartments are open to the public and include an exhibition of Diana's dresses and Princess Margaret's love of fashion. Visit the Orangery to sample one of the finest tea selections in London as well as a range of premium wines and champagnes. A typical visit to Kensington Palace lasts about 2 hours. 

10. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a circle of ancient stones erected between 3000BC and 1,600BC. It is one of the most important prehistoric monument sites in Britain. It was constructed in three phases and it has been estimated that this took more than 30 million hours of labour. The Bluestones and Sarsen stones were carried hundreds of miles to the Wiltshire site. Mystery surrounds the stone circle as to why it was built. Some think it was designed as a place to worship the sun, others believe it may have been a place of sacrifice. Visitors are not permitted near the stones unless pre-arranged. Viewing is behind a fence that runs around the stone circle.

Those are some amazing tourist attractions that exist in the UK. Everything is still beautiful because local government is keeping the value of history and elegance properly maintained. There are so many amazing things that you all need to know about the UK. Do not forget to keep reading my blog because I will review and discuss all things related to the UK. Keep calm and God save all of us ! Don't forget to share it, mate :)