London
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Along Whitehall
Banqueting House, Churchill Museum & Parliament
To many the name Whitehall evokes British Government. And, indeed, the Houses of Parliament are at one end of the road running north from Parliament Square. But there's much more along this major London artery than the Palace of Westminster, home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The name derives from the original Palace of Whitehall, home to royalty and its ministers for centuries until destroyed by fire in 1698. Fortunately for today's visitors The Banqueting House, completed in 1622, survived.
Used today for official receptions, the 17th century building is a remarkable work of art inside and out. One of the most outstanding examples of Italian Renaissance in London, the view from the street is spectacular.
But the interior is no less worth a visit. Inside, there are dozens of paintings, decorative items and furniture from the period and later. Visitors can also enjoy lunchtime concerts of classical baroque while they dine.
Nearby are the beautiful Whitehall Gardens. Hosting several memorial sculptures, including one of the famous Gordon of Khartoum, the setting is a pleasant oasis within bustling London. Parts of the destroyed Palace of Whitehall can still be seen, including the wine cellars.
Further along are The Admiralty, the Ministry of Defence building and Horse Guards Parade. Be sure not to miss the two mounted Horse Guards, bedecked in colorful uniforms capped by plumed helmets. If you're visiting in June, arrive in time to see the Trooping the Color ceremony held to celebrate the Queen's Official Birthday.
Continuing the military theme, Trafalgar Square merits a visit where you can see the statue of Lord Nelson in the plaza built to honor his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. At least, you could if it weren't atop a column 174 ft (53 m) high.
Fortunately, you don't need binoculars to get a good look at the four bronze lions at the base. Designed by the renowned Sir Edwin Landseer, the large sculptures constitute some of his best work.
There are several other outdoor sights, including the Cenotaph. Designed to commemorate the fallen of WWI, the empty tomb is the site of a Royal ceremony held in November to honor them.
A recent addition is the excellent Churchill Museum. Used by the famed statesman during WWII to house war planning activity, the Cabinet War Rooms and other areas have been completely restored to the period.
Visitors can see Churchill's private living quarters within the War Rooms and there are dozens of memorabilia about. The £13.5 million ($24 million) Churchill Project has accurately depicted the scenes the British leader and his aides would have seen and lived with.
At the end, Whitehall becomes Parliament Street. Visitors can see Big Ben and (by prior arrangement) view debates from the public galleries of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. Tours are available for two months during the summer when Parliament is out of session ('not sitting', as the British say).
Whitehall is easy to reach via the Tube. Exit at Westminster.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is the center of England in more ways than one. At its south end lies what used to be Charing Cross, the point from which all distances to London are measured. Long since, the cross erected by Edward I in 1290 -as a tribute to his wife, Eleanor- has been replaced by a statue of Charles I atop a horse.
The major construction was completed in 1845 and has enjoyed continual popularity since - sometimes to the regret of its sponsors. The large open piazza-style area is often the preferred site of political demonstrations, and has been from its beginning.
The centerpiece of the center of England is unquestionably the 185-foot column, with the 17-foot statue of Lord Nelson at its peak. This is fitting since the square itself was designed as a tribute to Nelson's military victory of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
At the base of the column are four large bronze lions sculpted by Landseer, sitting atop huge granite plinths. Bronze reliefs at the base depict four of Admiral Nelson's famous battles.
Once home to large flocks of pigeons, the tower and other structures have been rejuvenated after a program to radically decrease the bird population. A program not without controversy, as they were popular with many of the tourists.
The square, apart from being the intersection for several major roadways, holds a dozen things to do and see. All around are working fountains designed in the Neo-Classical style that formed the 'look' of public squares for centuries.
On the north side of the square sits the National Gallery, one of the world's premier art museums. Along with one of the richest collections of paintings, the building itself is a work of art.
East of there is St. Martin's-in-the-Fields church. On the south is Whitehall, where a visitor can see The Cenotaph, built to memorialize the Armistice in 1919.
To the west is Canada House. Visiting Canadians can use the facility to read Canadian newspapers and send or receive emails, but the classical exterior is worth a look for anyone.
On the east side is South Africa House with a delightful display of African animals featured on its stone arches.
If visiting during Christmas, be sure to bundle up and come at night to see the tree lighting ceremony. A tradition since 1947, every year Norway - as an expression of gratitude for British support during WWII - sends a giant spruce or fir to London. The tree is erected and decorated and the Mayor of Oslo joins the Lord Mayor of Westminster to illuminate the tree.
Less than a mile away are several other great sights, such as the Churchill Museum and 10 Downing Street, the home of the Prime Minister since 1732. Dr. Johnson's house -the creator of the first English dictionary and a writer- is about a mile away as is the British Museum, one of the world's largest collections of artifacts.
Where to go from here? There are many options: Explore British food, get familiar with British pubs, travel to another city of the world, taste food in Europe, discover wine in Europe, or return to World Food and Wine home page and seek a new adventure.
