London, the capital city of England in the United Kingdom of Great Britain, is one of the top vacation destinations in Europe. One of the main reasons for the popularity of London is the fact that it has so many historically important buildings and landmarks as well as a number of world class tourist attractions. While many of the top places to visit are either directly or indirectly related to the Royal Family of Great Britain the ancient traditions and historical institutions add to the unique appeal of this wonderfully diverse city.
Throughout the history of the United Kingdom it would seem that most of the important events have occurred in London. Obviously, with the King or Queen living in the city and the Houses of Parliament being there, most of the important political events happened in London. However the city also has played an important role in the cultural development of Great Britain and this was extremely apparent during the lively period which has become known as the “Swinging Sixties”. With important events such as the “Ally Pally Pothead Rally” taking place and the most famous bands basing themselves in the city, London has, for many decades, acted as the musical capital of England and the United Kingdom.
One road in London is instantaneouslsy recognisable all over the world. However, it is only recognisable from a certain angle. The road is ‘Abbey Road’, well known as the cover of the Beatles album of the same name. The four members of the band are shown walking across the road, John in his white suit and Paul in barefeet.
Many fans found the album cover distressing. It was rumoured that Paul McCartney had died in a car accident, and this photograph was proof. The clues that supported the rumour were, Paul had his eyes closed, was walking barefoot, he was smoking using his right hand when he was left handed and all the other members of the Beatles had their left feet forward but Paul had his right foot forward. These are only the most common clues said to be in the photograph.
The Beatles famous album, Abbey Road, was so called after the road in which they recorded the album. At no.3 Abbey Road were the EMI Studios, where the band along with EMI Producer George Martin, recorded the majority of their works. The studios were not renamed until 1970 when the Beatles had completed recording an album, which proved to be their last ever album recorded together.
The Beatles have just as many fans worldwide now as they did during their heyday. Every year, a lot of fans make the trek to London to visit Abbey Road. Like their idols they wait to have their photographs taken striding across the pedestrian crossing. At times the fans have to wait a while until traffic disperses.
The studio is situated within a converted Georgian townhouse, in the fashionable residential area of St John’s Wood. The building has ample space for more than one studio as the garden has been encroached upon with buildings in this area too. The property next door is also owned by EMI, and is used by the recording artists working in the studios. In 1967 the Beatles recorded their remarkable album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band at the Abbey Road Studio. In total they spent over 18 weeks there.
When planning a visit to the Uk, Abbey Road is often found amongst the lists of landmarks to visit. So whilst on holiday here you might like to have your photograph taken at the world famous studios or emulate the Beatles and have your photograph taken whilst walking across the road.
London has plenty of places to visit, Buckingham Palace, London Zoo and many other typical tourist attractions but the city of London also has a large number of places to visit that are not so well known. These places are well worth the effort to discover them and this is done easily over the Internet or by purchasing a quality guidebook to London. The next time you find yourself in the city you should take the time to visit one or two of these special places or maybe take in one of the organized tours that cover a vast range of topics besides the usual tours of landmarks.