A short guide to Britain

A short guide to Britain

Gigantic, vivacious and truly multicultural, London is one of the world's great cities, with a plethora of things to offer visitors. Tourists come for London's history or London's royal pageantry but they return for all the charms of the modern London

, not least the extraordinary breadth of London's cultural life, with world-class art galleries and theatres, buzzing nightlife, film, music, culinary and fashion scenes.
And if you are looking for royal pageant event, make sure you choose a London hotel in time for the Trooping of the Color.

A tradition that fills up the streets of London
One of the events that are exclusively British and offer a full street spectacle for both Londoners and tourists is the annual Trooping the Color parade, organized in early June, marks the Queen's official birthday. The event consists of a military parade and march-past by Household Troops on Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall. The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, rides in a carriage during the parade and takes the salutes from a dais on Horseguards Parade. The tradition of having an official birthday for the Sovereign began for practical reasons. Since 1748, the Sovereign?s "official" birthday has been marked by th

is formal military ceremony, normally held on the second Saturday in June. The Queen was actually born on April 21, but it has long been customary to celebrate the Sovereign?s birthday on a day during the summer, when better weather is more likely. Monarchs who had their birthdays in the winter months often encountered problems due to cold, wet weather spoiling parades and other outdoor celebrations. The Queen took part in her first Trooping the Color parade as Princess Elizabeth in 1947. It was the first birthday parade to be held after World War II and she wore her uniform as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. The ceremony started in the 18th century, and comes from the ancient military custom of parading a regiment's flag in front of the troops so that they were familiar with the color that they were fighting under during the confusion of battle. Colors are the names given to the flags of the different parts of the army, also known as regiments. The Colors of the flag has the king or queen's (sovereign's) colors with the soldiers' colors. It also has the title, crest and motto of the regiment with the names of battle honors. Over 1400 officers and men are on parade, together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and corps of drums march and play as one. Some 113 words of command are given by the Officer in Command of the Parade. The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.
Precisely as the clock on the Horse Guards Building strikes eleven, the Royal Procession arrives and The Queen takes the Royal Salute. The parade begins with the Inspection, The Queen driving slowly down the ranks of all eight Guards and then past the Household Cavalry. After the event, the Royal Family gathers on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch an aircraft demonstration.

Affordable lodgings for London?s exclusive event
If you are willing to observe this unique tradition in Europe, you should know that London hotels are basically overbooked during this time of the year, so the best solution is to book well in advance and, even more, use online booking as a reliable way of finding accommodation.
If you are traveling on budget, there are plenty of cheap hotel rooms to find. For an ideal family vacation package or even for cheap corporate travel, you can choose London Shelton Hotel, an oasis of tranquility and elegance in the very heart of London, just a few minutes away from the parade place. Another affordable solution is Windsor House Hotel, which basically has all you need for a comfortable, friendly and inexpensive stay in London. The hotel, which offers all the modern amenities you might need is situated in the heart of London, 10 minute walk to Kensington Palace. Another option would be Exhibition Court Hotel, welcoming you in one of the most affordable and comfortable places in the UK capital.

A taste of London?s luxury accommodations
If you are a luxury corporate traveler, or just coming to town and looking for luxury, go to Somerset Queen?s Gate Gardens, a complex of cozy, elegant rooms built in 1850 and offering all the modern facilities. You might also choose Britannia International Hotel, a superior first-class hotel. Visitors will be charmed with its panoramic view of the River Thames and London skyline. The hotel offers impeccable service in elegant surroundings as well as a French restaurant, pizzeria and carver?s restaurant. If you can afford the price, and wish to be even closer to the parade place, then your ultimate location is The Churchill The luxurious and stylish hotel is a place where friendly service and attention to detail are the highest values. The hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms and suites and an impeccable health club.

No matter where you choose to stay, keep in mind what you are here for, and make sure you make it in time to watch the parade, as it is one of the most exceptional British events throughout the year.

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Laurent Fabier is well known as a partner editor for online hotel reservation serviceslike PlaniGo, economic and marketing sites. His experience ranges from important contributions in written media to news and online travel magazines

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