A Historian’s Haven: London

A wise person once said that one cannot fully understand the present until one understands the past – and never has a truer word been spoken. To fully comprehend the world in which we live in, it is important to know where we were and how we got here. It is only when studying the development of society that we can understand society itself.

It is for this reason that London, the capital city of England, is such an enduringly popular tourist destination. When searching for historical knowledge, the hundreds of years of past are wrapped within the walls of this great city – the foundation of the greatest Empire the world has ever seen. London is a significant historical city, particularly for those interested in politics and monarchy. In many cases, if something has happened in history, it either happened in London or the inspiration was taken from events in the capital.

London is now a thriving metropolis, teaming with the latest avant garde fashions and a night life to satisfy even the most debauched night club goer. Yet behind the current glare of fashion, beauty and the high life sits a bloody and torn history of London, that helped shape the fabric of the world today. This is a city that has suffered, seen horrific acts and witnessed some of the most crucial decisions in history. It is therefore a historian’s haven, and long may it continue.

To try and list all of the sites of historical significance in London would be akin to attempting to count the grains of sand upon a beach. There is, however, a key highlight that should be included in any sightseeing tour of this fascinating city.

The Tower of London, in the centre of the city, is a Medieval fortress, royal palace and prison – although perhaps best known for the latter. Having been built by William the Conqueror in 1077 and used as a stronghold for the monarchy ever since, it has served equally as a royal residence and a royal prison. The most celebrated monarch of all time, Elizabeth I, was once held in the tower on suspicion of treason. With nearly 1,000 years of history, no visit to London would be complete with a trip to the Tower.

Dublin: The Fairest of Them All?

Once upon a time, Dublin was the hub of the Irish Republican Army and their struggle to free themselves from the clutches of the British. It was the rallying point for the likes of Podraig Pearse and Eamon De Valera, the capital of Ireland and the scene of some of the most disturbing struggles for freedom in the history of the world. Now, it is a city where drunken stockbrokers go for a stag weekend and the “craic”.

The image of Dublin as, essentially, party central is not incorrect. There is no doubt that the capital of the Republic of Ireland is a brilliant place to have a night out, enjoying the fun – or “craic”, as English and American tourists like to say, while the Irish shy away from this phrase – of the notorious Temple Bar and sampling the world famous Guinness. Yet Dublin is so much more than that, a fact rarely appreciated by the weekend crowd who see it nothing more than a larger night club.

Dublin is one of the most charming cities on the face of the planet, and deserves a little more credit than the booze-fuelled weekends it is becoming synonymous with. As well as the moving stories of the Easter Rising in 1916, where Ireland battled with Britain to be free from their oppression regime, there city has hundreds of years of history dating back to before Christ.

The city is also a hub for fans of literature. Over the years, the city has been the home of many world famous writers, including Oscar Wilde and Dracula author, Bram Stoker. In fact, one can visit the house and street where Dracula, the forerunner to the vampire fiction of today, was actually written.

Dublin is also host to distilleries and museums celebrated that favorite Irish past-time: drinking. Factories and museums of Dublin’s two most famous exports, the stout drink Guinness and whiskey, can be visited and enjoyed. Each tour of the distillery ends with a tasting session; thankfully, a taxi rank is located outside for convenience of the less than sober visitors who must find their way home!

Simply, look beyond the night life and one soon discovers a Dublin of historical and cultural significance… all of which can be taken in with a night on the town, of course.

Enjoy A Scottish Fling in Edinburgh

It is unlikely that, when planning a holiday or even a city break, the nation of Scotland springs to mind. There is an unfortunate association with Scotland and bad weather, and while Scotland does get the worst of the UK weather systems it is nevertheless a charming place to visit. During the summer months in particular, the weather can be just as pleasant as in the south of the union.

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is not known as a destination for a city break – but it should be. The things that attract people to city breaks in cities such as Rome, Amsterdam and London are all available at Edinburgh.

There is a thriving night life, in terms of both a night club scene and a restaurant and bar scene. Edinburgh is well priced for a night out, compared to some of the more traditional city break destinations. There is plenty to see and do around the city, as well; Edinburgh Zoo is world famous for its animals and reptile enclosures, and it is a fun day out for any family or even a couple interested in seeing some of the world’s most exclusive animals.

Edinburgh is also home to a great many historical sites. Above the city on a hill sits Edinburgh Castle, a Scottish stronghold for centuries and a place rich and full of history. The Castle has been preserved and makes for an interesting and fun day out, where it is possible to both learn and absorb the history and indulge in playful games if you have children with you.

The city is also near to some of the most stunning golf courses in the world, making it ideal for an extended leisure break that can incorporate a quick round on the greens.

As Edinburgh is a capital city, it is fairly expensive to stay in, but no more so than any of the other European capitals. The main airport, Edinburgh International, deals with flights from both within the UK and international destinations. Edinburgh is an accessible and interesting place to visit, and deserves a place on the city break map.