First Tunnel Under the Thames Opened to the Public for Two Days – Video Inside

Oh man do I wish I had been in London for this once in a lifetime event. The Thames Tunnel built by Isembard Kingdom Brunel (coolest name ever) – also known as the first tunnel under the River Thames – was opened to the public for two days.

The tunnel is being refurbished as part of the modernization of the East London Line on the London Underground and the public were given the chance to tour the tunnel for the first time in 150 years – and probably the last time as well.

The event was incredibly popular – I hope they open it up again.

Here’s a cool video from ITN News all about it.

Rick Steves in England: Exploring Great Side Trips from London

When I was growing up the one show that really inspired me to travel to Europe was the wonderful – if a little hokey – travel show presented by Rick Steves on PBS.

Thanks to the wonders of the internet, some of those shows are now available online and we can share them with you.

So, as part of an ongoing series, here’s some of Rick Steves’ shows from Britain.

Rick Steves’ Europe: Exploring Great Side Trips from London

Picadilly Circus To Get A Major Facelift for London 2012

The New and Improved Piccadilly Circus

When Americans think of quintessential London landmarks, Piccadilly Circus is in the top ten attractions. This famous London landmark is going to undergo a face lift. I have been to Piccadilly Circus many times, and found it to be not very pedestrian friendly, however all of that is going to change. Piccadilly Circus will be undergoing a £14m renovation to make the landmark more pedestrian friendly.

This new face lift for the iconic landmark is in perpetration for the London 2012 summer Olympics The redesign allows for more traffic to flow through the area, to accomdate future congestion that will be caused by the games. Colin Barrow leader of Westminster Council said:

“In 2012 our capital will capture the world’s attention and our plans to transform Piccadilly Circus and the surrounding area will ensure visitors are as impressed by the city’s streets and all they have to offer, as they are with the sporting talent many will have travelled so far to see.”

I will be excited to see this new redesign of this iconic landmark. Another landmark, in Piccadilly Circus will also undergo some renovations, The Trocadero is due to be completely redeveloped and turned into an innovative budget hotel. This wonderful landmark was previously a mall. I must say without an malice, it was one of the strangest places I have ever been to.  The mall has since closed, and a new hotel will occupy the Trocadero by 2012.

What’s the best way to get into central London from Heathrow Airport?

Well, it depends. By far the cheapest way to get into London from Heathrow is to take the Tube on the Picadilly line. It’s no more than a regular zone 6 Tube fare (about $15 or so). The journey is 45 minutes or so and you get to see a lot of London as you come in from the suburbs. However, it’s can be annoying dealing with a lot of luggage, especially during rush hour – where you will most likely earn the hate of Londoners.

The quickest way into central London from Heathrow is to take the Heathrow Express train – it only take 15 minutes and drops you off in the center of London at Paddington Station. It’s a bit pricey though – £16.50 (about $25), each way. More than twice what the Tube costs. But it saves time. You catch it right in the terminal so it’s easy to be from the plane into central London within 30 minutes.

The most expensive option by far is to take a taxi cab from the airport into central London. It’s the most scenic – you’ll get to see London from a new perspective and usually the cabbies are talkative and nice. Expect to spend £50+ each way though. Also, traffic is just the same as any other major city and sitting in it is no fun in London.

There are many services that run mini-buses from the airport and most will drop you off at your hotel. But it’s a little pricey as well and you have to travel all around London as the other passengers are dropped off.

So if you’re looking to save money then take the Tube – if you can afford it, I would recommend the Heathrow Express.

New US Embassy in London Revealed – What Do You Think?

The current US Embassy in London is one of the ugliest buildings I’ve ever seen and an eyesore on beautiful Grosvenor Square. Due to security reasons and various other issues – we’re going to be building a new embassy south of the river in Nine elms.

Generally the US keeps what these things a secret for security purposes, but that was no match for the UK planning authorities. The US needs planning permission just like everyone else, so some images of the design were recently released and it doesn’t look half bad. It’s modern, glass clad and features innovative security measures. It’s also going to cost $1 billion.

Here are some pictures:

I like it. What do you guys think of the new American Embassy in London?

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