Places to VIsit in London

London offers visitors a great variety of places of interest. It's a dream city to everybody interested in English history and culture.

The British Museum shows works of art from Asia, Egypt, Rome and Greece as well as Britain and other countries. Its well-known library is one of the best in the world.

The Tower of London was founded by Julius Caesar. In 1066 the Tower was rebuilt by William the Conqueror. It was used as a fortress, a royal palace, a prison and the King's Zoo. Now it is a museum.

St. Paul's Cathedral is the largest Protestant Church in England. The famous English architect Sir Christopher Wren built it in the 17^th century.

Trafalgar Square is the centre of London. It is the most beautiful square in London. It is usually full of visitors feeding the pigeons and looking at the statues and fountains. In the middle of the square there is a tall column. It is a monument to Admiral Nelson. Four bronze lions look at the square from the monument. There are two beautiful fountains in the square.

The Houses of Parliament is a symbol of London. Big Ben is the large clock in one of the towers of the Houses of Parliament. Now the Houses of Parliament is the seat of the British Parliament.

Westminster Abbey is situated opposite the Houses of Parliament. It is one of the most famous and beautiful churches in London. Nearly all English kings and queens have been crowned here. Many outstanding statesmen, scientists, writers, poets and painters are buried here: Newton, Darwin, Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling, etc.

Hyde Park used to be a hunting place. Now it is famous for Speaker's Corner where everyone has the right to speak what they want.

London is also famous for its art galleries. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square contains paintings of all schools. The National Portrait Gallery shows portraits of British statesmen, men of science and writers, and the Tate Gallery shows British painting and modern works of art.

MADAM TUSSAUD'S MUSEUM

It's a very good idea to visit Madame Tussaud's Museum! It's just the thing! It's one of the most interesting museums in Great Britain! The exhibition of life-size figures was started in Paris. In 1802 it was taken to London by Madame Tussaud. Here you can find famous historical characters – the royal family, politicians, statesmen and sportsmen, film and pop stars. They are not alive or dead. They are in wax. It's really exciting!

1. Which is the best known prehistoric monument in Britain?

2. Why is Stonehenge so famous and important?

3. What's the birthplace of W. Shakespeare?

4. Why is the town of Oxford famous all over the world?

5. When was Oxford University founded?

6. What is Cambridge famous for?

7. What is the Lake District associated with?

8. Do you believe that there is the Loch Ness Monster in the

lake?

7.2 Find the odd one out.

Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Madam Tussaud's, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cambridge, Oxford, Loch Ness, Lincoln's Memorial.

7.3 The most popular holiday areas in Great Britain can be found in its different parts. Why are they popular? Do the grammar task.

1) The South of England is very popular with tourists from the Continent. Cornwall and Devon are... holiday areas.

attractive - more attractive - ______

2) The North. The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales and Moors are very popular with British holiday-makers. They are among... parts of England.

beautiful - more beautiful - ______

3) East Anglia. A pleasant, mainly agricultural region, ideal for a quiet holiday on the coast of the North Sea. Colchester is... town in England.

old - older - ______

4) Scotland. ____ tourist attractions are the Highlands and the lakes (lochs) – like Loch Ness.

big - bigger - ______