London remains popular destination for seniors

St. Stephen’s Pub is a popular spot for visitors to London. St. Stephen’s Pub is a popular spot for visitors to London. Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close London remains popular destination for seniors 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

London is a great travel destination for seniors. Americans and Brits speak the same language, and the exchange rate is favorable. Also, there’s much to see and do within central London, with many museums and galleries free of charge.

In one of his many travel books, Rick Steves, a leading authority on European travel, writes that, “Under London’s modern traffic and big-city bustle lie 2,000 fascinating years of history.”

Major attractions

Monarchs have been crowned and buried at Westminster Abbey since 1066, amid the abbey’s historic grandeur. Highlights are the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor, the Chapel of King Henry VII, the soaring arches of the great church, and the cloisters.

The Tower of London is a well-preserved royal fortress begun during the reign of William the Conqueror (1066-87). Hundreds of years of history come alive inside this riverside castle. See the Crown Jewels first, to avoid long lines later.

The National Gallery houses one of the world’s greatest collections of western European art. Gaze at paintings by artists such as Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh.

The British Museum has a vast collection of artifacts, art and antiquities. Its galleries are devoted to ancient civilizations. Highlights are the Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, the Portland Vase and Elgin Marbles.

Walk through the Churchill War Rooms to see where Sir Winston Churchill directed military operations in WWII from this underground bunker between Parliament Square and the Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street. Much has been preserved from that period.

Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre, built on the site where his plays were performed centuries ago. It is half-timbered and thatched, as it was in Shakespeare’s time.

Shopping

The famous department store Harrods stocks a wide selection of designer labels, high-end fashion, perfumes and jewelry. Its Food Halls on the ground floor are remarkable and worth a visit.

Liberty is distinctive because of its construction from timbers of two decommissioned Royal Navy battleships. It’s known for its scarves, floral fabric, and gift items.

Restaurants and pubs

One of the joys of eating out in London is that there are so many choices, including Indian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Korean, among others. London’s restaurants cater to every taste and budget.

It also offers the unique, like the 18th century Café in the Crypt below the St. Martin-in-the-Fields church.

It’s fun to stop in at a pub for a drink or meal. There are so many, and some are hundreds of years old.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire, is a four-story warren of small rooms. Customers included Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson.

The George Inn dates from 1676. It is the last of London’s many coaching inns that lined the main highway from London to all points south.

Theaters

London’s theater productions include Shakespeare classics, blockbuster musicals, comedies and thrillers. Nearly all the big-name shows can be seen in the theaters of the West End.

Here are a couple of ways to save money on your trip:

Use airplane miles to shave money off airfare and hotel expenses.

Always ask if there are senior discounts at attractions.

A recent AARP survey reported that after traveling, the participants reported that overall well-being is one of the biggest advantages of travel.

“This research shows there are many health and wellness benefits during all stages of travel,” said Alison Bryant, AARP Research senior vice president.

With something for everyone, from art to grand museums, dazzling architecture, royalty, glorious parks, and more, London invites a visitor to come back again and again.

For more information, go to visitlondon.com.