Coming up in London on June 11 is the Queen’s “official” birthday, not to be confused with her actual birthday on April 21. While there aren’t too many 82-year-olds looking to celebrate two birthdays in one year, Elizabeth is a good sport about it—and why shouldn’t she be? Each occasion merits Royal Gun Salutes—smoky, booming affairs, involving cannon blasts and artillery troops in full-on uniforms. Who says Her Royal Majesty doesn’t know how to party! There are two salutes that take place simultaneously in Hyde Park and at The Tower of London at noon—and New York Habitat has vacation rentals that put you within earshot of each celebration but keep you out of the line of fire!
London Accommodation 2-bedroom apartment in City - Islington (LN-449)
Our recommendation is to attend the June celebration when the weather’s warm and the event includes an elaborate Trooping the Colour. We also suggest catching the spectacle at the Tower of London, one of the city’s most historic and recognizable sights, with a sordid and storied past. On any day, the London landmark, built in 1066 and infamous ever since as a prison and place of execution, would be worth a visit, even if you just stand on the front lawn and listen to the first part of the Yeoman’s tour for free—but on the Queen’s birthday, cannon balls are shot from its grounds across the Thames River.
With flags hoisted high in honor of Her Royal Majesty, the Tower is a fantastic backdrop for this centuries-old tradition that has been taking place since Anne Boleyn’s coronation. You can get an amazing vantage point from midway across the theatrical setting of Tower Bridge. Besides, the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower shoots off a 62-gun salute, as opposed to the mere 41 guns going off at Hyde Park—so you’ll be getting more bang for your buck, so to speak.
London Accommodation: studio loft in City - Islington (LN-446)
Getting more bang for your buck is what New York Habitat is all about—just check out the fantastic vacation rentals we have within a few minutes walk of Tower Bridge and the Queen’s birthday festivities:
- A sleek studio apartment in City – Islington (LN-446) with wooden floors, exposed brick and both a double bed and sofa. It was recently renovated but retains much of the structure’s original charm.
- A stylish 1-bedroom vacation rental in City – Islington (LN-447) featuring modern furniture and a private balcony. Our client testimonial proclaims: “The flat in London was great and I enjoyed my stay. I would rent it again because it was central to where I had appointments.”
- A spacious 2-bedroom rental accommodation in City – Islington (LN-449) with contemporary décor and conveniences. The plush couches and accent pieces are appropriate to the occasion, considering that purple is the color of monarchs.
All of these rentals, located on Tanner St. just off Tower Bridge Road, are set within a residential development built around the old Sarson’s Brewery. The buildings, which are now entirely converted into apartment units, have managed to maintain many of the original brewery features. So while other visitors who come to London are proud to have visited a pub or two, you can actually say that you stayed in a former beer factory!
If your living surroundings should inspire you, there are plenty of places nearby to put back a pint: The Bridge House pub next to Tower Bridge, any of the cafés or restaurants in Butler’s Wharf near the Design Museum, or even the bar way up in the Tower Hill Novotel, which gives you a grand view of both the Bridge and the Tower.
As you’re busy toasting your good fortune at having found the perfect New York Habitat accomodation, don’t forget to raise a glass for the birthday girl. To Lizzy, long may she live!
Who are your favorite London icons, past or present? Tell us about them in the comments sections below.
May 20th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
My favorite London icon, alebit fictional, is Oliver Twist! I heard London has a terrible drinking problem, but it’s a really awesome place to live. And the English have such great personalities!
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
In fact, wouldn’t it be brilliant if everyone could have more than one birthday a year? That’s exactly what happens to The Queen. Every year, she has two!