November – A Very British Month

Visit London in November and you can have some uniquely British experiences – and a great Thanksgiving break.
5 November 2004 – Bonfire Night. Bonfires are lit and there are fireworks displays all over London (and the UK) to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot, an attempt to blow up James I and his Parliament. The plot’s most famous conspirator, Guy Fawkes, (“The Guy”) is burned as an effigy. Although the official anniversary is on the 5th, bonfires and firework displays start up to 2 weeks before and go on for a week after the actual date. More details at: http://www.bonefire.org/guy/

13 November 2004 – The Lord Mayor’s Show. The inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London. The first Lord Mayor’s Show was held in 1215 when King John’s Charter stipulated that the new Lord Mayor must swear an oath of allegiance to the King and also to literally ‘show’ himself to the people. Since then only major disasters such as the Black Death have stopped the Show. The Lord Mayor’s procession winds through nearly 800 years of London’s history, marching unscathed through everything from the black death to the blitz. From 1422 and for centuries after, it travelled down the River Thames – hence the term ‘floats’, and there followed a time when the Lord Mayor rode on horseback. Since 1757 however, Lord Mayors have travelled in the famous ceremonial gold coach. In the 21st century, it’s a day out for half a million people, with 3 million more watching on the BBC. The festivities culminate in a fine firework display set off from a barge on the Thames. Good vantage points
are from Victoria Embankment, Blackfriars Bridge, or Waterloo Bridge. More details. http://www.lordmayorsshow.org/

13 Nov – 14 Nov. The Kennel Club (the organisers of the world famous Crufts dog show) presents “Discover Dogs” in London’s Earls Court Exhibition Centre. Over 180 breeds of pedigree dog will be on display under one roof. Other attractions include numerous canine displays and a variety of trade stands selling related products and services. London’s leading canine event. More details at: http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/index.asp?section=crufts/cruftsframe.html

21 Nov – 22 Nov Chelsea Christmas Craft and Gift Fair showing the creations of more than 100 professional artists and designers from all parts of the UK. Held in Chelsea Old Town Hall in the King’s Road this is ideal Christmas present shopping. More details at: http://www.edencrafts.co.uk/

26 November 2004 (date to be confirmed) State Opening of Parliament. The State Opening of Parliament marks the start of the parliamentary session. It occurs when Parliament reassembles after a general election, and each subsequent year it is normally in November. It’s the main ceremonial event of the parliamentary year, attracting large crowds, both in person and watching on television. The Queen drives in state from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. Before the State Opening, the cellars of the Palace of Westminster are to this day searched by the Yeomen of the Guard – a precaution dating back to the Gunpowder Plot of November 1605. More details at: http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page365.asp

No visit to London is complete without a trip to the theatre and shopping. http://www.whatsonstage.com is a great web site to see what’s on and to book your tickets. For shopping, if you need help deciding where to go, visit: http://www.londontown.com/London/Essential_Shopping/

Where to stay?

Make your visit a really British experience and live like a native staying in a house or flat (that’s what the British call an apartment) rather than a hotel. Coach House London Vacation Rentals are the leading specialist in short term central London rentals. They have over 70 properties on their books, ranging from cosy apartments just for 2 to grand mansions that will sleep up to 12. They are a fully accredited member of Visit London – the official visitor organisation for London. Full details of their services and all their properties, together with suggested itineraries and a helpful list of things to see and do can be found at: http://www.rentals.chslondon.com/

Or, for a real British experience, stay in the Coach House (http://www.coachhouse.chslondon.com/), a charming old Victorian Coach House, and experience true English style hospitality. Prices from $50 (Euro40) per person per night and this includes an incredible English breakfast!

August 22, 2004   Posted in: England