To say that London is among the most modern, most cosmopolitan cities in the world would not be an overstatement. Consider, the heart of the United Kingdom is home to some of the best hotels in the world. When scholars and fans of science or history think of the best place to kick off their research, they think of the world renowned British Museum and the Natural History Museum. Thanks to Britain’s imperial past, London plays home to more than 270 nationalities and more than 300 languages, according to The London Evening Standard.
For many undergoing fervent hotel searches for hotel rooms in the Big Smoke, however, it isn’t London’s ultramodern social and physical landscape or its equally interesting future that draws them in. No, that honor goes to London’s lengthy, but incredibly interesting, past. In particular, the Victorian and Edwardian eras, long topics of study and interest across the world, continue to pull tourists toward hotel searches and a trip to London Town.
How to Flashback to London’s Victorian and Edwardian Past
- Experience the Splendor of 18 Stafford Terrace
- Ride Through Time on the British Pullman
- Tour the World of Downton Abbey
One of the most well preserved examples of London’s Victorian splendor is 18 Stafford Terrace, also known as the Sambourne Family Home. According to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the Sambourne family lived in this home from 1875. Following the death of the parents in the mid-20th century, the home was preserved as it was in the late 19th century and opened for visitors interested in the city’s Victorian roots. Lovers of Victorian history can find their way to the Sambourne house via train from their hotel reservations in Camden Town and other well-loved areas of London.
Preserved in the style of the famous trains of the 1920’s, the British Pullman is a former member of the Orient Express. Your journey through time doesn’t end with the train’s period upholstery or vittles, however. Guests can choose from a selection of adventure experiences to make their journeys unique. Lovers of Agatha Christie can experience a murder mystery while they careen through the British countryside, and those who romanticize the period of adventure traveling (think Indiana Jones) can take a round-trip through Britain with the Golden Age of Travel experience.
Few television shows have taken the world by storm like Britain’s Downton Abbey. Shown across the world and having won countless BAFTA, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards, it’s no wonder so many people come to Britain to tour their favorite sights from the series. Truthfully, no matter where you focus your hotel search in London, you won’t get close to Downton Abbey. However, tours of the show’s sights regularly leave from London Town. Whether you’d like to see Highclere Castle, the real world analog for Downton Abbey, or you want to see Bampton in Oxfordshire, the best way to get there is from London.
As you can see, London isn’t just a paradise for lovers of the modern and cosmopolitan. Indeed, it’s just as much a celebration of its past as its future. Whether you’re a Downton fan or you simply want to experience a taste of times gone by, London is a great place to start. Read this for more.
Absolutely brilliant. I’m going to take my wife to that Downton Abbey tour.