Westminster is in an area within the Borough of the City of Westminster, an area in Central London. It is home to Westminster Palace the residence of the Parliament of United Kingdom. It is also where you will find Big Ben.
The name Westminster derives from the Gothic Cathedral of Westminster Abbey and it has been the home of the government of England for almost one thousand years. The name is used by the City of Westminster which includes areas as Victoria Street, Paddington, and St Marylebone.
Westminster Abbey has been the traditional place for both the coronations of Kings and Queens of England as well as their burial sites. The near Palace of Westminster became a royal residence after 1066, and it was later to become the home of the English Parliament and law courts. The City of London has been traditionally the economic area of Greater London as the City of Westminster has always been the political/cultural quarter.
A large part of the residential populace of Westminster is surprisingly working class, living in council and Peabody estates.
There are many attractions to be found in Westminster, for all who visit both young and old. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Westminster Palace are all very close to each other and obviously are worth a visit, but there are things to see and do in the locality, Buckingham Palace and The Tate Britain being just two.
For the children, one should visit the London Aquarium, for those who want culture visit the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. At certain times of the day one can catch the Changing of the Guard, and if you are in London on the second Saturday in June you can join others in watching the Trooping the Colour.
The Wallace Collection has on the first Sunday of each month �The Little Draw� which allows both adults and especially children to draw and talk to resident artists.
Shopping in Westminster can be found in shopping centres such as that of Cardinal Place a new-age glass capsule which allows the buyer to browse at their own pace enjoying some of the big brand names in clothes, shoes and anything else you may want without worrying about the British weather. Another is Whiteleys in Queensway.
For children visit the oldest established Toy Store (1760) �Hamleys� on Regents Street or Benjamin Pollock�s Toyshop. For the gentleman who wants to be pampered why not visit Truefitt and Hill, where you can have a shave, a facial, a haircut and even have your shoes shined. For the lady there is a profusion of salons and spas to while away an hour or two or perhaps a day or two.
City Inn Westminster an innovative hotel that has won awards and is within the location of Westminster, other hotels in the locality which are of a great standard are
The Grosvenor Hotel which is adjacent to Victoria Station; this is an elegant Victorian hotel. The deluxe four star hotel,
The Crowne Plaza St James Hotel with its Michelin star South Indian restaurant is also the place to stay.
South Kensington and
Chelsea are to the west of Westminster while
Camden Town is to the north of the region, two great places to visit for entertainment, culture and shopping.
