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London, the capital city of England in the United Kingdom of Great Britain, is one of the top vacation destinations in Europe. One of the main reasons for the popularity of London is the fact that it has so many historically important buildings and landmarks as well as a number of world class tourist attractions. While many of the top places to visit are either directly or indirectly related to the Royal Family of Great Britain the ancient traditions and historical institutions add to the unique appeal of this wonderfully diverse city.

The United Kingdom has, for decades, had a deep love of popular music. From the early skiffle groups to the latest pop bands such as Coldplay, Oasis and a multitude of small up and coming acts, it would appear that the UK has an endless supply of talented musicians and singers. Apart from short periods (such as those known for “Merseybeat” and “Madchester”) the city of London has been the music capital of the UK with acts from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland having to “up sticks” and relocate there to progress in the music industry. Possibly the most famous period, during which London seemed to be the music capital of the world, is known as the “Swinging Sixties”.

One road in London is instantaneouslsy recognisable all over the world. However, it is only recognisable from a certain angle. The road is ‘Abbey Road’, well known as the cover of the Beatles album of the same name. The four members of the band are shown walking across the road, John in his white suit and Paul in barefeet.

The album cover whilst being iconic also left some fans feeling depressed and hysterical. The photograph was accredited as being proof that Paul was dead. (Paul was supposedly killed in motor accident) The list of clues in the album cover are too numerous to mention, but the most common ones are, Paul had his eyes closed, was barefoot, was smoking right handed (he was left handed), and he had his right foot forward whilst all the other Beatle members had their left feet forward.

Abbey Road, the celebrated album was named after the street in London where the EMI Studios were situated (3 Abbey Road). With EMI Producer George Martin, the Beatles recorded most of their songs at these studios. The studios were renamed in 1970 to Abbey Road Studios. This was after the Beatles recorded their last ever album together.

The Beatles have just as many fans worldwide now as they did during their heyday. Every year, a lot of fans make the trek to London to visit Abbey Road. Like their idols they wait to have their photographs taken striding across the pedestrian crossing. At times the fans have to wait a while until traffic disperses.

Abbey Road studios are housed in a large Georgian townhouse in the reputable area of St John’s Wood, London. The house next door, which is used as a place to rest ones head, is also the property of EMI. Musicians use the house whilst they are recording or mastering their recordings in the studios next door. Some musicians only stay for a short while, unlike the fab four who spent 129 days at Abbey Road, in 1967, recording their immortal album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

The studios at Abbey Road are often listed with other famous British landmarks. The complex is considered one of the world’s most famous, and when preparing for a holiday in England one may contemplate visiting the famous street and being photographed outside the studios or on the pedestrian crossing.

London has plenty of places to visit, Buckingham Palace, London Zoo and many other typical tourist attractions but the city of London also has a large number of places to visit that are not so well known. These places are well worth the effort to discover them and this is done easily over the Internet or by purchasing a quality guidebook to London. The next time you find yourself in the city you should take the time to visit one or two of these special places or maybe take in one of the organized tours that cover a vast range of topics besides the usual tours of landmarks.

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