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 of the most readily recognizable streets in London, viewed from a particular angle is Abbey Road. This view is the one on the cover of the Beatles album, Abbey Road. John, Paul, George and Ringo are pictured strolling across the black and white striped pedestrian crossing.

Many fans found the album cover distressing. It was rumoured that Paul McCartney had died in a car accident, and this photograph was proof. The clues that supported the rumour were, Paul had his eyes closed, was walking barefoot, he was smoking using his right hand when he was left handed and all the other members of the Beatles had their left feet forward but Paul had his right foot forward. These are only the most common clues said to be in the photograph.

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 astonishing success the Beatles found is still as strong as ever today. This is evident every year when fans from all over the world make the grand tour to London to visit Abbey Road. The fans, both old and new come to have their photographs taken, like their idols, strolling across the pedestrian crossing. This can be problematic, as the fans have to wait for a break in the traffic, to be able to do this.

The studio is situated within a converted Georgian townhouse, in the fashionable residential area of St John’s Wood. The building has ample space for more than one studio as the garden has been encroached upon with buildings in this area too. The property next door is also owned by EMI, and is used by the recording artists working in the studios. In 1967 the Beatles recorded their remarkable album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band at the Abbey Road Studio. In total they spent over 18 weeks there.

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.               

So, next time you visit London, consider taking one of the many tours of the city. Some tours of London focus on those places associated with famous musicians and the swinging sixties while others take in the typical tourist attractions of Buckingham Palace and the likes. Remember that there are many incredible places to visit that are well off the well beaten tourist map of London and, with only a little investigation, you will find yourself discovering hidden London.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 at 3:02 pm and is filed under Visiting London. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.