The Fascinating Squares of London

Online, April 11, 2010 (Newswire.com) - A city as old and culturally rich as London can often be overwhelming for a tourists; where does one start with such a wide range of sites on offer? In a short weekend trip, planning to do too much can result in overload, leaving the city explorer exhausted and without an understanding of London's true essence.

A tour of London's large array of historic squares will give you an eclectic and gentle flavour of the city. They often hold well-kept secrets of the country's history and many have links to important figures in Britain's past. Eaton Square housed former Prime Ministers, Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain. Berkeley Square holds equal merit; as another former Prime Minister, George Canning presided here, as did great wartime hero Winston Churchill, who grew up at number 48. Surrounding the squares are fantastic eateries and British pubs, often the choice of locals and therefore offering you nourishment off the usual tourist path.

The Red Lion Square, which borders Bloomsbury and Holborn, is also worth a visit - not only for its superb English garden, but also for its sense of mystery. It has been reported that the body of Oliver Cromwell was disposed of in a pit by the side of the square. And don't forget to pay a visit to The White Swan for a classic British pint and pub meal!

Like many Rome hotels , you can find exclusive London hotels situated in squares dotted around these European cities. One of London's most sumptuous is the Dorset Square Hotel in the centre of Marylebone, which has enjoyed an elegant journey from 1817 to the present day. In fact, you can stay at this exclusive hotel and book the London historic square package through Splendia, the luxury hotel operator.

Other squares have galloped into the 21st century and been converted into commercial areas, albeit still housed in spellbinding British architecture. Soho Square is one of the most expensive places to work in the world and hosts companies such as 20th Century Fox and Paul McCartney's MPC communications. For literary lovers, pop into The Riflemaker Gallery for a Dickensian atmosphere, as it was here that he took inspiration for A Tale of Two Cities.

As with Barcelona hotels, the city explorer will find a true insight into the tapestry of the city though the historical details of their hotel or the squares they visit. It is not only luxury hotels and businesses that reside in the squares, but celebrities with an air of luxury as well. The actress Vivien Leigh (famed for her performance in the classic film, Gone with the Wind) lived in Eaton Square and the famous German Composer, Julius Benedict resided in Manchester Square for many years. It is through these small details that visitors to London can truly understand its spirit.