All of London is preparing to witness the milestone celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. A long weekend of events will be held June 2-5 to mark this momentous moment in the life of this monarch. An exciting time for a timeshare vacation in London, this weekend of Jubilee celebrations promises to be an historic event.
Throughout this year, members of the royal family are traveling throughout the Commonwealth, but the heart of the Diamond Jubilee festivities will occur in London.
As a landmark event, the Diamond Jubilee is poised to draw throngs to the city with its various celebrations and pageantry. Elizabeth II is the second queen to enjoy a Diamond Jubilee; Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Many events are planned over the long Jubilee weekend. For particular times and places of events, be sure to check the Diamond Jubilee website at thediamondjubilee.org.
Londoners are particularly looking forward to the Thames flotilla pageant; as many as 1000 boats are slotted to join this historic flotilla that will escort the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on the Royal Barge. One of the many highlights of this celebratory weekend is destined to be the BBC Royal Concert at Buckingham Palace. Billed to be a musical event like no other, the concert will feature performers such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Annie Lennox.
With so much excitement filling the London air, travelers to the city during this time will find an extraordinary setting even if they won’t be attending the Jubilee picnic at Buckingham Palace or all of the other official events. London is loaded with historical and cultural attractions, and many of these venues will boast a jubilee state of mind that has washed over all of London.
When visiting the city at this historic time, be sure to check out the National Gallery’s exhibit The Queen: Art and Image; both formal and candid images of the Queen are included in this renowned exhibit. Dine with Londoners June 3rd for the Piccadilly Lunch or stroll Hyde Park June 2nd and 3rd to enjoy Jubilee entertainment and festivities.
As the city is gathered to celebrate its chief royal, it’s a great time to see historically important sites relevant to centuries of royals like the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace (residence of Henry VIII), Kensington Palace, the Queen’s Gallery, the Royal Mews, the Tower of London, and the royal parks. When visiting the Tower, be sure to catch a glimpse of the Crown Jewels.
Dining at one of the historic hotels or simply enjoying classic English pub food on the banks of the Thames is also a great way to spend time in jolly London Town during this spectacular Diamond Jubilee year.
U.K. timeshare rentals start at just $71/night.
This guest post is by Andrea Jones on behalf of Chillisauce.co.uk. Andrea is an avid traveler and enjoys exploring the world when she isn’t preoccupied organizing events and parties for other people.