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The massive metropolis of Greater London is the capital city of England and the largest conurbation in the United Kingdom. London is an incredibly popular place to visit and this is due, in part, to the great many important tourist attractions and historically important landmarks to be found there. A quick look at a map of London will show you how densely it is packed with world class tourist attractions which range from the most modern to the truly ancient and historic. Many of the greatest buildings are, in some way, associated with the Queen of England and the Royal Family but there are also a great many institutions and traditions which go back centuries which add to the immense appeal of this incredibly unique city.

England and the United Kingdom have had a profound effect upon modern history with the likes of the British Empire and their parts in the two world wars changing the political map of world several times within a relatively short period. With the home of the ruling King or Queen, and the Houses of Parliament, being in London it was in the city that the vast majority of important decisions were made and the most influential events took place. During the 1960′s London arose as the UK’s music capital with events such as the “Ally Pally Pothead Rally” and numerous nightclubs, cafes and bars, the period is now referred to as the “Swinging 60′s”.

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 design of the album cover was resonsible for a lot of fans feeling angry and upset. The cover was supposedly evidence that Paul had died (in a car crash). The most obvious clue was that he was barefoot. He also had his right foot forward not his left like the other band members. Another two clues were that he had his eyes closed and was holding his cigarette in his right hand not his left (Paul played guitar with his left hand). Other clues are evident in the album cover but are more obscure.

The famed album acquired its name after the London street where it was recorded. The EMI studios were where the Beatles recorded a lot of their songs, which George Martin produced. The studios changed their name to Abbey Road Studios in 1970 when the band finished recording an album which later proved to be their last recording 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.

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 world’s most famous recording studios, Abbey Road, are found alongside other UK landmarks in brochures etc. So when contemplating a visit to London one may wish to have a photo taken of oneself, either on the black and white crossing or just standing outside the infamous studio complex.

Of course there are a great many other places to visit in London but, if you want to visit somewhere other than the usual tourist attractions of Buckingham Palace and similar places, then with only a little research, you will easily find a number of places in hidden London that are well worth visiting which are not on the usual tourist map of the city.

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