English
Notes for my English lessons
History of England
About the London Tube
The Tube is the oldest underground in the world. The 1st line was opened in 1863 and connected two Railway stations and Citi of London. Now its network consists of 11 lines with a total length of 402 km and 270 stations. It's interesting that only 45% of the ways go underground.
Previously, several companies had the right to build lines, so some lines were built faster, and some were very slow. The London Passenger Transport Board was created in 1933, after that all lines became single transport system.
Unlike Moscow, there isn't single fare in the London Underground. The fare depends on the length of the trip and the time of day. For convenience, London is conditionally divided into zones. The more zones you drive, the more you pay.
Another interesting feature of the London Underground is 141 elevators instead of escalators.
Also you can use the London Tube to get to the airport.
Previously, several companies had the right to build lines, so some lines were built faster, and some were very slow. The London Passenger Transport Board was created in 1933, after that all lines became single transport system.
Unlike Moscow, there isn't single fare in the London Underground. The fare depends on the length of the trip and the time of day. For convenience, London is conditionally divided into zones. The more zones you drive, the more you pay.
Another interesting feature of the London Underground is 141 elevators instead of escalators.
Also you can use the London Tube to get to the airport.
About public transport in England
The World's Oldest Railroad System
Public transportation in the UK includes a comprehensive railway system that allows you to reach almost every smaller or bigger town by train — the system is in fact the oldest in the world and has 34,000 kilometers of track. An interesting fact is that in England there isn't monopoly on railways, such as in Russia. Different companies serve different directions, but you can buy a ticket on a single site (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/). It's comfortable for tourists.
Coaches and Buses
Traveling by bus and coach is a good and budget way to get around England. There are different companies which offer connections from one point to another. You can use comparison sites like CheckMyBus in order to shop around for great deals. Famous double-decker buses are used mainly in cities routes.
In 2016, updated double-decker buses, which combine English traditions and modern technologies, took to the routes.
In 2016, updated double-decker buses, which combine English traditions and modern technologies, took to the routes.
Taxis and Minicabs
There is different between taxis and minicabs, although they have the same shape. Taxis are black, and the taxi driver knows the whole map of London by heart. Sometimes the driver can take a tour for the passenger. You can hail a taxi in the street if it has switched on its yellow "Taxi" sign. And also taxis have permission to drive on a dedicated lane.
Minicabs are a low-cost alternative to taxis in the UK, but have to be hired in advance. Unlike taxis, they do not have a meter. This is why you should ask the operator or the driver about the price before you start your journey.
And also modern technology has made an impact: since 2012 Uber's services have rapidly expanded in big British cities and now pose a real alternative to taxis and minicabs.
Minicabs are a low-cost alternative to taxis in the UK, but have to be hired in advance. Unlike taxis, they do not have a meter. This is why you should ask the operator or the driver about the price before you start your journey.
And also modern technology has made an impact: since 2012 Uber's services have rapidly expanded in big British cities and now pose a real alternative to taxis and minicabs.
Ferries
Ferries are a popular form of transportation when it comes to getting to the United Kingdom. Ferry connections can be used for more than just entering and leaving the country; they're indispensable when it comes to traveling along the Scottish Highlands as well as to and from the many British and Scottish Isles.
Tickets are usually best bought directly from the operator, either online or at local ferry terminals, but you can find an overview of the various ferry companies and travel routes on websites such as Discover Ferries.
Tickets are usually best bought directly from the operator, either online or at local ferry terminals, but you can find an overview of the various ferry companies and travel routes on websites such as Discover Ferries.
Interesting facts about London's sights
You didn't know about it
Buckingham Palace
Contrary to popular opinion, the Union Flag is flown over the palace when the Queen is out, not when she is in. When the Queen is either returning or leaving the palace, the right flag is lowered.
Big Ben
Contrary to popular perception Big Ben is not the tower, it is name of the bell inside clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. The official name of the tower is the tower of Elizabeth.
Tower of London
In the 13th century, the Tower of London was also home to a polar bear. The polar bear, a gift to the King, would be led from the tower and tied to the Thames riverbank where it would be allowed to swim, fish for food and wash itself.
London Eye
Despite there being only being 32 capsules, for superstitious reasons they are numbered 1 – 33. For good luck number 13 is left out.
The Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster is deliberately made on the bank of Thames River so that it can never be surrounded by a mob.
The Shard
The 59th tallest building in the world but the tallest in Europe and one of London’s newest landmarks. 95% of the construction materials are from recycled sources.
The Houses of Parliament
It's illegal to enter The Houses of Parliament wearing a suit of armor. Enacted in 1313 and never removed to this day, the act decrees that “in all Parliaments, Treatises and other Assemblies, which should be made in the Realm of England for ever, that every Man shall come without all Force and Armour.”
The St.Paul Cathedral
Sir Christopher Wren’s first design proposal for the cathedral was basically a giant pineapple. Apparently, he saw pineapples as “a symbol of peace, prosperity, and hospitality” and thought it would be an excellent symbol for the city. Sadly it wasn’t approved so nowadays London has the regular old-fashioned St. Paul
Kew Gardens
Turner’s Oak, a giant English oak planted in 1798, was uprooted by heavy storms in 1987. When Kew staff tried to remove it, they noticed that the roots had been allowed more space, air and access to water, which rejuvenated the tree. This discovery led to the development of new methods to treat old trees.
