What London is known for

Colne Valley Regional Park Destination's most predominant feature presumably is the city of London, which is the largest city in the UK, with a population of over nine million people. London belongs among the major global cities. Thus, the city influences arts, entertainment, fashion, commerce and finance, education, health care, media, science and technology, tourism, transport, and communications. London also features a history that can be dated back to the Roman Empire. A considerable number of historical landmarks from various eras can be found scattered across the city. It is reported that London also belongs among the world's greenest cities. Thus, tourism to London tends to be relatively high for those reasons. Among the most visited sites in London belongs the London Eye, a Ferris wheel known for the panoramic views of the UK's capital.[1] Concerning historical sights in London, Buckingham Palace, located in the city center, belongs among the most visited places. The palace, built in 1703, serves today as a royal residence and an administrative headquarters for the UK.[7] In close proximity to the palace can be found Westminister Abbey, a Gothic abbey church which is a place of coronation of British monarchs.[8] Across the street from Westminister Abbey is the Palace of Westminister with Great Bell, best known under its nickname, Big Ben. The Gothic clocktower belongs among the symbols of London.[9] Through the center of London flows the river Thames, which is crossed by a number of bridges. However, the best known among them is Tower Bridge, built between 1886 and 1894.[10] The bridge leads to the Tower of London, a medieval fortress that is nowadays the home of the Crown Jewels of England.[11] London's abundance of historical wealth can also be viewed in many museums, such as the British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, and others. London has been a center for culture, arts, science, and business for centuries. For these reasons, many notable people, such as William Shakespeare, Charles Chaplin, Michael Faraday, Alfred Hitchcock, and Mary Shelley, can be linked to the city.[12] 

Across the Colne Valley Regional Park Destination, numerous historical sites can also be found. Among them belongs the Windsor Castle, a royal residence built in the 11th century. The castle is one of the more popular tourist attractions in the area. Part of the Windsor residence is represented by the castle park and gardens, which are also open to the public.[13] 

Within the Colne Valley Regional Park Destination's borders, a number of green areas can be found. Two areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) stretch across the region's boundaries. Colne Valley Regional Park can be found to the west of London, reaching from the city's borders towards the town of Slough and further to the north. Colne Valley comprises numerous water areas, marshes, meadows, and woodlands, posing a popular nature destination for natives of the area and visitors. The regional park is used as a venue for outdoor events and also offers a range of activities, such as walking, cycling, horse riding, and more.[5] 

Geography

Colne Valley Regional Park Destination is located in the southeastern part of the UK, mainly covering the city of London. Among other settlements within the destination's borders belong the towns of Chelmsford, Watford, and Luton to the north, Slough to the west, and on the eastern coast resides the Southend-on-Sea. The predominant river, the Thames, flows directly through London and into the North Sea. Approximately one-third of the Colne Valley Regional Park Destination's area is covered by the city of London, the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom. A floodplain of Thames Valley poses a central part of London, with an 80 km estuary to the North Sea. The valley is surrounded by smaller hills such as Parliament Hill, Addington Hills, and Primrose Hill. According to the London Natural History Society, London belongs among the "world's greenest cities," as over 40% of the cityscape poses green areas or open water.[1]

Chiltern Hills AONB from the west and Surrey Hills AONB from the south are two nature preserves that protrude from the Colne Valley Regional Park Destination. On the western borders of the city of London, the namesake of the destination, Colne Valley Regional Park, can be found. The park covers approximately 43 square miles of woodland and water areas, ranging from semi-urban to countryside landscapes. Colne Valley Regional Park represents an important protected area in terms of biodiversity, as several wildlife species inhabit the territory. Besides the woodland landscape, marshes and lowland meadows pose a distinct part of the regional park, creating a habitat for various bird species. Thus, Colne Valley is often visited by bird watchers. Colne Valley Regional Park also offers a range of free activities for those who live in the area, as well as other visitors who seek recreation in nature. Walking, cycling, water activities, horse riding, and several other pastimes are available in the park.[5]

London and its adjacent area, as well as most parts of the UK, is situated in the temperate oceanic climate, often described as wet, humid, typical of cold, rainy winters and warm summers.[1] The warmest month in London is July, with an average daily temperature of 24°C, while January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 9°C. March tends to be the driest month in London, with an average of 37 mm of rainfall. The most precipitation falls during October, with an average of 68 mm.[6]

History

London, the largest settlement in the Colne Valley Regional Park Destination, is a city with a relatively rich and extensive history. Several prehistoric artifacts from the Bronze Age have been found in the city's territory.[1] In approximately 47 AD, the Romans established Londinium, a civilian town. However, in the next few years, the city was destroyed by the Brittonic tribes. Londinium recovered and prospered, as the town housed numerous political buildings, temples, bathhouses, and an amphitheater. During the Roman era, London was inhabited by an ethnically diverse population, with people from continental Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.[2] In the 5th century, the Roman Empire fell, and Londinium became abandoned. An Anglo-Saxon settlement developed in the adjacent area, and by the 7th century, London became functioning as a significant seaport again. By the 11th century, London was the largest city in England, with its Westminster Abbey reportedly becoming one of the grandest churches in Europe. London developed rapidly during Middle Ages, approximately until the 14th century, when a plague epidemic struck the city and claimed many lives. Among the essential royal families of that time belonged the Tudors. During their reign, the Reformation and gradual shift of religion towards Protestantism occured. Another plague epidemic stopped the city's development in the 17th century, as well as The Great Fire of London, which broke out in 1666 and destroyed many parts of the city. Despite the catastrophes, London grew and soon became a leading international financial center. Urbanization took place during the Industrial Revolution, and London grew in size, with a number of world-renowned companies being established in London. Germans partially destroyed the city in the First and Second World Wars, yet the city never fell. Nowadays, London reportedly belongs among the most influential global centers, with the highest population of people in the UK.[1]

Concerning the Colne Valley Regional Park, the namesake of the destination and its history, the park was established in 1965. The park consists of large areas of gravel pits, which are nowadays used for various water recreations.[3] Reportedly, the oldest traces of humans in the Colne Valley Regional Park can be dated back to 400,000 BC, to the Pleistocene. The area presumably has been inhabited since then and was primarily used for agriculture until the 19th century.[4] Currently, Colne Valley Regional Park serves as a recreational area, presumably popular for its close proximity to London and its abundance of rivers, canals, and lakes serving as water recreation sites.[5]