The London 2012 Olympic Games, taking place July 27 – August 12, will mark the third time London has hosted the modern Olympics. It will be a very exciting time for London and for visitors to the city. The Opening Ceremony – for which film directors Danny Boyle and Stephen Daldry have transformed the Olympic Stadium into a British countryside scene, complete with meadows, fields and farm animals – is just the beginning.
The city of London is full of excitement and tourists in anticipation for the upcoming Olympic Games. Here’s how popular areas of London were transformed to prepare for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
Hyde Park, London’s most famous park is located in the city’s West End, will host events including the triathlon, marathon and swimming. A grandstand and additional seating has been built within the park for event viewing.
Located in the heart of Whitehall, close to Downing Street and across St. James’ Park from Buckingham Palace, the Horse Guards Parade will play host to a number of events, including beach volleyball. A temporary arena has been built, and sand will be brought in to create London’s very own “beach.”
Wembley Stadium and Arena will play host to a total of nine events including badminton, rhythmic gymnastics and soccer. Wembley is located in northwest London, around six miles from the city center.
The brand new stadium will host over 200 events, as well as the Opening and Closing ceremonies. Located in Stratford, east of London at Olympic Park on an “island’ surrounded by waterways on three sides. Spectators will reach the venue via five bridges that link the site to the surrounding area.
Rooms are quite expensive to travel to London this year, but you could book an escorted tour, as these companies have contracted their hotel space a year in advance at reasonable prices. The most popular packages this year spend time a few nights in London combined with Paris. Britain tours combined with Ireland are also a nice choice.
