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The Queen's Gallery was built in the shell of the former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The buildings were constructed in the 1840s with funds from the Duchess of Gordon, but fell into disuse in the late 19th century. Benjamin Tindall Architects were appointed project architects for the new Queen’s Gallery in October 1999. Their central visual theme was a celebration of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, expressed through a series of arches and screens that lead visitors from the Gallery entrance to the exhibition spaces beyond. Their design complements the original 19th-century architecture, elements of which were incorporated into the new spaces. Unsympathetic later internal alterations were removed, and a new exposed steel and concrete floor inserted to reflect the original ‘gallery’ of the Church. A new stone arched entrance was created at the centre of the Horse Wynd frontage, opposite the new Scottish Parliament building. The use of a stone archway, with a courtyard beyond, is a traditional entrance device in Scottish architecture. The main walling is of Catcastle stone, the dressed work and lettering is of Stainton stone and the base is of Kenmay granite. ‘THE QUEEN’S GALLERY’ lettering above the entrance is the work of John Neilson, a calligrapher and carver. The letters were cut from single pieces of stone. Above sits Scotland’s heraldic lion, designed by Jill Watson. The lion sedant is based on a small red lion that sits at the feet of Mary, Queen of Scots on her tomb in Westminster Abbey. (The Palace of Holyroodhouse was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots.) The monumental entrance doors of oak have gilded bronze hinges by Jill Watson. Continuing the heraldic theme, the main hinges are decorated with the Scottish lion and unicorn. The beasts are set against the adjacent urban scene of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and the rural scene of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. The upper hinges are made as golden boughs of flowering native trees – chestnut and laburnum, oak, rowan and hawthorn. The stone archway is decorated with a carved and gilded garland of Scottish flowers, including daisies and thistles, created by Graciela Ainsworth, an Edinburgh-based sculptor, carver and conservator. Over the old entrance to the former church is a stained-glass window by Christian Shaw. The design shows a perspective drawing of the interior of a gallery. At night, the shape of the archway is reflected by the glass lights by Keiko Mukaide set into the paving. The artist has given the tiles a water flow pattern, mirroring the stream of visitors walking in and out of the Gallery. Inside, the reception desk by Hamid van Koten is made from curved pieces of Scottish elm with kilned glass and patinated copper. The pendant lights were designed and made in Edinburgh by Ingrid Phillips. Dividing the reception from the main Gallery area is a patterned glass screen by Jacqueline Poncelet. The screen’s bronze handles by Jill Watson incorporate figures looking at art in a gallery. The dramatic central stair of native timber leads to the Gallery spaces above. The complex shape was designed by the architects with Charles Taylor Woodwork, who were responsible for the construction. Lights set into the first floor illuminate the curved balustrading.
Go San Francisco Card features UNLIMITED admission to OVER 45 Attractions in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area for one low price. FREE admission to over 45 top attractions, including SFMOMA, Historic Cable Car ride, Deluxe Wine Country Tour, Legion of Honor, Golden Gate Bay Cruise®, Monterey & Carmel Tour, California Academy of Sciences – Steinhart Aquarium, Asian Art Museum, Six Flags Marine World, Exploratorium, wineries, historic sites, botanical gardens, and MORE …… Plus, a 148-page guidebook and 50-20% value added savings on shopping, dining, and tour services or.. Unlimited admission to over 45 top San Francisco Bay Area attractions, including SFMOMA, Historic Cable Car ride, Monterey & Carmel Tour, Legion of Honor, Golden Gate Bay Cruise®, California Academy of Sciences – Steinhart Aquarium, wineries, historic sites, botanical gardens, and more. Plus, a 148-page guidebook and 50-20% value added savings on shopping, dining, and tour services. How it Works It's easy as 1-2-FREE 1. Go to a participating attraction, restaurant or shop. 2. Present Go San Francisco Card™. 3. Admission is granted to the attraction (no cash changes hands) or get a discount automatically. The Go San Francisco Card™ guidebook makes it easy to find every participating attraction, restaurant, shop and historic point of interest in and around San Francisco. The Go San Francisco Card™ comes in 1, 2, 3 or 5 day increments. The card is activated the first time you use it. It is then valid for that day the remaining number of days purchased within a 14 day period. Benefits Value, Choice, Flexibility and Savings The Go San Francisco Card™ includes over $250.00 in FREE admissions. Go to as many attractions as you like and enjoy them all for one low price. Because all the attractions are included you can change you itinerary at any time. If you are in a group, you can split up and meet later. Use the handy 124 page guidebook to plan your itinerary before you arrive and make the most of your visit. Save up to 20% on shopping, dining and services all over the city.
There’s a lot in life to celebrate. So welcome aboard! Whatever the occasion, you’ll enjoy gentle bay breezes, glittering waves, and the dramatic San Francisco skyline. Whether it’s your birthday, anniversary, or you finally found a great babysitter, join us for gracious hospitality and stunning views. Set against twinkling city lights and legendary vistas, experience includes an elegant four-course dinner, live music and dancing around the San Francisco Bay. DINNER MENU FIRST COURSE California Hornblower Wedge Salad maytag blue cheese dressing, smoked bacon, chopped eggs, tomatoes, scallions SECOND COURSE Fisherman’s Wharf Clam Chowder potatoes, celery, onions, fresh thyme, smoked bacon APPETIZER ENHANCEMENTS Charcuterie Plate - $18.00 chef’s selection of cured meat, house made terrine, flat bread crisps, cornichons, whole grain mustard Cowgirl Creamery Cheese Display - $16.00 assorted local cheeses, rustic flat breads, dried apricots, figs Seared Ahi Tuna - $18.00 wasabi aioli, wakame seaweed salad, crispy wonton chips ENTRÉE OPTIONS Grilled Salmon Filet soy ginger glaze, barley risotto roasted vegetables Mary’s Organic Pan Roasted Breast of Chicken roasted red bell pepper coulis, cannellini bean ragout bloomfield spinach Porcini Crusted Petit Filet Mignon porcini sauce, parmesan truffle mashed potatoes watsonville late harvest vegetables Balsamic Infused Portobello Mushroom asiago parmesan polenta cake grilled vegetables DESSERT OPTIONS Fresh Fruit Tart shortbread tart shell, vanilla pastry cream, apricot glaze Chocolate Truffle Cake raspberry sauce, fresh berries Chef de Cuisine Willie Fuentes Due to the seasonality of local fresh ingredients, all menus are subject to change.
Kensington Palace Kensington Palace London, residence of members of the Royal Family since the 17th century, the childhood home of Queen Victoria, and now the official residence of the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge is a must see for any Royal fan. Visitors to Kensington Palace arrive through newly landscaped gardens and entrance hall to journey through the magnificent Kings and Queen’s State Apartments as a courtier. Filled with stories of two royal courts; the House of Stuart and the House of Hanover 1698 -1714, your success will depend on who you know, how you behave and how you dress. The rewards are great, but there are pitfalls along the way! Tower of London One of the most famous buildings in the world, the Tower of London was constructed in the 11th century - almost a 1,000 years ago and has been witness to countless significant events in the development of Britain's now democratic monarchy. During your tour of the Tower of London you will meet the magnificent Yeoman Warders or 'Beefeaters', clad as they were in Tudor times, hear the legend of the ravens and spine chilling tales from the Tower's long history. See the infamous Bloody Tower where the Princes were murdered, Beauchamp Tower where visitors can read carved inscriptions of past prisoners and Traitors Gate where those unlucky enough not to survive imprisonment had their heads impaled - and much more. We sell at less than the gate price, which gives you access to all the Towers and Attractions, as well as the unique Gift Shops, the historic New Armouries Restaurant, Tower Cafe and Kiosk. Your Tower ticket also includes entry to the Crown Jewels. Things to do and See at the Tower of London: Line of Kings Exhibition For over 300 years visitors to the Tower of London have marvelled at displays featuring arms and royal armour, life-sized wooden horses and figures of kings. The White Tower Currently hosting the Power House exhibition, about the various national institutions founded at the Tower of London, the White Tower is recognised as one of the most important historic buildings in the world. It has become an iconic symbol for Britain and London and is a must do on any trip to the Tower of London. Entry to The White Tower is included in the Tower of London ticket price. The Crown Jewels The Jewel house at the Tower of London houses the world famous Crown Jewels. 23,578 precious stones and gems make up the Crown Jewels and include the world’s most famous diamond ‘ The Great Star of Africa’. Entry to The Crown Jewels is included in the Tower of London ticket price. The Yeoman Warder tours The Yeoman Warders, also known as beefeaters, are the public face of the Tower of London. As well as guarding the Tower and Crown Jewels they also provide tours for visitor where they regale you with tales from the Tower. Yeoman Warder Tours are included in the Tower of London Ticket Price The Royal Beasts The last thing you’d expect to see at the Tower of London would be Lions, Tigers, Elephants and Polar Bears, but for over 600 years the Royal Menagerie played host to these and many more. Discover their extraordinary stories and what life was like for them at the tower. Entry to The Royal Menagerie is included in the Tower of London ticket price. The Prisoners Exhibition Aside from the Crown Jewels the Tower of London is probably best known for being a prison. Prisoners have been at the Tower almost since it was built and the new interactive displays in the Prisoners exhibition help children and adults explore their stories. Entry to The Prisoners Exhibition is included in the Tower of London ticket price. The Ravens ‘the kingdom and the Tower will fall if the six ravens ever leave the Tower of London’, well according to legend anyway. Whether this is true or not the ravens have become on of the Tower’s most famous sites, just make sure you see at least 6 when you visit! The Tower Green Believe it or not being executed inside the Tower of London was considered a privilege for those of high rank. The Tower Green contains a permanent memorial for those ‘lucky’ enough to be executed there. The Medieval Palace Being the oldest part of the Tower of London, the Medieval Palace contains amazing interiors that you won’t see anywhere else. here you can experience what life might have been like in a luxurious medieval household. Entry to The Medieval Palace is included in the Tower of London ticket price. River Rover Hopper Pass With the River Red Rover ticket you travel in luxury on a fleet of river liners and may hop on or off at any of the piers as often as you like throughout the day. As the River Thames weaves its way through the heart of London there is history around every bend and there is no better way to see and experience the sights and splendour of this great city than from one of City Cruises modern, wheelchair-friendly RiverLiners™. Enjoy unsurpassed views of some of London's most famous landmarks from the vantage point of our open upper decks and spacious lower saloons with panoramic windows. Take advantage of two bars providing light refreshments and snacks . Cruises depart frequently from Westminster Pier, Waterloo (London Eye) Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich Pier every day of the year except Christmas Day (25th December). Our shortest trips between piers last about 20-30 minutes while the full round trip takes about two-and-a-half leisurely hours.
The onsite Crystal Café serves sumptuous food, indulgent homemade sweet treats, decadent fresh coffee and hot chocolate. The Crystal Café is open seven days a week, a daytime cafe, the Crystal Café is all about great food using nothing but the best locally sourced seasonal produce supporting as many Irish suppliers as possible along the way. With delicious breakfast and lunch service every day, the Crystal Cafe is a hugely popular destination. And we have great coffee, tea and pastries just about all day long.
Buckingham Palace serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty The Queen, as well as the administrative headquarters of the Royal Household. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today. Today the Buckingham Palace State Rooms are used extensively by Her Majesty The Queen and Members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. When The Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland, the Palace's nineteen state rooms are open to visitors. What there is to see? The Buckingham Palace State Rooms form the heart of the working palace and are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto; sculpture by Canova; exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture. The Garden Described as a 'walled oasis in the middle of London', the Palace's garden is home to thirty different species of bird and more than 350 different wild flowers, some extremely rare. Visitors end their tour with a walk along the south side of the garden, with splendid views of the west front of the Palace and the famous lake. Multimedia Guide A multimedia guide is included in the ticket price and is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Russian and Mandarin. There is also a family multimedia guide (in English only) and accompanying activity trail, suitable for children 7-11 years. Changing of the Guard The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at 11:30 daily from April until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting. The new guards arrive at the forecourt of the Palace at 11:30 from Wellington Barracks. The journey takes about 5 minutes and the soldiers are accompanied by a band. The ceremony is conducted on the Palace forecourt and takes approximately forty minutes to complete. [The Army have not yet released the schedule for July, August or September.] Wheelchair Access If you require wheelchair access or the use of the lift, you should not book with 365 Tickets.co.uk and should pre-book tickets directly with Buckingham Palace. Access booking line: 030 3123 7324 or email [email protected] Image Credits: Image 1: Photographer: Derry Moore, Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013 Image 2 : Photographer: Peter Smith, Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013 Image 3 : Photographer: Andrew Holt, Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013 Image 4: Photographer: Derry Moore, Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
