The London Eye
The London Eye is the world’s largest observation wheel, standing at 135 metres high. It provides a 30-minute, slow-moving "flight" over London and is designed to reflect the elements of air, water, earth and time. The passenger capsules are lit internally at the point of embarkation and each capsule accommodates up to 25 people. The eye can handle 1,500 visitors an hour. Open from 9am to 10pm April - October and from 10am to 6pm November - March, it is recommended that visitors pre-book to avoid disappointment.
The London Eye is located in Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, London SE1 1GZ. Take the underground to Embankment station.
Website: London Eye
The Tower of London and the Crown Jewels
The Tower of London has been home to every Monarch from William the Conqueror (11th Century) to Henry the VIII (16th Century). It has also been the site of the Royal mint, the Royal Menagerie and the Royal Observatory. The Tower of London is infamous for its prison and for having been the scene of countless executions, including that of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII. Visit the Bloody Tower where the young prince Edward V and his brother were imprisoned on their uncles’ orders. Sir Walter Raleigh was also imprisoned here from 1603 until 1616. Lay your head on the executioner’s block and try and imagine what it must have been like to be about to literally lose your head!
Website: Tower of London
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of English royalty since 1837. The Palace stands in 40 acres of garden and while the west facade of the palace building remains virtually as its architect Nash designed it, the east side facing the garden was added in 1847 and entirely replaced in 1913. Visit the Throne Room, Music Room, State Dining Room as well as the many beautifully decorated apartments.
Website: Buckingham Palace
London Bridge and Tower Bridge
Very little is known about the earliest London Bridge although its location is thought to have been very near the present one. The second bridge, which existed in Saxon times, gave rise to the world-famous nursery rhyme ‘London Bridge is falling down.’ It did fall down in 1014! The first stone bridge was constructed in 1176. The present London Bridge is more than 100 feet wide and was built in 1967.
The Construction of the Tower Bridge began in 1885 and it was opened 9 years later. Currently, it is the only bridge in London that can be raised to allow ships to pass. The complex lifting mechanism is only used 4 or 5 times a week as the Thames is seldom used today as a trade and shipping route. Tower Bridge is often mistaken for London Bridge which is rather dull in comparison. The Tower Bridge Experience is the name for the award-winning attraction inside the bridge. The Spirit of Sir Horace Jones (the designer of the bridge) and one of his builders, Harry Stoner, tell you the story of the bridge's history which spans more than 100 years.
Website: Tower Bridge
Big Ben
Big Ben is in fact not the name of the famous London clock as many believe, rather it is name of the 13-ton bell which can be found inside it. The bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall and can be found in St. Stephen's Tower at the northern end of the Houses of Parliament. In comparison to the houses of Parliament, the bell itself is relatively young. It was completed in 1859 and was then the largest bell in the United Kingdom. The tower, which holds the bell, is also called the clock tower. The clock itself is immense. Its four dials are 23 feet square, the minute hand is 14 feet long and the figures are 2 feet high. Despite its size and age, Big Ben is an excellent timekeeper and has rarely stopped. The accuracy of the clock is controlled using old pennies. When Parliament is in session after dark, a light shines from the top of St. Stephen's Tower.
Website: Big Ben
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is probably most famous for the pigeons that flock here in huge numbers. Nelsons Column is the centerpiece of Trafalgar Square and was built to honor Lord Nelson after his victory in Spain in 1805. The statue was built more then 20 years later and stands over 185 feet high. The National Gallery is also located in Trafalgar Square. This distinguished institution displays priceless works by artists of every major European school.
Website: Trafalgar Square
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Hyde Park is without doubt London's most famous park. It was traditionally used as a royal hunting ground and as an area for carriages to parade by. One of Hyde Park’s most famous attractions is ‘Speakers Corner’ a large open space where anyone who would like to publicly air their views is allowed to do so each Sunday afternoon. It is found west of Marble Arch, at the northeast corner of Hyde Park. Don’t miss the wonderful statue of Peter Pan on the West bank of the Long Water in Hyde Park.
Website: Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is one of London’s most popular attractions with over 2.6 million visitors every year. It houses the finest collection of wax models of contemporary and historical figures in the world. These wax models are painstakingly created by hand and each model can take up to three months to make. Most models of living subjects have to be indistinguishable from the actual person before they are allowed on display. The collection of wax figures are exhibited in specially designed settings which include The Garden Party, 200 Years, Superstars, Sports Heroes, Famous Actors, The Grand Hall, The Chamber of Horrors and The Spirit of London. Get there early or be prepared for a lengthy queue.
Website: Madame Tussauds
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is believed to have been built on the site of pre-Christian holy buildings. Almost every king and queen of England has been crowned in Westminster Abbey for the last 900 years and members of the monarchy and famous British citizens are also buried here. Edward the Confessor originally founded the Abbey in the 11th century and the strong royal link and special status have been maintained over the centuries. Unfortunately, nothing remains of the original building but it is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry and was of continental design. The interior of the church is packed with monuments to statesmen, scientists, musicians and poets. The Jewel Tower and St Margaret's Church are also located on the same site.
Website: Westminster Abbey
Soho
Soho was once London’s red-light district but now has become one of its most stylish areas. It is the most concentrated and international area of the West End and its grid plan design makes it very easy to get around. The name Soho is believed to be derived from a common hunting cry of the time (So-Ho) as the area was once the hunting grounds of the nearby Palace of Westminster. The area was urbanised after the great fire of London in 1666 by refugees from the city. Soho square was laid out in about 1680 but only two of the original buildings have survived. Take a look at the street names in Soho. Many of them actually commemorate the trades of the early residents. Today Soho’s streets are lined with gourmet restaurants, trendy cafés, theatres and nightclubs as well as a scattering of X-rated shops. It has an international mood and an exciting cultural history.
Website: Soho
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