Many tourists visit London every day. This is a city with an interesting history, famous and famous sights of London every traveler dreams of visiting. Here anyone will find something to see: historical, architectural, cultural sights and wonders will not leave anyone indifferent.
Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, wax museum, ancient structures and modern buildings attract tourists from all over the world. The sights of London with their grandeur and beauty are mesmerizing, captivating, making you admire unique monuments, intriguing with numerous legends and interesting stories. This city forever captivates the hearts of tourists who have visited it, and therefore they return here again and again to admire its beauty and discover interesting places.
TOP-20 sights of London
Historic sites in London are mostly of the Victorian era. This is the name of the times when Queen Victoria ruled the country (1837 - 1901). Few of the earlier buildings have survived, since many buildings were destroyed in a fire in 1666. The main sights of London that have survived are the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Banquet House.
London Attractions attract many tourists. The capital of Great Britain is located in its southeast, at the mouth of the Thames River. The city with a population of over 8 million is one of the largest in the world. It belongs to the leading financial centers of the planet.
Piccadilly Circus, 1946
City `s history
Starting point history of the creation of the city of London it is considered to be the appearance in 43 AD. NS. Romans in the British Isles. At the end of the 1st century. the Roman trading settlement acquired a fortress wall, beyond which the city did not cross for a whole millennium. With the fall of the Roman Empire, London also experienced desolation. Then the North German tribes began to move here - Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Frisians, who gradually suppressed the resistance of the local Celtic tribes of the Britons. The first signs of revival are noted at the beginning of the 7th century. For the next several centuries, the city was alternately owned by the Normans (Vikings) and the Anglo-Saxons.
In 1066, the army of the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, landed in the British Isles. After defeating the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings, he was crowned the first English king in London's newly built Westminster Abbey. Then a royal residence was built in the city, which later became known as the Tower, Westminster Palace and a stone bridge. Over the next few centuries, the Anglo-Saxons and Normans (not to be confused with the Normans) merged into a single English nation.
Piccadilly Circus, 1972
During the Middle Ages, London experienced a short French invasion, the plague of 1348, which decimated half of the population, and plundering by rebel peasants led by Wat Tyler. The decline was interrupted in the 16th century. This was facilitated by the defeat of rivals at sea - Antwerp, and, especially, Spain, whose "Great Armada" was defeated by the British in 1588. The country became the ruler of the seas.
Another blow to the city was caused by a grand fire in 1666, which destroyed many medieval buildings. Burnt Cathedral of St. Paul was rebuilt at the beginning of the 18th century, then the iconic structures were erected - Westminster Bridge and Buckingham Palace. The railway, the first metro (in 1863) and, especially, the sewage system (in 1865), which put an end to cholera outbreaks, gave a new impetus to the development of the city. Industrialization has turned London into a major industrial center, and the population has surpassed the million mark.
The Victorian era (most of the 19th century) was the heyday of London. It was intensively built up, and the population reached 6 million. But many buildings were destroyed by German bombing at the beginning of World War II. The post-war period was characterized by large immigration from the former colonies of the British Empire. And already in the XXI century. several ultra-modern structures were built in the city, which will be discussed below.
Main Historical and Archaeological Museum of the British Empire
London Attractions
TO the main classic architectural and historic sites in London relate.
- Westminster.
- Tower.
- Cathedral of st. Paul.
- British museum.
Tomb of Elizabeth I
Westminster
This historic district is the political center of Great Britain. Here are located the most interesting sights of London:
- royal residence - Buckingham Palace;
- Parliament sitting at Westminster Palace;
- Westminster Abbey;
- Trafalgar Square.
You can start exploring the area's iconic sites by taking the London Underground to the St James Park stop.
The Horse Guards parade and the colorful changing of the guard ceremony takes place every day from 11 a.m. They were observed by almost everyone who visited London. But few of them have seen the luxurious interiors of the palace. Collections of paintings from the royal collection are exhibited in the gallery of the same name during the Queen's holidays in August and September from 10:00 to 18:00. Ticket price - 16.5 GBP (pounds sterling).
The symbol of London is the Palace of Westminster with the Big Ben bell tower. It was successfully recreated in the 19th century. instead of the original building burned down in the Great Fire of 1666. On the opposite side, the palace is crowned with the Victoria Tower, through the gate of which the Queen passes to deliver her speech to the throne in parliament. Other traditions are also honored. So, the Lord Chancellor is still sitting on a sack of wool, and parliamentarians who address the speaker always wear hats. The easiest way to get to Palace of Westminster is by tube, getting off at Westminster or Victoria stations.
Cathedral Church of St. Petra is the official name. This outstanding monument of English Gothic was founded in 1065, and was completed until the 16th century. The façade and interiors of the building compete in splendor. The cathedral is the place of coronations and burials of British kings. The Poets' Corner contains the graves (not always real) of famous Englishmen - Newton, Dickens, Shakespeare, Thackeray, Milton, Chaucer, Burns, Handel and others.
Prince William and Catherine Middleton wedding
You can visit the cathedral for 20 GBP from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, on Wednesday until 19:00, and on Saturday until 14:30. Services for parishioners are held on Sunday. The nearest tube stations are St James "s Park or Westminster.
The central square of London was named in honor of the battle won by the English fleet near Cape Trafalgar. On a high column in the center is the 5-meter figure of the hero of the battle, Admiral Nelson. Around the statue are beautiful sculptures and fountains. In the corner of the square is a model of the ship on which the admiral was mortally wounded. And from the monument to King Charles I all London distances are counted. Near the square are metro stations Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.
The traditional poppy field in front of the walls of the fortress
Other attractions
The palace and fortress in London's Tower Hamlets is a thousand years old. For a long time, the building was a prison and even a place of execution of noble people, including kings. Some visitors say that they saw the ghosts of the executed here. The current Tower is a royal treasury, an armory and a residence for elite guests. The building's guards in luxurious uniforms act as guides and live exhibits for visitors. Not far from the Tower is the bridge of the same name - an iconic landmark of the British capital. It is especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
You can get to the Tower by metro to Tower Hill station or by buses No. 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1. Opening hours - from 9 to 16: 30-17: 30 (depending on the season), and on Sunday and Monday - from 10 o'clock. A regular admission ticket costs 25 GBP.
Eastern part of the Cathedral
Cathedral of st. Pavla is located in the City area. The structure was built according to the project of the architect Christopher Wren from 1675 to 1710.Outside, tourists are attracted by the grandiose triple dome 120 m high.A lot of amazing things can be seen inside - columns dropping to the ceiling, a false second floor, the famous Gallery of whispers heard within a radius of 30 m, best english organ. In the right tower there is the main bell "Big Floor", the sound of which spreads for 37 km. Two prominent military leaders are buried in the cathedral - the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson.
Tourists who climb the 560 steps to the Golden Gallery are rewarded with a wonderful panorama of the city. You can get to the Cathedral by metro to St. Paul's. Opening hours - from 9:30 to 16:30, except Sunday reserved for services. The ticket costs 14.5 GBP.
Many are interesting London museums... The most famous -, has been operating since 1753. The geography of its 7 million exhibits is incomparably wider than the name. In the section of Ancient Egypt, the Rosetta Stone and the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II stand out. In the ancient Greek exposition, you can see, in particular, Parthenon marble slabs. The museum can be visited from 10 am to 5:30 pm free of charge. And you can get to it by getting off at the Russell Square, Holborn metro stations, or by buses 7, 55, 19, 22b, 8, 38, 25, 98.
Museum building and entrance queue
Private museums
London is home to the main wax museum, founded back in 1835 by a sculptor. Its exposition includes over a thousand famous characters classified by the type of activity. The organizers did their best to create the "Cabinet of Horrors". In it, in the semi-darkness, maniacs and death masks of those executed on the guillotine are presented. To enhance the impression, museum attendants in dark robes suddenly jump out of the darkness and grab the hands of visitors. Those of them who especially liked it here are given the opportunity to spend the night for 100 GBP.
To visit the museum, which is open from 10 to 17:30, you need to purchase a ticket for 28.8 GBP. And you can get here by metro to Baker Street station, or by buses No. 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139 and 274.
Another famous museum is dedicated to Sherlock Holmes. Letters to the famous detective at 221B Baker Street are still coming in. Now this apartment has also been transferred to a nearby museum - in building 239. The museum, which is open from 10:30 to 18 hours, can be visited by paying 6 GBP. Travel - by subway to Baker Street.
City Hall Lobby
Modern architecture
Several postmodern structures have been built in London during the current century. Modern London architecture causes a lot of controversy. Adherents consider these buildings to be new attractions, while opponents say that they spoil the architectural appearance of the city. The two buildings were designed by one of the founders of the high-tech style, the architect Norman Foster. He explains the unusual shape of his buildings with environmental considerations.
The new building of London City Hall - City Hall, was built in the vicinity of Tower Bridge. It was commissioned in 2002. The curved facade of the 10-storey building evokes the likeness of a sliced egg. The narrowness of the upper floors contributes to better illumination of the lower ones. There are no air conditioners in the City Hall: in the summer, the building is cooled by groundwater coming from a special well.
Mary Ax Tower
Foster's other creation is the 40-story City Tower, opened in 2004. The Cucumber mesh structure has a maximum width of 57 meters on the 17th floor, tapering to 25 at the top. Green glass panels allow sunlight to pass through, while the rounded design minimizes wind currents. A third of the building's glass panels are darkened, giving it a swirling effect. The nearest metro station is Aldgate. You can only get inside on Open House London days in September.
Skyscraper "Shard", reaching 310 m, is the tallest building in Western Europe. The building designed by the Italian Renzo Piano has been in operation since 2013. The name ("Glass Shard") fully reflects its appearance. The last 4 of the 72 floors are reserved for sky-high (in the literal sense of the word) observation decks for visitors.
It is better to buy tickets in advance, having previously checked the weather forecast: strong clouds can interfere with a distant view.
The nearest metro station is London Bridge, buses No. 43, 48, 141, 149, 521. Visiting hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Thursday-Saturday until 9 pm. The ticket price is 26 GBP.
Evening at Leicester Square
What to do in London
Evening relaxation in London
The British capital is interesting not only for its architectural and historical sights. Where to go in London in the evening? Several options are most popular with tourists.
Where can you go from London on a free day? Excursions are organized from the city to explore nearby attractions. You can visit them yourself.
- The famous Stonehenge (train to Salisbury, from there by shuttle bus). There are no cafes in its vicinity, so you need to take food with you. You have to pay 15 GBP for a ticket.
- Dover (by train from St Pancras station), where you can see the famous chalk cliffs, as well as the ancient Castle, a ticket for which costs 17 GBP.
- Windsor (from Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eaton Riverside). The city castle is one of the royal residences. The changing of the guard takes place here at 11 o'clock. You can get inside from 10 to 16 hours only if there is no royal family in it. Price - 15 GBP.
- Canterbury (by train from St Pancras or Waterloo East stations), where the main Anglican temple - Canterbury Cathedral is located. Entrance fee is 7 GBP.
No one will argue that London is one of the most popular tourist spots on the map, and almost every traveler wants to visit this rainy and, perhaps, a little gloomy, but such an attractive city with a magical atmosphere. This is the capital of dreams, memorable at first sight for its unique character, color, expressed in every detail.
The banks of the Thames are striking in the number of interesting sights, because in order to form at least a superficial opinion about this wonderful metropolis, you will need to spend at least a week here.
Moreover, unlike some other cities that are invariably included in the list of must-see places in the world, London does not have a clearly defined center that would unite the main attractions on its territory. Here, famous sites are scattered across different areas.
The list of places worth visiting in the English capital includes not only museums, castles and other historical buildings, but also rich nature, picturesque parks, as well as modern buildings, for example, skyscrapers, striking in their originality and impressiveness.
Let's take a closer look at the objects that no self-respecting guest from another state should pass by.
One of the first historical buildings, which definitely cannot be bypassed, is Big Ben. There is, perhaps, no traveler who has not met the world's most famous watches on postcards or stationery.
The construction of the tower took place during the reign of Queen Victoria in the middle of the 19th century, and its height reaches 97 meters. Since then, the watch has not got tired of conscientiously counting the time, serving as a reference point for all residents of London.
Mention should be made of the widespread misconception regarding the name of the building. "Big Ben" is not the name of the legendary clock tower or the clock itself, it is the most impressive bell located in the tower.
This giant differs from its five counterparts in striking weight - 13.5 tons. But due to the simplicity of the name, its easy perception, both visitors and locals often apply the name "Big Ben" to both the clock and the tower as a whole.
The official and correct name of the main symbol of the English capital is Elizabeth Tower. This honorary name was assigned only in 2012, and the occasion was the 60th anniversary of the Queen's reign. Until then, the name of the Tower of St. Stephen was assigned to the tower.
Let us turn to the milestones of the existence of a historical object: before this building served as a prison intended for political prisoners - parliamentarians, whose opinion contradicted the views of the authorities. However, in fact, the tower practically did not fulfill its functions; in its entire history, only one prisoner was imprisoned within these walls.
The tower invariably finds its place in popular culture. In 2012, the chimes gave a sign for the opening of the Olympics, and in the most famous films and even cartoons, the tower becomes the star of close-ups - "Flood", "Mars Attacks" and other Hollywood masterpieces.
And a number of cartoons even contain scenes that are set in Big Ben - "101 Dalmatians" or "Peter Pan".
As you know, Big Ben is an integral part, one of the towers of the grandiose Palace of Westminster, which is another major attraction. The history of the palace is full of tragedies - until the 14th century it was assigned the role of a royal residence, but fate prepared a surprise for it.
In 1834, a terrible fire broke out, which caused the loss of most of the structure. There are also several surviving fragments of the palace - Westminster Hall, where magnificent receptions were held, and the Tower of Jewels.
Only in the middle of the 19th century, a new palace building was built to replace the burnt-out apartments. Here today parliamentary sessions are held. The style in which the modern palace was built can be defined as neo-Gothic.
The impressive characteristics that distinguish the majestic building are - the total length of its corridors is about five kilometers, and the number of rooms almost reaches 1200.
Westminster Hall requires special attention, since it is not just one of the halls, but the most valuable monument of the Middle Ages, which preserved the spirit of those years and survived the fire.
The hall was created in the 11th century and was distinguished by luxury, and the original project was rebuilt after 300 years: the walls were lined with stone, and wooden floors were added. I must say that not only this hall went through a monstrous fire, but also through the bombing of the Germans in 1941, because the neighboring hall was completely destroyed by them.
The dimensions of Westminster Hall are awe-inspiring - the ceiling height is 28 meters, and the total area is about 1800 sq. death sentence to a number of famous personalities, including, for example, the thinker Thomas More.
The next point on the curious tourist's itinerary is Westminster Abbey, which can be found west of Westminster Palace. Another, less popular, name of the building is St. Peter's Church.
The duration of the construction process of this building in the Gothic style is striking - exactly 5 centuries, although there were small breaks. Statues of martyrs adorn the western façade of the majestic church.
Westminster Abbey can boast of the constancy of the functions performed - this is the only place where British monarchs ascend to the throne, as well as the territory of their burial. In addition to royals, eminent British people, whose activities made England famous, find eternal rest in the abbey.
For example, in Poets' Corner you can find burials of Dickens, Chaucer and other literary geniuses. The graves of such famous scientists as Darwin and Newton are also located here. Only outstanding citizens are honored to find their final resting place here.
Buckingham Palace
One cannot ignore the residence of Elizabeth II - the magnificent Buckingham Palace. It was founded in 1703, and the name was given by the name of the original owner - the Duke of Buckingham.
There are over 600 rooms inside the palace. The northern part of the castle is occupied by the current queen and her husband. Tourists can instantly determine whether the monarch is present at the residence or has temporarily left it by the British flag, which either flies over the structure or is lowered.
For those who like to watch the changing of the guard of honor, this opportunity is provided every day, half an hour before noon on the palace square.
Fortress Tower
The next most important point is the Tower fortress, which plays the role of another main symbol of the capital. The structure is ancient, the date of construction is 1078.
Unlike Westminster Abbey, which is permanent in its purpose, the old Tower has been a fortress, a royal residence, an observatory, a zoo, a mint, and a prison. It was the latter that made it an infamous historical point.
The Second World War was the period of the Tower's return to its prison past - here were held the Germans taken prisoner, including Rudolf Hess.
Currently, the complex includes several buildings, including the museum of jewelry and the armory, which are the most significant.
The bridge of the same name - Tower Bridge - is located not far from the fortress. It was in honor of her that he acquired such a name. The opening of the bridge took place in 1894. It is a large-scale Gothic-style steel divider that spans across the Thames.
It is a Tower Bridge, a structure of two towers (65 meters each), which are connected by a passage. The wings of the crossing can rise up to 83 degrees so that large ships can pass under the bridge.
An interesting fact is that the bridge is extremely convenient for pedestrians due to special paths that are provided even at the time of its opening.
The stairs located in each tower can climb to a height of 44 meters and move to the other side of the river, despite the wings fixed at an angle. There is also an observation deck on the bridge, which is located at the top of the bridge. From there, tourists can admire the magical English city.
Trafalgar Square
Let us now turn to the famous squares. The most famous for travelers is Trafalgar Square. This attraction is located directly in the center of the capital. You can find the square by the column installed on it, crowned with a statue of Admiral Nelson.
The height of the column is 44 meters, and the material for its creation was gray granite. The square is now home to London's premier Christmas tree every year. Read about here.
Piccadilly Circus
Another ancient square is Piccadilly Circus, its history goes back over 200 years. Here you can find a famous cafe called "Royal", which served as a gathering place for creative personalities - artists, poets. The main highlight of the square is the fountain crowned with a statue of the Greek god Anteros.
Another interesting detail is the 600-seat underground theater hall (Criterion Theater), which has been operating since 1874. Also, some tourists come here wishing to visit the Museum of the Cupids of London. This is already a modern cultural point that appeared in 2007.
Interesting fact about Piccadilly Circus - this is one of the first squares where the first neon signs found their place more than 100 years ago.
Madame Tussauds museum
Let's move on to museums. London is famous all over the world, thanks to the exposition, which allows not only taking pictures, but also touching the stars of show business, historical figures, royals - this is Madame Tussauds. This wonderful place is located on Marylebone Road.
The exhibition contains more than four hundred realistic exhibits, including such personalities as Michael Jackson, the Beatles and other people who have left their bright mark on history. The craftsmanship with which the figures are executed is often simply numb, since it is rather difficult to distinguish them from living prototypes.
This seemingly harmless museum also has a corner for those who like to tickle their nerves. This is the Chamber of Horrors - a room that contains images of British criminals who have done monstrous deeds over the past 5 centuries.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
It is impossible not to pay attention to this museum on Baker Street. It is clear to everyone that this exposition is dedicated to the beloved literary hero of the inhabitants of England - Sherlock Holmes. The building that houses the museum was built in 1815. It has four floors, the first of which contains a souvenir shop and a hall.
On the second, tourists can find the detective's room and living room, and the third is occupied by the chambers of Mrs. Hudson and Dr. Watson. The last floor serves as a platform for the wax figures of the main characters of the works about Holmes.
The furnishings have been recreated with particular accuracy - the British have carefully approached the details, placing in the chambers a violin, a detective's smoking pipe, and other things reflecting his hobbies. A tourist can even spend time by the fireplace in his favorite Sherlock chair, immersed in the atmosphere of carelessness and disorder that creates the effect of the owner's recent presence in the room.
Residential complex One Hyde Park
Finally, let's note the modern sights of the city. Travelers are often attracted by the unattainable and luxurious. One of these places is an elite-type residential complex located in the Knightsbridge area. Of course, you won't find any special beauty or historical atmosphere here.
This complex is represented by four detached buildings made of reinforced concrete and glass. However, the complex acquired world fame due to its cost. The most expensive apartment on the planet is located here, the owner bought it for $ 220 million.
Luxurious housing, unfortunately, is the prerogative of only billionaires. A tourist can only walk around the prestigious quarter and take a photo in front of it.
Naturally, these are not all the sights of London, but only the minimum that every tourist must visit. In addition to the above, plan a visit to the National Art Gallery, famous for its collection of works by da Vinci, Monet, Rubens and other world-famous artists.
Take a stroll down the Avenue of Stars, an analogue of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with the palm prints of famous Englishmen. Fans of entertainment and shopping should head to the Soho area.
London is a fairly old city. It was formed by the ancient Romans in 43 BC. NS. and named Londilium. The city developed and grew rich. He gave the world famous mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and other scientists. The British were ahead of many countries in the world in the development of scientific thought. The first line of the London Underground opened in 1863. It was the first metro in the world. A wooden escalator still operates at one of the stations. The advanced solutions of British engineers in many areas are impressive.
The first thing that catches your eye is double-decker buses and red telephone booths, a lot of cyclists. And the road traffic lives by its own rules, different from our world. Pleasantly impressive is the large number of gardens and parks. Many museums and galleries open their doors for free.
Cricket and equestrian polo, golf, boxing - these are the most popular entertainments of the British. And the Thames rowing regatta is a favorite sport.
London is full of beer pubs and cozy cafes. Here they traditionally eat oatmeal in the morning, like pudding and oven-baked meat.
The modern city seems to be living in a real fairy tale. It is difficult to imagine him without Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth, princes, princesses. Crowds gather to watch the changing of the guard ceremony for the court guards. London is hard to imagine without Shakespeare, without Sherlock Holmes and Baker Street. London is Westminster Abbey, the Tower, which remembers the history of the city in the smallest detail. London is everyone's favorite Beatles, Deep Purple, Sting.
London landmarks - PHOTOS
The 900 year old fortress remembers almost the entire history of England. At various times, she had to be the residence of kings, a prison, a zoo. On its territory there was a mint and a treasury. Now it is a unique museum complex. In addition to medieval architecture, internal interiors, ancient traditions and ceremonies have been preserved here, old legends and prophecies are still honored. And the court crows, which have become the symbol of the castle, have been receiving official contentment since the reign of Charles II. It is also rumored that in the halls of the castle you can meet the ghost of Anne Boleyn, or some other monarch, beheaded in the Tower.
Nearest hotels: Tower of London
St. Peter's Church in Westminster and St. Margaret's Church are strictly in the Gothic style. It took several centuries for the masterpiece of architectural thought to become what it is today. Thin, graceful towers, rushing upward, amaze with their elegance and at the same time severity. Internal lace vaults make you forget that they are made of stone and by human hands. The abbey has beautiful stained glass windows, many sculptures, jewelry, unique tapestries, works of art, an organ works. The main Anglican church is closely associated with the royal court. Almost all the coronations of English monarchs took place here, starting from 1066. The abbey preserves the history of the whole of England; the flower of the English nation is buried here - from kings to scientists and poets.
Nearest hotels:
In the halls of the museum, you can easily find a cat in uniform - it is a museum employee and keeper of rarities, of which there are countless numbers. To see all the expositions, you need to spend 3-4 days, its area is 6 hectares. The museum has something to be proud of. The richest collection of Egyptian antiquities is located in London. The gallery stretches for almost 92 m. Here you can see the Rosette stone, thanks to which it was possible to read ancient writings, a huge number of household items, luxury, a collection of mummies. The ancient history of Greece, Rome, a large collection of art objects from Africa and Asia are widely represented.
Hotels near British Museum
In August and September, the Royal Palace is open to tourists, and visiting the crowned person is an unforgettable personal holiday. The tale begins with the royal gate and the ceremony of the guard. The halls of the palace invite you to see the personal collection of the Queen, including the works of Rembrandt, Van Dyck Michelangelo, Vermeer, a collection of porcelain, antique furniture. There are 775 rooms in total. £ 8 is a guided tour of the royal stable, where you can see a golden carriage, a transparent carriage for weddings, and if you're lucky, even the royal horses.
Hotels and hostels:
The Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames is capable of lifting 800 people to a height of 135 meters at a time. It was dubbed the London Eye because from here the whole city is in full view, and can be seen 40 km around. Each capsule weighs 10 tons, is equipped with a seat, a 4D cinema. The creators have equipped the wheel with unique lighting, and in the dark, the light show will bring many pleasant moments.
Hotels near the Ferris wheel
The Big Ben Clock Tower has become not only a symbol of London, but the whole of Great Britain. It was built in 1859. The big bell behind the Big Ben clock gave its name to the tower. However, in 2012 it was decided to rename the building in honor of Queen Elizabeth. The Clock Tower boasts the world's largest four-sided striking clock. Inside, at a height of 55 m, there is a sophisticated clockwork. The craftsmen constantly monitor not only the gears - the temperature, the air pressure - everything is important when it comes to the accuracy of the mechanism. Sometimes a coin is placed on the pendulum to adjust the time and restore deviations.
Nearest hotels: Big Ben
The bridge was put into operation in 1894. The opening ceremony was attended by Prince Edward of Wales and his wife. An advanced development for that time made it possible to open the bridge in just 1 minute. Inside the towers, in addition to stairs, there were elevators. This made it possible for residents to cross the Thames even during the passage of ships. Currently, exhibitions devoted to the history of the bridge are open in the galleries of the bridge, in the towers you can inspect the Victorian rooms, go down to the engine room of the bridge and look at the lifting mechanisms. Tower Bridge itself is an excellent observation deck. Great shots can be taken from here. He is very beautiful at night in garlands of illumination.
Hotels near Tower Bridge
Hyde Park has become famous as a venue for political rallies and protests. The so-called Speakers' Corner officially exists here. Anyone can try themselves in the role of a tribune, defending the most unusual ideas. Parades and processions, city holidays are held in the park. On the territory of the park there is an artificial lake in the form of a snake - Serpentine, a gallery of modern art. The paths for horse walks are broken. Sometimes an unusual cemetery is opened for tourists, where pets rest.
Hotels near
In the center of the square there is a 40-meter column of General Nelson. Cast lions stand around it, fountains are gushing. There are 4 pedestals on the sides of the square. Three have statues of great men of England. The fourth pedestal was first used only in 2005. On New Year's Eve, the main Christmas tree of the country is installed here, which is always sent as a token of gratitude by the Norwegians for their help during the Second World War. Until recently, Trafalgar Square could be called pigeon square. There were up to 35 thousand birds at the same time. Due to the fact that cleaning the area has become a big problem, the city authorities have officially banned the feeding and welcoming of the animals.
Hotels near Trafalgar Square
10. St. Paul's Cathedral
There are three unusual galleries under the dome of this cathedral - a stone one, a gold one, and a whisper gallery. The latter is so named because of its acoustic effects. The dome itself repeats the top of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and is a kind of London landmark. There are 17 bells in the church bell tower. Brass music concerts are often held here. The interior of the cathedral was transformed in 1860. The parishioners have established a special fund for the needs of the cathedral. Today, the interiors of the church are impressive with mosaic masterpieces, openwork lattices, and sculptures. Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married here.
The nearest hotels: St. Pauls Cathedral
