Top 5 Things to do in London, England
What to do in London?
1 (2) Tower of London
Be
heading to the Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the world's top tourist attractions. When it fulfilled a more 'functional' role the Tower of London was all about misery, torture, body stretching and head removal. Its ancient stones conceal dark secrets, stories of treachery, treason and the lust for power. The priceless Crown Jewels still glint within its fortified vaults. Beefeaters still guard and patrol its grounds. The big difference now is you get to leave. In its distant past there were few return trips to the Tower.
Tower of London Ravens
The ravens are the last remaining captives still held in the Tower of London. Myth has it that if the ravens were to be released the Tower of London would crumble into dust. The traffic grid-lock that such an event would create does not bear thinking about.
Tower of London Zoo?
This grand old fortresses has served its master well as royal palace, prison, armoury and even as a zoo. Its history is so rich that a visit to London is not complete without a spell inside of its walls. You may just find however that you can't help but give a little sigh of relief as you leave.
More about the Tower of London
2 (11) Tower Bridge
The
much loved Tower Bridge
Beautiful Tower Bridge is commonly considered to be one of the most impressive structures in London. 'The Bridge' has stood over the River Thames since 1894 linking London's south east to the Tower of London. The world landmark Tower Bridge has a catwalk at the top of the bridge which provides excellent views of London and down the River Thames.
A visit to the Tower Bridge can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Tower of London.
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3 (5) St. Paul's Cathedral (St. Paul's)
Sir
Christopher Wren's masterpiece - St Paul's Cathedral in London
Sir Christopher Wren's much loved St Paul's is part of the heart and soul of London. St Paul's was targeted by the Luftwaffe during World War Two. It is miracle that it wasn't destroyed by the intensive bombing and resulting firestorm. Most of the buildings that surrounded St Paul's were not so fortunate. St Pauls contains the story of the men and women who risked their lives to preserve this historic, beautiful building.
St. Paul’s Cathedral was built by Christopher Wren in 1710. You will find the famous Whispering Gallery 30 metres above the cathedral floor. Venture below and you will find the tombs and memorials of English heroes such as Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke Of Wellington.
The hour long Triforium Tour includes a quick peek at the library a climb up the 141 steps of the famous geometrical staircase. At the top you are rewarded with spectacular views of London's West End. Your tour finishes in the Trophy Room where you can view Christopher Wren's original plan for the Cathedral which took the ambitious form of a Greek cross.
St Pauls Cathedral (more)
4 (5) Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)
Parliament is open to the public. You can attend debates, watch committee hearings and tour the buildings of the Houses of Parliament. You can view the art, admire the architecture and catch a debate of Honourable Member's being not nice to each other. You can even climb the famous Clock Tower and see Big Ben.
The Lord's gallery is impressive and worth seeing. Westminster Hall is the only surviving part of the original houses of parliament. Westminster Hall is also where Sir Thomas More was sentenced and where the Queen Mother's coffin lay in state before her funeral.
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5 (3) Buckingham Palace and Admiralty Arch
Buckingham Palace is Liz’s place. Royal Flag goes up when she is home so everybody knows to stay on their best behavior. Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837 and as such is a working building and not open to the public. The exception to this is the State Rooms which are open to visitors every year. For visitor information see Royal Collection website, just follow the link below.
Of the 775 rooms that make
up Buckingham Palace 19 are State rooms, 52 are Royal and guest bedrooms,
188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. The Royal Palace is
108 metres long across the front, 120 metres deep (including the central
quadrangle) and 24 metres high.
Admiralty Arch
Admiralty Arch stands at one end of "THE MALL". Beautiful architecture. You can walk through the arch and up to Buckingham Palace in about 10 minutes. As you walk between the Arch and Buckingham Palace it is hard to know which way to look - the answer is of course at the on-coming traffic. Please be careful out there.
Queens Gallery
The
Queens Gallery at Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a permanent space dedicated to changing exhibitions from the Royal collection – an astonishing and wide-ranging collection of paintings, sculpture and other works of art as well as a glittering array of priceless treasure held in trust for the Nation by Her Majesty the Queen. This is a popular site for London visitors who love art and a Free Entry site for London Pass holders
The Royal Mews
Don't
be taken for a ride at the Royal Mews
One of the finest working stables anywhere in the world and home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages, the Royal Mews is still to this day responsible for all road travel arrangements for Her Majesty The Queen.
The Royal Mews has been the location of the sovereign’s road transport since 1760. London visitors can see the Glass Coach, used by Royal brides, the luxurious Australian State Coach (with central heating included!) and the most dazzling of all, the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation since 1821.
The Royal Mews in London offers regular guided tours and entry is free with a London Pass
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