Tourist Attractions
Our top 10 London attractions
1. Trafalgar Square:
The geographical centre of the capital is a popular meeting place and is famous for its historic, artistic and scenic attributes. The square’s focal point is the towering Nelson’s Column, which is surrounded by granite fountains, four huge bronze lions and statues of military heroes.
2. Tower of London:
Founded in 1066, the Tower has played a significant part in British history, taking on the role of fortress, royal residence, treasury and notorious prison. Today it houses the Crown Jewels, as well as the Beefeaters, who take visitors on tours through the castle’s incredible and often gruesome past.
3. Buckingham Palace:
Built for the Duke of Buckingham in the 1700s, this is the official London residence of the British monarchy. When the Queen takes her annual summer holiday, the palace's grand State Rooms, decorated in gold and artistic masterpieces, welcome visitors keen to see how the royal family live, work and play. The palace is also famous for its Changing of the Guard proceedings, which takes place at select times throughout the day.
4. British Museum:
Housed in a stunning Neo-Classical edifice, the museum presents one of the most comprehensive pictures of our culture and history found anywhere in the world. Boasting an impressive collection of priceless Egyptian, Roman, Middle Eastern and European relics, it contains countless treasures and antiquities, including the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Sculptures.
5. Big Ben & Houses of Parliament:
On the banks of the Thames, this impressive Gothic landmark is a symbol of a government that has endured for centuries. With its dramatic spires and intricate design, Westminster’s most recognisable feature is the 96 metre-high Elizabeth Tower, affectionately known as Big Ben and arguably the world’s most famous clock.
6. St Paul's Cathedral:
The world’s first Protestant cathedral was completed in 1711 and today sits proudly against the angular office buildings which surround it. Visitors can climb the 271 steps to the Golden Gallery, the highest point of the dome, which offers panoramic views of London, or venture underground to St Paul’s crypt and see the resting places of famous figures such as Sir Christopher Wren, Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.
7. Tower Bridge:
A picture-perfect rendition of Victorian Gothic-style architecture, this elegant bridge, completed in 1894, was designed to complement the neighbouring Tower of London. Today visitors can explore the Victorian Engine Rooms, see the original lifting machinery, discover interactive displays and stroll across the high-level walkways, including a glass floor section giving a bird’s-eye view of London from 42 metres above the Thames.
8. London Eye:
At 137 metres high, this is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. Originally a temporary structure to mark the Millennium, this giant Ferris wheel proved so popular it became a permanent fixture. A ‘flight’ takes a leisurely 30 minutes and each of the 32 glass pods holds up to 28 people and provides spectacular views of the city’s famous landmarks.
9. Westminster Abbey:
One of the most recognisable churches in the world, and the site of coronations, celebrations and memorials for more than nine centuries, this beautiful Gothic structure has also been a burial site for monarchs, aristocrats and figures of note, including Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens.
10. Hyde Park:
When the sun is shining, and even when it's not, this is where Londoners converge to rest and play. One of city’s eight Royal Parks, this 145-hectare verdant space is bound by posh suburbs and is home to the Serpentine Gallery, Speakers Corner and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. During the warmer months, the park also plays host to huge outdoor concerts and cultural events such as the very British BBC Proms in the Park.