Attractions

London Attractions

Tower of London

Is this the most famous fortress in the world? Probably! The 900 year-old stronghold was built shortly after the triumphant William the Conqueror victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Successive monarch expanded the structure making it grander and more secure each time. The Tower has served as the royal mint, an armoury and is the current residence of the Queen’s most precious possessions, the Crown Jewels. The Tower also has a blood stained history, the former prison has been the scene of the executions of Henry VIII’s wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard not to mention dozens of political and religious prisoners.

The Tower is guarded by Yoeman Warders, more commonly known as ‘Beefeaters’, who wear traditional dress dating back to the 18^th Century. The ‘Beefeaters’ and their families live inside the compound and there is currently a large community of over 150 living inside the walls, which includes shops, a doctor and even its own pub. Members of the public can apply to witness the Ceremony of the Keys, which has been performed every night for hundreds of years, the guards perform and elaborate ceremony of locking the outer gates.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is as iconic and representative of London as Big Ben or St Paul’s Cathedral. The stately, magnificent bridge has been an imposing landmark for over a hundred years, since its construction in 1894. The bridge is open to the public and it is possible to climb to the upper walkways, which offer stunning panoramic views of the river and across the city. The tour also takes you into the original Victorian engine rooms, which housed the enormous steam-powered engines that once heaved the massive drawbridge.

The Tower Bridge Exhibition costs £5.50 for adults.

London Eye

The newest of London’s landmarks, the eye has now taken its place as one of the great wonders of the modern world. The gigantic observation wheel at 135 metres is taller than Big Ben and the Statue of Liberty and can carry 15,000 passengers a day and often does. You’re bound to face a lengthy queue for your ‘flight’, but you can book a fast track ticket, which will whisk you to the front. A flight lasts thirty minutes and offers views of up to 25 miles in each direction, including views of St Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle and the Tate Modern Gallery.   

St Paul’s Cathedral

Though there are larger and more magnificent buildings in London, St Paul’s has a serenity and beauty, which has attracted visitors and worshippers since it was built in 1710. The massive domed roof is still one of the largest church domes in the world, at 111 meters high. At the time of construction it was an amazing feat of engineering and the cathedral is still one of London’s most famous and visited sites.

There are guided tours around the site, which includes the ancient crypts and the whispering gallery where you can test the domes acoustics by whispering on one side and be heard by a person standing over the far side.    

London Aquarium

Discover Britain’s aquatic creatures and some more exotic species at Europe’s largest aquarium, which is home to over 350 species. The London Aquarium has over 50 environments harbouring sharks, stingrays and giant eels, as well hundreds of species of tropical fish, crustaceans and even robotic fish.

The facility is separated into 14 zones, which each represent a different kind of aquatic environment such as tropical, coral and fresh water. There is a touch pool, which gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with various (tame) fish like rays and flat fish. Tours can also be booked in advance.

Madame Tussauds

Since 1835 Madame Tussaud’s famous waxwork figures have delighted and fascinated Londoners and tourists. The modern waxworks have moved with the times and every year sees new additions to the collection, all the latest celebrities, sporting heroes and even a few villains are featured.

London Zoo

London Zoo is vast, set in Regent’s Park and covers over 36 acres of land and houses some 12,000 birds and beasts. The huge menagerie turns out to be quite easy to navigate as, there are trails painted on the path, which takes you round on a big circle to ensure that you miss out on nothing. The zoo has all the things you expect to see, lions, tigers every kind of monkey, ape and lemur. There is also a farmyard where children can pet sheep and pigs etc, a creepy insect house and a humid tropical lizard house.

The London Pass

There is a good way to get around London and visit all the sights the city has to offer; the London Pass will get to free access to many attractions once you’ve paid a flat fee. The good news is that the pass also includes all transport in the city and includes most of the popular places people want to see. For around £30 you can visit London Zoo, London Aquarium, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and dozens of other attractions. It also includes all bus, train travel and even river cruises. The pass can be used to get free cinema tickets, discounted meals and theatre tickets and will even get you discounts on your shopping at many stores.

Greater London – Annual events
List of past, present and upcoming events in the Greater London area. Covers everything from Rock festivals to the Chelsea flower show!

London – Now
An A-Z listing of all London’s Galleries and Restaurants. Useful for visitors.

London Attractions
List of things to do and see in London – suits all ages – includes addresses, telephone numbers and general information on each attraction.

Medieval Banquets
A medieval four-course meal, with themed entertainment, a stone’s throw from the Tower of London. Booking online.

The History of Madame Tussauds
A small website giving details on the history of the waxworks, the chamber of horrors etc. There are some images.

Welcome to Abbey Road Studios
Information, directions to the famous crossing, shop online, interact with the site and leave your own personal message on the virtual wall.

Welcome to Alexandra Palace
General information, shop online, news of upcoming events and location/direction details.