With lots of tourist attractions in London, it is a vibrant and culturally rich capital of the United Kingdom. It is a city that captivates millions of tourists each year with its historical landmarks, world-class museums, and iconic attractions. From the timeless beauty of Buckingham Palace to the architectural marvel of the Tower Bridge, London offers a plethora of tourist attractions. It caters to every interest. In this article, we will explore ten must-visit tourist attractions in London.
1. Buckingham Palace
- Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the Queen of the United Kingdom.
- It is located in the City of Westminster, London, and is the centrepiece of the UK’s constitutional monarchy.
- The palace has been the home of British monarchs since 1837, when Queen Victoria moved in.
- It is a working palace, and is used for a variety of official events, such as state banquets, investitures, and garden parties.
- The palace is also open to the public for tours during the summer months.
- Buckingham Palace is a large and impressive building, with over 775 rooms.
- It is surrounded by a large park, and is home to a number of other buildings, including the Royal Mews and the Queen’s Gallery.
Here are some interesting facts about Buckingham Palace:
- The palace has 19 State Rooms, which are used for official events.
- The State Rooms are decorated with a variety of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.
- The palace also has a number of other rooms, including bedrooms, offices, and kitchens.
- The palace is home to a number of staff, including chefs, butlers, and maids.
- The palace is guarded by the Queen’s Guard, who wear red uniforms and bear fur hats.
- The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a popular tourist attraction, and takes place in front of the palace every day.
2. Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It was founded toward the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new Norman ruling class. The castle was also used as a prison from 1100 (Ranulf Flambard) until 1952 (Kray twins), although that was not its primary purpose. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under kings Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The general layout established by the late 13th century remains despite later activity on the site.
The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. It is open to the public for tours and exhibits.
Here are some of the things you can see at the Tower of London:
- The White Tower, the oldest and most iconic building in the complex
- The Crown Jewels, one of the most famous collections of jewelry in the world
- The Bloody Tower, where several notable prisoners were held, including Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell
- The Traitors’ Gate, where prisoners were brought into the Tower
- The moat, which once surrounded the castle
- The gardens, which are home to a variety of plants and flowers
If you are ever in London, we highly recommend visiting the Tower of London. It is a fascinating place with a rich history.
3. British Museum
The British Museum is a museum in London, England, that houses a collection of over eight million works of art and artifacts from around the world. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, and it is home to some of the most famous and iconic objects in the world, such as the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Sutton Hoo helmet.
The British Museum is located in the Bloomsbury district of London, and it is open to the public for free. The museum is divided into a number of different departments, each of which is dedicated to a specific culture or region of the world. The departments include:
- Africa
- Americas
- Asia
- Europe
- Greece and Rome
- Middle East
- Oceania
- Prehistoric and Egyptology
- Prints and Drawings
- World Conservation and Exhibitions
The British Museum is a popular tourist destination, and it is visited by millions of people each year. The museum is also a major research institution, and it is home to a number of world-renowned scholars.
Here are some other things to know about the British Museum:
- It was founded in 1753 by Sir Hans Sloane.
- The museum’s collection is made up of objects that were acquired through a variety of means, including donations, purchases, and conquest.
- The British Museum has been criticized for its colonial past, and some people believe that it should return some of its artifacts to their countries of origin.
- The British Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, England. It is the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the Church of England, and one of the most famous and most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom.
The abbey was founded in 1065 by Edward the Confessor, and construction was completed in the 13th century. It is a large and imposing building, with a long nave, a high choir, and a number of chapels. The abbey is famous for its stained glass windows, its tombs of kings and queens, and its Poets’ Corner.
Here are some of the things you can see and do at Westminster Abbey:
- Visit the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor, the tomb of the abbey’s founder.
- See the Poets’ Corner, where many famous writers and poets are buried, including Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare.
- Walk through the abbey’s cloisters, a peaceful and tranquil space.
- Take a tour of the abbey, led by a knowledgeable guide.
- Attend a service at the abbey, such as Evensong or a choral evensong.
If you are unable to visit Westminster Abbey in person, you can still learn about it through its website, which has a wealth of information and photographs. You can also watch videos of services and tours on the website.
5. The London Eye
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom.
The wheel is 135 meters (443 feet) tall and has 32 capsules, each of which can hold up to 25 people. The capsules are arranged in two tiers, and they rotate slowly, taking about 30 minutes to complete a full revolution.
From the capsules, you can see 360-degree views of London, including landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The London Eye is open all year round, and it is a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
Here are some additional details about the London Eye:
- It was built to celebrate the Millennium, and it opened to the public in 2000.
- It is made up of 1,750 tons of steel and 33,000 LED lights.
- It has carried over 80 million people since it opened.
- The fastest the wheel has ever rotated is 13.5 revolutions per hour.
- The slowest the wheel has ever rotated is 0.2 revolutions per hour.
6. Tate Modern
Tate Modern is a modern and contemporary art gallery in London, England. It is one of four national galleries in the United Kingdom, alongside Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives. Tate Modern is housed in a former power station on the South Bank of the River Thames, and it was opened in 2000.
The gallery’s collection includes over 60,000 works of art, from the early 20th century to the present day. Some of the most famous works in the collection include Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, and Mark Rothko’s Seagram Murals.
Tate Modern is a popular tourist destination, and it attracts over 5 million visitors each year. The gallery offers a variety of exhibitions, events, and educational programs, and it is a major cultural center in London.
Here are some of the things you can do at Tate Modern:
- Visit the Turbine Hall, a vast space that has been used for major installations by artists such as Olafur Eliasson and Ai Weiwei.
- Explore the collection of modern and contemporary art, which includes works by Picasso, Matisse, and Francis Bacon.
- Take part in one of the gallery’s many educational programs, such as workshops, talks, and tours.
- Enjoy a meal or a drink in the gallery’s restaurant or cafe.
- Relax in the outdoor terrace, which has views of the River Thames.
7. St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in London, England. It is the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the Diocese of London. The cathedral is on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London and is a Grade I listed building.
The present structure, dating from the late 17th century, was designed in the English Baroque style by Sir Christopher Wren. Its construction, completed in Wren’s lifetime, was part of a major rebuilding programme in the city after the Great Fire of London.
The cathedral is a large, domed building with a cross-shaped plan. The dome is 365 feet (111 m) high and is the second-largest dome in the United Kingdom, after Liverpool Cathedral. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with marble, gilding, and paintings.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is a popular tourist destination and is also used for a variety of events, including weddings, concerts, and services.
Here are some of the features of St. Paul’s Cathedral that you can describe:
- The dome is the most iconic feature of the cathedral. It is a large, round dome that is topped with a golden cross.
- The cathedral has a cross-shaped plan. This means that it has four equal-sized arms that extend from the center of the building.
- The interior of the cathedral is decorated with marble, gilding, and paintings. The marble is used to create the floors, walls, and pillars of the cathedral. The gilding is used to decorate the dome and other parts of the interior. The paintings are used to depict religious scenes and events.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral is a popular tourist destination. It is estimated that over 2 million people visit the cathedral each year.
- The cathedral is also used for a variety of events, including weddings, concerts, and services.
8. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London, England. It is located in the City of Westminster, and is 350 acres in size. The park is home to a variety of attractions, including Speakers’ Corner, the Serpentine Lake, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
Speakers’ Corner is a designated area in the park where people are free to express their views, regardless of how controversial they may be. The Serpentine Lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain is a beautiful fountain dedicated to the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Hyde Park is a popular spot for people from all walks of life. It is a great place to relax, exercise, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
Here are some other facts about Hyde Park:
- It was created in the 16th century by Henry VIII.
- It is home to a herd of 500 fallow deer.
- The Serpentine Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, swans, and fish.
- Speakers’ Corner has been a place of free speech since the 19th century.
- The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain was designed by American artist Maya Lin.
9. The Shard
The Shard is a 95-story skyscraper in London, England. It is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the seventh-tallest building in Europe. The Shard was designed by Renzo Piano and was completed in 2012.
The Shard is a triangular-shaped building with a glass exterior. It has 72 floors, with the viewing platforms on floors 68, 69, and 72. The viewing platforms offer 360-degree views of London and the surrounding area.
The Shard is a popular tourist destination. It is also used for a variety of events, including corporate events, weddings, and concerts.
Here are some of the features of The Shard:
- Height: 95 stories (309.6 meters)
- Floors: 72
- Viewing platforms: 68, 69, and 72
- Glass exterior
- Triangular shape
- Popular tourist destination
- Used for a variety of events
10. Camden Market
Camden Market is a collection of markets in Camden Town, London. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London, attracting over 250,000 people each week. The markets are known for their wide variety of stalls selling everything from clothes and accessories to food and souvenirs. There are also a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes in the area.
The markets are divided into several different areas, each with its own unique character. The Stables Market is home to a wide variety of stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques, and collectibles. The Camden Lock Market is a popular spot for food and drink, with a number of restaurants and cafes serving everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine. The Camden Market is also home to a number of live music venues, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
If you’re looking for a unique and vibrant shopping experience, Camden Market is definitely worth a visit. With its wide variety of stalls and its lively atmosphere, it’s sure to have something to tempt everyone.
Here are some additional details about Camden Market:
- It is located in the Camden Town area of London, close to the Regent’s Canal.
- The markets are open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm.
- Admission is free.
- There are a number of different ways to get to Camden Market, including by tube, bus, or train.
With its extensive historical background, renowned landmarks, and lively cultural environment, London provides a wide array of tourist destinations. That is to say, it caters to various preferences. However, whether you have a fascination for royal heritage, art and history, stunning panoramas, or bustling markets, London has an abundance of offerings for every visitor. The attractions in London are guaranteed to leave you astonished and eager to come back for more. Hence, consider arranging your trip to London and embark on an exploratory adventure through these ten captivating tourist spots.
Cheap Hotels & Cheap Flights to London
Let’s search for cheap hotels & cheap flights to London …
- London City Airport (LCY)
- IATA code: LCY
- ICAO code: EGLC
- Location: Royal Docks, London
- Opened: 1987
- Runways: 1
- Terminals: 1
- Airlines: Over 30
- Destinations: Over 40
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- IATA code: LGW
- ICAO code: EGGW
- Location: Crawley, West Sussex
- Opened: 1928
- Runways: 2
- Terminals: 2
- Airlines: Over 100
- Destinations: Over 250
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- IATA code: LHR
- ICAO code: EGLL
- Location: Hillingdon, Greater London
- Opened: 1946
- Runways: 4
- Terminals: 5
- Airlines: Over 100
- Destinations: Over 400
- London Luton Airport (LTN)
- IATA code: LTN
- ICAO code: EGGW
- Location: Luton, Bedfordshire
- Opened: 1938
- Runways: 1
- Terminals: 1
- Airlines: Over 30
- Destinations: Over 100
- London Stansted Airport (STN)
- IATA code: STN
- ICAO code: EGSS
- Location: Essex
- Opened: 1943
- Runways: 2
- Terminals: 1
- Airlines: Over 50
- Destinations: Over 150
- London Southend Airport (SEN)
- IATA code: SEN
- ICAO code: EGPD
- Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex
- Opened: 1915
- Runways: 1
- Terminals: 1
- Airlines: Over 20
- Destinations: Over 30
