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The Houses of Parliament
(London SW1A 0AA)
and
Westminster Abbey
(20 Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA)
- famed as "The Mother of Parliaments," the
Palace of Westminster now plays home to the two houses
of Parliament - the The House of Commons and The House
of Lords. -
Buckingham Palace (Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA) - the official London residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Buck House is also one of Londons most popular tourist spots. Open to the public during the Queens summer holidays in Balmoral. The Union Jack flys at full mast when Her Maj is in residence otherwise there's no flag at all. Don't miss the changing of the guard all year round - a regal pompous ceremony changing the official Queens Guards.
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The Tower of London (The Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB) - Built on the site of a castle originally build by William the Conqueror (aka "William the Bastard") after his conquest of England in 1066, the Tower of London was, from the outset, designed to protect and control London as a centre of political influence and control. Strategically located on the banks of the Thames River, the Tower of London has variously served as a Castle, Palace, Prison and tourist attraction. Take a guided tour with a Beefeater.
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Tower Bridge - Probably Londons most famous bridge, adjacent to the Tower of London.
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Soho - Once fertile hunting ground for Henry VIII and, according to legend, named after his hunting call "So! Ho!", Soho is now home to a vibrant London nightlife and red-light district. Famed jazz clubs such as Ronnie Scott's Soho is a great hunting ground for vibrant pubs and clubs and quick eats en route to one of Londons numerous theatres.
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St Paul's Cathedral
(St Pauls Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD)
- Often regarded as a masterpiece
in the design career of Christopher Wren - as a first
piece this is quite remarkable. Firmly routed in
the Baroque traditions and styles, the new St Pauls
was initially condemned for being too "Papist" and
not sufficiently Protestant, or specifically Anglican,
in its approach. -
Hampton Court Palace (Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU) - Hampton Court is Henry VIII's most famous residence. Probably the finest example of a Royal complex from the period. Still an official residence of The Monarch, Hampton Court is, in reality, a major tourist destination especially for those followers of Henry VIIIth. Several parts of the Palace date directly from the period of Henry VIII, although the Hannovrians (amongst other later monarchs) made later adjustments to Palace the thrust of the red brick still dominates the palace. Don't miss the gardens.
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Fullers Brewery (The Griffen Brewery, Chiswick Lane South, London W4 2QB) - London's only remaining independant brewery. A well known brewer of the region, the tour includes a beer-tasting tasting session including excellent brands such as London Pride, Chiswick and the zesty Organic Honey Dew - Britains Best Selling organic beer. My personal favorite? The London Porter.
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The London Eye
(South Bank, London)
- Built for the Millenium celebrations,
the London Eye quickly became a Thames-side landmark.
Popular with locals, perhaps pre-dinner or pre-theatre,
and tourists alike the London Eye provides an excellent
panoramic views over the whole of London. But, better
weather, better views - so choose wisely! -
Apsley House (149 Picadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London W1J 7NT) - Once the residence of the first Duke of Wellington, Apsley House remains the official residence of his descendants. The house is an excellent museum of The Iron Dukes' life and times and showcase an enormous statue of Napoleon Bonarparte by Canova in the stairwell.
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Visit a London pub - no visit to London is complete without a visit to a real London boozer. There's many a tourist trap, as you would expect, but also many real pubs with real people in them. Historical / heritage pubs such as the Lamb Tavern at Leadenhall or Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street are worth visiting.
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Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB) - The 250-year-old Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew are amongst the worlds most famous gardens and a must-visit for any green-fingered visitor to London. Kew Gardens, aside from the impressive greenhouses, gardens and Kew Palace, boasts the worlds largest compost heap which is mainly used for the gardens themselves.
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Visit a London museum - Londons museums are famed the
world over as they are home to some of the most prominent
artists, relics and artifacts. The
British Museum
plays home to the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin
Marbles, while
The National Gallery
has works from Botticelli to Van Gogh as
well as British greats like Constable and Turner.
Natural History Museum
Science Museum
and
Victoria and Albert Museum
(all in South Kensington) house excellent
collections in their fields. -
Visit a London market - Markets are an essential part of London life and provide both employment and bussle. Famed markets such as Spitalfields, Portobello Road to the more grungy Camden Market sell everything from food, antiques and silver to second hand clothing and bric-a-brac. Most have market pubs close by which are (usually) worth a visit.
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Shopping - Regent Street and Oxford Street provide excellent shopping oppurtunities. Oxford Street is for your more mainstream while Regent Street is a your plusher clothing stores. If posh jewellerys your thing - head straight for Bond Street while Tottenham Court Road does a line of electronics stores.
