Jan 2008 Edition
 
 

 
 Places to Visit in London

 
Tower of London  
The Tower is one of London’s most popular attractions and for good reason. It exposes important history, houses the Crown Jewels, and offers more medieval armor than you can see anywhere else.

William I (William the Conqueror) started construction of a fortress here in 1066 as part of his strategy for controlling both his new subjects in London and depriving access to England from the Thames by his enemies.

The Tower of London as we see it today is an amalgam of building efforts that started in the Eleventh Century and additions, replacements and tinkering with the design occurred well into the nineteenth century. Residences, a new palace and new fortifications were just a few of the additions. During its history, the Tower has served as a castle, residence, prison, mint and armory.
   
London Bridge
London Bridge is a bridge between the City of London and Southwark in London, England, over the River Thames. Situated between Cannon Street Railway Bridge and Tower Bridge, it forms the western end of the Pool of London. On the south side of the bridge are Southwark Cathedral and London Bridge station; on the north side are the Monument to the Great Fire of London and Monument tube station.

It was the only bridge over the Thames downstream from Kingston until Westminster Bridge opened in 1750.
   
Buckingham Palace  
Originally a townhouse owned by the Dukes of Buckingham, the residence evolved into the palace that is the principal home of the British Monarchy. Buckingham Palace is surrounded by ornate, black, wrought iron fences and gates emblazoned with gilded, royal medallions.

Most tourists are attracted to the Changing of the Guard ceremonies that take place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. The event starts at 11.30 AM and lasts about 45 minutes. The ceremony, officially called the "Guard Mounting", does not occur during extremely wet weather.
   
Westminster Abbey  
Westminster Abbey evokes thoughts of pageantry and royalty. The Abbey's grounds were the site of the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 (William and the Normans were the victors at the Battle of Hastings where they defeated the English Saxons in October of 1066). With the exception of two monarchs, every King or Queen of England was crowned in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The magnificent structure we see today was built from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries. It was designed as a church for the Royals and the national site for the coronations and burials of monarchs.

The architecture of Westminster Abbey is stunning and the building has several notable sections. Be sure to buy a good quality guidebook that describes the highlights of the building or purchase one of the pamphlets describing the Abbey that are for sale near the entry.
   
The Houses of Parliament  
The Houses of Parliament in Westminster (often called the Palace of Westminster) are one of the most striking sights in London. Containing the Houses of Lords and Commons, Parliament is where national laws are made in the United Kingdom.

The buildings of Parliament are intricately detailed and you should take some time examining this delightful architecture. The famous clock tower at the end of Parliament houses the bell Big Ben (and at thirteen and a half tons, it is big) that has become one of the most familiar symbols of the London and the United Kingdom.
   
The British Museum  
The British Museum is one of the world’s great museums. The venue is so large and complex that to tour it to advantage, you need to take a guided tour, rent an electronic guide, or purchase a print guide. If you really like museums, you could spend days here, as the museum has an incredible breadth of worthy exhibits.

If you are not a museum aficionado or are short on time, be sure the see the Museum's most famous exhibits: the Rosetta stone, the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, and a fine collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt - including its noted mummy collection. If you have a little more time, visit the exhibits on the Roman Civilization and prehistoric/ Roman Britain
   
Alderney  
With its rich and varied wildlife – including the blonde hedgehog – Alderney remains almost totally unaffected by the outside world. There are over 30 miles of walks that wind their way over cliffs and golden bays, across exposed commons, past Victorian fortresses and World War II batteries and alongside a scenic, but challenging golf course.

There are plenty of welcoming pubs and restaurants on the island and there’s even a standard gauge railway (the only one in the Channel Islands) complete with ex-London Underground coaches.

The picturesque island of Sark is the perfect escape. Its combination of peace, tranquillityand the abundance of wildflowers and seabirds create an enchanting environment that will have you wanting to come back year after year.
   
National Gallery  
The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. With paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, the collection includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne and Van Gogh.
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The London Eye  
The London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. It is the world's highest observation wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes.
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Greenwich  
One of the most picturesque and oldest parts of London, Greenwich is a worth a visit just to experience Greenwich Market and the village atmosphere. It's also where you'll find the Cutty Sark (closed for refurbishment until the end of 2008), the Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Meridian, the National Maritime Museum and Queen's House. Catch a performance at Greenwich Theatre or Laban and take the time to enjoy the local delicacy of whitebait at the Trafalgar Tavern. This historic pub was one of Charles Dickens' regular haunts.
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Kenwood House  
Britain is known for its sumptuous stately homes, and Kenwood House does not disappoint. Perched on the edge of rolling Hampstead Heath, the house has stunning white stucco façades. Inside you'll find one of the most magnificently decorated libraries in the world, as well as the Iveagh Bequest - a collection of exquisite paintings by Rembrant, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough.
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Outdoor Markets  
There's no better place and season for shopping than London in the summer time. Yes the city offers some of the best outdoor shopping and eating facilities around giving you the chance to soak up the sun while you take in the exciting window displays or enjoy a chilled drink at one of the many pavement cafes.

There are more than 80 outdoor markets dotted around London operating during the week and on the weekend. Offering everything from food, flower, vintage clothing, antiques, arts and crafts, there's sure to be a market to suite your shopping needs. Throw in a bit of sun, and milling about a London market turns into a festive day out.

Duke of York Square in Chelsea is the area's newly developed pedestrian precinct.

Just off the main King's Road strip, the shopping and café enclave offers retailers like Kate Kuba, All Saints, Agnes B and LK Bennett – but without the noisy traffic. And the eateries feature great outdoor spaces so you can enjoy a quiet Pimms o'clock in the summer sun.
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Royal Parks in London  
With not one but eight Royal Parks, you're spoilt for choice in London for immaculately tended lawns, lakes and leisure facilities.

With everything from boating lakes, golf courses, outdoor theatres and historic buildings to stripy deckchairs – there's something for every outdoor enthusiast!

Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park are the most known parks
   
Large Parks in London  
They may not have the Royal seal of approval, but these parks - all within easy access of Central London - are well worth a visit!
   
Alexandra Palace Park  
On a steep hillside in North London, the air doesn't get much fresher than at Alexandra Palace Park! It covers nearly 200 acres of parkland and the views across London are stunning.

Discover the peace and tranquillity of the conservation area - a diverse habitat of wooded parkland, wild scrubland, a pond and meadow. For the energetic amongst you, there's a wide selection of activities including a pitch and putt course, an ice-rink, a boating lake, a children's fun park, an animal park, a skate park and walking trails throughout the parkland.
   
Battersea Park  
On the banks of the Thames, Battersea Park is home to Battersea Children's Zoo, the Japanese Peace Pagoda and 1km (1,100 yards) of riverside vistas. The summer boating lake is also a haven for birds and wildlife. As well as working up a sweat over the tennis courts, bowling green and athletics track you can indulge your creative side with an exhibition at the Pump House Gallery. In the summer, it plays host to many community events and charity races.
   
Battersea Park  
On the banks of the Thames, Battersea Park is home to Battersea Children's Zoo, the Japanese Peace Pagoda and 1km (1,100 yards) of riverside vistas. The summer boating lake is also a haven for birds and wildlife. As well as working up a sweat over the tennis courts, bowling green and athletics track you can indulge your creative side with an exhibition at the Pump House Gallery. In the summer, it plays host to many community events and charity races.
   
Hampton Court Palace  

Hampton Court Palace is one of the most breathtaking of all the London palaces – the fantastic riverside location, awe-inspiring gardens and incredible works of art make this a must-see attraction for any London visitors interested in experiencing the sheer grandeur of the British monarchy at its most powerful.

While the art collections and gardens are renowned, Hampton Court Palace is also a leading centre for study into food in history. On the first weekend of every month at Hampton Palace you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the great Tudor kitchens as historians recreate the dishes prepared for Henry VIII (a monarch famed for his many appetites!) and experiment with the delicacies of the day.