London Tourist Attractions

London is one of the more historically distinguished cities of the world with its contribution to culture, the arts, music, architecture, and almost every aspect of classical and modern living. There are also many tourist locations in London, attracting thousands of travelers each year. Here are a few of those attractions that are a "must see" for tourists.

King George III bought Buckingham Palace for his wife, Charlotte, in 1761. The original reason for the purchase was for use as a family house. Since then, the Palace has undergone several renovations and has become host to numerous royals personas making it the most popular tourist spot in London. Today, Buckingham Palace serves as the main focal point of the Monarchy where it conducts its day to day business. It has elegant state rooms which are usually used by the Royal family and royal guests but are open for public viewing at certain times. Buckingham Palace is also renowned for the Changing of the Guard and the Horse Guards Parade.

One of the most famous London tourist attractions is Big Ben. This landmark is more than three hundred feet high and has four clock faces which measure more than twenty feet square. The minute hand of the clock is about fourteen feet long. On record, it is the world's biggest four faced clock which delivers chimes. There is a clock in Wisconsin that is larger but that clock has no chimes. This monument was named after Sir Benjamin Hall who was the first Commissioner of Works in London. Big Ben was also used as a prison for some political prisoners back in the late 1800s. This London tourist attraction is not usually open to the public and can only be seen from outside. Special permits can be granted by Westminster Council to allow some to go inside the clock. Big Ben is situated at the north-east part of the Houses of Parliament which was known before as the Palace Of Westminster. Big Ben is a London landmark which has been the subject of countless photographs and postcards, movies and magazine articles, has survived 2 world wars and has operated almost continuously, except for maintenance since it was built in the 1500s. The lengthiest maintenance down time was twenty years!

The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames. When most people think of the Tower, they identify with the White Tower built in 1078, where the princes were held as prisoners. The Tower of London is actually a complex of several buildings with 2 concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. It has served as a place of execution, an armoury, a library, a zoo and the Royal Mint. There is a legend that if the resident ravens were ever to leave the Tower of London, the White Tower, the monarchy, and the entire kingdom would fall.

Close to the Tower of London is the Tower Bridge. It is actually a suspension bridge which allows boats to conveniently navigate the River Thames. Walking its high walkways is something most people want to experience when in London. The bridge is an all time tourist attraction but it was closed in the early 1900s because it became a notorious site for crimes. It is now open to the public once again.

These are just a few of the important London tourist sites which one must not miss when visiting London. There are a lot more London sites to see, such as the British Museum, Princess Diana's Memorial, Hampstead Heath and Kew Gardens. Travel agencies usually offer air travel and hotel accommodation package tours.

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