HOME::Travel-and-Leisure/City-Guides-and-Information X Visit London - Top 10 Attractions By Andrea Vian Article Word Count: 505 [View Summar

As the city is really full of great spots to visit, during your London trip you can miss something important to see. London is huge and you need time to move from one area to another. The suggestion is to take information about what you want to visit and plan your London tour. Here is a top 10 list of the main things to see:

1. The London Eye: the major feature of London skyline, it is one of the biggest panorama wheel in the world. The complete run lasts 20 minutes and the view is really wonderful.

2. The tower of London: one of the most famous buildings in the world, during its visit you can discover its great history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal and jewel house. Tip for the visit: interesting guided tours are organized every day.

3. National Gallery: it displays one of the greatest collections of painting in the world, especially by European artists (from 1200 to 1900). If you want some names, here they are: Leonardo Da Vinci, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Turner.

4. Houses of Parliament: the building is really stunning but it is also worth taking a walk over Wastminster Birdge, you will get the view from the South bank. The famous Big Ben is the bell in the clock tower, one of the city symbols. If you want to visit the building inside, there are tour visit only during August and September.

5. Madame Tussauds: visit this museum and meet face-to-face some of the most famous persons in the world. Figures from the field of politics, sport, Royalty and showbiz are present there. Some examples: Shakespeare, Rooney, Britney Spears and Her Majesty the Queen.

6. Tate Modern: On the banks of River Thames, housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern displays great paintings by Picasso and Matisse and other important contemporary artists.

7. British Museum: one of the most famous collection in the world, the British Museum host very famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, the Portland Vase and sculpture from the Parthenon. You can admire also an important drawing collection.

8. Buckingham Palace: The Queen's official residence, Buckingham Palace is the famous official residence of the Queen. In front of this palace take place the very famous Changing of the Guard, scheduled on specific days and times. You can check before and organize your trip, you will be able to get there early and find a good position to watch. You can visit the State Rooms and the Palace only during the Annual Summer Opening (months of August and September).

9. Trafalgar Square: Trafalgar Square is one of the most iconic areas of the city and the famous Nelson's Column is really something to see. The National Gallery is located close there.

10. Natural History Museum: It boasts a collection of the rarest animals in the world as well as the dinosaur exhibition (permanent). The brand new Darwin center is going to open in September 2009.

If you need an accommodation just check now this list of London apartments that you can book directly online.

London Attractions

London is Europe's largest city, spanning more than six hundred and twenty square miles from its heart on the River Thames. London is Europe's most diverse metropolises: there are around two hundred languages spoken within its confines, and more than thirty percent of the population is made up of first, second and third generation immigrants.

Despite Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish transference, London is still where the country's news and money are made. London is where the central government resides and where unsophisticated life begins. Londoners' sense of superiority causes enormous resentment in the regions, but it is undeniable that the capital has a great measure of success in most walks of British life.

Most of the major attractions in Europe is located in London. London boasts four World Heritage Sites, 238 attractions that are free to enter (so there's nowhere else in the world where you can see so much for so little). Visit the many museums and castles that the city has to offer.

About thirty percent of London is open space; the other areas are filled with one of the 143 registered parks and gardens. Many of the parks have short walking paths and nature trails can be found in places like Hampstead Heath and Mile End Park, so let us put on our walking shoes and go for a stroll, take a picnic lunch for the end of your walk.

The National Gallery houses paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, including the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne along with other great works.

The British Museum exhibits the works of man from primitive to modern times with a collection from all around the world. The Rosetta stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase are included in this museum.

Attractions to Explore On Your London Vacation

London is among the most famous cities in the whole world. Millions of tourists flock to it every year, but most of them are not able to explore the entire city and witness its grandeur. Thus many visitors return to London during several vacations to relish more of its wonderful attractions. If you are yet to see this beautiful city, or if you have already went there but still want to see more of what it can offer, consider visiting the following attractions that will truly make your visit unforgettable:

1. The Tower of London - one of the most important sites in the great city. Consider yourself not being in London if you have not been to this attraction. This medieval fortress houses the world famous Crown Jewels. It is also known as a prison and execution sites of many of England's historical icons including Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and the Duke of Norfolk.

2. The Tower Bridge - this drawbridge serves as the easternmost entry of Thames. It also has a museum which allows tourists to walk along the old pedestrian paths to have a great view of the city. It is a must see for any London vacation.

3. The London Eye - this is one of the newest attractions in the city, created by the British Airways. It is a giant Ferris Wheel that sports 32 closed capsules that allow people to have a 360-degree view of the great historical city. A great theme park, this can make a vacation fun for any age.

4. Westminster Abbey - this famous religious site is known for being the venue for many coronations of English monarchs as well as their burial. It boasts of great architecture that exemplifies the style of the 13th and 16th centuries.

5. The British Museum - an art and history museum. This attraction is home to one of the world's largest collections of antiquities from ancient Rome, Greece, and Asia. It also houses artifacts from prehistoric and ancient Britain.

6. The Buckingham Palace - you probably know this as the home of the British Royal Family. Be sure not to miss the changing of the guards, which is one of London's iconic attractions.

7. The Houses of Parliament - this site combines three attractions in one. It is the location of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and the Big Ben, which is probably the most recognizable attraction in the city. It exemplifies great gothic architecture from the Victorian era.

8. The National Gallery - this gallery is home to a great collection of European paintings. The great thing about this attraction is that the entrance is free. The permanent collection encompasses paintings from 1250 to 1900 from Western Europe.

9. St. Paul's Cathedral - this historic site has been the venue of many notable events such as the funeral of Winston Churchill and the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales. It is an architectural masterpiece rebuilt by renowned Christopher Wren in 1710. This is also one of London's attractions that offers a great view of the city, with its 530-stair high gallery.

10. Shakespeare's Globe Theater - this theater is a reconstruction of the original Globe theater where several of Shakespeare's plays were first showcased. It is a replica of the original theater and is considered to be a historical site. A great site for a cultural vacation.

11. Trafalgar Square and the Admiralty Arch - this attraction is a monument honoring England's most respected maritime heroes. Its main feature is the statue of Lord Horatio Nelson that stands 145 feet high. It is also considered to be the centermost part of London. The Admiralty Arch, which is just across this landmark, was built in 1910.

12. Sir John Soane's Museum - this attraction is an exemplification of eccentric architecture. It features a unique and unusual combination of colors, curious perspectives, and a weird display of ornaments from different historical periods.

13. Notting Hill - this very fashionable and trendy district has been popularized by a film starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It has a very characteristic and cozy feel of a small village.

There are many other great attractions in the great city of London. A few days of vacation in the city would not be enough to see them all. However that might be an excuse to keep on returning to this fabulous city over and over again - an ordeal that you probably would not mind.

Five London Attractions You Cannot Afford to Miss

As the largest city in Western Europe and with a metropolitan area that encompasses over 14 million people from across the globe, London truly is one of the most dynamic, vibrant and interesting cities in the world. With so many unique attractions to visit it can be difficult to choose which are the most deserving of your attention, but the following five are attractions that you perhaps cannot afford to miss on a London holiday.

One of the most popular attractions, Buckingham Palace attracts millions of visitors every year. A symbol of the British monarchy and modern day Britain, the palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally known as Buckingham House, the palace was originally just a townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. Since then many additional buildings have been added, and it is today known as Buckingham Palace, serving as a Royal residence and reception for popular royal parties, which attracts more than 50,000 people per year.

Another popular attraction which draws in more than a million visitors per year is Westminster Abbey. The large Gothic church is located in Westminster and is the traditional place for coronation as well as a popular burial place for Commonwealth monarchs. During its existence the abbey has severed as a monastery, a church and a burial site and is now recognised as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.

St Paul's Cathedral continues to be one of London's most popular attractions. Designed by Christopher Wren, the current cathedral is a replacement of the original Gothic building which was destroyed in 1666. The cathedral is open to the public and is free if you attend the midday service; however, it is not possible to get to the top without a valid ticket. What's more, below the cathedral are the tombs of some of the most famous figures in British history, including Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

The Tower of London - founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 - is one of the city's most famous attractions. During its 900 year existence the tower of London has served as a Royal Palace, a prison, jewel house, a place of execution, and countless other roles. If visiting the castle it is worth going to the Ceremony of the Keys, a locking up ceremony performed every night at ten o'clock. During the tower's existence the tradition has never been missed and only delayed once when the Luftwaffe bombed the tower.

Trafalgar Square continues to serve as one of London's most popular attractions. Designed by John Nash in the 1820's as a commemoration of London Nelson's victory against Napoleon at the battle of Trafalgar, the pigeon-popular columns attract millions of visitors every year. Trafalgar square is also the location of London's smallest police station and within walking distance of the popular National Gallery.

Indeed, central London offers travellers a wide range of activities to enjoy, which means it is all the more important to understand that there are a wide range of hotels in London available to help ensure that you make the most of your holiday. And with so many attractions to visit and enjoy, such an option can only be a good thing.

Top Attractions in London - A List For Tourists

A new advertising campaign has been introduced to attract overseas visitors to England's capital. Simply known as Only in London; the campaign revolves around a list of 100 attractions and things that visitors can do in the city.

The focus of the campaign is to increase the number of overseas visitors and judging by the amount of diverse activities listed, it is hoping to attract people from many different countries and backgrounds. For example, the first item on the list is a suggested visit to Eastbury Manor House in Barking where, according to the compilers of this list, the Gunpowder Plot was first contrived.

Plenty more historical references appear on the list including trips to St. Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London and a more obscure reference to stroll the gardens of Down House in Bromley, which was home to Charles Darwin and where he wrote 'On The Origin of Species'.

Sports fans will be interested to see a number of items quoted on the list. The first at number five is the opportunity to see the NFL in action at Wembley. This has now become an annual event featuring a regular season game - the only one to be played outside of continental USA - between two of the League's top American football teams. In October 2009 the game will be contested by the New England Patriots and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 15th suggestion on the list is a tour of Wembley Stadium itself, but there is no mention of any of the capital's top football teams; Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham, Fulham or Tottenham.

However, the option to experience the capital's transport systems does feature. Take a ride on the tube appears low down on the list at 79, but higher up at 39 there is the invitation to connect to the world at Heathrow airport where many of the flights to London arrive.

Music lovers are also catered for on the list with the first suggestion just scraping into the top 10; namely recreate the famous Beatles album cover at the Abbey Road zebra crossing. At 45, a suggestion is to view Pete Townshend of The Who's smashed guitar at the Victoria and Albert's new Theatre and Performance Galleries. Also included at 27 in the list is to buy a ticket to see Michael Jackson at the O2, or alternatively any other O2 show at 24th place!

As you would expect, The London Eye - which was recently voted the UK's number one tourist attraction - appears in the list, as do many other 'must-see' London attractions such as the British Museum, Tower Bridge and Hyde Park. But, however exhaustive the compilers of the list themselves say, this is only a tiny snapshot of the thousands of things visitors can do in London.

10 Free London Attractions

I have visited London almost every year since 1984. Like other major cities it can be expensive. During my visits. I discovered many free attractions. The ones I have listed here are among the favorites. Check out the following 10 free London attractions for an enlightened and satisfying visit.

Among the sites I have chosen are some of the many museums and galleries that are free. There are large ones where you have to choose what you want to see and smaller ones where you can view the contents in one or two hours. Any one of them is well worth your time. While you are visiting you can also stop for food. The large museum and galleries have cares where you can get homemade food at reasonable prices.

1. British Museum
Located in the Bloomsbury section of the city, this museum is one of the most visited in the world. Opened in 1759, it is best known for its Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections. The Egyptian collection includes large and small displays. The most famous is the Rosetta Stone. It provided the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. Among other displays are sculptures from the Parthenon in Greece, and artifacts from Rome, Assyria, China and India.

2. National Gallery
Located on the north side of Trafalgar Square, it houses one of the world's great art collections. The art is contained in sixty rooms and divided into periods. Among the artists included are Michelangelo, Da Vinci and the impressionists. It's impossible to view the whole collection in one visit. For a quick overview, join one of the free guided tours.

3. Victoria and Albert Museum
Locally known as the V&A, it's located in South Kensington. In addition to sculptures and paintings, the V&A has one of the world's largest collections of furnishings, textiles. carpets, jewelry, tapestries, musical instruments and glass in the world. There is something to please everyone's taste. Spread over seven levels and organized into major themes, you have to choose what you want to see.

4. Natural History Museum
In the same neighborhood as the V&A, this is a great place to take the family. The collection is divided into zones.

• Red Zone - the earth
• Green Zone - planets, environment, evolution
• Blue Zone - Smallest invertebrates to the great Blue Whale
• Orange Zone - Wildlife Garden

5 Tate Britain
Opened in 1897 in Millbank, this collection covers five centuries of art. It is divided into two main groups: the British Collection and the European and American works. The U.K. collection dates from 1500 to the present.

6. Tate Modern
On the South Bank of the Thames River at Bankside, this collection is housed in a renovated ex-power station. It gives you a very different feel from the traditional museum. There are five galleries of international modern art that covers the periods from 1900 to the present. Included in the presentation are works by Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Rothko and Lichtenstein. After your visit you can walk the South Bank and view the Globe Theater and the National Theater. There is a spectacular of St Pauls' across the river.

7. National Maritime Museum
For a day out take the short trip to Greenwich were you can visit this museum and the adjoining sites. It houses the world's largest collection of maritime artifacts including a permanent display from Vice-admiral Horatio Nelson, hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. You can also visit the Queen's House with it's collection of maritime art. Up the hill is the Royal Observatory, site of the Prime Meridian, from which all time on earth is measured. You can stand with one foot in the Western hemisphere and one in the east. All these sites are fee.

8. St. Martin in the Field
This small Palladian style church, where Bach and Mozart played, is located on the east side of Trafalgar Square. If you enjoy music, stop in for one of the free lunchtime concerts held three days a week. Known for its outstanding acoustics, you can enjoy an hour of artists that range from the piano, violin to trios and quartets. You could combine this with a trip to the National Gallery, and you can walk through Trafalgar Square.

9. Covent Garden
The main building in the center of Covent Garden houses a number of restaurants and boutiques. The area's main attraction is the numerous street entertainers who must audition and obtain a license before performing. Within walking distance of Trafalgar Square, it's a delight for the whole family. Always crowded, you can find restaurants where you sit outside and can enjoy the entertainment in comfort.

10. Changing of the Guard.
Viewed from the outskirts of Buckingham Palace this is one of the favorites of London visitors. You can get there by strolling through St. James Park from Trafalgar Square. Get there early to get a place where you can see. It takes place every day during the spring and summer and every other day in the fall and winter at 11:30 AM. It's the pageantry the British are known for.

I can say, without a doubt, that London is my favorite city. I continue to go back to these sites and see something new each time. The ten free attractions that are included in this article are but a few of the ones in London.

London's Free Attractions

London's a great city to visit and it doesn't have to be expensive if you don't want it to be. I've found that it is actually possible to visit London on a budget! There are plenty of museums in London that are free (apart from some special exhibitions).

Two of the best are The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, both museums are located in South Kensington and are open seven days a week. The Natural History Museum is great for anyone who is interested in nature. September would be the best time to visit, as a new building called the Darwin centre is opening, which gives the public a chance to see real scientists at work. If this doesn't appeal and you wish to have a more hands-on experience then the Science Museum is the one for you! It is here that you can shout down a giant tube, play with huge spinning drums and even morph your face to make yourself look younger!

A visit to the British Museum is also free and lets you explore different world cultures. These include the Aztecs, where you can see the masks of Xipe Totec and Ancient Egypt that displays the Mummy mask of Syros. The British Museum is located on Great Russell Street and is also open seven days a week.

If you're looking to gain some knowledge on London and to learn about its history, then the Museum of London located on London Wall, is the place to visit. Entry is free and the permanent galleries at this museum include Roman and Medieval London.

If art galleries are more your thing, then the Tate Modern is a must! Entry is free and the Tate is also open seven days a week. Here you can find pieces of art for everyone's taste and they even have exhibitions to keep the kids entertained. The National Portrait Gallery located on St Martins Place is a fantastic building to visit and the Beatles to Bowie: The 60s exposed exhibition opens in October.

The best way to get to all these museums is on London's public transport. An oyster card will be the cheapest way to travel round London and can be used on buses, tubes and trams. They are pay as you go cards so you can just top them up, as you need them.

If you want to find cheap places to stay in London, then read a London travel guide for some recommendations! They might even recommend some good value for money restaurants to eat out at too!

The Five Greatest Unmissable London Tourist Attractions

London is one of the great capital cities of the world and if you are going to visit it there are 5 great London tourist attractions that you simply cannot afford to miss.

1. Number one on any tourists list has to be Buckingham Palace. Situated at the end of the world famous "Mall", Buckingham Palace is the official residency of The Queen (Queen Elizabeth) and is probably one of the most easily recognizable buildings in the world. A "must see" event for any tourist to take in is the ceremony of "The Changing of the Guard" which takes place at 11:30AM every day in the summer months, and every other day in the rest of the year. It's a wonderful sight, full of the famous British pomp and ceremony. Make sure you don't miss it.

2. The second unique London tourist attraction is the Tower of London. Standing guard over the river Thames, the Tower of London was built over 1000 years ago by William the Conqueror. It has been a royal palace and a prison, and it was here that Queen Anne Boleyn (one of the wives of Henry VIII) was beheaded. It is also infamous for being the place of imprisonment for King Richard II, and Queen Elizabeth I, and it was also here that the "Two Princes" were incarcerated, never to be seen again. It is also the place that witnessed the interrogation of Guy Fawkes, whose failed gunpowder plot to blow up the houses of Parliament is still commemorated today on the 5th of November, a night of Fireworks and Bonfires known as Bonfire Night. On a less gloomy note, The Tower houses the incomparable "Crown Jewels" one of the most famous jewelry collections in the world, worn on occasion by Queen Elizabeth II at various state functions. The Tower's other claims to fame are the famous Beefeaters in their special finery and regalia, and the Ravens of which it said that if they ever desert the Tower, London will fall.

3. The third London tourist attraction that just has to be seen is Tower Bridge. Situated next to the Tower of London, it strands the river Thames and is a wonderful piece of architecture and a brilliant piece of Victorian engineering. Built as the second crossing over the Thames (London Bridge was the original crossing), it is a Bascule bridge which means it can be raised (and still is today) to allow ships to pass underneath.

4. The fourth essential London tourist attraction is Maritime Greenwich which is sited amid stunning grounds on the banks of the river Thames. This is a world heritage site and houses the Royal Observatory. It is the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and sits on the Meridian longitude line 0.

5. Finally, our fifth not to be missed London tourist attraction is of course The Houses of Parliament. Once again, situated on the banks of the Thames, it is a masterpiece of architectural design and has one of the easiest recognized visages anywhere in the world. It is where British Government enacts its workings and is also home to the famous Big Ben, the giant clock whose chimes are affectionately know the world over.

Top Attractions in London - A List For Tourists

A new advertising campaign has been introduced to attract overseas visitors to England's capital. Simply known as Only in London; the campaign revolves around a list of 100 attractions and things that visitors can do in the city.

The focus of the campaign is to increase the number of overseas visitors and judging by the amount of diverse activities listed, it is hoping to attract people from many different countries and backgrounds. For example, the first item on the list is a suggested visit to Eastbury Manor House in Barking where, according to the compilers of this list, the Gunpowder Plot was first contrived.

Plenty more historical references appear on the list including trips to St. Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London and a more obscure reference to stroll the gardens of Down House in Bromley, which was home to Charles Darwin and where he wrote 'On The Origin of Species'.

Sports fans will be interested to see a number of items quoted on the list. The first at number five is the opportunity to see the NFL in action at Wembley. This has now become an annual event featuring a regular season game - the only one to be played outside of continental USA - between two of the League's top American football teams. In October 2009 the game will be contested by the New England Patriots and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 15th suggestion on the list is a tour of Wembley Stadium itself, but there is no mention of any of the capital's top football teams; Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham, Fulham or Tottenham.

However, the option to experience the capital's transport systems does feature. Take a ride on the tube appears low down on the list at 79, but higher up at 39 there is the invitation to connect to the world at Heathrow airport where many of the flights to London arrive.

Music lovers are also catered for on the list with the first suggestion just scraping into the top 10; namely recreate the famous Beatles album cover at the Abbey Road zebra crossing. At 45, a suggestion is to view Pete Townshend of The Who's smashed guitar at the Victoria and Albert's new Theatre and Performance Galleries. Also included at 27 in the list is to buy a ticket to see Michael Jackson at the O2, or alternatively any other O2 show at 24th place!

As you would expect, The London Eye - which was recently voted the UK's number one tourist attraction - appears in the list, as do many other 'must-see' London attractions such as the British Museum, Tower Bridge and Hyde Park. But, however exhaustive the compilers of the list themselves say, this is only a tiny snapshot of the thousands of things visitors can do in London.

Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Five Must See London Attractions

If you're going to be visiting London for the first time, you'd be wise to maximize the use of your time in this amazingly vast, divers and historical metropolis by prioritizing. Following are five London attractions which should be must-sees on your list of things to do!

Piccadilly Circus

No, we're not suggesting that you spend some of your precious hours in London under a bigtop. Piccadilly Circus, at the intersection of five of London's major thoroughfares, is the British equivalent of New York's Times Square, with neon-lit glitz to suit. If you want London nightlife, head for Piccadilly Circus, where your fun will be watched over by the roundabout's fountain and statue of the archer now called simply "Eros."

Piccadilly Circus is named for the piccadill collar so popular among gentlemen of the 17th century, and within a block or two of Piccadilly today are some of London's most avant-garde fashion shops. Piccadilly Circus is also within walking distance of several London arcades, the precursors of today's shopping malls.

Trafalgar Square and the London Brass Rubbing Centre

If your trip to London is a family affair, or you simply love to collect unique souvenirs of your travels, a trip to the Crypt at St.-Martin-in-the-Fields Church at Trafalgar Square will be well worth your time. At the Church's Brass Rubbing Center, you can purchase a kit of papers and special waxes, and do your own rubbings of characters straight out of British history, from knights in armor and damsels in distress to Shakespeare himself. If you make a mistake with your rubbing technique, the staff at the Brass Rubbing Centre will be right there to undo the damage!

No matter the time of day, you can have a meal at the Brass Rubbing Centre's café in the Crypt, where you'll be treated to traditional British food at its best from a full English breakfast with a high tea or evening dinner. Your meal will be freshly prepared with ingredients from British suppliers.

The London Telecom Tower

Located on Howland Street in London's West End, the London Telecom tower was formerly the Post Office Tower, and until 1981 was the tallest (at 620 feet) tower in London. It's constructed of steel, concrete, and glass, with a design which is both stylish and highly wind-resistant. It's the heart of Britain's telecommunications network, with numerous enormous satellite dishes visible on its upper stories.

The Changing of the Guards

Christopher Robin and Alice were quite fond of the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, and they weren't alone. The Changing of the Guards is one of London's major tourist draws, seen by countless visitors each year. You should check in advance of your visit to Buckingham Palace to determine if there will be a Changing of the guards on that day. Bring along a camera, because you can have your picture take with a guard whose duty it is to have his photo snapped with visitors.

Big Ben

None of its other landmarks is more recognizable than London's Big Ben. Visible from a distance of several miles, Big Ben looks down n the Houses of Parliament from a height of 316 feet, and was completed in 1859. Its hands are 14 feet in length, while its clock mechanism weighs over five tons. For security reason, however, only UK residents are allowed inside Big Ben's tower.

Three of these attractions are on every London visitor's must-see list, while two if them may be less well-known. But they are just a small sample of the wonders which await you on your London trip, and simply a place to begin!

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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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Attractions You Can See For Free in London

Changing the Guard

One of London's most interesting and colourful ceremonies, the 'Changing of the Guard' takes place at Buckingham Palace and Whitehall. Dating back to 1660 the changing of the guard is essentially as the name states, where the old guard comes off duty and the new guard begins its shift. This is a ceremony not to miss, here you will see guards dressed in their bright red uniforms and bearskin hats, a familiar sight on postcards from London, and where you can experience the music, marching and shouting that characterises the ceremony. The Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 11.30am from 3rd April until 3rd August, and every other day at 11.30 am from 3rd August until 3rd April. If you want to get a good look make sure to arrive early!

Kenwood House

Kenwood House is a former stately home built in the early 17th century. Kenwood House was renovated for Lord Mansfield by the great Robert Adam and is set in a beautiful leafy parkland with stunning views over London. With magnificent interiors that include the wonderful masterpieces from Rembrant, Vermeer, Turner and more, beautiful landscaped gardens and views what better way to spend a fine day and escape for the hustle and bustle.

Bank of England Museum

The Bank of England Museum was founded in 1694 and the museum tells the story of its role from times past to today as the United Kingdom's Central Bank. A visit to the Bank of England Museum is well worth a visit and here you can see wonderful displays that include material from the Bank's own collections of documents, books, prints, paintings, banknotes, silver, coins and photographs. Please note that most of London's Museums and London Art Galleries are free too!

Go walk about

What better way to explore London city than on foot, explore the wonderful sights and attractions like Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, St James' Palace, 10 Downing Street, The Thames, Trafalgar Square and Hard Rock Cafe, to name just a few and all it will cost you is time!

Mairead writes for Novacarhire.com - an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5000 locations worldwide.

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Top 10 Must See Attractions in England

Big Ben

The name 'Big Ben' doesn't refer to the entire clock tower, only to the thirteen-ton bell that strikes on the hour. It has been suggested that the name Big Ben is derived from a popular heavyweight boxer by the name of Benjamin Caunt, however, the story today seems to be that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, a prominent politician at the time who was the Parliamentary Commissioner of Works. 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the Clock Tower and the Bell.

Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, also known as The Palace of Westminster, incorporates The House of Lords, Westminster Hall and The House of Commons. You can visit the Houses of Parliament and experience the proceedings from the public gallery, take a tour of the buildings, or climb the Clock Tower!

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is, formerly both a royal palace and fortress, is actually the oldest palace and fortress in Europe. It's a huge landmark in England and a popular visitor attraction. The Tower is located on the banks of the River Thames and at the edge of the vibrant city of London City.

Bath

Bath is a wonderful city with much to offer. It's located in the Somerset countryside and as the name suggests it's home to ancient Roman baths (hot springs) that date back over 2,000 years. Bath is a vibrant city that'll keep you entertained from morning to night and it's only about 100 miles west of London.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a hugely popular tourist attraction. It draws thousands each year and fails to amaze its visitors. Stonehenge is an impressive prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire and belongs to the World Heritage Site.

Stonehenge comprises of earthworks that are surrounded by a large circle of tall standing stones and several hundred burial monuments. Some archaeologists believe that the iconic stone monument was erected around 2500 BC.

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is a suburb of London and is located just seven miles south west of Charing Cross. For the last century Wimbledon has been known world wide as the home of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Wimbledon has much to offer from great restaurants and cafés to shopping streets, centres and souvenir shops.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest and occupied castle of its kind in the world. It's the official home of the Queen of England. Steeped in history it dates back almost 1,000 years. You can avail of a tour of the castle while you learn of the history. Please note opening hours vary and are subject to change.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens, also known as the Royal Botanic Gardens are one of the World's leading Botanic Gardens. The Kew Gardens are located beside the River Thames just 10km south west of Central London. Set on 300 acres of amazing landscaped gardens a trip to Kew Gardens is a must.

Westminster Abbey

Westminister Abbey is a wonderful example of a Gothic church located in Westminister. The Abbey is the traditional place of coronation and burial for English Monarchs. A visit to the Abbey is highly recommended and you can avail of tours and learn of the rich history from times past.

The Lake District

The Lake District, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, is a rural area in North West England and is a very popular holiday destination. It's famous for its lakes and it's linked to the early 19th century poetry and writings of poet William Wordsworth.

Mairead Foley writes for http://www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.