The main attractions of London. The main attractions of London: photos with names and descriptions What are the 3 attractions in London

The main sights of London

1. Westminster Abbey

Church, located west of Palace of Westminster. Westminster Abbey is one of the most notable religious buildings in the United Kingdom and is the traditional coronation and burial site of British monarchs. Most of the current building dates from 1245, when Henry III decided to rebuild the old abbey in the Gothic style. The building was later considerably enlarged: the Henry VII Chapel was completed between 1503 and 1512, while the two towers of the Western Front date from 1745. Westminster Abbey is one of the central attractions of London.

2. Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster, better known today as the Houses of Parliament, is the oldest royal palace in London. world heritage it is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Built from 1840 on the site of significant earlier medieval structures, the Palace of Westminster became an outstanding example of neo-Gothic architecture. The current building mostly dates from the 19th century, when it was rebuilt after a fire. The Palace of Westminster is a fine example of the Victorian era. The House of Commons (Elected Members of Parliament) is located on the north side of the building, while the House of Lords is located on the south side of the building.

3. Big Ben

Big Ben, 150 years old, is one of London's top tourist attractions. The modern Big Ben was built in 1858. The clock has become a popular attraction and appears in many films. At the beginning, Big Ben was called the largest bell of Wesminster Abbey, but over time, the name passed to the clock and stuck forever.

4. St. Paul's Cathedral

Built in the 17th century, St Paul's Cathedral is one of London's best known and most recognizable landmarks. The cathedral was heroically saved by firefighters when it was bombed during World War II. Its impressive dome was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and rises to a height of 118 meters. St. Paul's Cathedral was the most tall building in London from 1710 to 1962, and its dome is also one of the highest in the world.

5. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is named after the celebration of Lord Horatio Nelson's victory against Napoleon's fleet at Trafalgar in 1805. The central monument in the square is a column of dark gray marble, 44 meters high, on which the figure of Admiral Nelson rises. The column is decorated with frescoes made from the melted-down cannons of Napoleon's ships. Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous squares in the world and is a real center of attraction for tourists from all over the world.

6. Tower of London

Royal Palace or Tower of London is historical castle located on the north coast River Thames in center London. This is one of the symbols of the British crown and one of the oldest buildings in England. The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078. It served as a prison from 1100 until the middle of the twentieth century. Today, the Tower of London is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.

7 London Eye

The London Eye is located on the banks of the River Thames - this is a huge Ferris wheel, the height of which reaches 135 meters, there are 32 capsules with glass walls on the wheel and a stunning, fantastic panoramic view of London opens from the highest point of the Ferris wheel.

It is London's most popular paid tourist attraction with over 3.5 million visitors annually.

8. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the main residence of Queen Elizabeth II, although it belongs to the state and is not the personal property of the monarch. Construction of Buckingham Palace began in 1703 for the Lord of Buckingham, but in 1762 King George III bought the castle for the royal family. The palace was officially declared the main residence of the British monarchs upon the accession of the queen Victoria in 1837. Today, it is one of the main attractions of London.

9. Hyde Park

London is full of huge beautiful parks that locals referred to as the lungs of the city. Hyde Park is one of the largest and most famous. The lands of Hyde Park belonged to Westminster Abbey until the 15th century, after which the future park became the hunting grounds of Henry VIII, and now it is a place of concerts, festivities and political speeches.

The real attraction of London's Hyde Park is Serpentine Lake, you can swim in it, as well as the statue of Achilles, Peter Pan, sculptures in the park and the memorial fountain of Princess Diana.

10 Leadenhall Market

One of London's most atmospheric Victorian shopping malls, Leadenhall Market dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest covered markets London. Restored in the early 90s, its current design dates back to 1881 and is the work of the architect Sir Horace, a striking combination of stone pillars, red brick and ornate pavement topped with stained glass windows and vaulted glass ceilings.

Leadenhall Market is located in the historic centercity, in the financial district of the City.

11. Royal Academy of Arts

With a history dating back to 1768, the Royal Academy of Arts is Britain's oldest art society and also home to one of the country's most prestigious art schools.For art lovers, however, the main attraction is the world-class art gallery and the academy's regular exhibitions. The summer exhibition is a showcase of the best works of contemporary art and architecture of the year.

The gallery's permanent collection also offers an impressive variety of British art, from the 18th century to the present day.

The Royal Academy of Arts is located on Piccadilly Street.

12. Downing Street

Few addresses in London are as famous as 10 Downing Street, a Georgian townhouse and official residence and office of the British Prime Minister since 1735. Centuries of government meetings, important decisions and fateful intentions, as well as many scandals, from Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.

13. Cucumber (The Gherkin)

Affectionately known for its unusual shape, the Gherkin, this dazzlingly glazed skyscraper at 30 St Mary Ax is one of London's most distinctive landmarks, looming 180 meters above the City of London. Countsa multi-award winning design and architecture masterpiece of modern architecture, the work of the acclaimed Norman Foster and the Arup Group.

14. British Museum (British Museum)

The British Museum in London, founded in 1753, is a museum of the history and culture of mankind. Its collection of over 7 million objects is one of the largest and most complete in the world. The exhibits are brought from all over the world and they illustrate and document the history of human culture from its inception to the present. To visit all the sights of London you should book a city tour.

15. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a combined draw and suspension bridge in London, across the River Thames. It is located close to Tower of London, from which the name of the bridge came and the bridge eventually became an iconic symbol of London. Construction began in 1886 and lasted eight years. The bridge consists of two towers, which are connected to each other at the upper level by means of two horizontal sidewalks.

16. Tate Gallery (Tate Modern)

The Tate Gallery is one of London's finest and most beloved art galleries. Located in an old power plant on the south bank of the Thames. The art space for innovative and contemporary art is located in the turbine hall of the former TPP.

The gallery is one of the top 10 most visited art museums in the world.

Many tourists visit London every day. This is a city with an interesting history. Every traveler dreams of visiting the famous and famous sights of London. Here, anyone will find something to see: historical, architectural, cultural sights and wonders will not leave anyone indifferent.

Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, the Wax Museum, ancient structures and modern buildings attract tourists from all over the world. The sights of London, with their grandeur and beauty, fascinate, enchant, make you admire unique monuments, intriguing with numerous legends and interesting stories. This city forever captivates the hearts of tourists who visited it, and therefore they return here again and again to admire its beauty and discover interesting places.

TOP 20 attractions in London

The historical sights of London belong mainly to the Victorian era. So called the times when the country was ruled by Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901). Few of the earlier buildings survived, as many of the buildings were destroyed during the fire of 1666. The surviving main attractions of London are tower fortress, Westminster Abbey, Banqueting House.

London is an ancient city, which in 43 BC. e. founded by the Romans, calling it Londilium. Over time, the settlement grew rich and developed. Throughout its history, London has given the world many great physicists, mathematicians, engineers and other people of science. For centuries, the British were among the first in the development of scientific thought.
Tourists visiting London for the first time are quick to notice the red telephone booths and double-deckers plying the city streets, as well as the abundance of cyclists. At first, left-hand traffic is also surprising. London has many beautiful parks and gardens. Many galleries and museums here have free admission. But first of all, everyone is attracted by the most famous sights of the ancient English capital.

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1. Tower

Since this fortress is already 900 years old, it has been a witness to most of English history, during which it has been a royal residence, a prison, and a menagerie. On the territory of the Tower there was a royal treasury and a mint, which have now become an interesting museum complex. Not only interiors and medieval architecture are preserved here, but also ancient ceremonies and traditions, and ancient prophecies and legends are still remembered. Court ravens have become the symbol of the Tower; since the time of King Charles II, they have been on state support. It is said that the ghosts of Anne Boleyn and the monarchs beheaded in the Tower roam the local halls.

2. Westminster Abbey

This is a real English shrine, in which the monarchs were crowned and found eternal rest. In terms of architecture, the abbey building is an example of early English Gothic. It was built over several centuries. An organ is installed here, many paintings, sculptures and jewelry are stored. Since 1066, almost all English kings have been crowned in Westminster. The company of the deceased monarchs here was the color of the nation, including famous scientists, poets and military leaders. On the territory of Westminster Abbey are the churches of St. Margaret and St. Peter, built in the Gothic style. It is impossible to take your eyes off the slender, graceful towers, which are both strict and elegant at the same time. It is hard to believe that the openwork inner vaults are made of simple stone and are the creation of human hands.

3. British Museum

By decision of Parliament, in 1753, the British Museum was opened in London, which has since become a godsend for history buffs. The museum has 94 galleries, from which it would be possible to build a row 4 kilometers long. The British Museum is famous for its huge collection of historical artifacts and documents; interesting things from all over the world were brought here when the British Empire ruled half the world. Wandering through the museum halls, you can meet his unusual keepers of rarities and talismans - cats dressed in uniform. It will take about a week to walk around all the galleries of the museum, which occupies an area of ​​6 hectares. The British Museum boasts the most significant collection Egyptian antiquities. The famous Rosetta Stone was brought here, which served as a key to unraveling Egyptian writing, and a huge number of mummies, luxury and household items are also collected here. Antique Greece and Rome are also covered in sufficient detail, art objects of the peoples of Asia and Africa are widely represented.

4. Buckingham Palace

The most important attraction in London is Buckingham Palace, which serves as the official residence for Elizabeth II. The palace, together with the adjoining garden, spreads quite widely around the city, occupying 20 hectares of territory. Here the queen receives the heads of foreign states, here she arranges her gala dinners. There are only 775 rooms in the palace, so there was a place for the Royal Art Gallery open to the public. In August-September, Buckingham Palace is open to the public, since the queen is not there, but many tourists come here to see how the record holder monarch lives. The performance begins already at the gates of the palace, where the royal guard stands. In the halls of the palace you can look at the personal collection of Elizabeth II, which includes masterpieces by Michelangelo, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Vermeer, collections of antique furniture and porcelain. For 8 pounds you can visit the royal stable, which houses the carriages of the monarch (an open landau for weddings, a golden carriage) and the queen's horses.

5 London Eye

Relatively recently, a huge Ferris wheel 135 meters high appeared on the banks of the Thames in London. It can accommodate 800 people at the same time. The name "London Eye" justifies itself, because from the height of the attraction you can see everything at a distance of 40 kilometers. Each cabin, weighing 10 tons, has a sufficient number of seats and a cinema with a three-dimensional picture. The wheel has a unique backlight to make it look spectacular at night. The rotation of the wheel is very slow and non-stop, so the boarding and disembarkation of regular visitors takes place “on the go”, and it is slowed down only for the disabled and the elderly.

6. Elizabeth Tower

Recently, the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, on which the famous bell Big Ben is installed, has become so called. This symbol of the kingdom was built in 1859. In 2012, in honor of the 60th anniversary of the reign of Elizabeth II, Parliament decided to rename the clock tower. The Elizabeth Tower is home to the world's largest 4-sided chiming clock. Their complex clock mechanism is located at a height of 55 m. The attendants are sensitive to its technical condition, because even changes in the state of the atmosphere affect its accuracy. To correct the course of the clock, coins are sometimes placed on its pendulum. For the safety of the clock mechanism, tourists are not allowed into the tower. Londoners celebrate New Year's Eve by the battle of Big Ben.

7. Tower Bridge

Earned this bridge in 1894 in the presence of the Prince of Wales Edward and his wife. The unique design with counterweights allowed the wings of the bridge to be opened without significant energy expenditure in just a minute. In the two towers there are not only stairs, but also elevators leading to the upper gallery, along which, as it was supposed, the inhabitants of the city could cross the river even with the bridge drawn. But the people preferred to wait for the shutters to fall, and the gallery turned into observation deck and an exhibition dedicated to the history of the bridge. Here you can go down to the engine room to see the old lifting mechanisms. Wonderful panoramas of London open up from the gallery of the bridge. At night, the bridge is illuminated, making it very beautiful.

8. Madame Tussauds

Every year, 2.5 million people visit this wax museum. The doubles of celebrities exhibited in the halls of the museum are made incredibly realistic, they are very easy to confuse with the originals. Madame Tussauds began to make her twin figures as early as 1835, although this date is unofficially pushed back to the second half of the 18th century. Particularly attracts visitors to the "Cabinet of Horrors". During the tour, visitors look at copies of famous figures of the present and past, here you can also take a virtual ride in an old London cab. Who is not here: from Shakespeare and Jack the Ripper to Lady Gaga, from athletes and businessmen to politicians and crowned persons. Those who wish can take a picture with Elizabeth II herself, kiss Brad Pitt or pose with Muhammad Ali.

9. Trafalgar Square

This famous square appeared in the center of London in honor of the victory of the British fleet over the Spanish and French in 1805 near Trafalgar. In its center rises the column of Admiral Nelson, surrounded by metal lions and fountains. There are four pedestals along the perimeter of the square, on three of which statues of the great British rise, and the fourth one was used only in 2005, putting the main Christmas tree of Britain on it before the New Year (it is annually sent by the Norwegians for help during the last war). Until recently, this square was dominated by pigeons, a flock of which numbered up to 45 thousand heads. But due to problems with cleaning the area from pigeon droppings, the authorities forbade feeding the birds here. But these days, Trafalgar Square was chosen by tourists and demonstrators.

10. St. Paul's Cathedral

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In the high point London - on Langate Hill stands St. Paul's Cathedral, whose round dome towers over the city. This largest Anglican cathedral in Europe is the seat of the Bishop of London. It was officially opened in 1708, and before it, 4 previous temples stood here in succession, three of which were destroyed by fires, and one was destroyed in 961 during a Viking raid. On the tower of the cathedral there is an observation deck that gives an excellent overview of the city, no worse than from the London Eye. Under the dome of the temple there are three amazing galleries: made of stone, gilded, and also a whisper gallery, in which very interesting acoustic effects are observed. The dome of the cathedral is a copy of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, which made it one of the recognizable London landmarks. There are 17 bells on the bell tower of the temple, and sacred music concerts are often held in it. In 1860, the interior of the cathedral was changed, for which the parishioners had to organize a special fund. The current interiors of the temple attract with sculptures, openwork lattices, and magnificent mosaics. It was here that the wedding of the Prince of Wales Charles and Diana Spencer took place.

During the rise of the mighty British Empire, London became practically the center of the world. Fabulous capital and resources flowing into the metropolis from numerous overseas colonies made the capital of Great Britain a rich, arrogant and brilliant city, stuffed with architectural masterpieces, magnificent concert halls and fashionable shops.

London is a coveted destination not only for countless immigrant flows, but also for tourists from all over the world. Lush Victorian city blocks, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are among the world's most visited attractions. Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy clubs in London's Soho area attract here the most advanced, progressive, select audience.

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What to see and where to go in London?

The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and a short description.

1. Tower Bridge

Drawbridge over the River Thames, designed by architect H. Jones and built at the end of the 19th century. The construction consists of two powerful "Gothic" towers 64 meters high, connected by galleries and hanging spans. Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable symbols of the capital of Great Britain, although initially the inhabitants of London considered it ugly and ridiculous. There is a museum on the top floor of one of the galleries.

2. Tower of London

The fortress, standing on the north bank of the Thames, is over 900 years old. The Tower is known as a prison for nobles and prisoners of royal blood. From time to time it became the residence of monarchs. At various times, the famous humanist Thomas More, the wives of Henry VIII Catherine Howard and Anne Boleyn, the "bloody" Queen Mary Tudor and many others visited the castle. Only in the middle of the 20th century, the Tower ceased to serve as a prison.

3. Ferris wheel "London Eye"

One of the largest attractions of this type in Europe. The height of the structure is 136 m, which approximately corresponds to a 45-storey building. The wheel is set on the banks of the Thames, with a view of the whole of London. Passengers can be accommodated in one of 32 closed capsule cabins, which symbolize 32 city districts. A complete rotation is completed in half an hour. The attraction opened in 1999.

4. Buckingham Palace

The Royal Palace, the official residence of the ruling dynasty in London. There are about 800 rooms in the building, around a perimeter of 20 hectares there is a whole “city” for the internal use of the royals: a hospital, a police station, a post office, a restaurant. The palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham in the 18th century, but was bought by King George III. It became the official residence after the accession to the throne of Queen Victoria.

5. Palace of Westminster and Big Ben

The seat of the British Parliament since the 16th century. The palace stands on the banks of the Thames in the heart of the capital. Since the 11th century, English kings have settled here. For many centuries, the facade of the building was rebuilt, updated, new buildings were added. Tourists can only get inside during the summer parliamentary recess. Big Ben is the bell of the famous clock tower on the territory of the Palace of Westminster, more often the whole tower is called that together with the famous clock face. The tower was built by the architect O. Pugin in 1859; the building reaches a height of 96 meters. Since 2012, Big Ben has been officially renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of the reigning queen.

6. Kensington Palace

Another royal residence, the smallest of all the palaces belonging to the ruling family. The building was built in the 17th century. for the Earl of Nottingham, but King William of Orange bought it and made it his summer country estate. Kensington Palace (rather a mansion compared to others royal palaces) is in one of western districts London. In our time, the families of the Duke of Kent and Gloucester live there.

7. Westminster Abbey

The main church of Great Britain, not only an important religious center, but also the place of coronation and burial of British monarchs. The abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor at the beginning of the 11th century, and acquired its modern look in the 15th century. Since Harold II, all the kings of Great Britain have been crowned here. The abbey is open to tourists; classical music concerts and exhibitions are often held here.

8. St. Paul's Cathedral

Anglican church on Ludgate Hill. Since the early Middle Ages, Christian churches have been built in this place. The last Catholic cathedral fell into disrepair after the reforms of Henry VIII, only ruins remained on the top of the hill. In the 17th century construction began on a completely new cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Many iconic personalities are buried in the temple british history: W. Churchill, Admiral Nelson, A. Fleming and others.

9. Trafalgar Square

The famous square in central London, a favorite symbol of the city for tourists and the place where the British “zero kilometer” passes. Numerous holidays and festivals are held here, and the main Christmas tree of the country is set up in winter. The square appeared in 1820 on the site of the old Whitehall stables. The place is named after the victory of the British in 1805 in the naval battle at Cape Trafalgar.

10. Oxford Street

One of London's most famous shopping streets. More than 100 million people visit it every year. First of all, visiting the street is interesting for everyone who follows fashion and loves shopping. In a relatively small area (Oxford Street is only 2.4 km long.) There are more than 500 stores, including boutiques of world brands, large family supermarkets and shops with goods of the mass market category.

11. Street and Piccadilly Circus

The street got its name from the lace collars that Robert Baker sold. Previously, it was called Portuguese. Piccadilly is known for the fact that for more than 300 years the richest and most distinguished representatives of the world's "elite" have settled here: bankers, stars, members of powerful financial clans. Here are the most expensive and luxurious mansions, hotels and apartments.

12. Abbey Road

The street gained popularity due to the fact that part of it was immortalized on the cover of the record "The Beatles" (the album was called "Abbey Road"). The record company was also located here, where the famous band recorded their songs. Decades later, fans continue their pilgrimage to Abbey Road. Beatles breathlessly photographed in "the same place" that is depicted on the cover.

13. Skyscraper Mary Ex 30

A structure made of metal and glass structures in the modern center of London, shaped like a cucumber (Barcelona also has such a tower). The building is used as the headquarters of the Swiss company "Swiss Reinsurance". The tower was built from 2001 to 2004. designed by architect Sir N. Foster. 400 million dollars were spent on the construction. The structure reaches a height of 180 meters and contains 40 floors.

14. Skyscraper Shard

A high-rise building built for the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games. The structure is a glass pyramid resembling a piece of ice 310 meters high (72 floors). Inside there are offices, hotels, recreation areas, private apartments. Tourists tend to get into the skyscraper to the observation deck, located at the level of the 70th floor, from where you can admire London lying in full view.

15. British Museum

The main historical and archaeological museum of the country, one of the largest in the world. There are about 100 exhibition halls in the building, where exhibits are presented from all over the world - the former colonies of the British Empire. There are also ancient Egyptian and antique artifacts. Many countries require the return of the exhibits to their homeland, as it is believed that they came to the British Museum in a not entirely honest way.

16. London National Gallery

The largest museum in the country with over 2,000 examples of Western European painting dating back to the 12th century. The gallery was founded in 1839, since then the collection has been constantly replenished. Like many similar places, the museum cannot be bypassed in one visit; you will need to return to it several times to look at all the expositions. Also in the London Gallery you can listen to audio books and lectures on art.

17. Churchill War Rooms Museum

An underground bunker from which Churchill and his entourage ran a military company during World War II. Its construction was completed shortly before the start of the war. In 1989, Margaret Thatcher solemnly opened the bunker for inspection by everyone. Equipment, personal belongings of the country's leaders, photos and documents were left inside as exhibits. The museum is located under the Treasury building, next to the Palace of Westminster, and is a branch of the Imperial War Museum.

18. Victoria and Albert Museum

The world's largest museum of design and decorative arts. It was opened a year after the World Exhibition of 1851, as the event was very successful. The Museum of Products, as the collection was originally called, was renamed in honor of Queen Victoria and her husband Albert in 1899. The royal couple provided comprehensive assistance in replenishing the collection, consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, medieval rarities, fabrics and theatrical props.

19. Museum of Natural History

Opened in 1881, the basis of the exposition was the collection of the Natural History Department of the British Museum. The total number of exhibits exceeds 80 million (botany, zoology, mineralogy, paleontology). Many can be touched and studied, there are information stands in different languages. The most impressive hall is the central one: there are genuine dinosaur skeletons in full growth.

20. Madame Tussauds London

A branch of the most famous wax museum in the world (it has branches in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York, Copenhagen). Marie Tussaud received wax figures inherited from her teacher Curtis and gradually supplemented the collection with new characters. Until 1835, she toured all over England like circus performers, then opened a permanent exhibition at the insistence of her sons.

21. Sherlock Holmes Museum

House Museum of the popular detective at 221b Baker Street. It was here, according to the idea of ​​the writer Arthur Conan Doyle, that Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson rented rooms. The building was purchased by a society of admirers of this literary work. The museum opened relatively recently - in 1990. In the rooms, the atmosphere is recreated, exactly corresponding to the author's description of A.K. Doyle.

22. Tate British Gallery

A contemporary art gallery that attracts millions of tourists every year. Considered one of the largest in the world. The collection is made up of works from the period of the beginning of the 20th century. and to our days. The modern building opened to visitors in 2000. It consists of seven floors, each of which has its own exposition. The museum is housed in a converted building of a former power plant.

23. Theater Royal Covent Garden

One of the most prestigious opera venues, where the best performers and orchestras strive to get into. Before the construction of the modern building in 1858, there were two theaters on this site, which burned down in fires. Previously, all theatrical genres were staged in Covent Garden, but later it began to specialize only in musical performances: operas, oratorios, ballets, concerts.

24. Albert Hall

A concert hall reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, hosting a variety of events from musicals and award ceremonies to charity receptions. The hall was erected in the period 1867-1871. designed by Prince Albert. To recoup construction costs, the creators sold tickets to future events that gave them the right to visit the Albert Hall for 999 years. Some still go to the hall on these tickets.

25. Globe Theater

The theater, created with the participation of the great playwright W. Shakespeare at the end of the 16th century. Almost all of the author's works were staged here, but the building lasted only 14 years and was destroyed by fire. The rebuilt theater lasted until 1642 (then the troupe was disbanded by order of the Puritan government, and two years later the building itself was demolished). The modern "Globe" is a reconstruction based on fragments found during excavations.

26. Hyde Park

City park, where it is always crowded and lively. Tourists tend to come here to see with their own eyes the personification of democracy "Speakers' Corner", where everyone can express any thoughts. True, you can’t use microphones, so you have to strain your larynx. Hyde Park is a typical English landscape park with fountains, topiary trees and neat lawns.

27. St. James Park

Included in " green belt» the center of London. From different sides of the oldest park British capital limited to the Foreign Office building, Buckingham and St. James's Palaces. Previously, there were swamps that were drained and a canal was laid. The design, imitating the Versailles gardens, did not last long: the territory was planted with trees, and the pond became the main water artery. To the north is the Mall - a street for ceremonies involving the royal family.

28. Highgate Cemetery

In the first half of the nineteenth century in London, it became necessary to create a network of cemeteries. The former belonged to churches and were already filled. The plan for Highgate Cemetery was completed in 1839. The architecture of buildings and mausoleums is colorful, most of the tombstones are in the Victorian style. Particularly stand out are the sections called "Egyptian Street" and "Lebanese Circle". The most famous burial is the grave of Karl Marx. On the territory there is a lot of wild greenery from flowers to large trees.

29. River Thames

The river artery of the capital, crossing the entire city and passing through its central part. Perhaps this is one of the most popular rivers in the world, passing through the city. Largely due to the possibility of navigation on the Thames, London began to develop as an industrial, and later a financial center. Even during the Roman Empire, there was a port here. The Thames is an independent attraction visited by millions of tourists.

30. Station St. Pancras

Railway junction in central London. It was built by architect W. Henry in the 19th century. The station building is a typical example of the neo-Gothic style characteristic of the Victorian era. Trains arrive here from continental Europe and from neighboring counties. A single architectural ensemble of red brick, together with the station, makes up the five-star Renaissance Hotel.

31. Wembley Stadium

A well-known and even legendary stadium among football fans, a symbol of football England. For the first time its gates were opened under King George V in 1923, in the same year the FA Cup was played at the stadium. By the 60s. XX century Wembley becomes the main football arena of the country. In addition to games, there were concerts by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Oasis, AC / DC and other world stars.

32. Harrods Department Store

A real "mecca" for fashion fans and shopaholics, it is one of the three most visited London attractions. Harrods occupies 18,000 m², on its territory there are 300 stores selling everything in the world. Here shopping is elevated to its highest degree. The building itself is distinguished by the luxury of interior decoration and the monumentality of architectural forms.

33. Camden Market

Every weekend, the Camden market, divided into segments, is visited by about 100 thousand people. The market is also open on weekdays, but some outlets are closed most of the week. Some vendors rent shops, others are located in tents or under open sky. It sells original gifts, clothes, things from independent designers. In addition, there are pubs and restaurants along the main street.

34. Portobello Flea Market

Located in Notting Hill (West London). Here, the collapse of antique gizmos, shops with second-hand clothes coexist with expensive boutiques. In the market you can buy unusual clothes, vintage interior items and furniture, interesting handmade souvenirs. Many people come here not for shopping, but for the special atmosphere of antiquity, history and strong traditions.

35. Telephone booth and double-decker bus

Symbols of the British capital recognizable all over the world. Previously, booths were used for their intended purpose, but with the invention mobile communications have become mere cultural objects (some host mini-libraries). The red bus became the prototype for the tourist bus in almost all world capitals, its model was invented in Britain in 1956.

If you're into history and love looking at unusual, impressive buildings, then London is the perfect place for your next trip. This city easily falls in love with fans of contemporary art. In the capital of Great Britain, you can find many interesting objects and places that, in the truest sense of the word, breathe history. And this is not surprising, because London is a city founded by the Romans in the first century AD. A city with almost two thousand years of history.

The capital of the historically significant UK boasts many sights worth seeing. Let's now fast forward to the most famous of them:

The capital of Great Britain is famous bright combination of different styles. Firstly, the Queen of England lives there and many attractions are associated with the royal family. London with a population of ten million can rightfully be considered one of the largest cities in Europe. Tourists from all over the world come here for new impressions of old English architecture.

Trafalgar Square is considered the beating heart of London and the best starting point for exploring its central part. The place got its name after the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805. Today's view of Trafalgar Square is thanks to the architect Charles Barry, who once worked on the building of the British Parliament.

The square is also known as a favorite place for hundreds of pigeons, which the people of London have fed here since time immemorial. Feeding birds has been banned by law for several years now, as bird droppings have nothing to do with London attractions. Another well-known tradition on the square is the annual installation of a New Year tree brought from Oslo in gratitude for the help of the British for Norway during the Second World War.

Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN.

The most famous and photogenic bridge in London is the Tower Bridge. It got its name from the two neo-gothic towers that serve as pillars. For moving big ships along the Thames, the middle part of the bridge rises.

The construction of the bridge began in 1886, with more than 400 workers working on its creation under the guidance of architect Horace Jones and John-Barry Wilf. At one time, the Tower Bridge was the most difficult drawbridge in the world, which was very difficult to manage. The original hydraulic equipment of the bridge can still be seen if you go on an excursion there. Most tourists, while walking along the bridge, being in a state of euphoria, give all their attention only to him, not paying attention to the surroundings.

If you walk a little further along the south bank to the end of the bridge, you can get to Shad Thames Street. Across the river at the other end of the bridge you can get to St. Catherine's Docks, which is a harbor with sails along with residential buildings.

Address: Tower Bridge Road.

Big Ben is a famous symbol of the city. This richly decorated tower belongs to the Houses of Parliament and is famous for its bell. The original, 16 kg bell was cast in 1856, then it cracked and was recast, weighing 13.8 tons, which it still is. Interesting is the fact that Big Ben is described as the heaviest bell in the UK, while it is the third after the bell in St. Paul's Cathedral and Liverpool Cathedral.

The Big Ben building was designed in the Victorian-Gothic style and today is the pride of the capital of England. Big Ben's clock was also considered the largest in the world at one time. They consisted of 312 parts of glass and the lower part of the dial had the inscription: Domine salvam fac reginam nostram Victoriam primam (from Latin means the Lord protects our Queen Victoria I). Watches are known for their reliability. Their accuracy was maintained despite the bombings during World War II.

Address: Elizabeth Tower, Houses of Parliament.

This attraction is located in the heart of London and is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world. It was opened on December 31, 1999 and soon after its opening became the most visited attraction in the whole of the UK.

The attraction with a height of 135 meters is considered the highest in Europe. Until 2006, it even surpassed the Chinese Star of Nanchang. One revolution of the wheel around the axle lasts about 30 minutes. Interestingly, the wheel does not stop for passengers to board, because the traffic is so slow that passengers can disembark or, conversely, sit on the attraction slowly and comfortably. The London Eye moves at a speed of 26 cm per second. For comparison, the turtle moves twice as slowly.

Address: Lambeth, SE1 7PB.

Westminster Abbey is primarily a religious and Historical building. For many centuries, the most important ceremonies in English history took place under its roof. One is in awe just looking at the majestic façade of the building.

The abbey also serves as a religious shrine and place of eternal rest for famous British figures and rulers. For example, Charles Darwin, father of nuclear physics Ernest Rutherford, writer Rudyard Kipling (author of the Jangle Book) and Charles Dickens rested here. The most famous grave belongs to Sir Isaac Newton. The new rise in popularity of the building was brought by the novel The Da Vinci Code, which was released in 2003 and at one time outraged the leaders of the Christian church around the world.

Address: 20 Deans Yd-Westminster.

Piccadilly Circus is located between Big Ben and Tower Bridge. This area can often be seen on postcards. Piccadilly is one of the busiest transport hubs in London. It was founded at the end of the 18th century by the architect Nash. Now this place is considered one of the main shopping areas. In the middle of the square is a metal statue holding a bow and arrows, which confuses tourists who confuse the statue with the god of love. In fact, the statue means "the angel of Christian mercy."

Address: London, W1J 9HS.

Great Britain is the cradle of democracy, and the country's parliament is housed in the building Palace of Westminster which proves its importance and significance. The building is located on the left bank of the Thames right in the city center, close to the Westminster Underground.

Of the more than a thousand rooms in the palace, the most important are the House of Lords and the House of Commons. In the first chamber, the traditional ceremony of the beginning of parliamentary year(State Opening of Parliament), where the solemn speech of the members of the government is delivered and thus the political season officially begins. The oldest part of the palace is Westminster Hall. He remembers countless ceremonial rites, such as the coronation of King George IV or the funeral of Winston Churchill.

Between the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, you can often see a camp of strikers who display posters with different slogans and put forward their demands to politicians.

Address: Westminster, SW1A 0AA.

For three centuries, Buckingham Palace was inhabited by the families of the British Queen. The building was built in 1703. Today, it is the official residence of the queen and her relatives. Unfortunately, the palace was closed to the public for a long time. However, before entering, you can catch a glimpse of the royal guards. On special occasions, significant events are announced from the balcony of the palace. Opposite the entrance is a magnificent fountain.

Today the palace is open to the public and awaits tourists during the summer. Sometimes you can even see Queen Elizabeth, it is worth noting that this palace is not her only residence.

Address: Road Buckingham Palace.

AT central area on the left bank of the Thames, a visit to the huge St. Paul's Church is not to be missed. This cathedral is one of the largest in Europe. The church is dedicated to the Apostle Paul at the beginning of the seventh century. The temple was built in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. Its huge dome is covered with lead.

Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London- EC4M 8AD.

Royal concert hall Albert Hall is one of the main attractions of the fashionable area of ​​Kensington. The building has a characteristic oval shape with a glass dome and was built in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The underground station is not very close here, so it is best to get to Gloucester Road Station and South Kensington, and from there take a bus to the Albert Hall.

It is a great honor for everyone to sing on stage at the Royal Albert Hall, but not everyone is lucky. For example, in 1977, the final concert tour of Europe by the legendary Abby took place, whose concert they wished to attend. 3.5 million people. Later, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple and Bob Dylan appeared on this scene.

Kensington Gore, Kensington

Since Lady Diana's death in 1997, no one has lived in Kensington Palace. Only now, the newly-made Princess Kate, thanks to her marriage to Prince William, has “settled in” it, after which the reconstruction of the building began. Over the course of two years, about £12,000,000 for the restoration of the palace.

The palace gardens are ideal for picnics and sports. They can also be viewed with a guide. In June 2000, a platform in memory of Princess Diana was opened there.

Address: Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX.

Of course everyone should visit this place. The park is located in the very center of the metropolis, it is very large, and is rightfully considered one of the largest in the city. Its area is 1.4 sq. km. Big concerts are often organized there, such as the Rolling Stones in 1969 or the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2004.

In order to pass through the entire park, it is required a large number of time. But it's worth it, because in some places you can find interesting sights. One of them is Marble Arch, located in the northeastern part of the park.

In total, the park occupies more than 140 hectares of land.

Address: London - W2 2UH.

The City of London is the oldest part of London and is often referred to as square mile- "square mile". Only about 8000 inhabitants. The City of London is a kind of city within a city. It is best known as the international financial and business center of the capital of England. All the headquarters and major world banks are located here.

Address: Hartmann Road.

There is a place in England where time has stopped - this is Madame Tussauds. Where else can you meet Albert Einstein, Frank Sinatra or David Beckham in one place. The modern museum was opened in 1884, since then it has been very popular not only among the British, but also among tourists around the world. Today the museum houses many figures of politicians, royal families, pop stars, actors and sportsmen. Thanks to its huge success, the museum has branches almost all over the world: Las Vegas, NY, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Shanghai, etc.

Address: Marylebone Road, Marylebone -NW1 5LR.