Historic buildings of London. London sights - interesting places

Many tourists try to visit the delightful, sophisticated and luxurious capital of Great Britain - London. This city, whose history has been formed over many centuries, is striking in its combination of restraint and scope. It harmoniously coexists with magnificent modern buildings, stunning with their original design, and ancient architectural complexes, saturated with the spirit of conservatism and strict traditions.

The sights of London fascinate and enchant, make you admire their grandeur and beauty. Many of the most popular places in the capital of England have a rich history, diluted with many legends. The city makes an indelible impression and captivates the hearts of people who visited it forever. All the sights of London, photos with the names of which can be seen in this article, are difficult to visit in one day, so it is better to go to this city for a longer time in order to admire its beauty.

You can’t visit London and not visit the most famous building of the city - the Tower Bridge, proudly towering over the Thames. The structure was built more than 130 years ago and is still striking in its grandeur of design. Despite the fact that the bridge is movable, pedestrians could always cross the river, passing through the second floor of the structure. Today, this part of the bridge is used as an observation deck from which you can admire amazing landscapes. There are museums in the towers, which feature many interesting exhibits.

The clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, often called Big Ben, is not only a symbol of London, but of the whole of Great Britain. Huge clocks on its walls have been counting time for more than 157 years, as if symbolizing a calm, measured lifestyle of conservative Englishmen. Officially, the building is called the Tower of Elizabeth. It contains the largest bell in the United Kingdom, which is called Big Ben. Tourists and residents of the capital prefer to call the tower itself.

For more than 950 years, the north bank of the Thames has been adorned with the walls of an ancient fortress - the Tower of London, which is one of the oldest structures in Great Britain. For a long history, the fortress was used as a palace, a depository of jewelry, an arsenal, and a mint. High-ranking and honorable prisoners were serving their sentences in its walls. This magnificent building was used as an observatory and even as a zoo. Today the Tower of London is the historical center of the city, which attracts millions of tourists.

In the historic Westminster district of London above the River Thames, there is a magnificent old palace, in which the history of the state is created. Within its walls, the country's parliament sits, meetings are held with foreign statesmen. There are tragic events in the history of Westminster Palace. In 1834, the building was almost destroyed by a big fire. Its restoration took more than 20 years. In the near future, it is planned to restore the building, which will have to spend about 3.5 billion pounds. The exact date of commencement of work has not yet been determined.

Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, the palace today is known throughout the world as the residence of the British monarchs. It can be safely called a small separate town, which has its own hospital, post office, police and other institutions at the disposal of members of the royal family. On the main square of Buckingham Palace stands a white marble pedestal, which houses a gilded monument to Queen Victoria.

Greatness is fascinated by the main collegiate church of Great Britain, which is located in Westminster. Made in the Gothic style, it evokes admiration and a sense of reverence. In the delightful halls of Westminster Abbey, the coronation of the country's monarchs takes place. Everyone can visit the church, attend exhibitions or concerts of classical music, which are often held here. It is interesting to visit the museum in Westminster Abbey, to visit the corner of poets or to admire the beauty of the capital.

Visiting London sights, it is worth taking time to Kensington Palace, which was for a long time the summer residence of monarchs. Initially, the building was owned by the Earl of Nottingham, for which it was erected in the XVII century. But the palace was soon redeemed and converted by the king. Currently, its owners are Prince William and his wife. Visiting Kensington Palace, you can admire not only the excellent architecture of the building, but also the beautiful gardens that surround it.

Tourists staying in London do not miss the opportunity to visit the huge Greenwich Park, which is located on the outskirts of London. In this place you can visit many museums that tell about the development of maritime affairs and astronomy in the UK. The Zero Meridian passes through the territory of the park, in connection with which an observatory was established here in 1675, which was engaged in the refinement of coordinates important for sailors.

Visiting the English Cathedral, tourists can not only see the excellent baroque building, but also visit the highest point of the city. This delightful spot is on Ladgate Hill. Its construction, which started in 1675, took more than 33 years. The cathedral attracts tourists with its beautiful architecture. Under the huge dome, the building has amazing galleries. One of them is striking in its acoustics and is called whispering: it is worth half a voice to utter a word at one end of the hall, and it will be clearly audible throughout the room. The golden gallery offers breathtaking views of the city. But to enjoy a bird's eye view of London, you will have to climb a rather steep staircase, consisting of 500 steps.

A very popular attraction in London is the British Museum. In terms of attendance, it is second only to the Paris Louvre. Its countless exhibits attract more than 6.5 million tourists a year. Here, over the centuries, unique artifacts have been collected from the numerous colonies of Britain. Today they are exhibited in various exhibition halls of the museum, of which there are more than a hundred. Here you can admire the exhibits, whose age is estimated at millennia. They are considered the pearls of the congregation. The museum also has a huge library, which contains unique works, ancient Buddhist manuscripts and various manuscripts.

In the halls of the National Gallery of London you can see many amazing works of art created by the greatest artists of all time and beginning talented artists. The collection of this art museum began to be collected as early as 1824. Its first exposition consisted of only 38 paintings. She gave rise to the formation of the gallery. Today, thousands of works of art are presented here, more than 6 million visitors annually wish to admire them.

The most famous street in London got its name thanks to Robert Baker, who was the largest producer and trader of piccadilly collars, fashionable in the 17th century. He built a mansion here, which later became known as Piccadilly Hall. His example was followed by the noble persons of London, who built luxurious houses on this street. Immediately wealthy people from the lower layers of society tried to build themselves mansions. Today, the richest people on the planet acquire apartments on this street.

Tourists who arrived in London do not miss the opportunity to visit the central Trafalgar square of the city. It is especially beautiful here during the holidays: you can admire the various processions and festivals. Immediately set the main Christmas tree in the UK. There used to be old stables in the place of the square. In 1820, they decided to establish a central square and name it in honor of the naval battle held at Cape Trafalgard.

More than 200 years ago, a Frenchwoman and a talented sculptor Maria Tussauds began to travel to Europe with a small collection of wax figures at that time. The number of exhibits increased over time, and a building on Baker Street was allocated to their location. The museum was very popular and required expansion. The city authorities decided to allocate a building located in Marylebone for a collection of wax figures. It is there that today you can admire the huge number of wax figures of the most famous people in the history of mankind.

You can see the amazing panorama of the city from the huge Ferris wheel, which is called the London Eye. It rises on the banks of the Thames and amazes with its size. The Ferris wheel is equipped with 32 egg-shaped cabins. The capsules are tightly closed and well ventilated. They are made of durable glass, which ensures safety for people who decide to look at the beauty of London from a bird's eye view.

The museum of the world's most famous detective Sherlock Holmes enjoys great popularity among visitors and residents of London. Despite the fact that the character is fictitious, on Baker Street, the house described in the work of the famous English writer Arthur Conan-Doyle was recreated to the smallest detail. In the museum you can see the rooms in which the main characters lived, admire their wax figures. In addition, the house in which the exposition is organized is of interest to tourists. Built in 1815, it is an architectural and historical value.

The modern symbol of the capital of Great Britain is the skyscraper Mercy Ex 30, which is popularly called the "London cucumber" because of its bizarre shape. This building, designed by the talented architect Foster, is one of the most ecological skyscrapers. Thanks to the perfectly thought-out design, 2 times less energy is spent on its needs than on other similar structures. Everyone can enjoy the beauty of the lower floors of this magnificent structure or visit the popular restaurants located under the transparent dome of a skyscraper.

An interesting place to visit is the Chard Skyscraper, towering in the center of London. So that the building does not violate the unique architecture of the city, they decided to create it from glass and metal. The skyscraper resembles a huge block of ice rushing into the heavenly heights, which led to its name. The most popular among tourists is the observation deck of the glass pyramid, from which you can even see remote areas of a huge city.

The famous Albert Hall, erected in 1871, remains the most popular concert hall in the world today. Within its walls more than 350 various events are organized annually. The construction, reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, required enormous expenses for its construction. To complete the construction, Queen Victoria established the sale of tickets for future events to be held at Albert Hall. Thanks to people who respect art, the concert hall was completed. It is noteworthy that the validity of tickets is 999 years, and some English still use them to attend events held here.

The magnificent royal theater located in Covent Garden amazes with its grandeur. Every artist or orchestra dreams of going to his famous stage. The building was built in 1858. Its predecessors were two theaters that were famous at that time, which suffered from a fire and could not be restored. Previously, one could watch performances of almost all theatrical genres. Today the repertoire is limited only to musical productions: ballets, concerts, operas.

Visitors of any age can spend time in the famous London Museum of Natural History. Over the 135-year history of its existence, the museum has collected more than 70 million exhibits. The most popular is the exposition, which presents the skeletons of dinosaurs. Here you can also look at a huge collection of meteorites. Even the building itself captivates with its delightful ancient architecture. Located in South Kensington, the museum is extremely popular with residents and visitors.

In 1862, a huge train station was built on Victoria Street, designed by architect W. Henry, named after Queen Victoria. This unique building, built of red bricks, was reconstructed in 1910 and still adorns the city with unique architecture. About 70 million passengers arrive here annually.

On an area of \u200b\u200b121 hectares, in the southwestern region of London there are wonderful botanical gardens, which are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are all conditions for a pleasant stay. On the territory of the Royal Botanical Gardens you can admire a huge number of a wide variety of plants, relax in cafeterias and restaurants. Kew Gardens can also please with huge collections of herbariums, drawings, seeds.

A symbol of English football is the popular Wembley Stadium. Not a single football fan will miss the opportunity to visit this unique place. The opening of the first building took place in 1923, where the FA Cup was immediately launched. In 2003, it was decided to build a new stadium, the construction of which took 4 years. Today, in addition to sports, performances of the most popular pop stars are organized at the new stadium. It was here that Madonna, Michael Jackson and many popular music groups pleased the audience with their concerts.

It is interesting to visit Chinatown in the Chinese area of \u200b\u200bLondon. This is a unique place where two cultures have practically merged together: Chinese and English. At the beginning of the 20th century, outcasts and immigrants who arrived in Britain from other countries lived in this disadvantaged area of \u200b\u200bthe city. Soon, the area was populated by the Chinese, which was clearly reflected in its appearance. London Chinatown is often visited by tourists who want to see a piece of China in England.

The modern Globe Theater is striking in its tragic history. The first version of the construction was built in 1599, but after 14 years it was badly damaged by the fire that raged here in 1613. A year later he was restored, but this time too, a difficult fate awaited him: the building was abandoned and destroyed. Architects of our time, having studied ancient descriptions of the theater and fragments found during excavations, recreated the building. It was in this place that the great Shakespeare organized the productions of his works.

Connoisseurs of high art should definitely visit the Tate Gallery in London, where the works of the best British artists are collected. The first exposition appeared here in 1897. The Board of Trustees decided to submit only the works of masters who worked since 1790. At the beginning of the XX century, the gallery decided to significantly expand, creating a collection of works by foreign artists. Sculptures of famous masters of our time are also presented here.

The real paradise is Oxford Street for fashion-conscious people. This street is equipped with about 500 different shops, which are annually visited by over 100 million Londoners and visitors. Here you can see the works of famous couturiers, presented in boutiques of the most prestigious brands. This street is especially popular on the eve of the holidays, when everyone rushes to supermarkets in search of gifts for relatives and friends.

The extremely rich history associated with the Knights of the Knights Templar has the Temple Church. It was founded back in 1185, and since then its walls have witnessed the development of London. Secret ceremonies took place in this magnificent old building, during which initiation into knights took place. Services are still held in this church today, during which you can listen to the singing of a choir of 30 people. In the courtyard of the church are beautiful gardens stretching to the banks of the Thames.

This is only a small part of the sights of London that will be interesting to all tourists. Photos and descriptions of these places will make it possible to appreciate the beauty of the diverse and delightful capital of Great Britain. This city is an example of how to value, be proud of, and preserve its history in order to pass on its rich heritage to future generations.

Video - London Attractions

The capital of Great Britain has many classic attractions, after viewing which no one is indifferent.

London is an ideal place for tourists interested in the traditional sights of the ancient capitals of Western Europe. Sometimes it seems that this city with a long history has its own intelligence and character. Throughout its history, the city has experienced all kinds of disasters from large-scale fires to deadly epidemics. Today it is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world and a place of pilgrimage for millions of tourists.

Since 1863, the needs of citizens and visitors have been served by the oldest metro. Heathrow Airport accepts the largest number of international flights. Finally, in 2015, London broke its own record - in terms of population: about 8.63 million people live here.

London is changing before our eyes, so it’s not the fact that, having arrived in the city a couple of years later, you will walk along the same streets. Each nook and cranny hides its own story, which is just waiting to be told.

London historic sites

At every step in London, the traveler is greeted by buildings and landmarks bearing the imprint of the long and amazing history of Great Britain. This is the millennium Tower, where royal jewelry is stored, and the Cathedral of St. Paul, for many centuries central to the life of London. Under the Tower Bridge, a famous Victorian building, large ships sail along the majestic River Thames.

A little west of the city center are Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, and Trafalgar Square, where Nelson’s column guarded by formidable lions rises. And very close are two of the most famous symbols of London in the world - the Houses of Parliament in Westminster and the majestic Big Ben.

London cultural attractions

London's cultural attractions are open for free admission, including the British Museum, the Tate Modern Gallery, the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum. Here are stored valuable exhibits of the historical and artistic heritage of Great Britain.

Fans of pop culture invariably go to Madame Tussauds, where they are welcomed by world celebrities, from Lady Gaga to Prince William, or rather, their wax copies. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the magnificent Olympic Park open to visitors in July 2013. But if you don’t have enough time to visit it, you shouldn’t be upset, from many places of the city a beautiful view of the 2012 Olympic Games venue opens.

Main Attractions of London

The sights of London are based on its history, cultural heritage and its role as the largest capital of the world. It is difficult to single out only the 10 brightest places of this amazing city, but at least you can start with them.

• The British Museum

London is the dream of a history buff. Its history dates back to Celtic times, long before the conquest of Britain by the Romans, who called this natural port of Londinium in 43 AD. The city was repeatedly subjected to severe trials, such as the fire of 1666, which destroyed two-thirds of it. But in spite of everything, London continued to grow, grow rich and prosper.
  The British Museum has a grand collection of historical artifacts and documents, as well as an impressive catalog of items brought here from around the world during the reign of the British Empire.

• Tower of London (The Tower of London)

Founded in 1080 by William the Conqueror, the Tower originally served as a fortress for the British monarchs, and later was used as a dungeon for imprisoning state criminals. Today this museum is an impressive reminder of the power of the kings of the Middle Ages. Several fascinating tours and various exhibits give a vivid idea of \u200b\u200bthe medieval past of England. There is also a royal treasury.

• Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the British monarchs since 1837, since the reign of Queen Victoria. In addition, he still serves as the home for the richest woman in the world, Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of England. The palace is open to the public at certain hours. But if you couldn’t get inside, you can always see the changing of the guard outside, which in itself is a vivid sight that attracts crowds of tourists.

• Big Ben

Big Ben in London (English name Big Ben) is the most famous classic attraction of the capital of Great Britain.

This name is one of the six bells on the clock located in the northern part of Westminster Palace, although this name is also used to refer to the clock and the tower as a whole.

• London Underground (The Tube)

The London Underground, called the Tube, is itself a tourist attraction. The Tube is the oldest of all the undergrounds in the world, as well as the most extensive and convenient public transport system. With its notable historic stations and the famous distinctive warning system, the London Underground is more than just a practical way to drive around the city.

• Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey, Cathedral Church of St. Petra, is one of the most important shrines of England, located in the Westminster district of London. This Gothic church is a traditional place of coronation and burial of British monarchs. Together with the nearby Church of St. Margarita, the abbey is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

• Tate Gallery (The Tate)

The Tate Art Gallery, located in London on the north bank of the Thames, near Parliament, is the world's largest collection of English art of the 16th – 20th centuries. ekov. It was created by the sugar manufacturer Sir Henry Tate, whose collection was based on only 3 paintings, one of which was “Thursday” by W. D. Sadler. The gallery was opened to the public on July 21, 1897.

• Fleet Street Fleet Street

Fleet Street is home to the British newspaper industry. Walk past the buildings that housed the true giants in the history of journalism, look at the print museums, there are a lot of interesting things waiting for you. Be sure to take the time to enjoy traditional dishes in one of the many historic pubs on Fleet Street: fish and potatoes or sausages with mashed potatoes and a pint of real English ale.

• Royal Observatory at Greenwich and the Prime Meridian

You can go on a cruise on the Thames and visit the Royal Observatory and the Zero Meridian, which is considered the official border between the Eastern and Western hemispheres. Beginning in the 19th century, when the schedule of railway trains required the observance of exact time in time zones, the countdown went from England. Since 1884, all watches in the world have been verified with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). There is also a maritime museum and a planetarium.

• Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park

The American idea of \u200b\u200bfreedom of speech was originally, of course, an English concept. Hyde Park - one of the most beautiful London parks, is also world famous for its Orator Corner. In this place, anyone can stand on an old soap box or climb an ordinary stepladder and say everything that comes to mind from something grand to absolute stupidity.

Other London Attractions

A lot of tourists come to London every day. The capital of Great Britain simply attracts travelers from all over the world. And this is not surprising, such a bright and huge metropolis deserves close attention. If you still think that London is rain and fog, then you are greatly mistaken. Of course, the weather sometimes does not pamper guests of the capital, but much can be forgiven for such a city.

There is something to see in London - there are about 300 museums and galleries alone.

In the center of London, almost every house and every street is interesting in its own way. Of course, it is worth exploring the main areas of the city that have become peculiar legends - a respectable City, colorful Soho, historic Westminster, artistic Covent Garden and many others.

In London there is the highest ferris wheel in the world - 135 meters. If you want to properly explore the city, then it is better to do this in the afternoon, in the evening on the attraction you can arrange a romantic meeting. When the lights of the metropolis light up, the view from the wheel is amazing.

Everyone will find his own in London. Someone like historical buildings and attractions. For others, the most interesting will be a visit to modern architecture - Wembley Stadium, the Millennium Dome (O2 Arena) or the Gherkin skyscraper ("Cucumber"). In any case, visiting all of London in a few days will not work, which means that there will be a reason to return here again.

• The number of inhabitants of the capital of Great Britain reaches 8.2 million people - it is the largest city in the European Union and the 16th in the world
• The area of \u200b\u200bLondon is 1706.8 km square.
• Cars in London drive on the left side of the street, and the native Londoners are firmly convinced that this side of the road is the most correct
• Through the capital passes the zero meridian, which is also called Greenwich by the name of the district of the city of Greenwich
• There are as many as five international airports at the disposal of London, one of which - Heathrow - is the world's busiest airport.
• There are almost never traffic jams in the city center - most likely because entry to the city center is paid
• On average, about half of the people on the central streets of the UK capital are tourists
• Becoming a taxi driver in London is not easy - there are more than 1000 streets in the city, and every taxi driver should know them as a keepsake. For this, drivers take special training courses for 3 years
• On average, every Londoner appears daily on 50 CCTV cameras and 15 tourist photos, so residents here try to smile more often
• The city of London is not the only one of its kind, in the world there are several more cities with the same name, they are located in the USA, Canada and some other countries. Interestingly, Canadian London, like the capital of Great Britain, is located on the River Thames.

It is almost impossible to describe (and even just give a general idea) about all the sights and features of London in one material, as well as visit them (find out, see) within one, even the longest and most intense tour. Of course, Samuel Johnson is right in saying: “If you are tired of London, then you are simply tired of life, because in London there is everything that life can offer a person.”

Video - London Attractions

Mentioned already above, this palace is a haven not only for Big Ben, but also for the country's parliament. It houses the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The attraction is accessible for visits only a few days of the year, so if you definitely want to go here and see everything, follow the open door schedule on the website - parliament.uk or dial + 440-20-721-931-07. As a rule, a cycle of 70-minute excursions happens throughout September, but it is better to check the information.

One of the oldest such sights among themselves in Misty Albion, erected during the reign of Henry VII. It was here that Elizabeth II delivered her first throne speech. The interior of the palace is completely open for inspection, enjoy. By the way, at the entrance to the park there is also a change of guard - this is worth a look. The metro stop closest to the palace is Green Park.

Bridges of the capital

London  rich in various attractions, including bridges, which are works of art. Let's start with the most famous.

A movable handsome man - a neighbor of the Tower fortress already familiar to you, connecting the banks of the Thames, claims to be the symbol of the capital. The attraction was born in 1894, the construction lasted almost 10 years, but it turned out to be a masterpiece. The Tower Bridge owes its appearance to its “brother” - the London Bridge, which served only pedestrians, thereby depriving vehicle owners.
The new design was a success - movable walkways, galleries for pedestrians, clockworks, and now the museum - all this made the bridge famous and attractive for tourists. Other details, including inspection schedule and coordinates, are available at www.towerbridge.org.uk.

One of the oldest bridges that have survived to this day is Westminster - a 150-year-old arch bridge, which holds a record among its counterparts in the number of arches (there are 7 of them, when there are only 5 at other bridges in the capital). Westminster Bridge is a kind of starting point for the development of the city, since it is the second capital bridge, before it there was only one way to get to the other side of the Thames - through the Old London Bridge, which at that time was a good one and a half thousand years. The neo-Gothic style of the building perfectly fits into the urban background, you can see for yourself. Getting there: Westminster Station.

And the newest bridge erected at the break of the third millennium closes the top three - hence the name. The year of sightseeing opening is 2000. The queen herself participated in the ceremony. More than 100,000 people passed over the bridge in one day during the festive processions. An amazing panorama of Misty Albion opens from here, one can see the domes of the cathedrals and the Globus Theater. If you will be taking the subway, head for Mansion House Station.

Monuments and monuments of London

For fans of monuments in London, there is also something to see. Pay attention to such attractions.

A huge monument exceeding 50 meters in height was ordered in 1875 by Albert's wife, Queen Victoria. Each of the travelers certainly strives to make a frame against the background of the memorial. Opposite the monument is the hall of the same name - the Beatles' favorite, which may also be of interest to you as an attraction. The “residence” of the monument is Kensington Park.

The author of this legendary monument is the talented architect Railton, who invented and implemented the statue of the national hero of Britain - Horatio Nelson. Due to the fact that the last battle in which the admiral participated was Trafalgar, they decided to place the convoy on the square of the same name. The attraction stands on 4 panels made of bronze trophies of the time and reaches a height of 46 m, although the figure of Nelson itself is 5.5 meters. As you understand, the place of “registration” of the memo is Trafalgar Square.

You already know that Misty Albion has been plagued by troubles more than once, in memory of one of them they even erected a column. When it was built - in 1677, the monument took first place in height among its own kind (almost 62 m). The column is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a scientific tool that allows you to experiment with pendulums and gravity. By the way, an underground laboratory is located under the monument, be sure to look into it by buying a ticket for a symbolic 3 £. The metro station where you should get off is of the same name. For more information about the attractions, see here: www.themonument.info.

Monument to Vladimir the Great

Imagine, and such historical heroes are appreciated in London. The author of the creation is Leo Mola, a talented Canadian sculptor. To get acquainted with the English Vladimir the Great, go to the Holland Park station.

Britain appreciates smart and kind rulers, therefore, several of the most talented rulers of the world gathered in a heaped company on Parliament Square, according to the authorities of London. Among them is Lincoln, the national hero of America, who freed the slaves.

Next door is the legendary Mandela. The attraction was "born" relatively recently - in 2007.

This attraction appeared in memory of the members of the Machine Gun Corps who died during the First World War. The place of “registration” of the architectural creation is Hyde Park Square, from the location of Wellington Arch.

And “for dessert” for those who love unusual monuments - a 5-meter sculpture of a blue rooster on Trafalgar Square, made of fiberglass. By the way, this year the London authorities were going to replace the “Rooster” with the bronze “Donated Horse”, so, perhaps, you will be among the first to admire the new architectural masterpiece.

Cathedrals of london

For travelers who develop spiritually, there are several holy places, a visit to which can help to achieve inner harmony, as well as get an impression of the history and church customs of Britain.

This Protestant Cathedral is one of the most popular attractions in the capital. It was created in opposition to the Catholic Church, located in Rome. The fire did not spare the miracle of architectural thought. The restoration of the cathedral lasted as long as 35 years, there was not enough finance, so many workers agreed to work for free. Although the decoration of the church can hardly be called chic, all the details are meticulously executed: a wonderful triple dome has become an integral part of the silhouette of the capital.
A pair of towers, a dozen sonorous bells, among which the famous 16-ton “Big Floor”, the sound of which is heard in a radius of 37 kilometers, a huge clock, organ, a talented choir - all this immerses you in an atmosphere of peace of mind and comfort. Try it yourself! The nearest metro station is Liverpool Street, other details at www.stpauls.co.uk.

Among the Catholic cathedrals of Britain, Westminster is considered central. Neo-Byzantine style with an abundance of red bricks that made friends with Portland limestone, a huge cross, amazingly beautiful bell tower, wonderful views of St. Victoria Square, a mosaic kaleidoscope, the best organs of the country - all this awaits you at 42 Francis Street. Metro stop - Victoria. Do not miss the concert of delightful organ music, which takes place at 16.45 every Sunday for free. More details - www.westminstercathedral.org.uk.

Southwestern temple

The attraction is the main Anglican church in the Southwark district and is among the TOP 3 most visited holy places of London by tourists. Recently, the building has undergone restoration, so there is something to admire. The highlight of the cathedral are stained glass windows illustrating scenes from Shakespeare's works. The temple is available for inspection from 8.00. The nearest station is London Bridge.

London parks

And now about natural attractions, some of them, by the way, are equipped so that you forget about Disneyland.

Regent Park and Zoo

By its beauty, the palm among the parks of the capital can be safely given to Regent's Park. Initially, in 1812, another project was planned here, including 40 villas, separated by greenery so that the neighbors did not see each other. After the construction of 8 buildings, they decided to replay everything, turning the construction into a park. Some villas, by the way, have survived; you can find them among the abundant vegetation. The royal garden, decorated with rose gardens and flower paintings, has been preserved on the territory. In summer, concerts and shows are held here. Also in the park you can find the famous London Zoo, proudly bearing the title of one of the first zoos on the planet. The year of its foundation is 1828. The gates of Regent's Park open at dawn - at 5.00. If you get the subway, get off at the station of the same name.

This park is the leader in the size of the territory, which is 1000 hectares. Once there were royal hunting grounds. If you want to see all the beauties, you can drive into the park by car, because automobile traffic is allowed here, however, there are speed limits - up to 30 km. Deer and other free animals hide among the trees. You can rent a bike or horse. Richmond Park is also a great place for panoramic views of London, there are several excellent viewing points on the territory. In summer, the gates of the park open at 7.00. The nearest metro was named after the sights.

Settled in the center of London and combined with other green sights, Hyde Park is one of the most popular places for tourists. Indeed, exhibitions, concerts, parades, and performances are often held here. Every day from 12.00 you can see something interesting. And if you want, go to the microphone yourself, they will let you speak if there is a “window” on the air. The park closes only at midnight, but already at dawn - at 5.00 you can return here again. The metro station is also called the park.

Royal Botanic Gardens

On 300 acres of land of the botanical garden, more than 40 thousand different types of plants settled, as well as a rock garden, greenhouses, a park, and a Japanese garden. Also on site are two galleries, a herbarium and a library. And if you are in London in the winter, then go for a drive on a skating rink. The territory is available from 9.30 until sunset. Enjoy it!
And in absentia you can get acquainted with the botanical garden by going to www.kew.org.

What else, besides the listed categories, is worth seeing in London?

Dungeons

If you love the underground labyrinths, mysterious stories and secrets of the past, welcome to the London Undergrounds, which were built more than 2000 years ago. You can visit the attraction at such hours - 10.30-17.30.

London Planetarium

Adore stars, sky and astronomy? Come to the London Planetarium for 40 years as a delight to your guests with star shows. Interactive space travel, attractions, lectures, search tours and much more awaits you here, starting from 10.30 on weekends and from 12.30 on weekdays. See www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/planetarium-shows#times for other information.

Aquarium of london

London Aquarium - miniature ocean. Here you can admire sharks, stingrays, piranhas, starfish, giant eels, crabs and other inhabitants of the deep sea. Prices and opening hours can be found here www2.visitsealife.com/london/#_\u003d_.

This attraction is called the London Eye. The Ferris wheel erected in honor of the Millennium in those years was the largest on the planet. Half an hour traveling over London is incomparable. By the way, if you wish, you can go up not in the booth, but in a cozy VIP capsule, savor champagne with strawberries. See timetable and prices here - www.londoneye.com.

The famous stadium "settled" in the northwestern part of the capital. Here, not only football “fights” are held, but also concerts, festivals, championships of a different sports orientation. Indeed, Wembley ranks second in Europe in terms of scale, accommodating 90 thousand visitors. Moreover, all spectator seats are located indoors, so rain will not interfere with your entertainment.

Avenue of Stars

The London counterpart of the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here you can admire the famous people’s handprints. Who knows, maybe one day you will become a star if you develop, and travel can help you grow your personality.

Nobody will argue that London is one of the most popular points on the map among tourists; almost every traveler wants to visit this rainy and perhaps a little gloomy, but so attractive, magical city. This is the capital of dreams, remembered at first sight for its unique character, color, expressed in every detail.

The banks of the Thames are striking in the number of interesting sights, because in order to form at least a superficial opinion about this wonderful metropolis, you will need to spend at least a week here.

Moreover, unlike some other cities, which are invariably included in the list of places to visit in the world, London does not have a clearly defined center that would unite the main attractions on its territory. Here famous places are scattered in different areas.

The list of places to visit in the English capital can include not only museums, castles and other historical buildings, but also rich nature, picturesque parks, as well as modern buildings, for example, skyscrapers that amaze with their originality and impressiveness.

Let us consider in more detail the objects that no self-respecting guest from another state should pass by.

One of the first historical buildings that you definitely can’t get around is Big Ben. Perhaps there is no traveler who has not met the most famous watch in the world on postcards or office supplies.

The construction of the tower took place under Queen Victoria in the middle of the 19th century, and its height reaches 97 meters. Since then, the clock does not get tired of faithfully counting the time, acting as a guide for all residents of London.

Mention should be made of the widespread misconception regarding the name of the structure. "Big Ben" is not the name of the legendary clock tower or the clock itself, it is the most impressive bell in size located in the tower.

This giant is different from its five counterparts with a striking weight of 13.5 tons. But due to the simplicity of the name, its easy perception, both visitors and locals often apply the name "Big Ben" to both the watch and the tower as a whole.

The official and correct name of the main symbol of the English capital is Elizabeth Tower. This honorary name was only assigned in 2012, and the occasion was the 60th anniversary of the Queen's reign. Until then, the name of the tower of St. Stephen was assigned to the tower.

Let us turn to the milestones of the existence of the historical object: before this building served as a prison intended for political prisoners - parliamentarians, whose opinion was contrary to the views of the authorities. However, in fact, the tower practically did not perform its functions, in the whole history only one prisoner was imprisoned in these walls.

In popular culture, the tower invariably finds its place. In 2012, the chimes signaled the opening of the Olympics with their battle, and in the most famous films and even cartoons the tower becomes a close-up star - “Flood”, “Mars Attacks” and other Hollywood masterpieces.

And a number of cartoons even contain scenes, the scene of which becomes Big Ben - “101 Dalmatians” or “Peter Pan”.

As you know, Big Ben is an integral part, one of the towers of the grand Palace of Westminster, which is another major attraction. The history of the palace is full of tragedies - until the 14th century, it was assigned the role of a royal residence, but fate prepared a surprise for him.

In 1834, a terrible fire broke out, which caused the loss of most of the structure. There are also some surviving fragments of the palace - Westminster Hall, where magnificent receptions were held, and the Tower of Jewels.

Only in the middle of the 19th century a new palace building was built to replace the burnt apartments. Here today parliamentary meetings are held. The style in which the modern palace was erected can be defined as neo-Gothic.

The impressive characteristics of the magnificent structure are impressive - the total length of its corridors is about five kilometers, and the number of rooms almost reaches the figure of 1200.

Westminster Hall requires special attention, because it is not just one of the halls, but a most valuable monument of the Middle Ages, which retained the spirit of those years and survived the fire.

The hall was created in the 11th century, it was distinguished by luxury, and the original project was rebuilt after 300 years: the walls were lined with stone, and wooden floors were added. I must say that not only did this hall go through a monstrous fire, but also through the bombing of the Germans in 1941, because the neighboring hall was completely destroyed by them.

The dimensions of Westminster Hall are awesome - the ceiling height is 28 meters, and the total area is about 1800 square meters. Not always, however, solemn receptions were held here, this room served until the end of the 19th century as a courtroom - this is where the Supreme Court of the state issued the death sentence to a number of famous personalities, including, for example, the thinker Thomas More.

The next item on the curious tourist's route is Westminster Abbey, which can be found west of the Palace of Westminster. Another, less popular, name of the building is St. Peter's Church.

The duration of the construction process of this building in the Gothic style is amazing - exactly 5 centuries, although there were small breaks. Statues of martyrs adorn the western facade of the majestic church.

Westminster Abbey boasts the constancy of its functions - this is the only place where the British monarchs ascend to the throne, as well as the territory of their burial. In addition to the royal people, outstanding British, whose activities glorified England, find eternal peace in the abbey.

For example, in the Poets' Corner you can find the graves of Dickens, Chaucer and other literary geniuses. Here are the graves of such famous scientists as Darwin and Newton. It is a great honor to find here the last refuge only for outstanding citizens.

Buckingham Palace

You can not ignore the residence of Elizabeth II - the magnificent Buckingham Palace. It was laid in 1703, and received the name by the name of the original owner - the Duke of Buckingham.

Inside the palace there are more than 600 rooms. The northern part of the castle is occupied by the current queen and her husband. Tourists can instantly determine if the monarch is present in the residence or has temporarily left it according to the British flag, which either flutters over the structure or lowers.

For those who like to watch the changing of the guard of honor, this opportunity is provided daily half an hour before noon on the Palace Square.

Tower fortress

The next most important point is the Tower fortress, which plays the role of another main symbol of the capital. The construction is ancient, the construction date is 1078 g.

Unlike Westminster Abbey, which is permanent in its mission, the old Tower visited both the fortress, the royal residence, the observatory, the zoo, the mint, and the prison. It was the latter that made him a notorious historical point.

The Second World War was the period of the Tower's return to the prison past - the Germans were captured here, including Rudolf Hess.

Currently, the complex includes several buildings, including the Museum of Jewels and the Armory, which are the most significant.

The bridge of the same name - Tower - is located near the fortress. It was in honor of her that he acquired such a name. The opening of the bridge took place in 1894. This is a large-scale movable steel structure in the Gothic style, thrown across the Thames.

The Tower Bridge is a construction of two towers (65 meters each), which are connected by a passage. The wings of the passage can rise up to 83 degrees, so that under the bridge they get the opportunity to go through large vessels.

An interesting fact is that the bridge is extremely convenient for pedestrians due to special tracks, which are provided even at the time of its breeding.

The stairs located in each tower, you can climb to a height of 44 meters and move to the other side of the river, despite the wings fixed at an angle. There is also an observation deck on the bridge, which is located at the top of the bridge. From there, tourists can admire the magical English city.

Trafalgar Square

We turn now to the famous squares. The most famous for travelers is Trafalgar Square. This attraction is located directly in the center of the capital. You can find the area by the column installed on it, crowned with a statue of Admiral Nelson.

The height of the column is 44 meters, and gray granite served as the material for its creation. Currently, the square every year becomes the home of the main London Christmas tree. Read about here.

Piccadilly Circus

Another ancient square is Piccadilly Circus, its history dates back more than 200 years. Here you can find the famous cafe called “Royal”, which served as a gathering place for creative personalities - artists, poets. The main highlight of the square is a fountain crowned with a statue of the Greek god Anteros.

Another interesting detail is the underground theater hall with 600 seats (Criterion Theater), which has been functioning since 1874. Also, some tourists come here, wanting to visit the Amurs of London Museum. This is already a modern cultural point, which appeared in 2007.

An interesting fact about Piccadilly Circus is one of the first squares where the first neon signs found their place more than 100 years ago.

Madame Tussauds museum

Let's move on to the museums. London is famous all over the world, thanks to the exposition, which allows not only to be photographed, but also to touch the stars of show business, historical figures, royals - this is Madame Tussauds. This wonderful place is located on Marylebone Road.

The exhibition has more than four hundred realistic exhibits, including personalities such as Michael Jackson, the Beatles group and other people who left their mark on history. The craftsmanship with which the pieces were made is often simply numb, since distinguishing them from living prototypes is quite difficult.

There is in this, innocuous at first glance, a museum and a corner for fans to tickle nerves. This is the Chamber of Horrors - a room where the images of British criminals who have done monstrous deeds of the last 5 centuries are collected.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

It is impossible not to pay attention to this museum on Baker Street. It is clear to everyone that this exposition is dedicated to the beloved literary hero of the inhabitants of England - Sherlock Holmes. The building in which the museum is located was built in 1815. It has four floors, the first of which contains a souvenir shop and a hall.

On the second, tourists can find the detective’s room and living room, and the third is occupied by the rooms of Mrs. Hudson and Dr. Watson. The top floor serves as a platform for wax figures of the main characters of works about Holmes.

The situation was recreated with particular accuracy - the British carefully approached the details, placing the violin, the smoking pipe of the detective and other things reflecting his hobbies in the chambers. A tourist can even spend time by the fireplace in Sherlock’s favorite chair, plunge into the atmosphere of negligence and disorder, creating the effect of the host’s recent presence in the room.

Residential complex One Hyde Park

Finally, we note the modern attractions of the city. Travelers are often attracted by the unattainable and luxurious. One of these places is an elite residential complex located in the Knightsbridge area. Of course, no special beauties or historical atmosphere can be found here.

This complex consists of four separate buildings of reinforced concrete and glass. However, the complex gained world fame due to its cost. The most expensive apartment on the planet is located here, the owner bought it for 220 million dollars.

Luxurious housing, unfortunately, is the prerogative of only billionaires. A tourist can only walk around the prestigious quarter and take a photo against his background.

Naturally, these are not all the sights of London, but only a minimum that must be visited by every tourist. In addition to the above, plan a visit to the National Art Gallery, famous for the collection of works by da Vinci, Monet, Rubens and other world-famous artists.

Take a walk along the Avenue of Stars - an analogue of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which holds the handprints of famous Englishmen. Fans of entertainment and shopping should head to the Soho area.

London is a fairly old city. It was formed by the ancient Romans in 43 BC. e. and they called Londilium. The city developed, grew rich. He gave the world famous mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and other scientists. The British ahead of many countries in the development of scientific thought. The first branch of the London Underground opened in 1863. It was the first metro in the world. At one station, a wooden escalator is still operating. The innovative solutions of English engineers in many areas are impressive.

The first thing that catches your eye - double-decker buses and red telephone boxes, many cyclists. And traffic lives by its own rules that are different from our world. Pleasantly impressive with a large number of gardens and parks. Many museums and galleries open their doors completely free of charge.

Cricket and horse polo, golf, boxing - these are the most popular entertainments of the British. And the Thames rowing regatta is a favorite sport.

London is full of beer pubs and cozy cafes. Here traditionally in the morning they eat oatmeal, like pudding and baked meat in the oven.

The modern city seems to live in a real fairy tale. It is difficult to imagine without Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth, princes, princesses. Entire crowds gather to watch the ceremony of changing the guard of the court guards. London is hard to imagine without Shakespeare, without Sherlock Holmes and Baker Street. London is Westminster Abbey, the Tower that remembers the history of the city in great detail. London is everyone's favorite Beatles, Deep Purple, Sting.

Sights of London - PHOTOS

900 year old fortress remembers almost the entire history of England. At different times, she had to be the residence of the kings, a prison, a zoo. On its territory there was a mint and a treasury. Now it is a unique museum complex. In addition to medieval architecture, interior interiors, ancient traditions and ceremonies have been preserved here, old legends and prophecies are still honored. And the court crows, which became the symbol of the castle, receive official contentment since the reign of Charles II. They also say that in the halls of the castle you can meet the ghost of Anna Boleyn, or some other monarch, beheaded in the Tower.

Nearby hotels: Tower of London

St. Peter's Church in Westminster and St. Margaret's Church are designed strictly in the Gothic style. It took several centuries for the masterpiece of architectural thought to become as it is now. Thin, graceful towers, rushing upwards, amaze with their elegance and simultaneous severity. Internal lace arches make you forget that they are made of stone and by human hands. The abbey has beautiful stained glass windows, many sculptures, jewelry, unique tapestries, works of art are stored, an organ works. The main Anglican church is closely connected with the royal court. Here, almost all the coronations of the English monarchs took place, beginning in 1066. The abbey preserves the history of all of England, the color of the English nation is buried here - from kings to scientists and poets.

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In the halls of the museum you can easily meet a cat in uniform - this is an employee of the museum and the keeper of rarities, of which there are countless. To see all the expositions you need to spend 3-4 days, its area is 6 hectares. The museum has something to be proud of. The richest collection of Egyptian antiquities is located in London. The gallery stretches for almost 92 m. Here you can see the Rosetta Stone, thanks to which it was possible to read ancient letters, a huge number of household items, luxury, a collection of mummies. The ancient history of Greece and Rome is quite widely represented, as well as a large collection of art objects from Africa and Asia.

Hotels near the British Museum

In August and September, the Royal Palace is open for tourists, and visiting the crowned person is an unforgettable personal holiday. The tale begins already with the royal gate and the guard ceremony. The halls of the palace invite you to see the Queen’s personal collection, among which the works of Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Michelangelo, Vermeer, a collection of porcelain, antique furniture. In total there are 775 rooms. 8 pounds worth a tour of the royal stable, where you can see the golden carriage, a transparent carriage for weddings, and if you're lucky, then the royal horses.

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The Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames is capable of lifting at the same time 135 people at a height of 135 meters. He was dubbed the London Eye because the whole city is in full view from here, and is visible 40 km around. Each capsule weighs 10 tons, equipped with a seat, a 4D cinema. The creators equipped the wheel with a unique backlight, and in the dark the light show will bring many pleasant moments.

Hotels Near Ferris Wheel

The Big Ben Clock Tower has become not only a symbol of London, but of the whole of Great Britain. It was built in 1859. The Big Bell behind the Big Ben clock and gave the name to the tower. However, in 2012 it was decided to rename the building in honor of Queen Elizabeth. The clock tower boasts the world's largest four-way clock with combat. Inside, at an altitude of 55 m, there is a complicated clockwork. Masters constantly monitor not only gears - temperature, air pressure - everything is important when it comes to the accuracy of the mechanism. Sometimes a coin is put on the pendulum to adjust the time and restore deviations.

Nearest hotels: Big Ben

The bridge was commissioned in 1894. The opening ceremony was attended by Prince Edward of Wales and his wife. Advanced development for that time allowed to build a bridge in just 1 minute. Inside the towers, in addition to the stairs, they had elevators. This made it possible for residents to cross the Thames, even while passing ships. Currently, expositions devoted to the history of the bridge are open in the galleries of the bridge, in the towers you can see the Victorian rooms, go down to the engine room of the bridge and look at the lifting mechanisms. Tower Bridge itself is an excellent observation deck. From here you can make great shots. He is very beautiful at night in garlands of illumination.

Hotels near Tower Bridge

Hyde Park has become famous as a venue for political rallies and protests. Here officially exists the so-called Speakers Corner. Anyone can try himself in the role of a tribune, defending the most unusual ideas. The park holds parades and processions, city holidays. On the territory of the park there is an artificial lake in the form of a snake - Serpentine, a gallery of modern art. Broken tracks for horse riding. Sometimes an unusual cemetery is opened for tourists, where pets rest.

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In the center of the square stands a 40 m column of General Nelson. Cast lions are standing around her, fountains are beating. On the sides of the square there are 4 pedestals. On three statues are installed the great men of England. The fourth pedestal was first used only in 2005. On New Year's Eve, the main Christmas tree of the country is being set up here, which is always sent as a token of gratitude to the Norwegians for their help during World War II. Until recently, Trafalgar Square could be called the area of \u200b\u200bpigeons. There were simultaneously up to 35 thousand birds. Due to the fact that cleaning the area has become a big problem, the city authorities have officially banned the feeding and respect of animals.

Hotels near Trafalgar Square

10. St. Paul's Cathedral

Under the dome of this cathedral there are three unusual galleries - stone, gold and a whisper gallery. The latter is named for acoustic effects. The dome itself repeats the crown of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and is a peculiar landmark of London. There are 17 bells in the church bell tower. There are often concerts of brass music. The interior of the cathedral was transformed in 1860. Parishioners have established a special fund for the needs of the cathedral. Today, the interiors of the church are impressive with mosaic masterpieces, openwork lattices, sculptures. Here Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married.

Nearby hotels: St. Pauls cathedral