If you consider London, the capital’s iconic monuments spring instantly to thoughts. Well-known London landmarks resembling Buckingham Palace and The Tower of London are acknowledged all through the world.
The imposing Homes of Parliament is a Gothic masterpiece that has witnessed pivotal moments in British historical past. The hovering spire of St. Paul’s Cathedral is an architectural marvel that has graced the London skyline for hundreds of years. We’re lucky to dwell close by, and by no means get tired of it!
Traversing the long-lasting River Thames, Tower Bridge, with its distinctive blue and white metal suspension construction, gives a wide ranging view of the town’s fashionable and historic marvels.
Listing of the Prime Landmarks in London
London is a big metropolis and these sights are dotted all through the capital. For those who’d wish to see these London sights, enable a number of days and deal with one space just like the Metropolis or Westminster.
These iconic landmarks appeal to thousands and thousands of tourists every year, fascinating them with their grandeur and embodying the spirit of one of many world’s most celebrated cities. We’ve lived in London for a few years and are happy to share some info that you could be not learn about these prime London sights. This London landmarks listing doesn’t embody markets or neighbourhoods, as we now have targeted particularly on monuments.
25. Cleopatra’s Needle, Victoria Embankment
Standing majestically on the Victoria Embankment beside the River Thames, Cleopatra’s Needle is one among London’s most intriguing historic monuments. Regardless of its title, this 3,500-year-old granite obelisk has no connection to the well-known Egyptian queen Cleopatra.
Initially erected within the historic Egyptian metropolis of Heliopolis round 1450 BC through the reign of Thutmose III, the obelisk was later moved to Alexandria. The British acquired it in 1819, however transportation proved difficult – it wasn’t erected in London till 1878.
Standing 21 meters tall and weighing 224 tonnes, the obelisk is roofed in hieroglyphics celebrating the pharaohs Thutmose III and Ramesses II. Beneath the monument lies a captivating time capsule containing Victorian artifacts together with images, a railway information, kids’s toys, and copies of 12 each day newspapers.
Two bronze sphinxes guard the obelisk, although they had been broken throughout World Struggle I air raids – you’ll be able to nonetheless see shrapnel marks on them at the moment.
24. Royal Albert Corridor, South Kensington
This magnificent Victorian live performance corridor was opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria in reminiscence of her late husband Prince Albert. The Royal Albert Corridor was designed by Captain Francis Fowke and Main-Normal Henry Y.D. Scott.
The distinctive round constructing with its well-known crimson brick and terracotta facade can seat 5,272 individuals, making it one of many largest venues of its variety on the earth. The enduring glass and wrought-iron dome spans 135 toes and weighs 400 tonnes.
Well-known for internet hosting the BBC Proms since 1941, the corridor has welcomed legendary performers from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin to Luciano Pavarotti and Adele. Winston Churchill delivered a few of his most essential speeches right here, and the venue continues to host over 390 occasions yearly, from classical concert events to modern performances and award ceremonies.
23. The Cenotaph, Whitehall
Standing solemnly on Whitehall, The Cenotaph is Britain’s principal battle memorial and one among London’s most vital monuments. Designed by the famend architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, this elegant limestone monument was initially erected as a short lived construction for the Peace Day parade in 1919.
The everlasting model, unveiled on Armistice Day 1920, stands 35 toes excessive and commemorates all British and Commonwealth servicemen and girls who died within the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. The phrase “cenotaph” comes from the Greek that means “empty tomb.”
The monument’s deceptively easy design options refined architectural curves – there aren’t any straight traces in the whole construction. If prolonged, all of the horizontal traces would meet at some extent 900 toes above the monument, whereas the vertical parts would converge 900 toes under floor.
Yearly on Remembrance Sunday in November, The Cenotaph turns into the point of interest for the Nationwide Service of Remembrance, attended by the Royal Household, political leaders, and representatives of the armed forces. Wreaths of poppies are laid at its base, and the ceremony is watched by thousands and thousands around the globe.
22. Hampton Court docket Palace, East Molesey
Certainly one of solely two remaining London buildings that belonged to King Henry VIII, Hampton Court docket Palace is positioned 12 miles from central London within the Borough of Richmond upon Thames. This royal palace is thought for its lavish state rooms, hedge maze and in depth gardens.
Hampton Court docket Palace Flower Present is a well-liked annual occasion. Work on this stunning constructing started in 1514.
21. Millennium Bridge, Metropolis of London
This metal suspension bridge which hyperlinks St Paul’s Cathedral to Tate Trendy is formally often known as the London Millennium Footbridge. Opened in 2000, this is likely one of the most well-known fashionable London landmarks.
Or ought to we are saying notorious, because it was nicknamed the Wobbly Bridge attributable to unexpected lateral vibrations. The Millennium Bridge needed to shut 2 days after opening and didn’t reopen once more for 2 years.
We dwell close by and skilled the bridge when it was wobbly. It truly wasn’t all that dangerous!
20. Kew Gardens Palm Home, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew have over 50,000 kinds of vegetation. This is likely one of the largest botanical collections on the earth.
The Palm Home at Kew is taken into account to be the world’s most essential Victorian glass and iron construction. This stunning construction was constructed by Decimus Burton and Richard Turner between 1844 and 1848.
Resembling an upturned ship, the Palm Home was constructed utilizing methods from the shipbuilding business. Apart from vegetation, you’ll be able to spot robins, wrens and even a Chinese language water dragon inside.
Contained in the Palm Home, you’ll discover the oldest potted plant on the earth. Delivered to Kew in 1775, this Jurassic cycad plant was collected by Francis Masson from the Japanese Cape of South Africa.
19. Somerset Home, Strand
This imposing constructing was designed by the architect Sir William Chambers in 1775. Constructed on the positioning of the previous palace of the Duke of Somerset, today it’s a cultural hub.
Initially, boats might entry Somerset Home immediately from the Thames through the Nice Arch. The truth is there’s a royal barge displayed beneath the Nice Arch Corridor within the King’s Barge Home.
There’s a fantastic artwork museum in addition to artist studios and 5 cafes and eating places. One of the well-known buildings in London, over 3 million individuals go to Somerset Home yearly.
18. The Gherkin, Metropolis of London
Additionally recognized extra mundanely as 30 St Mary Axe, The Gherkin is positioned within the Metropolis of London. Greater than 35 kilometers of metal had been used within the development and seven,429 panes of glass.
Standing 180 meters tall, this well-known London landmark has 18 lifts. Regardless of its curved form, the constructing has just one piece of curved glass.
The Gherkin has featured in a number of movies together with Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Fundamental Intuition 2, A Good Yearand Match Level.
17. The Sky Backyard, Metropolis of London
Nicknamed The Walkie Talkie Tower, The Sky Backyard is the best public backyard in London. One of the hanging London landmarks, its title comes from its prime heavy form.
Additionally recognized by its deal with, 20 Fenchurch Avenue, this London skyscraper was designed by architect Rafael Vinoly. It was initially supposed to be round 200 meters tall however the peak was diminished to 160 meters to protect the skyline close to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Throughout development, it was discovered that the constructing acted as a concave mirror, melting objects within the solar’s glare. A reporter even managed to fry an egg right here till this was corrected by putting in a everlasting awning.
Entry to the general public is free however have to be booked prematurely. As soon as inside, you’ll be wowed by the views and the planted terraces.
Among the plant species embody African lilies, Birds of Paradise and Purple Scorching Pokers. There are a number of eating places and a bar in addition to an out of doors viewing platform.
16. Lloyd’s Constructing, Metropolis of London
Designed by London architect Richard Rogers, the Lloyd’s Constructing was accomplished in 1986. Nicknamed the Inside Out Constructing, its lifts and ducts are positioned on the skin to maximise area inside.
The house of insurance coverage establishment Lloyd’s of London, it has 14 flooring. On the bottom flooring there’s the massive Underwriting Room which homes the well-known Lutine Bell.
Salvaged from the wreck of the Lutine British warship, the bell tolls for ships which are overdue or misplaced at sea.
On the eleventh flooring, the ornate Committee Room dates from the 18th century. It was designed by Robert Adam in 1763 and transferred from the previous Lloyd’s constructing over the street at 51 Lime Avenue.
15. The British Museum, Bloomsbury
Situated in Bloomsbury, The British Museum was designed by Sir Robert Smurke within the Greek Revival type.
The constructing was based mostly on the temple of Athena Polias on the metropolis of Priene in Asia Minor. It’s the world’s oldest nationwide public museum, based in 1753 and inaugurated in 1759.
The Queen Elizabeth II Nice Court docket was designed by Foster and Companions. That is the most important lined public sq. in Europe, at 8,000 sq. meters.
The British Museum everlasting assortment is free to go to. The truth is it was the primary museum on the earth to open its doorways to everybody free of charge. There are additionally some nice paying non permanent exhibitions.
There are over 8 million objects within the British Museum collections. Nevertheless, just one% of them are on show at any given time.
Among the most well-known reveals are the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian mummies and Sutton Hoo artefacts. In 2005, avenue artist Banksy managed to show a spoof portray of a prehistoric man with a purchasing cart within the Roman Britain gallery, earlier than workers noticed it 😉
14. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Bankside
This reconstruction of the unique Globe Theatre has an important location overlooking the River Thames on Southbank. Constructed from 1,000 English oak timber and 17,000 Norfolk reeds, it was accomplished in 1997.
The undertaking was instigated by American actor Sam Wanamaker in 1970. Sadly he died in 1993 earlier than the undertaking was completed.
Thatched roofs are banned within the capital because the Nice Hearth of London in 1666. The Globe has a particular licence to have one.
The stewards on the Globe are all volunteers. In addition to seated tickets, you should buy a groundling ticket.
Groundlings had been traditionally too poor to pay for a seat and purchased standing solely tickets. As of late, the groundling tickets price £5 and you should stand or stroll throughout the whole efficiency.
13. Kensington Palace, Kensington
The official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is greater than 400 years previous. The house of many British monarchs, this was the birthplace of Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace was additionally the place she first met Prince Albert.
Princess Margaret used to throw events right here, inviting the Beatles, Margot Fonteyn and Elizabeth Taylor amongst different celebrities. The palace is rumored to be haunted by King George II and his granddaughter.
Kensington Gardens impressed the guide Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie. As for Queen Victoria, she was a eager artist when she lived right here.
A number of members of the Royal Household dwell in Kensington Palace, together with Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
12. The Monument, Metropolis of London
One of the well-known London landmarks, The Monument is the tallest remoted stone column on the earth. It was constructed as a memorial to the Nice Hearth of 1666.
This began in Pudding Lane close by at Thomas Farriner’s bakery. It rapidly unfold and destroyed a lot of the medieval metropolis.
The Monument is 202 toes excessive as it’s 202 toes from there to Pudding Lane. To get to the highest, you’ll must climb 311 steps. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of London and a certificates!
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, The Monument is comprised of Portland stone and topped with a gold orb. Beneath The Monument, there’s a tiny laboratory, as the positioning was initially going for use as a telescope. As a result of the encircling space was too busy, that plan was deserted.
We climbed up The Monument not too long ago and suggest that you simply put on flat footwear for the winding staircase. There’s a pleasing shock once you come again down – you’re awarded a certificates!
11. Nelson’s Column, Trafalgar Sq.
Standing proud on Trafalgar Sq., this iconic London landmark was constructed to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson. A contest was held to decide on probably the most appropriate tribute.
Designed by William Railton within the Corinthian type, Nelson’s Column was accomplished in 1843. The associated fee was £47,000 – the equal of round £4 million at the moment.
4 bronze lions had been added in 1867. For those who occur to go to, look rigorously and also you’ll see that they’re not equivalent.
Not solely that, the artist Sir Edwin Landseer based mostly their posture on that of a canine! The column was struck by lightning in 1896 and Admiral Nelson’s shoulder was dented.
10. Tate Trendy, Bankside
The previous Bankside Energy Station has a improbable location on the South financial institution of the River Thames. Initially designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, it was transformed into a recent artwork museum in 2000.
This well-known London museum takes its title from Sir Henry Tate, a British sugar service provider who establishing Tate Britain in Pimlico. Among the well-known artworks embody The Three Dancers by Picasso and Fountain by Duchamp.
The central chimney is 99 meters tall. The Turbine Hall was the place the ability station generators had been housed.
Tate Trendy regularly pays host to non permanent artwork installations. A time capsule is buried beneath the Turbine Corridor.
Head to the highest flooring of the Swap Home extension for panoramic views from the terrace. Entrance to the everlasting exhibitions is free. There are additionally non permanent paying exhibitions.
The museum has featured in a number of movies together with Choose Dredd and Bridget Jones’s Diary.
9. The Shard, Southwark
At 306 meters excessive, The Shard is the tallest constructing in Western Europe. It’s additionally one of the vital well-liked vacationer sights in London.
Comprised of 11,000 glass panels, it has 44 lifts and will be seen for 40 miles in any path. Designed by Renzo Piano, it was inaugurated in 2010. The weird construction positioned at London Bridge was impressed by the form of a shard of glass.
Throughout development, builders found an city fox on the 72nd flooring whom they christened Romeo. He grew to become the mascot of The Shard, and guests can purchase an opulent Romeo toy from the store.
There are three eating places on flooring 31-33 and an incredible view from the restrooms. The View From The Shard on flooring 68, 69 and 72 boasts panoramic lookout factors.
8. Pure Historical past Museum, South Kensington
Housing a very powerful pure historical past assortment on the earth, this ornate constructing was designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Accomplished in 1881, it encompasses a central hallway embellished with 78 monkey statues and 162 botanical tiles.
The world of South Kensington the place the Natual Historical past Museum is positioned is nicknamed Albertopolis. Prince Albert recommended that land needs to be purchased to construct museums with the income from the Nice Exhibition of 1851.
The Hintze Corridor can also be residence to the skeleton of a blue whale, suspended from the ceiling. Within the Darwin Centre, the museum’s entomology and botanical collections are saved.
Over 5 million individuals go to the Pure Historical past Museum every year. On the final Friday of every month, the museum is open till 10.30 pm and options dwell music and a bar.
7. St Paul’s Cathedral, Metropolis of London
One of the well-known monuments in London, St Paul’s Cathedral was designed by well-known British architect Sir Christopher Wren. Standing on the best level of the Metropolis of London on Ludgate Hill, it has the second greatest cathedral dome on the earth after St Peter’s in Rome.
There was beforehand a Norman cathedral on the positioning. That was destroyed within the Nice Hearth of London in 1666 and St Paul’s was accomplished in 1711,
Guests to the Whispering Gallery can hear whispered phrases from 112 toes away, because of the distinctive acoustics. Sir Christopher Wren is one among many notable individuals buried right here, together with Admiral Lord Nelson and the sculptor Henry Moore.
St Paul’s Cathedral has featured in a number of well-known movies together with Sherlock Holmes, Mary Poppins and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
6. Tower Bridge, Metropolis of London
432 employees helped construct Tower Bridge, which was opened in 1894 by the Prince of Wales. Over 40,000 individuals go over the bridge every day.
The one bridge over The Thames that may be raised, it’s each a bascule and suspension bridge. In 1912, pilot Frank McClean flew between the bascules and the higher walkways as a stunt.
In 1952, a double decker bus was crossing over when the bridge began opening. The bus driver accelerated and managed to recover from a 3 foot hole!
Guests can stroll alongside the bridge free of charge or pay to stroll alongside the glass bottomed higher walkways and to go to The Engine Room. There’s additionally a everlasting exhibition known as The Tower Bridge Expertise.
5. Westminster Abbey, Westminster
Regardless of its title, this well-known London monument is just not truly an abbey. Its official title is The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster.
Commissioned by Henry III to honor Edward the Confessor, it was accomplished in 1272. The brand new Gothic type constructing homes the best Gothic vault in England, at 102 toes.
One of the essential landmarks in London, this was as soon as the house of Benedictine monks. It then grew to become a preferred place for royal weddings and the ultimate resting place of many royalty and historic figures. The seventeenth century poet Ben Jonson was buried standing up as he might solely afford 2 sq. toes of area.
Within the Abbey sanctuary, the medieval tiled mosaic flooring was created in 1268. Referred to as the Cosmati pavement, it predicts that the world will finish in 19,683 years.
Westminster Abbey additionally boasts the one remaining Anglo-Saxon door in England. It dates from between 1032 AD and 1064 AD.
4. The London Eye, Southbank
At 135 meters, The London Eye is likely one of the tallest buildings in London. You possibly can see as much as 25 miles away from the viewing cabins.
There are 32 carriages, numbered 1-33. Quantity 13 has been not noted, because it’s thought of to be unfortunate. That is to symbolize the 32 London boroughs.
The preferred UK paid vacationer attraction, with virtually 4 million annual guests, it was initially deliberate to be non permanent. Nevertheless, a everlasting licence was granted for the Southbank web site in 2002.
Amongst celebrities who’ve been on the London Eye, Kate Moss has visited 25 occasions whereas Jessica Alba has been on 31 occasions. Over 5,000 individuals have gotten engaged on the London Eye.
3. Homes of Parliament and Massive Ben, Westminster
Also referred to as the Palace of Westminster, this imposing riverside constructing was the scene of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Among the many conspirators to assassinate King James I used to be Man Fawkes. His effigy is burned yearly on Bonfire Day, November 5.
One of the historic London landmarks, there are over 100 stairs within the Homes of Parliament and greater than 1000 rooms. Each the Home of Commons and the Home of Lords recurrently convene right here.
Massive Ben is definitely the nickname, not the precise title of the Nice Bell in Elizabeth Tower. This well-known clock tower nickname comes from Sir Benjamin Corridor, who supervised the rebuilding of the Homes of Parliament which had been destroyed within the Nice Hearth of 1834.
Another excuse for the Massive Ben title is the burden of the bell – 16 tons! Inaugurated in 1859, the tower was designed by well-known architect Augustus Pugin.
2. Tower of London, Metropolis of London
Over time, this iconic London constructing has been a palace, defence fortress and jail. The Kray twins had been the final prisoners held right here. Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, two of Henry VIII’s wives, had been imprisoned within the central White Tower and executed right here.
Courting from 1066, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and an essential a part of British historical past. The Jewel Home is the place the crown jewels value over $32 billion are displayed.
In accordance with legend, if the ravens of the Tower of London ever go away, the monarchy will fall. They’re taken care of by a Ravenmaster who can also be a Beefeater.
These Beefeaters had been private bodyguards to Henry VII within the 1400s. They tasted his beef to ensure that it wasn’t poisoned. These days, they lock up the Tower of London each evening at 9.53 pm within the Ceremony of the Keys.
The Tower of London is claimed to be haunted by the ghosts of Anne Boleyn, Woman Jane Gray, Henry VI, the Princes within the Tower and even a grizzly bear that when lived there. The Royal Menagerie was a group of unique animals together with tigers, lions and a polar bear that hunted for fish within the Thames.
1. Buckingham Palace, St James’s
The official residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace is likely one of the most well-known European landmarks. The palace has 78 loos, a submit workplace, police station, swimming pool, physician’s surgical procedure, helipad and a movie show.
There are over 350 clocks and watches, and 800 workers members. The most important room is the Grand Ballroom, at 36.6 m lengthy. Beneath Buckingham Palace, there are secret tunnels resulting in the streets of St James close by.
The Queen Mom and George VI explored them on a number of events and as soon as met a squatter dwelling there. In 1838, a youngster named Edward Jones broke into the palace and stole a few of Queen Victoria’s underwear.
You possibly can inform when the Queen is in residence, because the Royal Commonplace flies when that’s the case. When she’s not there, the Union Jack flag flies.
Right here’s fast recap of probably the most well-known London landmarks:
- Buckingham Palace
- Tower of London
- Homes of Parliament and Massive Ben
- The London Eye
- Westminster Abbey
- Tower Bridge
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Pure Historical past Museum
- The Shard
- Tate Trendy
- Nelson’s Column
- The Monument
- Kensington Palace
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- The British Museum
- Lloyd’s Constructing
- The Sky Backyard
- The Gherkin
- Somerset Home
- Kew Backyard’s Palm Home
- Millennium Bridge
- Hampton Court docket Palace
- The Cenotaph
- Royal Albert Corridor
- Cleopatra’s Needle
Remaining Ideas on the Most Well-known London Landmarks
London’s enchantment extends far past its historic landmarks. Town gives an abundance of cultural sights and experiences that cater to each curiosity.
From world-class museums just like the British Museum and the Nationwide Gallery, to vibrant West Finish theaters, London supplies an unparalleled array of well-known sights. Guests to London can get pleasure from ceremonies just like the Altering of the Guard or discover fashionable neighborhoods like Shoreditch and Soho.
There are such a lot of issues to do in London that you simply’ll by no means be bored! If you’re planning your subsequent journey to the UK, remember to add a few of these well-known landmarks in London to your itinerary. And when you need assistance planning the proper journey, remember to take a look at our different articles on London journey.
If you’re planning your subsequent journey to the UK, remember to add a few of these well-known landmarks in London to your itinerary. And when you need assistance planning the proper journey, remember to take a look at our different articles on London journey.
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