The iconic red double-decker buses rumble past the ancient walls of the Tower of London while the modern glass towers of the City glisten in the distance, a living timeline of two thousand years of history compressed into one extraordinary metropolis.
In This Article
The Tower of London and Royal History
The Tower of London is the historic heart of the British capital, a mighty fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, treasury, and even a zoo over its nearly thousand-year history. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Tower has witnessed some of the most dramatic events in English history, from the execution of Anne Boleyn to the imprisonment of Guy Fawkes and the mysterious disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. Visitors can explore the White Tower with its collection of armour and weaponry, marvel at the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House, and walk along the medieval battlements for views across the Thames. The Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters, lead entertaining guided tours that bring the Tower’s bloody and fascinating history to life. The ravens that live within the Tower grounds are the subject of a curious superstition: if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.
The British Museum: A Journey Through Civilisation
The British Museum in Bloomsbury is one of the greatest museums in the world, housing a collection that spans human history from prehistory to the present day. With over eight million objects in its collection, the museum can overwhelm even the most prepared visitor, so it pays to focus on the highlights. The Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, is the museum’s most famous object and draws crowds daily. The Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, the Egyptian mummies in the galleries dedicated to ancient Egypt, and the spectacular Sutton Hoo treasure from Anglo-Saxon England are among the other must-see exhibits. The museum’s Great Court, covered by a stunning glass roof designed by Norman Foster, is a magnificent space in its own right, and the Paul Hamlyn Library offers a quiet place for research and reflection. Best of all, entry to the museum is free, making it accessible to everyone.
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
The Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament, is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world and the seat of British democracy. The building’s Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, is a masterpiece of the Victorian era, with its ornate towers, statues, and intricate stonework. The Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben after its main bell, is the most famous clock tower in the world and an enduring symbol of London. Visitors can tour the Houses of Parliament when they are in session, observing debates in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, or join guided tours that explore the building’s history and architecture. The Westminster Hall, dating from 1097, is the oldest part of the palace and has witnessed coronation banquets, state trials, and lying-in-state ceremonies for monarchs and statesmen over the centuries.
Westminster Abbey and Spiritual London
Just a short walk from Parliament, Westminster Abbey is a Gothic masterpiece that has been the setting for coronations, royal weddings, and state funerals since 1066. The abbey’s soaring vaulted ceilings, magnificent stained glass windows, and intricate stone carvings create an atmosphere of awe and reverence. Poets’ Corner in the South Transept contains memorials to some of the greatest figures in English literature, including Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare. The Coronation Chair, dating from 1300, has been used for the crowning of every British monarch since Edward II. The abbey also houses the tombs of numerous monarchs, from Edward the Confessor to Elizabeth I, making it one of the most historically significant buildings in the country. The nearby St Margaret’s Church, the parish church of Parliament, offers a quieter alternative for those seeking a moment of peace amid the crowds.
The South Bank and Modern London
London’s South Bank offers a vibrant contrast to the historic landmarks across the river. This stretch of the Thames from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge is packed with cultural attractions, including the Tate Modern art gallery, the Globe Theatre, and the National Theatre. The London Eye, the giant observation wheel on the South Bank, offers spectacular 360-degree views of the city and has become one of London’s most popular attractions since its opening for the millennium celebrations. The walk along the South Bank is one of the finest urban walks in Europe, passing through Borough Market with its excellent food stalls, past the golden cladding of the Shard, and under the imposing structure of Tower Bridge. The area is particularly lively in summer, with outdoor performances, food festivals, and street entertainers creating a festive atmosphere that captures the energy of modern London.
Which London landmark would you visit first: the ancient Tower of London, the vast British Museum, or the towering London Eye?
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