Ten Landmarks of London - History and Culture Abound in This World Destination
London has played an important role in the history of Europe for over 2000 years. Today, it boasts a population of more than 14 million people in its metropolitan area and remains one of the world’s most important financial, cultural, and governmental centers. Approximately 22 million overseas tourists visit London each year with more than half coming from the United States, France, and Germany.
London’s balance of imperial buildings and eye-catching modern structures give the city an unusual image. London proudly displays the United Kingdom’s history along with its refined culture through the numerous museums, gardens, government centers and historic sites located there. While 50 sites in the city could be considered landmarks, some of the most interesting ones to visit are the following:
Westminster Abbey – The towers, flying buttresses and carvings of Westminster Abbey provide a majestic demonstration of Britain’s medieval architecture. Originally designed during the 1200s by King Henry III, many towers, chapels, and buildings have been added over the centuries to this World Heritage Site. Dozens of British royalty have been crowned, married, and buried there along with some of the nation’s leading citizens and public figures. In addition to these ceremonial functions, Westminster Abbey serves as an operating church with regular services open to the public. The royal artifacts, sculptures and grandeur of the site make it well worth a guided tour.
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben - Looking at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from the Westminster Bridge or the South Bank of the Thames River is a special experience. Since 1512, the two chambers of the British Parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords have pronounced laws for the government of the realm, determined issues of war and peace, and restrained the prerogatives of royalty at this location. Spirited debate along with ceremonies of great pomp and circumstance have graced the halls and offices of the gothic building which extends for more than three football fields along the riverfront. Adding to the grandeur of the landscape is the huge clock known as Big Ben which tops the Elizabeth Tower at one end of the building. Originally constructed in 1843, the huge 13-ton bell rings each hour and smaller ones announce the time every fifteen minutes.
Churchill War Rooms - Several blocks away from the Parliament and the Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street lies an interesting museum sometimes referred to as the Cabinet War Rooms or the Churchill Museum. This underground concrete headquarters was built by the British government just prior to World War II and survived numerous bombings during the war. It served as the command center during the nation’s heroic struggle against the Axis powers. The rooms where military analysts poured over troop reports, studied maps of ongoing operations, and strategized the liberation of Europe remain in place and seem frozen in time. New exhibits added to the museum help later generations understand the fortitude and leadership which Winston Churchill provided to his nation during these trying times.
British Museum – One of the most popular and comprehensive museums in the world, the British Museum attracts over 5 million visitors each year to its 94 galleries of exhibits. Established in 1753, the museum includes archeological artifacts, historic items, art, and collectables from civilizations around the world. These invaluable items were brought to the museum by explorers, private collectors, military conquerors, and academicians. Some of the most popular treasures and objects can be found in the Egyptian, Greek and Roman, Chinese, Prehistoric Britain, and European collections. Special exhibitions occur regularly on topics ranging from the canonization of Thomas Beckett to the Myths surrounding Roman Emperor Nero to Italian Renaissance Drawings.
Piccadilly Circus and West End Theaters - Piccadilly Circus is a circular intersection which serves as a popular gathering place for locals and tourists seeking to enjoy the extensive shopping, restaurant, and theater areas of the West End. It is known for its large video and neon displays like Times Square in New York. Numerous theaters and entertainment venues nearby provide a wide variety of offerings ranging from the latest Broadway style productions to Shakespearian plays, appearances by popular musicians, or opera and ballet.
Tower of London- For 1000 years, the Tower of London served as a feared symbol of British royalty having been used as a palace, prison, execution site and armory for the crown. It is a large fort like structure with tall towers, moats, dungeons, and a compound for the royal guards known as Beefeaters. Although the Tower served as a place of confinement for many famous prisoners, today the attractions include the orbs, scepters, gold plates, diamonds, and crowns of the Crown Jewels. There are also large galleries full of medieval armor, swords, flags, and life size carvings depicting some of England’s most famous monarchs.
Buckingham Palace- The 775 room Buckingham Palace is the location where the Queen receives dignitaries on behalf of the nation and where formal state dinners are held. It also serves as the business office and a residence of the British monarchy. Open to visitors on limited occasions in the summer, the throne room, drawing rooms, gardens, and art galleries there rival the palaces of other European nations. People frequently flock to the Mall leading to the palace or to the nearby St. James Park and Green Park to view the changing of the Guard or processions of horses, carriages, military bands, and royal guards which take place on certain holidays or for special events.
London Eye- The London Eye, opened in 2000 as part of the City’s millennial celebration, provides an amazing view of other landmarks across the City and long stretches of the riverfront. This is no conventional Ferris wheel though. At 443 feet, it is the world’s tallest observation structure which uses 32 separate glass capsules to allow 25 people in each capsule to enjoy a 30-minute rotation. Located across the bridge from the Westminster section of the City, the London Eye is a gateway to the hotels, offices, and art galleries of the South Bank. This renovated industrial section has emerged as a popular place to live and relax.
Art Galleries- London has some of the world’s most renowned art galleries. The National Gallery located in the Trafalgar Square area welcomes over 6 million visitors annually to its huge museum. The National Gallery has over 2,000 paintings on permanent display from Renaissance, European, Spanish, and Dutch masters, and focuses on pre-20th century works. The Tate Modern gallery located on the southern bank of the Thames in a former powerhouse specializes in modern art from international artists. Paintings and art objects from the United Kingdom are displayed at the Tate Britain gallery in Westminster. All three galleries provide free admission except for certain special exhibitions.
Hyde Park - Londoners love parks, gardens, outdoor recreation, and flowers. By some counts, there are several thousand parks in London where people can relax and interact with others. Hyde Park has been a popular destination for years since it once served as a gathering place for the nobility and the site of the Great London Exposition of 1850. Today, this large 350-acre park has several unusual features. One is the Speaker’s Corner where both professional orators and cranks can speak about their personal views to passersby or supporters. Another is the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain which respectfully commemorates her special connection to the British public. Other facilities include a large lake where people can row a boat, use sporting facilities for exercise, and enjoy a bandstand for concerts.