Map of sites in and close to London
View map of sites and tours outside London »
Tower of London
Imprisonment, torture and execution - undoubtedly one of the famous roles of the Tower! Many traitors were imprisoned here, and two of Henry VIII's six wives were beheaded. Begun by William the Conqueror, it has been remodelled and renovated over the centuries and now houses the famous Crown Jewels.
St Pauls
Another of London's famous landmarks, this is the architect Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece of Baroque architecture. This grand cathedral, the second largest in the world after St Peter's in Rome, has become the setting of many great ceremonial events, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.
Trafalgar Square
One of London's most famous squares, it was built to celebrate the naval victory at the battle of Trafalgar against Napoleon in 1805. Admiral Nelson's column is surrounded by huge lions symbolising Britain's power at the time. The square is flanked by the National Gallery from the north side and on the south leads onto Whitehall and Parliament Square.
Houses of Parliament
Once the royal Palace of Westminster, it has been the seat of the two Houses of Parliament since the 16th century when Henry VIII moved out, because he preferred Whitehall Palace. In 1834 the old palace was destroyed by fire with only the 12th century Westminster Hall surviving. The present Neo-Gothic building is a masterpiece of 19th century architecture with the clock tower of Big Ben being one of the most recognisable landmarks of London.
Harrods
With some 300 departments, 4000 staff and the spectacular Edwardian food hall lavishly decorated by Mohamed Al Fayed, it is a definite shopping heaven and a must for every visitor! (Hard to believe that it started as a small grocery shop!)
Hampton Court
The famous medieval Tudor palace of Henry the VIII is on the banks of the river Thames. One of Henry's favourite palaces, it still impresses nearly 500 years later. The gardens are set in 60 acres and are themselves worth a visit! They have been recreated according to the original plans from the early 18th century with fabulous flower beds and amazing cone shaped yew trees.
Windsor
England's best known royal palace is just a short drive out of London. The Queen's weekend retreat is the longest serving royal palace in the world, having been continuously occupied by the royal family ever since William the Conqueror built it in the 11th century. The castle has been expanded and refurbished over the centuries and provides an amazing insight into royal life.
Ham House
Set on the banks of the river Thames near Richmond, it is perhaps the most remarkable Stuart house in England. It was created during the time of the influential Duchess of Lauderdale and was one of the most fashionable houses in the 17th century.
Greenwich
Set in historic parkland on the river Thames, Greenwich is steeped in both maritime and royal history.�Straddle the Prime Meridian with one foot in the east and one foot in the west, look at the fabulous collection of time keeping and navigation devices in the old Observatory. The history of sea faring and naval battles is well illustrated in the National Maritime Museum and in the adjoining Queen's House, one of the gems of architecture with the famous tulip staircase and once the home of royalty in the 16th- 17th century. The buildings of the Naval College around the huge Grand Square were captured in Canaletto's famous painting of Greenwich, and the old town itself is delightful with its atmospheric streets and antique market.
Globe Theatre
This most authentic recreation of Shakespeare's theatre is made from materials used in the 16th century and is open to the elements; hence the theatre operates only in the summer. The wooden beams and the thatched roof take you back to Shakespeare's time and to complete the experience, you can take a tour of the theatre to see and hear how it would have worked in the 16th century.
Tate Modern
This spectacular museum of modern and contemporary international art from 1900 to the present has its home in the decommissioned Bankside Power Station. Its vast Turbine Hall is used for large-scale temporary installations, and its permanent collection has works by giants of modern art like Picasso, Dali, Braque, Mondrian, Matisse, Andy Warhol, Duchamp, and Mark Rothko, just to name a few of the myriad of artists. If you are a lover of modern art, this is a MUST!.
British Museum
One of the oldest museums in the world, it was founded in 1753. Its many collections span tens of thousands of years, the best known probably being the Egyptian collection, with its famous mummies, and the sculptures of the Parthenon from Ancient Greece. Other important exhibits are the monumental statues from the Ancient Near East, the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial, and the Benin bronzes just to mention a few. The architectural highlight is the modern Great Court with the Reading Room at its centre. Why not take a highlight tour and explore these treasures?
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the Queen, her presence is shown by the flying of the Royal Standard. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live here, but the history of the house goes back to the 18th century. It is used for ceremonial state occasions for visiting heads of state, and if you come in August or September, you can visit inside. The Changing of the Guard takes place in the courtyard.
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Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the Queen, her presence is shown by the flying of the Royal Standard. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live here, but the history of the house goes back to the 18th century. It is used for ceremonial state occasions for visiting heads of state, and if you come in August or September, you can visit inside. The Changing of the Guard takes place in the courtyard.
Kensington Palace
The childhood home of Queen Victoria, Britain's longest reigning monarch, Kensington Palace was also the home of Diana, Princess of Wales. Parts of the palace are still home to some members of the royal family, but the State Apartments are open to the public.
Albert Hall
Modelled on a Roman amphitheatre this is London's premier concert hall. Inaugurated by Queen Victoria, it hosts a huge array of musical events, ranging from opera to pop concerts. Opposite you can see the Albert Memorial, a gilded statue of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert.
Westminster Abbey
The setting for coronations and many royal weddings, the resting place of many English kings and queens, the Abbey is one of the major landmarks of London. The glorious medieval architecture, especially the intricate detail of the Henry VII chapel makes this a most memorable visit. It is half church, half national museum with the amazing collection of tombs and monuments to some of England's greatest public figures, including politicians, artists, writers, poets, musicians.
