The main sights of London: photos with names and descriptions. Top London attractions London attractions at a glance
London is a fairly old city. It was formed by the ancient Romans in 43 BC. e. and named Londilium. The city developed and grew rich. He gave the world famous mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and other scientists. The British were ahead of many countries in the world in the development of scientific thought. The first line of the London Underground opened in 1863. It was the first metro in the world. A wooden escalator still operates at one of the stations. The advanced solutions of British engineers in many areas are impressive.
The first thing that catches your eye is double-decker buses and red telephone booths, a lot of cyclists. And the road traffic lives by its own rules, different from our world. Pleasantly impressive is the large number of gardens and parks. Many museums and galleries open their doors for free.
Cricket and equestrian 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 they traditionally eat oatmeal in the morning, like pudding and oven-baked meat.
The modern city seems to be living in a real fairy tale. It is difficult to imagine him without Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth, princes, princesses. Crowds gather to watch the changing of the guard ceremony for the court guards. London is hard to imagine without Shakespeare, without Sherlock Holmes and Baker Street. London is Westminster Abbey, the Tower, which remembers the history of the city in the smallest detail. London is everyone's favorite Beatles, Deep Purple, Sting.
London landmarks - PHOTOS
The 900 year old fortress remembers almost the entire history of England. At various times, she had to be the residence of 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, internal interiors, ancient traditions and ceremonies have been preserved here, old legends and prophecies are still honored. And the court crows, which have become the symbol of the castle, have been receiving official contentment since the reign of Charles II. It is also rumored that in the halls of the castle you can meet the ghost of Anne Boleyn, or some other monarch, beheaded in the Tower.
Nearest hotels: Tower of London
St. Peter's Church in Westminster and St. Margaret's Church are strictly in the Gothic style. It took several centuries for the masterpiece of architectural thought to become what it is today. Thin, graceful towers, rushing upward, amaze with their elegance and at the same time severity. Internal lace vaults 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, an organ works. The main Anglican church is closely associated with the royal court. Almost all the coronations of English monarchs took place here, starting from 1066. The abbey preserves the history of the whole of England; the flower 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 find a cat in uniform - it is a museum employee and keeper of rarities, of which there are countless numbers. 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 Rosette stone, thanks to which it was possible to read ancient writings, a huge number of household items, luxury, a collection of mummies. The ancient history of Greece, Rome, a large collection of art objects from Africa and Asia are widely represented.
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In August and September, the Royal Palace is open to tourists, and visiting the crowned person is an unforgettable personal holiday. The tale begins with the royal gate and the ceremony of the guard. The halls of the palace invite you to see the personal collection of the Queen, including the works of Rembrandt, Van Dyck Michelangelo, Vermeer, a collection of porcelain, antique furniture. There are 775 rooms in total. £ 8 is a guided tour of the royal stable, where you can see a golden carriage, a transparent carriage for weddings, and if you're lucky, even the royal horses.
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The Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames is capable of lifting 800 people to a height of 135 meters at a time. It was dubbed the London Eye because from here the whole city is in full view, and can be seen 40 km around. Each capsule weighs 10 tons, is equipped with a seat, a 4D cinema. The creators have equipped the wheel with unique lighting, and in the dark, the light show will bring many pleasant moments.
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The Big Ben Clock Tower has become not only a symbol of London, but the whole of Great Britain. It was built in 1859. The big bell behind the Big Ben clock gave its 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-sided striking clock. Inside, at a height of 55 m, there is a sophisticated clock mechanism. The craftsmen constantly monitor not only the gears - the temperature, the air pressure - everything is important when it comes to the accuracy of the mechanism. Sometimes a coin is placed on the pendulum to adjust the time and restore deviations.
Nearest hotels: Big Ben
The bridge was put into operation in 1894. The opening ceremony was attended by Prince Edward of Wales and his wife. An advanced development for that time made it possible to open the bridge in just 1 minute. Inside the towers, in addition to stairs, there were elevators. This made it possible for residents to cross the Thames even during the passage of ships. Currently, exhibitions devoted to the history of the bridge are open in the galleries of the bridge, in the towers you can inspect 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. Great shots can be taken from here. He is very beautiful at night in garlands of illumination.
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Hyde Park has become famous as a venue for political rallies and protests. The so-called Speakers' Corner officially exists here. Anyone can try themselves in the role of a tribune, defending the most unusual ideas. Parades and processions, city holidays are held in the park. On the territory of the park there is an artificial lake in the form of a snake - Serpentine, a gallery of modern art. The paths for horse walks are broken. Sometimes an unusual cemetery is opened for tourists, where pets rest.
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In the center of the square there is a 40-meter column of General Nelson. Cast lions stand around it, fountains are gushing. There are 4 pedestals on the sides of the square. Three have statues of 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 installed here, which is always sent as a token of gratitude by the Norwegians for their help during the Second World War. Until recently, Trafalgar Square could be called pigeon square. There were up to 35 thousand birds at the same time. Due to the fact that cleaning the area has become a big problem, the city authorities have officially banned the feeding and welcoming of the animals.
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10. St. Paul's Cathedral
There are three unusual galleries under the dome of this cathedral - a stone one, a gold one, and a whisper gallery. The latter is so named because of its acoustic effects. The dome itself repeats the top of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and is a kind of London landmark. There are 17 bells in the church bell tower. Brass music concerts are often held here. The interior of the cathedral was transformed in 1860. The 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, and sculptures. Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married here.
The nearest hotels: St. Pauls Cathedral
Many tourists visit London every day. This is a city with an interesting history, famous and famous sights of London every traveler dreams of visiting. Here anyone will find something to see: historical, architectural, cultural sights and wonders will not leave anyone indifferent.
Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, wax museum, ancient structures and modern buildings attract tourists from all over the world. The sights of London with their grandeur and beauty are mesmerizing, captivating, making you admire unique monuments, intriguing with numerous legends and interesting stories. This city forever captivates the hearts of tourists who have visited it, and therefore they return here again and again to admire its beauty and discover interesting places.
TOP-20 sights of London
Historic sites in London are mostly of the Victorian era. This is the name of the times when Queen Victoria ruled the country (1837 - 1901). Few of the earlier buildings have survived, since many buildings were destroyed in a fire in 1666. The main sights of London that have survived are the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Banquet House.
No one would argue that London is one of the most popular tourist spots on the map, and almost every traveler wants to visit this rainy and, perhaps, a little gloomy, but such an attractive city with a magical atmosphere. This is the capital of dreams, memorable 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 that are invariably included in the list of must-see places in the world, London does not have a clearly defined center that would unite the main attractions on its territory. Here, famous sites are scattered across different areas.
The list of places worth visiting in the English capital includes not only museums, castles and other historical buildings, but also rich nature, picturesque parks, as well as modern buildings, for example, skyscrapers, striking in their originality and impressiveness.
Let's take a closer look at the objects that no self-respecting guest from another state should pass by.
One of the first historical buildings, which definitely cannot be bypassed, is Big Ben. There is, perhaps, no traveler who has not met the world's most famous watches on postcards or stationery.
The construction of the tower took place during the reign of Queen Victoria in the middle of the 19th century, and its height reaches 97 meters. Since then, the watch has not got tired of conscientiously counting the time, serving as a reference point for all residents of London.
Mention should be made of the widespread misconception regarding the name of the building. "Big Ben" is not the name of the legendary clock tower or the clock itself, it is the most impressive bell located in the tower.
This giant differs from its five counterparts in striking weight - 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 clock 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 assigned only 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 a historical object: before this building served as a prison intended for political prisoners - parliamentarians, whose opinion contradicted the views of the authorities. However, in fact, the tower practically did not fulfill its functions; in its entire history, only one prisoner was imprisoned within these walls.
The tower invariably finds its place in popular culture. In 2012, the chimes gave a sign for the opening of the Olympics, and in the most famous films and even cartoons, the tower becomes the star of close-ups - "Flood", "Mars Attacks" and other Hollywood masterpieces.
And a number of cartoons even contain scenes that are set in Big Ben - "101 Dalmatians" or "Peter Pan".
As you know, Big Ben is an integral part, one of the towers of the grandiose 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 it.
In 1834, a terrible fire broke out, which caused the loss of most of the structure. There are also several 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-out apartments. Here today parliamentary sessions are held. The style in which the modern palace was built can be defined as neo-Gothic.
The impressive characteristics that distinguish the majestic building are - the total length of its corridors is about five kilometers, and the number of rooms almost reaches 1200.
Westminster Hall requires special attention, since it is not just one of the halls, but the most valuable monument of the Middle Ages, which preserved the spirit of those years and survived the fire.
The hall was created in the 11th century and 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 this hall went 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 awe-inspiring - the ceiling height is 28 meters, and the total area is about 1800 sq. death sentence to a number of famous personalities, including, for example, the thinker Thomas More.
The next point on the curious tourist's itinerary is Westminster Abbey, which can be found west of Westminster Palace. 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 striking - exactly 5 centuries, although there were small breaks. Statues of martyrs adorn the western façade of the majestic church.
Westminster Abbey can boast of the constancy of the functions performed - this is the only place where British monarchs ascend to the throne, as well as the territory of their burial. In addition to royals, eminent British people, whose activities made England famous, find eternal rest in the abbey.
For example, in Poets' Corner you can find burials of Dickens, Chaucer and other literary geniuses. The graves of such famous scientists as Darwin and Newton are also located here. Only outstanding citizens are honored to find their final resting place here.
Buckingham Palace
One cannot ignore the residence of Elizabeth II - the magnificent Buckingham Palace. It was founded in 1703, and the name was given by the name of the original owner - the Duke of Buckingham.
There are over 600 rooms inside the palace. The northern part of the castle is occupied by the current queen and her husband. Tourists can instantly determine whether the monarch is present at the residence or has temporarily left it by the British flag, which either flies over the structure or is lowered.
For those who like to watch the changing of the guard of honor, this opportunity is provided every day, half an hour before noon on the palace square.
Fortress Tower
The next most important point is the Tower fortress, which plays the role of another main symbol of the capital. The structure is ancient, the date of construction is 1078.
Unlike Westminster Abbey, which is permanent in its purpose, the old Tower has been a fortress, a royal residence, an observatory, a zoo, a mint, and a prison. It was the latter that made it an infamous historical point.
The Second World War was the period of the Tower's return to its prison past - here were held the Germans taken prisoner, including Rudolf Hess.
Currently, the complex includes several buildings, including the museum of jewelry and the armory, which are the most significant.
The bridge of the same name - Tower Bridge - is located not far from the fortress. It was in honor of her that he acquired such a name. The opening of the bridge took place in 1894. It is a large-scale Gothic-style steel divider that spans across the Thames.
It is a Tower Bridge, a structure of two towers (65 meters each), which are connected by a passage. The wings of the crossing can rise up to 83 degrees so that large ships can pass under the bridge.
An interesting fact is that the bridge is extremely convenient for pedestrians due to special paths that are provided even at the time of its opening.
The stairs located in each tower 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
Let us now turn 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 square by the column installed on it, crowned with a statue of Admiral Nelson.
The height of the column is 44 meters, and the material for its creation was gray granite. The square is now home to London's premier Christmas tree every year. Read about here.
Piccadilly Circus
Another ancient square is Piccadilly Circus, its history goes back over 200 years. Here you can find a famous cafe called "Royal", which served as a gathering place for creative personalities - artists, poets. The main highlight of the square is the fountain crowned with a statue of the Greek god Anteros.
Another interesting detail is the 600-seat underground theater hall (Criterion Theater), which has been operating since 1874. Also, some tourists come here wishing to visit the Museum of the Cupids of London. This is already a modern cultural point that appeared in 2007.
Interesting fact about Piccadilly Circus - this 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 museums. London is famous all over the world, thanks to the exposition, which allows not only taking pictures, but also touching the stars of show business, historical figures, royals - this is Madame Tussauds. This wonderful place is located on Marylebone Road.
The exhibition contains more than four hundred realistic exhibits, including such personalities as Michael Jackson, the Beatles and other people who have left their bright mark on history. The craftsmanship with which the figures are executed is often simply numb, since it is rather difficult to distinguish them from living prototypes.
This seemingly harmless museum also has a corner for those who like to tickle their nerves. This is the Chamber of Horrors - a room that contains images of British criminals who have done monstrous deeds over the past 5 centuries.
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 that houses the museum 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 chambers of Mrs. Hudson and Dr. Watson. The last floor serves as a platform for the wax figures of the main characters of the works about Holmes.
The furnishings have been recreated with particular accuracy - the British have carefully approached the details, placing in the chambers a violin, a detective's smoking pipe, and other things reflecting his hobbies. A tourist can even spend time by the fireplace in his favorite Sherlock chair, immersed in the atmosphere of carelessness and disorder that creates the effect of the owner's recent presence in the room.
Residential complex One Hyde Park
Finally, let's note the modern sights of the city. Travelers are often attracted by the unattainable and luxurious. One of these places is an elite-type residential complex located in the Knightsbridge area. Of course, you won't find any special beauty or historical atmosphere here.
This complex is represented by four detached buildings made of reinforced concrete and glass. However, the complex acquired world fame due to its cost. The most expensive apartment on the planet is located here, the owner bought it for $ 220 million.
Luxurious housing, unfortunately, is the prerogative of only billionaires. A tourist can only walk around the prestigious quarter and take a photo in front of it.
Naturally, these are not all the sights of London, but only the minimum that every tourist must visit. In addition to the above, plan a visit to the National Art Gallery, famous for its collection of works by da Vinci, Monet, Rubens and other world-famous artists.
Take a stroll down the Avenue of Stars, an analogue of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with the palm prints of famous Englishmen. Fans of entertainment and shopping should head to the Soho area.
During the rise of the mighty British Empire, London became practically the center of the world. The fabulous capital and resources flowing into the metropolis from numerous overseas colonies have made the UK capital a wealthy, arrogant and glittering city filled with architectural masterpieces, magnificent concert halls and fashionable shops.
London is a coveted destination not only for countless flows of immigrants, but also for tourists from all over the world. The lush Victorian city quarters, Buckingham Palace, The Tower and Westminster Abbey are among the world's most visited landmarks. Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy clubs in London's Soho area attract the most advanced, progressive, select public.
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What to see and where to go in London?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
1. Tower Bridge
Drawbridge over the River Thames, designed by architect H. Jones and built at the end of the 19th century. The structure consists of two powerful "Gothic" towers 64 meters high, connected by galleries and hanging spans. Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable symbols of the British capital, although initially Londoners considered it ugly and ridiculous. There is a museum on the top floor of one of the galleries.
2. Tower of London
The fortress, standing on the north bank of the Thames, is over 900 years old. The Tower is known as a prison for noble people and prisoners of royal blood. From time to time it became the residence of the monarchs. At different times, the famous humanist Thomas More, the wives of Henry VIII Catherine Howard and Anne Boleyn, the "bloody" Queen Mary Tudor and many others have been prisoners of the castle. Only in the middle of the 20th century did the Tower cease to function as a prison.
3. London Eye Ferris wheel
One of the largest attractions of this type in Europe. The height of the structure is 136 m, which approximately corresponds to a 45-storey building. The wheel is installed on the banks of the Thames, overlooking the whole of London. Passengers can be accommodated in one of 32 closed capsule cabins, which symbolize 32 urban areas. A complete revolution is completed in half an hour. The attraction was opened in 1999.
4. Buckingham Palace
Royal Palace, the official seat of the ruling dynasty in London. The building has about 800 rooms, around a perimeter of 20 hectares there is a whole "city" for the internal use of royalty: a hospital, a police station, a post office, a restaurant. The palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham in the 18th century, but was bought by King George III. It became an official residence after Queen Victoria's accession to the throne.
5. Westminster Palace and Big Ben
The seat of the British Parliament since the 16th century. The palace stands on the banks of the Thames in the heart of the capital. Since the 11th century, English kings have settled here. For many centuries, the facade of the building was rebuilt, renewed, new buildings were added. Tourists can only get inside during the summer parliamentary break. Big Ben is the bell of the famous clock tower on the territory of the Palace of Westminster, more often this is the name of the entire tower together with the famous clock face. The tower was built by the architect O. Pujin in 1859; the building is 96 meters high. Since 2012, Big Ben has been officially renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of the reigning queen.
6. Kensington Palace
Another royal residence, the smallest of all the palaces belonging to the ruling family. The building was built in the 17th century. for the Earl of Nottingham, but King William of Orange bought it and made it his summer country estate. Kensington Palace (rather a mansion compared to other royal palaces) is located in one of the western districts of London. In our time, the families of the Duke of Kent and Gloucester live there.
7. Westminster Abbey
The main church in Great Britain, not only an important religious center, but also the place of coronation and burial of British monarchs. The abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor at the beginning of the 11th century, and acquired its modern appearance in the 15th century. Since Harold II, all kings of Great Britain have been crowned here. The abbey is open to tourists and often hosts classical music concerts and exhibitions.
8. St. Paul's Cathedral
Anglican Church, standing on Ludgate Hill. Since the early Middle Ages, Christian churches were built in this place. The last Catholic cathedral fell into disrepair after the reforms of Henry VIII, only ruins remained on the top of the hill. In the XVII century. construction began on a completely new cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Many iconic personalities of British history are buried in the temple: W. Churchill, Admiral Nelson, A. Fleming and others.
9. Trafalgar Square
The famous square in central London, the beloved symbol of the city and the home of Britain's Kilometer Zero. Numerous holidays and festivals are held here, and the country's main Christmas tree is set up in winter. The square appeared in 1820 on the site of the old Whitehall stables. The place is named in honor of the victory of the British in 1805 in the naval battle at Cape Trafalgar.
10. Oxford Street
One of London's most famous shopping streets. More than 100 million people visit it annually. First of all, visiting the street is interesting for everyone who follows fashion and loves shopping. In a relatively small space (Oxford Street is only 2.4 km long), there are more than 500 stores, including boutiques of world brands, large family supermarkets and mass-market stores.
11. Street and Piccadilly Circus
The street got its name from the lace collars that Robert Baker sold. It was previously called Portuguese. Piccadilly Circus is known for the fact that for more than 300 years the richest and most distinguished representatives of the world "elite" have settled here: bankers, stars, members of powerful financial clans. The most expensive and luxurious mansions, hotels and apartments are located here.
12. Abbey Road
The street gained popularity due to the fact that part of it was immortalized on the cover of the album "The Beatles" (the album was called - "Abbey Road"). There was also a record company where the famous group recorded their songs. Several decades later, fans continue their pilgrimage to Abbey Road. The Beatles are aspirated and photographed in the "very place" that is depicted on the cover.
13. Skyscraper Mary Ax 30
A building of metal and glass structures in modern central London, shaped like a cucumber (Barcelona also has such a tower). The building is used as the headquarters of the Swiss company Swiss Reinsurance. The tower was built from 2001 to 2004. designed by the architect Sir N. Foster. $ 400 million was spent on the construction. The structure is 180 meters high and contains 40 floors.
14. Skyscraper Shard
A high-rise building built for the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games. The structure is a glass pyramid that resembles a block of ice 310 meters high (72 floors). Inside there are offices, hotels, recreation areas, private apartments. Tourists tend to get into the skyscraper to the observation deck, located at the 70th floor, from where you can admire London at a glance.
15. British Museum
The main historical and archaeological museum of the country, one of the largest in the world. There are about 100 exhibition halls in the building, where exhibits from all over the world - the former colonies of the British Empire are presented. There are also ancient Egyptian and antique artifacts. Many countries demand the return of exhibits to their homeland, as it is believed that they got to the British Museum in a not entirely honest way.
16. London National Gallery
The largest museum in the country, where more than 2,000 samples of Western European painting are exhibited, dating back to the XII century. The gallery was created in 1839, since then the collection has been constantly replenished. Like many similar places, the museum cannot be bypassed in one visit; you will need to return to it several times to look at all the expositions. Also in the London Gallery you can listen to audiobooks and lectures on art.
17. Churchill's War Rooms Museum
An underground bunker from which Churchill and his entourage ran a military company during World War II. Its construction was completed shortly before the start of the war. In 1989, Margaret Thatcher inaugurated the bunker for everyone to see. Equipment, personal belongings of the leaders of the country, photos and documents were left inside as exhibits. The museum is located under the Treasury building, next to Westminster Palace, and is a branch of the Imperial War Museum.
18. Victoria and Albert Museum
The world's largest museum of design and arts and crafts. It was opened a year after the World's Fair of 1851, as the event was very successful. The Museum of Products, as the collection was originally called, was renamed in 1899 in honor of Queen Victoria and her husband Albert. The royal couple provided comprehensive assistance in replenishing the collection, consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, medieval rarities, fabrics and theatrical props.
19. Museum of Natural History
Opened in 1881, the exposition is based on the collection of the Natural History Department of the British Museum. The total number of exhibits exceeds 80 million (botany, zoology, mineralogy, paleontology). Many can be touched with hands and studied; there are information stands in different languages. The most impressive hall is the central one: it contains the original skeletons of dinosaurs in full growth.
20. London Madame Tussauds
A branch of the most famous wax museum in the world (there are branches in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York, Copenhagen). Maria Tussauds inherited the wax figures from her teacher Curtis and gradually added new characters to the collection. Until 1835, she toured all over England like circus performers, then opened a permanent exhibition at the insistence of her sons.
21.Sherlock Holmes Museum
Home and Museum of the popular detective at 221b Baker Street. It was here, according to the idea of the writer Arthur Conan Doyle, that Sherlock Holmes and his assistant, Dr. Watson, rented rooms. The building was bought by a society of fans of this literary work. The museum was opened relatively recently - in 1990. The rooms have recreated the furnishings that exactly correspond to the author's description of A.K. Doyle.
22. Tate British Gallery
A gallery of contemporary art that attracts millions of tourists every year. It is considered one of the largest in the world. The collection is made up of works from the early 20th century. to this day. The modern building opened to visitors in 2000. It consists of seven floors, each of which has its own exposition. The museum is housed in a rebuilt former power plant.
23. Theater Royal, Covent Garden
One of the most prestigious opera venues where the best performers and orchestras strive to enter. Before the construction of a modern building in 1858, there were two theaters on this site, which burned down in fires. Previously, all theatrical genres were staged at Covent Garden, but later it began to specialize only in musical performances: operas, oratorios, ballets, concerts.
24. Albert Hall
A concert hall reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, hosting a variety of events from musicals and awards ceremonies to charity receptions. The hall was erected in the period 1867-1871. as conceived by Prince Albert. To recoup the construction costs, the creators sold tickets for future events, which gave them the right to attend the Albert Hall for 999 years. Some people still go to the gym with these tickets.
25. Globus Theater
The theater, created with the participation of the great playwright W. Shakespeare at the end of the 16th century. Almost all of the author's works were put here, but the building lasted only 14 years and was destroyed by fire. The rebuilt theater existed until 1642 (then the troupe was disbanded by order of the Puritan government, and two years later the building itself was demolished). The modern "Globe" is a reconstruction based on fragments found during excavations.
26. Hyde Park
City park, where it is always crowded and lively. Tourists tend to come here to see with their own eyes the embodiment of democracy "Speakers' Corner", where everyone can express any thoughts. True, you cannot use microphones, so you have to strain your larynx. Hyde Park is a typical English landscape park with fountains, ornately clipped trees and neat lawns.
27. St. James's Park
It is part of the green belt of central London. On different sides, the oldest park in the British capital is bounded by the Foreign Office, Buckingham and St. James Palaces. There used to be swamps here, which were drained and a canal was built. The design, imitating the Versailles Gardens, did not last long: the territory was planted with trees, and a pond became the main waterway. To the north is the Mall - a street for ceremonies with the participation of the royal family.
28. Highgate Cemetery
In the first half of the century before last, it became necessary to create a network of cemeteries in London. The former belonged to churches and were already filled. The plan for Highgate Cemetery was completed in 1839. The architecture of the buildings and mausoleums is colorful, most of the tombstones in the Victorian style. The sections under the names "Egyptian Street" and "Lebanese Circle" stand out especially. The most famous burial place is the tomb of Karl Marx. The territory is full of wild greenery from flowers to large trees.
29. River Thames
The river artery of the capital, crossing the entire city and passing through its central part. Perhaps this is one of the most popular rivers in the world, passing within the city. Largely due to the possibility of navigation on the Thames, London began to develop as an industrial and later a financial center. Back in the days of the Roman Empire, there was a port here. The Thames is an independent attraction visited by millions of tourists.
30. St Pancras station
Railway junction in central London. It was built by the architect W. Henry in the 19th century. The station building is a typical example of the Neo-Gothic style characteristic of the Victorian era. Trains arrive here from continental Europe and neighboring counties. A single architectural ensemble of red brick together with the train station makes up the five-star Renaissance Hotel.
31. Wembley Stadium
A well-known and even legendary stadium among football fans, the symbol of England football. For the first time its gates were opened under King George V in 1923, in the same year the FA Cup was played at the stadium. By the 60s. XX century Wembley becomes the main football arena in the country. In addition to games, concerts of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Oasis, AC / DC and other world stars took place here.
32. Harrods Department Store
A real "Mecca" of fashion fans and shopaholics, it is one of the three most visited London attractions. Harrods occupies 18,000 m² and has 300 shops selling everything in the world. Here shopping is at its highest. The building itself is distinguished by the luxury of interior decoration and the monumentality of architectural forms.
33. Camden Market
Every weekend, the Camden market, divided into segments, is visited by about 100 thousand people. The market works on weekdays, but some of the outlets are closed for most of the week. Some sellers rent shops, others are in tents or in the open air. It sells original gifts, clothes, things from independent designers. There are also pubs and restaurants on the main street.
34. Portobello Flea Market
Located in Notting Hill (West London). Here, the collapse of antiques, shops with second-hand clothes coexist with expensive boutiques. On the market you can buy unusual clothes, vintage interior items and furniture, interesting hand-made souvenirs. Many people go here not for shopping, but for the special atmosphere of antiquity, history and strong traditions.
35. Telephone booth and double-decker bus
Symbols of the British capital recognized all over the world. Previously, the booths were used for their intended purpose, but with the invention of mobile communication they became just cultural objects (some houses mini-libraries). The red bus became the prototype for the tourist bus in almost all world capitals, its model was invented in Britain in 1956.
London, despite its calmness and measured way of life, attracts the attention of not only tourists, but also migrants from Europe. The population of Great Britain is only 44% of the indigenous people, while the rest are attracted by romantic rainy weather, beautiful architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants and fashionable shops, famous all over the world.
If you want to hear correct and beautiful English speech, imbued with the history of England and see the sights of London with your own eyes, this city will convey to you the noble and refined atmosphere of this amazing country better than others.
Historic landmarks of London
Big Ben is a clock tower that appeared precisely in London, a city whose residents value punctuality so much. Built back in 1288, the building is famous for its 100-meter height and amazing time accuracy - the error does not exceed two seconds per day.
It is interesting that the caretaker, during whose work the clock was once one second late, was about to be fired. Big Ben is a symbol of England, it is against its background that TV reporters begin to conduct news programs and, to its ringing, they celebrate the New Year in London.
We offer you to get acquainted with the sights of the whole UK. It will be fun!
The British initially considered Tower Bridge to be ridiculous and ugly, but now England cannot be imagined without this London landmark, which is rightly considered the main decoration of the city. An architect inspired by the Gothic culture of the Victorian era began construction back in 1886.
It received this name due to the fact that it has a similar design to the Tower of London, which is located nearby. Eight years after the start of construction, the Prince of Wales himself and his wife attended the opening ceremony.
The Tower of London was built as a castle for King William, but under the rule of the Tudor dynasty it became a dungeon for the two wives of King Henry VIII, and later became a prison for other prisoners. The Tower acquired a sad reputation also due to the 22 executions that took place here, according to official sources.
At one time, this building functioned as a mint and a royal menagerie. It now houses an armory, royal jewelery from the seventeenth century, including crowns and scepters. And the black crows flying here are still considered the keepers of the mysterious, and in the dark even the ominous tower.
Westminster Abbey is of great historical value for tourists and residents of the city - in this monastery all the rulers of England were crowned. Now the abbey serves as a tomb for many famous personalities - Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, David Livingston and other prominent people. An interesting feature of this place is also the casts taken from the faces of the royal families of all generations.
Palace of Westminster - a castle whose history dates back to 1042, has always served as a home for royal families. This building has become possible to visit only since 2004, so if you want to visit the oldest parts of it, then it is better to do this at the end of August, since the British Parliament sits there throughout the year. Here, solemn ceremonies are held, at which Queen Elizabeth II herself is present.
Buckingham Palace currently serves as the residence for the Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II, and in the 18th century it was built for the Duke of Buckingham, who was later bought from him by the King of England, George III, and settled there with his family.
But Queen Victoria contributed more to the decoration of this palace than made it famous and another must-see attraction in London. More than 800 apartments, lush gardens, restaurants, police and hospitals made the palace almost a city for royalty.
Kensington Palace was built back in 1605 by the Earl of Nottingham. Queen Victoria was born in the palace and later became the residence for Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Many parts of it can be visited - the reception hall, the apartments of Queen Mary II, the royal dressing room of the youngest daughter of Charles I, the famous 18th century fashionista Anna Stewart, and the beautiful gardens by the palace.
St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the tallest buildings in the world, with a dome of 118 meters high. Now it is the seat of the Bishop of London. The history of the life of the cathedral begins in the 18th century, when it had to be reconstructed after the bombing during the Second World War. It is also known for burying within its walls the greatest people of British history - Churchill, Fleming, Nelson and others.
The British Museum of the History and Culture of Humanity was founded in 1753 and contains more than 50 thousand paintings, sculptures and other objects of art, testifying to the development of England from the era of Ancient Egypt. The museum has more than 100 exhibition halls and what cannot but please its visitors - museums in London are free, so you can safely set aside a few days to study the exhibits.
Hampton Court is a palace donated to King Henry VIII in 1529, the interior of which was commissioned by the monarch himself. Later, the building served as a residence for King William III, and now it houses the Royal Chapel, where services are held. There are many mystical stories about this London landmark, and there is even a book about the ghosts of Hampton Court.
It is believed that the spirits of wives who did not die of their own death still roam the castle, but the most sinister remains King Henry III, who appears only during a thunderstorm. Children will be interested in a maze of shrubs with a height of almost two meters and costumed performances.
