London: the main attractions of the capital of Great Britain. The main sights of London: photos with names and descriptions What are the most important sights of London

If you are passionate about history and enjoy viewing unusual, impressive buildings, then London is the perfect destination for your next trip. This city easily falls in love with fans of contemporary art. In the capital of Great Britain, you can find many interesting objects and places that, in the literal sense of the word, breathe history. And this is not surprising, because London is a city founded by the Romans in the first century AD. A city with almost two thousand years of history.

The historically significant capital of Great Britain boasts many attractions to see. Let's now move on to the most famous of them:

The capital of Great Britain is famous for a bright combination of different styles... Firstly, the English queen lives there and many attractions are associated with the royal family. London with a population of ten million can rightfully be considered one of the largest cities in Europe. Tourists from all over the world come here for new impressions of old English architecture.

Trafalgar Square is considered the beating heart of London and the best starting point for exploring central London. The place got its name after the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805. Today's view of Trafalgar Square is thanks to the architect Charles Barry, who at one time worked on the building of the British Parliament.

The square is also known as a favorite spot for the hundreds of pigeons that Londoners have fed here since time immemorial. For several years now, bird feeding has been prohibited by law, as bird droppings have nothing to do with London's attractions. Another well-known tradition on the square is the annual planting of a New Year tree brought from Oslo in gratitude for the help of the British for Norway during the Second World War.

Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN.

The most famous and photogenic bridge in London is the Tower Bridge. It gets its name from two neo-Gothic towers that serve as pillars. The middle part of the bridge rises to allow large ships to move along the Thames.

Construction on the bridge began in 1886 with over 400 workers under the direction of architects Horace Jones and John-Barry Wilf. At one time, Tower Bridge was the most difficult drawbridge in the world, which was very difficult to manage. The original hydraulic equipment of the bridge can be seen even now if you go there on an excursion. Most tourists, while walking along the bridge, being in a state of euphoria, devote all their attention only to it, not paying attention to the surroundings.

If you walk a little further along the south bank to the end of the bridge, you can reach Shad Thames street. Across the river at the other end of the bridge, you can get to the Docks of St. Catherine, which is a harbor with sails along with residential buildings.

Address: Tower Bridge Road.

Big Ben is a famous symbol of the city. This richly decorated tower belongs to the Parliament building and is famous for its bell. The original 16 kg bell was cast in 1856, then cracked and re-cast, weighing 13.8 tons, which it still is. Interesting is the fact that Big Ben is described as the heaviest bell in the UK, while it is the third after the bell in St Paul's and Liverpool Cathedral.

The Big Ben building was designed in the Victorian-Gothic style and today is the pride of the capital of England. Big Ben's clock was also considered the largest in the world at one time. They consisted of 312 pieces of glass and the lower part of the dial had the inscription: Domine salvam fac reginam nostram Victoriam primam (from Latin means the Lord protects our Queen Victoria I). The watch is renowned for its reliability. Their accuracy was preserved despite the bombing during the Second World War.

Address: Elizabeth Tower, Houses of Parliamen.

This attraction is located in the heart of London and is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world. It was opened on December 31 in 1999 and soon after its opening became the most visited attraction in the whole UK.

The 135-meter-high attraction is considered the tallest in Europe. Until 2006, it even surpassed the Chinese Star of Nanchang. One revolution of the wheel around the axle lasts about 30 minutes... Interestingly, the wheel does not stop for passengers to board, because the movement is so slow that passengers can disembark or, conversely, sit in the attraction slowly and comfortably. The London Eye moves at a speed of 26 cm per second. For comparison, a turtle moves twice as slow.

Address: Lambeth, SE1 7PB.

Westminster Abbey is primarily a religious and historic building. For centuries, it has hosted the most important ceremonies in English history. A thrill is overwhelmed just by looking at the majestic facade of the building.

The abbey also serves as a religious shrine and a place of eternal rest for prominent British figures and rulers. For example, Charles Darwin, the father of nuclear physics Ernest Rutherford, the writer Rudyard Kipling (author of the Jengley Book) and Charles Dickens rested here. The most famous grave belongs to Sir Isaac Newton. The new growth in popularity of the building was brought by the novel The Da Vinci Code, which was published in 2003 and at one time angered the leaders of the Christian church around the world.

Address: 20 Deans Yd- Westminster.

Piccadilly Circus is located between Big Ben and Tower Bridge. This square can often be seen on postcards. Piccadilly Circus is one of the busiest transport hubs in London. It was founded in the late 18th century by the architect Nash. Now this place is considered one of the main shopping areas. In the middle of the square stands a metal statue holding a bow and arrow, which confuses tourists who confuse the statue with the god of love. In fact, the statue stands for "the angel of Christian mercy."

Address: London, W1J 9HS.

Great Britain is the cradle of democracy and the country's parliament is housed in a building Palace of Westminster, which proves its importance and significance. The building is located on the left bank of the Thames right in the city center, close to the Westminster Underground.

Of the more than a thousand rooms in the palace, the most important are the House of Lords and the House of Commons. In the first chamber, the traditional opening ceremony is held annually. parliamentary year(State Opening of Parliament), where the solemn speech of the members of the government is delivered and thus the political season officially begins. The oldest part of the palace is Westminster Hall. He remembers countless ceremonies such as the coronation of King George IV or the funeral of Winston Churchill.

Between the buildings of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, you can often see the camp of strikers, who display posters with different slogans and put forward their demands to politicians.

Address: Westminster, SW1A 0AA.

For three centuries, Buckingham Palace was inhabited by the families of the British Queen. The building was built in 1703. Today, this is the official residence of the Queen and her relatives. Unfortunately, the palace was closed to the public for a long time. However, before entering, you can catch a glimpse of the royal guards. On special occasions, significant events are announced from the balcony of the palace. There is a magnificent fountain opposite the entrance.

Today the palace is open to the public and awaits tourists during the summer. Sometimes you can even see Queen Elizabeth, it is worth noting that this palace is not her only residence.

Address: Road Buckingham Palace.

In the central area on the left bank of the Thames, it is impossible to miss a visit to the enormous St. Paul's Church. This cathedral is one of the largest in Europe. The church is dedicated to the Apostle Paul at the beginning of the seventh century. The temple was built in the Renaissance and Baroque style. Its huge dome is covered with lead.

Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London-EC4M 8AD.

The Royal Albert Hall is one of the main attractions in the fashionable Kensington area. The building has a characteristic oval shape with a glass dome and was built in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The tube station is not very close here, so it is best to get to Gloucester Road and South Kensington stations, and from there take a bus to Albert Hall.

It is a great honor for everyone to sing on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall, but not everyone was lucky. For example, in 1977, the final concert tour in Europe of the legendary Abby took place, the concert of which they wished to attend 3.5 million people... Later, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple and Bob Dylan appeared on this scene.

Kensington Gore, Kensington

Since Lady Diana's death in 1997, no one has lived in Kensington Palace. Only now the newly-made Princess Kate has "settled in" thanks to her marriage to Prince William, after which the reconstruction of the building has begun. In two years, about £ 12,000,000 to restore the palace.

The palace gardens are ideal for picnics and sports. They can also be viewed with a guide. In June 2000, a playground for the memory of Princess Diana was opened there.

Address: Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX.

Of course, everyone should visit this place. The park is located in the very center of the metropolis, it is very large, and is rightfully considered one of the largest in the city. Its area is 1.4 km.sq... Big concerts are often organized there, for example, the Rolling Stones in 1969 or the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2004.

It takes a long time to walk through the entire park. But it's worth it, because in some places you can find interesting sights. One of them is the Marble Arch, located in the northeastern part of the park.

In total, the park occupies more than 140 hectares of land.

Address: London - W2 2UH.

London City is the oldest part of London, often called Square mile- "square mile". Only about 8000 inhabitants... The City of London is a kind of city within a city. It is best known as the international financial and business center of the capital of England. All the headquarters and major world banks are located here.

Address: Hartmann Road.

There is a place in England where time has stood still - this is Madame Tussauds. Where else can you meet Albert Einstein, Frank Sinatra or David Beckham in one place? The modern museum was opened back in 1884, since then it has been very popular not only among the British, but also among tourists around the world. Today the museum houses many figures of politicians, royalty, pop stars, actors and athletes. Due to its huge success, the museum has branches almost all over the world: Las Vegas, New York, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Shanghai, etc.

Address: Marylebone Road, Marylebone -NW1 5LR.

Make a personal itinerary and go on a journey through the most interesting places in the capital of foggy Albion. Don't forget your umbrella and raincoat!

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London is a city of global importance, and there are enough attractions to attract the attention of the most discerning tourist. Experienced travelers choose bike tours to explore the city, which are offered by Cycle Tours of London and Fat Tire Bike Tours of London, among others. London is 600 square miles and thousands of years of history; You can spend a lifetime in this city and never see everything it has to offer - which is why we recommend compiling a personal travel guide based on the attractions you want to visit and their distance from each other.

Popular sightseeing routes

Sightseeing will probably be the first item on the list of "How to spend time in London". And there is something to see in London: Piccadilly Circus ( Piccadilly Circus) with its neon signs; majestic Big Ben ( Big ben); Changing of the Guard ( the Changing of the Guard), during which the guards demonstrate sharpness of movement and impeccable self-control (try to make them laugh - you will not succeed!); London Eye ( ), from which a dizzying view opens up - and that's not all ...

If you are interested in British history, visit the Imperial War Museum, Churchill War Rooms and the British Museum. You will also be attracted by a number of historical sites: Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

Bibliophiles will appreciate a guided tour of literary London. You should visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, located, of course, on Baker Street (next to the metro station of the same name). Fans of Great Expectations, Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities will undoubtedly love the trip to the Charles Dickens Museum. Shakespeare fans can attend a performance at the Globe Theater or take a day trip to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon to get to know the great playwright's hometown.

London tourist map

There are really many places worth visiting. Therefore, it is best to choose those of them that you want to look at first and develop a personal route - taking into account the amount of time you have at your disposal.

Shopping

A shopaholic's paradise is on the High Street ( Oxford high street) and in Knightsbridge ( Knightsbridge). The "Elite Troika" is formed by the stores "Harrods" ( Harrods), "Harvey Nichols" ( Harvey nichols) and Selfridges ( Selfridges). For lower prices go to Marks & Spencer ( Marks & Spencer) or "Topshop" ( Topshop). If you like the atmosphere of street trading, take a stroll through the city's outdoor markets: Portobello Road Market, Camden Market and Old Spitalfields Market.

Entertainment for children

For family vacations, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum ( Madame Tussaud "s Wax Museum), Museum of Natural History ( Natural History Museum) and London Zoo ( ). For outdoor activities, parents can bring their children to any of the city parks, including Regent's Park ( Regent "s Park), Hampstead Hit ( Hampstead Heath) and Kensington Gardens ( Kensington gardens). Dungeons of London ( London dungeon) frighten the fearful and excite the daredevils. Parents should be wise when deciding to bring their children here, because the interactive museum reveals the dark side of city life, from the history of Jack the Ripper ( Jack the ripper) before the Great Fire of London ( Great fire of london).

Theaters

Museums

London is the kingdom of museums. Contemporary works are presented in the Tate Modern gallery ( Tate modern) in Southwark ( Southwark). At the National Gallery ( National Gallery) in Trafalgar Square ( Trafalgar Square) exhibited canvases by a number of artists, from van Eyck to Georges Seurat. British museum ( British Museum) in Bloomsbury ( Bloomsbury) keeps Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta stone ( Rosetta stone). In addition, there is "Tate Britain" ( Tate Britain) in Westminster ( WestminsterVictoria and Albert Museum, V&A) in Kensington ( Kensington), National Portrait Gallery ( National Portrait Gallery) in Trafalgar Square ( Trafalgar Square) and the Royal Academy of Arts ( Royal Academy of Arts) in Piccadilly Circus ( Piccadilly Circus).

Sports and recreation

Londoners are fans of a wide variety of sports: football, cricket, rugby, rowing. Many residents cheer for their teams in stadiums and pubs throughout the city. A number of important matches are played at Wembley Stadium ( Wembley stadium). The city also provides an opportunity to not only watch, but also take part in the sporting life - try ice skating at the Natural History Museum or rafting on the Thames.

Night life

London's nightlife is mainly concentrated in the bars and pubs of the West End ( West end), although there are several popular nightclubs in the city center: Ministry of Sound in South Bank ( South bank), for example, or Fabric in Clarkenwell ( Clerkenwell).

Best time to travel

The best time to come to London is in the spring, when it is moderately warm and everything is blooming and green in city parks. At the same time, spring, like summer, is a high season, and the surge in tourist activity is reflected in the prices of flights and accommodation. In the fall and winter, it’s easier to save on airfare and hotels, but be prepared for low temperatures. Also, whenever you travel to London, bring an umbrella with you. In London, fogs and torrential rains occur all year round (raincoats of the company Burberry appeared for a reason!).

Public transport in London

London Underground, which has a name the Tube, - perhaps the most convenient way to get around the city. The tube is available from London Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, to the city center. The metro system that spans and extends beyond the city is efficient and relatively easy to use. To make the process of movement even easier, you should purchase the Oyster card ( Oyster card): you can pay with it for trips by metro, city buses and other types of transport. Tourists are also advised to bring a comfortable pair of shoes as walking is the best way to get a feel for the city's atmosphere.

Top 10 attractions in London

London has a ton of stunning attractions. But which ones are in the official top 10 most popular?

Where can you get close to celebrities and royalty?

The 10th place is occupied by the Madame Tussauds Museum.

By the way, over 250 precise measurements are required to create a wax figure.

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Do you want to travel to the center of time and space?

In 9th place, the Royal Museums Greenwich is a group of four attractions in the area that is a World Heritage Site.

Take your ship straight to the port of the National Maritime Museum ( National Maritime Museum): Explore the beautiful Queen's House, which served as lavish backdrops for numerous feature films, climb aboard the Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper, jump from one hemisphere of our planet to the other of its zero meridian at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

Have you ever been illuminated by the splendor of royal regalia?

The Tower of London is in 8th place.

The Tower was founded in 1066 to hold off enemy forces. If you're cool enough, you can stand in the very spot where Anne Boleyn, one of the six wives of Henry VIII, was executed.

Do you know where you can see Da Vinci's notebook and Mick Jagger's tracksuit?

At the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is located at number 7.

Immerse yourself in over 3,000 years of fashion, art and design history. Sculpture, jewelry, textiles, photography - get ready for a spectacle that will inspire you.

Time to travel back in time and look to the future!

In 6th place is the Science Museum ( Science Museum).

From steam locomotives to space rockets, travel through time to celebrate the greatest inventions in human history.

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Where can you enjoy the 25-mile skyline of the city?

5th place - "London Eye" (London's Eye). This is one of the largest and most spectacular Ferris wheels in the world, from where you can see London in great detail. On average, the London Eye attracts more visitors per year than the Taj Mahal and the Egyptian pyramids combined.

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Which art gallery once powered the city?

"Tate Modern" (Tate Modern) in 4th place.

Historical background: the museum was opened in 2000 in the premises of the former Bankside Power Station.

From Damien Hirst to Mark Rothko, brace yourself for the impressive scale of contemporary art.

Next is the place where 70 million exhibits can be seen, ranging from microscopic to gigantic.

Number 3 - Museum of Natural History (The Natural History Museum).

Explore the wonders of nature at one of London's most famous museums. Come face to face with animals from the present and the past - get ready to even meet dinosaurs!

Where can you see masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, Michelangelo and Rembrandt for free?

At the National Gallery (the National Gallery), which took the 2nd place in our rating.

In the building of the gallery, which took a prominent place in Trafalgar Square, more than 2,300 of the most outstanding paintings in the world are collected.

So, what's next for us at the top of the list?

An amazing place that tells about the history of our civilization, which emerged more than 2,000,000 years ago.

Number 1 - the unique British Museum (the British Museum).

The museum tells the history of human culture from its origins to the present day and houses world-famous objects such as the Parthenon sculptures and the Rosetta Stone.

Things to do in London: 10 unusual things to do

Five star food - budget for one: Vincent rooms

“Vincent rooms"Near Victoria Station ( Victoria Station) Is an elegant restaurant staffed exclusively by college students Westminster Kingsway... Students work under the supervision of experienced professionals, the result is a great modern European lunch at a reasonable price.

Lost in Time: Dennis Severs' Home

Imagine that you are on a painting of one of the old masters. At Dennis Severs' house ( Dennis Severs' House) you feel that way. The house is furnished in the style of East London of the Huguenot period. It is open to tourists throughout the year. In silence, without meeting a soul on their way, visitors move from room to room, observing the frozen life of the family of an 18th century weaver: a half-eaten dinner, the wood is still crackling, and even a chamber pot is not emptied. A truly unique experience.

Treasures from the sale in Princess may

One of the best places to replenish your wardrobe with 100-year-old fashion and update your home with old stuff is the Stoke Newington School Playground ( Stoke Newington), which turns into a flea market on weekends Princess may... Here is a paradise for fans of vintage, vinyl and other retro. The market opens at 8 am on Saturdays and 7 am on Sundays.

Eating toast at Clapham

Connoisseurs of food rich in carbohydrates will find a treat at the cafe “ Breads Etcetera”(Loosely translated -“ Bread and so on ”), which, in addition to a cozy family atmosphere and a rich brunch menu, offers an unlimited number of different toasts. On a large table in the center of the establishment there are towers of still hot breads of all shapes and sizes from all types of cereals known to mankind. And on each table there is a personal toaster so that you make your morning toast exactly the way you like it. While toast is delicious and dry-boiled, look out for the wide variety of oils and jams.

Plunge into the aquatic world of the Lee Valley Center

During the 2012 London Olympics, the Lee Valley Aquatic Center ( Lee valley white water center) hosted rowing competitions. Now it offers a wide variety of water activities: canoeing, kayaking and - for those who lack adrenaline - rafting. The latter costs only £ 30 per person (nine-person raft during low-traffic times); the price includes basic instruction and equipment rental.

Spritz on the roof of the car park

More than an aperol spritz (a cocktail of aperol, prosecco and soda), London's fashionable youth only loves to hang out in some unusual and strange, at first glance, place. Bar Frank's Café in Peckham ( Peckham) will satisfy both of these addictions - firstly, it is located on the roof of a multi-storey car park, and secondly, it serves spritz here: in the open air, surrounded by amazing views of London, especially spectacular at sunrise. Landscapes that open from the roof Frank's, truly unforgettable, and this is not an exaggeration for once.

The place where Karl Marx rests

A walk among the graves is a rather unusual way to spend a day off, but to the chaotically sprawling Highgate Cemetery ( Highgate cemetery) is really worth seeing. A reservation is required to visit the West Cemetery, entrance to the East Cemetery costs £ 3 and is payable locally. It is here that you will find the final resting place of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, author of Douglas Adams, and artist Patrick Caulfield. DEAD”,“ Dead ”) and the founder of socialism Karl Marx.

Coffee in a public toilet

Don't worry, this old Victorian toilet was thoroughly cleaned before it was installed as a dining facility. The cafe opened in 2013 Attendant invites its visitors to reinforce their strength - where London gentlemen could once ease the soul. The place has already become popular: here you can taste special roasted coffee, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Cinema under the stars

London open-air cinemas are usually open from late spring to September; every summer more and more new screens appear in the city. Choose: Rooftop Film Club- four cinemas in an urban setting, Luna cinema- evening shows in beautiful parks and squares or Dalston Roof Park- £ 5 per membership and can watch movies for free.

Across the Thames on the "cable car"

Part tourist attraction, part artsy public transport, Emirates air line(and this is the official name of the cable car from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks) since its opening in 2012, it has hardly been used for its intended purpose. Oddly enough, not many Londoners use it to get to and from their work. The flip side of this unpopularity is that, unlike almost any other attraction with a city view, you don't have to queue up here. And you will spend little money - with the Oyster card, a 20-minute round trip will cost you only £ 6.40. The benefits are clear.

London Attractions attract many tourists. The capital of Great Britain is located in its southeast, at the mouth of the Thames River. The city with a population of over 8 million is one of the largest in the world. It belongs to the leading financial centers of the planet.

Piccadilly Circus, 1946

City `s history

Starting point history of the creation of the city of London it is considered to be the appearance in 43 AD. e. Romans in the British Isles. At the end of the 1st century. the Roman trading settlement acquired a fortress wall, beyond which the city did not cross for a whole millennium. With the fall of the Roman Empire, London also experienced desolation. Then the North German tribes began to move here - Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Frisians, who gradually suppressed the resistance of the local Celtic tribes of the Britons. The first signs of revival are noted at the beginning of the 7th century. For the next several centuries, the city was alternately owned by the Normans (Vikings) and the Anglo-Saxons.

In 1066, the army of the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, landed in the British Isles. After defeating the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings, he was crowned the first English king in London's newly built Westminster Abbey. Then a royal residence was built in the city, which later became known as the Tower, Westminster Palace and a stone bridge. Over the next several centuries, the Anglo-Saxons and Normans (not to be confused with the Normans) merged into a single English nation.

Piccadilly Circus, 1972

During the Middle Ages, London experienced a short French invasion, the plague of 1348, which decimated half of the population, and plundering by rebel peasants led by Wat Tyler. The decline was interrupted in the 16th century. This was facilitated by the defeat of rivals at sea - Antwerp, and, especially, Spain, whose "Great Armada" was defeated by the British in 1588. The country became the ruler of the seas.

Another blow to the city was caused by a grand fire in 1666, which destroyed many medieval buildings. Burnt Cathedral of St. Paul was restored at the beginning of the 18th century, then iconic structures were erected - Westminster Bridge and Buckingham Palace. The railway, the first metro (in 1863) and, especially, the sewage system (in 1865), which put an end to cholera outbreaks, gave a new impetus to the development of the city. Industrialization has turned London into a major industrial center, and the population has surpassed the million mark.

The Victorian era (most of the 19th century) was the heyday of London. It was intensively built up, and the population reached 6 million. But many buildings were destroyed by German bombing at the beginning of World War II. The post-war period was characterized by large immigration from the former colonies of the British Empire. And already in the XXI century. several ultra-modern structures were built in the city, which will be discussed below.

Main Historical and Archaeological Museum of the British Empire

London Attractions

TO the main classic architectural and historic sites in London relate.

• Westminster.
• Tower.
• Cathedral of st. Paul.
• British museum.

Tomb of Elizabeth I

Westminster

This historic district is the political center of Great Britain. Here are located the most interesting sights of London:

• royal residence - Buckingham Palace;
• Parliament sitting at Westminster Palace;
• Westminster Abbey;
• Trafalgar Square.

You can start exploring the area's iconic sites by taking the London Underground to the St James Park stop.

The Horse Guards parade and the colorful changing of the guard ceremony takes place every day from 11 a.m. They were observed by almost everyone who visited London. But few of them have seen the luxurious interiors of the palace. Collections of paintings from the royal collection are exhibited in the gallery of the same name during the Queen's holidays in August and September from 10 to 18 hours. Ticket price - 16.5 GBP (pounds sterling).

The symbol of London is the Palace of Westminster with the Big Ben bell tower. It was successfully recreated in the 19th century. instead of the original building, which burned down in the Great Fire of 1666. On the opposite side, the palace is crowned by the Victoria Tower, through the gate of which the Queen passes to deliver her speech to the throne in parliament. Other traditions are also honored. Thus, the Lord Chancellor is still sitting on a sack of wool, and parliamentarians who address the speaker always wear hats. The easiest way to get to Palace of Westminster is by tube, getting off at Westminster or Victoria stations.

Cathedral Church of St. Petra is the official name. This outstanding monument of English Gothic was founded in 1065, and was completed until the 16th century. The façade and interiors of the building compete in splendor. The cathedral is the place of coronations and burials of British kings. The Poets' Corner contains the graves (not always real) of famous Englishmen - Newton, Dickens, Shakespeare, Thackeray, Milton, Chaucer, Burns, Handel and others.

Prince William and Catherine Middleton wedding

The cathedral can be visited for 20 GBP from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, on Wednesday until 19:00, and on Saturday until 14:30. Services for parishioners are held on Sunday. The nearest tube stations are St James "s Park or Westminster.

The central square of London was named in honor of the battle won by the English fleet near Cape Trafalgar. On a high column in the center is the 5-meter figure of the hero of the battle, Admiral Nelson. Around the statue are beautiful sculptures and fountains. In the corner of the square is a model of the ship on which the admiral was mortally wounded. And from the monument to King Charles I all London distances are counted. Near the square are metro stations Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.

The traditional poppy field in front of the walls of the fortress

Other attractions

The palace and fortress in London's Tower Hamlets is a thousand years old. For a long time, the building was a prison and even a place of execution of noble people, including kings. Some visitors say that they saw the ghosts of the executed here. The current Tower is a royal treasury, an armory and a residence for elite guests. The building's guards in luxurious uniforms act as guides and live exhibits for visitors. Not far from the Tower is the bridge of the same name - an iconic landmark of the British capital. It is especially beautiful when illuminated at night.

You can get to the Tower by metro to Tower Hill station or by buses No. 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1. Opening hours are from 9 am to 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm (depending on the season), and on Sunday and Monday from 10 am. A regular admission ticket costs 25 GBP.

Eastern part of the Cathedral

Cathedral of st. Pavla is located in the City area. The building was built according to the project of the architect Christopher Wren from 1675 to 1710.Outside, tourists are attracted by the grandiose triple dome 120 m high.A lot of amazing things can be seen inside - the columns dropping to the ceiling, the false second floor, the famous Gallery of whispers heard within a radius of 30 m, best english organ. In the right tower there is the main bell "Big Floor", the sound of which spreads for 37 km. Two prominent military leaders are buried in the cathedral - the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson.

Tourists who climb the 560 steps to the Golden Gallery are rewarded with a wonderful panorama of the city. You can get to the Cathedral by metro to St. Paul's. Opening hours - from 9:30 to 16:30, except Sunday reserved for services. The ticket costs 14.5 GBP.

Many are interesting London museums... The most famous -, has been operating since 1753. The geography of its 7 million exhibits is incomparably wider than the name. In the section of Ancient Egypt, the Rosetta Stone and the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II stand out. In the ancient Greek exposition, you can see, in particular, Parthenon marble slabs. The museum can be visited from 10 am to 5:30 pm free of charge. And you can get to it by getting off at the Russell Square, Holborn metro stations, or by buses 7, 55, 19, 22b, 8, 38, 25, 98.

Museum building and entrance queue

Private museums

London is home to the main wax museum, founded back in 1835 by a sculptor. Its exposition includes over a thousand famous characters classified by the type of activity. The organizers did their best to create the "Cabinet of Horrors". In it, in the semi-darkness, maniacs and death masks of those executed on the guillotine are presented. To enhance the impression, museum attendants in dark robes suddenly jump out of the darkness and grab the hands of visitors. Those of them who especially liked it here are given the opportunity to spend the night for 100 GBP.

To visit the museum, which is open from 10 to 17:30, you need to purchase a ticket for 28.8 GBP. And you can get here by metro to Baker Street station, or by buses No. 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139 and 274.

Another famous museum is dedicated to Sherlock Holmes. Letters to the famous detective at 221B Baker Street are still coming in. Now this apartment has also been transferred to a nearby museum - in building 239. The museum, which is open from 10:30 to 18 hours, can be visited by paying 6 GBP. Travel - by subway to Baker Street.

City Hall Lobby

Modern architecture

Several postmodern structures have been built in London during the current century. Modern London architecture causes a lot of controversy. Adherents consider these buildings to be new attractions, while opponents say that they spoil the architectural appearance of the city. The two buildings were designed by one of the founders of the high-tech style, the architect Norman Foster. He explains the unusual shape of his buildings with environmental considerations.

The new building of London City Hall - City Hall, was built in the vicinity of Tower Bridge. It was commissioned in 2002. The curved facade of the 10-storey building evokes the likeness of a sliced ​​egg. The narrowness of the upper floors contributes to better illumination of the lower ones. There are no air conditioners in the City Hall: in the summer, the building is cooled by groundwater coming from a special well.

Mary Ax Tower

Foster's other creation is the 40-story City Tower, opened in 2004. The Cucumber mesh structure has a maximum width of 57 meters on the 17th floor, tapering to 25 at the top. Green glass panels allow sunlight to pass through, while the rounded design minimizes wind currents. A third of the building's glass panels are darkened, giving it a swirling effect. The nearest metro station is Aldgate. You can only get inside on Open House London days in September.

Skyscraper "Shard", reaching 310 m, is the tallest building in Western Europe. The building designed by the Italian Renzo Piano has been in operation since 2013. The name ("Glass Shard") fully reflects its appearance. The last 4 of the 72 floors are reserved for sky-high (in the literal sense of the word) observation decks for visitors.

It is better to buy tickets in advance, having previously checked the weather forecast: strong clouds can interfere with a distant view.

The nearest metro station is London Bridge, buses No. 43, 48, 141, 149, 521. Visiting hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Thursday-Saturday until 9 pm. The ticket price is 26 GBP.

Evening at Leicester Square

What to do in London

Evening relaxation in London

The British capital is interesting not only for its architectural and historical sights. Where to go in London in the evening? Several options are most popular with tourists.

Where can you go from London on a free day? Excursions are organized from the city to explore nearby attractions. You can visit them yourself.

• The famous Stonehenge (train to Salisbury, from there by shuttle bus). There are no cafes in its vicinity, so you need to take food with you. You have to pay 15 GBP for a ticket.
• Dover (by train from St Pancras station), where you can see the famous chalk cliffs, as well as the ancient Castle, a ticket for which costs 17 GBP.
• Windsor (from Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eaton Riverside). The city castle is one of the royal residences. The changing of the guard takes place here at 11 o'clock. You can get inside from 10 to 16 hours only if there is no royal family in it. Price - 15 GBP.
• Canterbury (by train from St Pancras or Waterloo East stations), where the main Anglican temple - Canterbury Cathedral is located. Entrance fee is 7 GBP.

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 of its parts 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.

The place where the heart of Great Britain beats is, of course, called London. This multimillion-dollar city of luxury and British tradition is home to a myriad of attractions that can outshine other historic relics in the world. Let's consider them in more detail.

The famous clock on the main tower

Sometimes tourists wonder where in London to look for Big Ben? The world famous clock tower is located in the Palace of Westminster. The palace itself is the seat of both houses of the British Parliament.

Big Ben is considered a real gem of London architecture. The tower got its name thanks to the bell in it. This bell beats hourly, informing Londoners of the time.

The tower stretches to the sky 96 meters high. At its top there is an observation deck, to which 334 steps lead.

Big Ben is still one of the largest watch movements in the world. His work began in 1859. For safety reasons, tours for a wide range of visitors on Big Ben are not conducted, but it is still possible to inspect the tower up close.

Historical London Museum

In 1753 Parliament approved the founding of the British Museum. Its 94 galleries with exhibitions are dedicated to history and archeology. The institution received the main collections from the Earl Harley, Sloan's physician and Cotton antiquarian.

The British Museum has unusual workers - cats. Six cats there are approved and issued rat catchers..

Colonial Britain, Africa and the East are only a small part of the directions in which the exhibits are presented in the museum. There are also many Greek relics and other European antiquities. Russell Square Underground Station is adjacent to the museum.

The Queen's current palace

There are not so many palaces left in the world where the royal family would live in real mode. Buckingham Palace is a pleasant exception here, and is also considered the current residence of the Queen of England.

Buckingham Palace can be called a small town. Indeed, in addition to the main building with luxurious halls and presentable rooms, there is a post office, a police station and even a pub.

The palace has 775 rooms that serve 700 people. The total area of ​​the complex with a garden is 20 hectares.

Guided tours of the palace are organized in August and September. Changing the guard in front of the palace is an entertainment available for tourists at any time of the year. St James Park Underground Station is located near the palace.

Westminster and its history

In the 11th century, Westminster Abbey was located outside of central London. Then Buckingham Palace was rebuilt nearby, and Westminster itself received important political status.

Today within the walls of this castle is the House of Lords, as well as the House of Commons..

There are a lot of "royal" attractions near Westminster. The metro station of the same name is now located near the former abbey.

Freedom of speech park

Hyde Park is considered a favorite place for Londoners. There they walk along the alleys, relax on the grass, and can also speak behind a special tribune to speak out. The only limitation during a speech can be swear words and calls for violence, and so you can speak publicly on any topic.

In the park area there is the Serpentine Lake. It is allowed to swim in it.

The park is located near Kensington Palace. Hyde Park is connected to the palace park by a common area.

Ferris wheel to the millennium

The height of the London Eye or the main Ferris wheel in London is 135 meters. This wheel, which looks like an eye from a distance, has a total of 32 cabins with transparent glass, which can accommodate up to 800 people at a time.

The London Eye service is top notch. Champagne and strawberries can be ordered there. It is also possible to rent a cabin for two.

The turnover of a huge wheel ends in 30 minutes. The wheel is located in the Lambert area.

Tussauds and wax figures in London

The most famous and modern wax museum, which was invented by Madame Tussauds, is located in London. It was in the heart of Britain that the Frenchwoman moved her collection to escape the war.

The museum displays figures of various celebrities and historical figures. All of them are made of wax and plastic with amazing precision. Many exhibits are animated.

The museum is located at Marylebone Rd. In this institution, at the entrance, visitors are greeted by the famous madam herself, made of wax, of course, and many of the exhibits can be touched with your hands.

Holmes and his museum

The Museum of the Legendary Literary Character is located in a house whose number is identified as 239. Thanks to concessions from the authorities, this house was nevertheless assigned a number from the books of Arthur Conan Doyle, 221b.

In the building of the museum, on three floors, there are Holmes and Watson's rooms reconstructed according to the books, as well as Mrs. Hudson's apartments. There is an exhibition of wax figures on the fourth floor.

You can find Sherlock Holmes' modern home on London's Baker Street. Near the museum there is a metro station of the same name with the street.

The largest gallery in the UK

All the best paintings in London are collected in one place - in the London National Gallery. There you can see paintings from all over Western Europe, from the 12th century to the 20th century.

Today the gallery is located in the north of Trafalgar Square.

In the new building of the gallery there are bars with excellent coffee. There you can buy books and posters at the souvenir shop. Guided tours with audio guides are organized for tourists.

One of the most famous streets

Piccadilly is mentioned more than once in numerous literary works. This street is the heart of Westminster. This avenue always looks lively, well-groomed and colorful.

The street got its name from a tailor who sewed piccadilly collars there..

This street has its own square and the Royal Academy. On both sides of Piccadilly, there are trendy cafes and interesting shops.

City, Thames and architecture

London's financial heart beats in the historic City district. It is there that the Tower, the Mary Ax skyscraper, and St. Paul's Cathedral are located.

City is a crazy combination of architectural styles. Old buildings there harmoniously coexist with modern new buildings.

Residential buildings are hard to find in the City; the London Stock Exchange, banks and offices are located there. City is an area created not for life, but for work.

The most fashionable area

It so happens that Soho is one of the most expensive and trendy parts of London. The area does not sleep even at night, it is there that the most reckless and extravagant parties are held.

In the 17th century, hunting grounds were located on the territory of modern Soho. It is believed that the name of the area came from the hunting cry "so-ho".

Soho has a huge number of bars. There is a gay quarter, as well as apartments where artists and creative bohemians love to live. Leicester Square Tube Station is adjacent to the area.

Fortress on the banks of the Thames

The Tower is a real old fortress on the north bank of the Thames. After the construction, the fortress served as a defensive structure, then it was a mint and even a zoo.

The Tower Towers are 30 meters high. The old fortress was built in 1078.

Today the Tower is the royal residence. There is a museum on the first floor of the fortress, where the iconic treasures of the British crown are exhibited. There is also an armory and a skating rink in the fortress, which is open from November until the end of winter.

London main bridge

The intricate construction of Tower Bridge is no less awe-inspiring than the views from its observation deck. When the bridge is raised for shipping, the pedestrian part of the structure remains intact.

Today there is a museum on the old bridge. Tower Bridge views London's finest cityscapes.

The bridge was commissioned in 1894. Since then, its 244 meter long structure has been used for traffic and pedestrian traffic.

Theater Globe

The old and famous Globus Theater holds performances and performances from April to October. The rest of the time there are guided tours.

The theater is a reconstruction of a 16th century theater building. The performances are shown there in natural light. The theater has no seating, and a thatched roof only partially covers half of the stage.

The Globe is located on Bankside Street. Despite its historical surroundings, there are always long queues at the box office.

Opera House of the Kings

Covent Garden is the opulent stronghold of the Royal Opera House in London. The royal ballet and the royal troupe perform there. The theater acquired the final architectural version in 1990.

The auditorium seats approximately 2,200 people. The ballet of this theater is patronized by the Queen herself, and the cast is looked after by the Prince of Wales..

Covent Garden is located at Covent Garden Piazza. You can get to it by buses numbered 9, 13, 153 from Piccadilly Street.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is not only a beautiful place to relax, but also a junction for many types of transport. It is on this square that the country's main Christmas tree is lit annually.

The square is named after the victory at Trafalgar. An event happened in 1805.

This historic square is home to many interesting and unusual sights. Charing Cross metro station is located nearby.

The best place to shop for groceries

The best quality and freshest food in London is only in the Borough Market building. The best chefs of the capital's fashionable restaurants buy there for themselves, not for their own business. This indicates the excellent quality of the farm produce at the Borough Market.

The oldest market in London has been operating since the 13th century. It sells ready-made meals made according to family recipes and the freshest meat, as well as fish, milk, cheeses and other gastronomic delights..

Truly English food is available on Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and Saturday. Trading in the market starts at 9 am and informally ends at 3 pm. London Bridge station is located next to the market. From the metro, to get to the market, you have to walk for 10 minutes.

The oldest zoo in the world

Londoners can be proud to be the very first to offer visitors a trip to the excellent zoo, aquarium, insectarium and serpentarium.

The world's first zoo appeared in Great Britain in 1828. Today it contains more than 16 thousand animals..

The oldest zoo was founded by Thomas Raffles. It is located in central London, next to Regent's Park tube station.

Skyscraper for the Olympic Games

The glass skyscraper Shard was erected in 2012 before the start of the Olympic Games. The height of the skyscraper is 309 meters. Floors in the building 72.

From the 68th to the 72nd floor, the Shard turns into a giant observation deck.

A high-speed elevator takes tourists up to the top of the skyscraper. In 2012, Shard was considered the tallest European skyscraper. The shard is located at 32 London Bridge Street.

Chinatown in London

Chinatown is a small metropolitan area with a predominantly Chinese population. The Chinese have lived in the area since Hong Kong was a British colony.

The Chinese region is very vibrant and colorful. There is an Asian atmosphere and some of the best Chinese food in London.

Today the area has evolved into a restaurant and shopping option. There are few Chinese residents who own apartments there, but shops and cafes can be found in abundance.

Regent's Park and its beauties

The classic royal park in the English style was born thanks to Henry VIII's passion for hunting. Smooth alleys, geometric flower beds and a standard set of trees do not make this park boring, but rather give it an aristocratic charm.

A beautiful lake and 400 varieties of roses are a real highlight of the park.

Regent's Park opens unusually early - at 5 am. There is a place for walking and relaxing until late at night. There is a metro station with the same name next to it.

Highgate cemetery

A sad and beautiful landmark is the resting place of many famous Londoners. The cemetery began to operate in the Victorian era. It was originally built up with Gothic tombs.

Several centuries ago, Londoners believed that a vampire could be found in this cemetery at night. The surroundings of this place are a bit ominous, but they are especially dark in beauty. There is a cemetery at Swain's Ln.

Cathedral of all saints

All Saints' Temple in London is over 1,500 years old. This impressive structure is located in the center of the capital, and pleases the eye with its dissimilarity to modern buildings.

The church was built in 675. Before this period, there was a settlement of the Romans.

Brass engravings and Roman mosaics on the floor harmoniously combine the different styles of the church throughout its history. Wooden statues from the fifteenth century will be especially interesting for tourists, because it is difficult to imagine that a tree can retain its appearance for so long. The temple is located in the City next to Tower Bridge.

Theater of one play