London's most important and popular attractions. The main attractions of London: photos with names and descriptions. Tussauds and wax figures in London

London is enough Old city. It was formed by the ancient Romans in 43 BC. e. and named it 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. This was the first metro in the world. At one of the stations there is still a wooden escalator. The advanced solutions of British engineers in many areas are impressive.

The first thing that catches your eye is the double-decker buses and red telephone booths, and a lot of cyclists. And road traffic lives by its own rules, different from our world. The large number of gardens and parks is pleasantly impressive. Many museums and galleries open their doors completely free of charge.

Cricket and horse polo, golf, boxing are the most popular entertainments of the British. And the rowing regatta on the Thames is my favorite sport.

London is full of beer pubs and cozy cafes. People here traditionally eat oatmeal in the morning and love pudding and oven-baked meat.

The modern city seems to be living in a real fairy tale. It’s hard to imagine it without Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth, princes, and princesses. Whole crowds gather to watch the ceremony of changing the guard of the court guards. It's hard to imagine London without Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes and Baker Street. London is Westminster Abbey, the Tower, which remembers the history of the city in the smallest detail. London is home to everyone's favorite Beatles, Deep Purple, Sting.

Sights of London - PHOTO

The 900-year-old fortress remembers almost the entire history of England. IN different time it had to be the residence of kings, a prison, a zoo. On its territory there was a mint and a treasury. Now it's unique museum complex. In addition to medieval architecture and interiors, ancient traditions and ceremonies have been preserved here; old legends and prophecies are still revered. And the court ravens, which have become a symbol of the castle, have received official permission since the reign of Charles II. They also say that in the halls of the castle you can meet the ghost of Anne Boleyn, or some other monarch who was beheaded in the Tower.

Nearest hotels: Tower of London

St. Peter's Church in Westminster and St. Margaret's Church are strictly Gothic in style. It took several centuries for the masterpiece of architectural thought to become what it is now. Thin, graceful towers, rushing upward, amaze with their elegance and simultaneous severity. The 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, and Jewelry, unique tapestries, works of art, a working organ. The main Anglican church is closely associated with the royal court. Almost all coronations of English monarchs took place here, starting from 1066. The Abbey preserves the history of all of England, color is buried here English nation- from kings to scientists and poets.

Nearest hotels:

In the halls of the museum you can easily see a cat in uniform - this is a museum employee and the keeper of rarities, of which there are countless numbers. To see all the exhibitions you need to spend 3-4 days; its area is 6 hectares. The museum has a lot to be proud of. The richest collection of Egyptian antiquities is located in London. The gallery stretches almost 92 m. Here you can see the Rosetta Stone, thanks to which it was possible to read ancient writings, a huge number of household items, luxury items, and a collection of mummies. Quite widely represented ancient history Greece, Rome, a large collection of art objects from Africa and Asia.

Hotels near the British Museum

In August and September, the Royal Palace is open to tourists, and being a “guest” of the crowned person is an unforgettable personal holiday. The fairy tale begins with the royal gates and the guard ceremony. The halls of the palace invite you to view the queen’s personal collection, including works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Michelangelo, Vermeer, a collection of porcelain, and antique furniture. There are 775 rooms in total. A tour of the royal stables costs £8, where you can see the golden carriage, the transparent wedding carriage and, if you're lucky, the royal horses.

Hotels and inns:

The Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames is capable of lifting 800 people at a time to a height of 135 meters. It was dubbed the London Eye because from here the entire city is at a glance, and can be seen for 40 km around. Each capsule weighs 10 tons and is equipped with a seat and a 4D cinema. The creators equipped the wheel with unique lighting, and in the dark the light show will bring many pleasant moments.

Hotels near the Ferris wheel

The Big Ben clock tower has become not only a symbol of London, but of the whole of Great Britain. It was built in 1859. Big bell Behind the clock is Big Ben and gave the tower its name. 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 complex clock mechanism. Masters constantly monitor not only the gears - temperature, 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. Prince Edward of Wales and his wife attended the opening ceremony. An advanced development for that time made it possible to raise the bridge in just 1 minute. In addition to stairs, elevators were installed inside the towers. This made it possible for residents to cross the Thames even while ships were passing. Currently, in the bridge's galleries there are exhibitions dedicated to the history of the bridge; in the towers you can explore the Victorian rooms, go down to the engine room of the bridge and look at the lifting mechanisms. Tower Bridge itself is an excellent viewing platform. From here you can take great shots. It is very beautiful at night with garlands of lighting.

Hotels near Tower Bridge

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 as a tribune, defending the most unusual ideas. Parades and processions and city festivals are held in the park. On the territory of the park there is an artificial lake in the shape of a snake - the Serpentine, a gallery of modern art. There are trails for horse riding. Sometimes an unusual cemetery is opened for tourists, where pets are buried.

Hotels near

In the center of the square stands a 40 m long column of General Nelson. Cast lions stand around her and fountains gush out. 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 they set main tree country, which is always sent as a token of gratitude by the Norwegians for their help during World War II. Until recently, Trafalgar Square could be called Pigeon Square. There were up to 35 thousand birds here at the same time. Due to the fact that cleaning the area became a big problem, the city authorities officially banned feeding and grooming animals.

Hotels and inns near Trafalgar Square

10. St. Paul's Cathedral

Under the dome of this cathedral there are three unusual galleries - stone, golden and the gallery of whispers. 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 unique landmark of London. There are 17 bells in the church bell tower. Brass music concerts often take place here. Interior decoration The cathedral was transformed in 1860. The parishioners established a special fund for the needs of the cathedral. Today, the interiors of the church impress with mosaic masterpieces, openwork grilles, and sculptures. Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married here.

Nearest hotels: St. Pauls Cathedral

London is, of course, called the place where the heart of Great Britain beats. In this multimillion-dollar city of luxury and British traditions you can find a huge variety of attractions that can outshine other historical relics of the world. Let's take a closer look at them.

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 home to both houses of the British Parliament.

Big Ben is considered a real pearl of London architecture. The tower got its name thanks to the bell located in it. This bell strikes every hour, notifying Londoners of the time.

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

Big Ben is still one of the largest clockworks in the world. His work began in 1859. For safety reasons, excursions to Big Ben are not available for a wide range of visitors, but it is still possible to explore the tower up close.

History London Museum

In 1753 Parliament approved the founding of the British Museum. Its 94 galleries with exhibitions are dedicated to history and archaeology. The institution received its main collections from Count Harley, doctor Sloan and antique dealer Cotton.

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

Colonial Britain, Africa and the East are only a small part of the areas in which the museum exhibits. There are many Greek relics and other European antiquities there. Russell Square tube station is located next to the museum.

Current Queen's Palace

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

Buckingham Palace complex 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 the garden is 20 hectares.

Tours of the palace are offered in August and September. The changing of the guard in front of the palace is an entertainment available to tourists at any time of the year. Near the palace there is the St James Park metro station.

Westminster and its history

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

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

There are a huge number of “royal” attractions near Westminster. Near the former abbey there is now a metro station of the same name.

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 stand behind a special platform to speak out. The only restrictions during the performance may be swear words and calls for violence, but you can speak publicly on any topic.

The park area includes the Serpentine Lake. You are 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 for the millennium

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

The London Eye service is located at top level. You can order champagne and strawberries there. It is also possible to rent a cabin for two.

The revolution of the 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 French woman 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 on Marylebone Rd. In this establishment, visitors are greeted at the entrance 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 the house, the number of which is determined as 239. Thanks to concessions from the authorities, this house was nevertheless assigned the number from the books of Arthur Conan Doyle 221b.

The museum building on three floors houses Holmes and Watson's rooms reconstructed from the books, as well as Mrs. Hudson's apartments. On the fourth floor there is an exhibition of wax figures.

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

The largest gallery in the UK

All the best painting in London is collected in one place - in the London National Gallery. There you can look at paintings from all over Western Europe, starting from the 12th century and ending with the 20th century.

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

The new gallery building has bars with excellent coffee. There you can buy books and posters in the souvenir shop. Excursions with audio guides are organized for tourists.

One of the most famous streets

Piccadilly Circus 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 thanks to a tailor who sewed piccadilly collars there..

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

City, Thames and architecture

London's financial heart beats in the historic City. This is where the Tower, the Mary Ax skyscraper, and St. Paul's Cathedral are located.

City is a crazy combination architectural styles. Antiquity there harmoniously coexists with modern new buildings.

It is difficult to find residential buildings in the City; the London Stock Exchange, banks and offices are located there. The City is an area created not for living, but for working.

The most fashionable area

It so happens that Soho is one of the most expensive and fashionable parts of London. The area does not sleep even at night; this is where the most reckless and extravagant parties are held.

In the 17th century, the territory of modern Soho was a hunting ground. It is believed that the name of the area came from the hunting call “so-ho”.

Soho has a huge number of bars. There is a gay quarter, as well as apartments where artists and creative bohemians like to live. Leicester Square tube station is located next to the area.

Fortress on the banks of the Thames

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

The height of the Tower towers is 30 meters. The ancient fortress was built in 1078.

Today the Tower is a royal residence. On the ground floor of the fortress there is a museum where iconic treasures of the British crown are exhibited. The fortress also has an armory and an ice skating rink, open from November until the end of winter.

London's Main Bridge

The complex design of Tower Bridge is no less admirable than the views from its observation deck. When the bridge is opened for navigation, the pedestrian part of the structure remains intact.

Today there is a museum on the ancient bridge. Tower Bridge offers the best city views of London.

The bridge was put into operation in 1894. Since then, its 244-meter-long structure has been used for traffic and pedestrian movement.

Theater Globe

The old and famous Globe Theater hosts performances from April to October. The rest of the time there are excursions there.

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

The Globe is located on Bankside Street. Despite its historical surroundings, the lines at the ticket office are always long.

Opera House of the Kings

Covent Garden is the luxurious stronghold of the Royal Opera House in London. The Royal Ballet and the Royal Troupe perform there. The theater acquired its final architectural design in 1990.

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

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

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is not only a nice place for recreation, but also an interchange for many types of transport. It is on this square that the country's main Christmas tree is lit every year.

The square is named after the victory at Trafalgar. The event took place in 1805.

In this historical square There are many interesting and unusual sights. Charing Cross Underground station is located nearby.

Best place to buy groceries

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

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

Truly English products can be purchased on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as on Friday and Saturday. Trading at the market begins at 9 am and unofficially ends at 3 pm. London Bridge station is located next to the market. To get to the market from the metro you will have to walk 10 minutes.

The oldest zoo in the world

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

The world's first zoo appeared in Great Britain in 1828. Today it houses 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 Shard glass skyscraper was erected in 2012 before the start of Olympic Games. The height of the skyscraper is 309 meters. There are 72 floors in the building.

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

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

Chinatown in London

Chinatown is a small metropolitan area inhabited primarily by Chinese families. Chinese have lived in the area since Hong Kong was a British colony.

The Chinese area is very bright and colorful. It has an Asian atmosphere and sells the best Chinese food in London.

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

Regent's Park and its beauty

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

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

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

Highgate Cemetery

The sad and beautiful landmark is the resting place of many famous Londoners. The cemetery began operating in the Victorian era. Initially it was built up with Gothic tombs.

Several centuries ago, Londoners believed that it was quite possible to meet a vampire in this cemetery at night. The ambience of this place is a little sinister, but has a special gloomy beauty. The cemetery is located on Swain's Ln.

All Saints Cathedral

All Saints Church in London is over 1500 years old. This impressive building is located in the center of the capital, and pleases the eye with its difference from modern buildings.

The church was built in 675. Before this period, there was a Roman settlement there.

Brass engravings and Roman mosaics on the floor harmoniously connect the different stylistic eras that this church has experienced throughout its history. Wooden statues of the fifteenth century will be of particular interest to tourists, because it is difficult to imagine that a tree can retain its appearance for so long. The temple is located in the City near Tower Bridge.

One play theater

In addition to theaters with a regularly updated repertoire, there is a theater in London that shows only one musical, The Lion King. "Lyceum" is a place where one aforementioned play has been collecting full halls spectators. The theater building, listed as a British heritage site, is located on Wellington Street. A visit to this place will be an excellent finale to your sightseeing tour of London. Especially if you traveled around London with children.

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 is one of the leading financial centers on the planet.

Piccadilly Circus, 1946

City `s history

Starting point history of the creation of the city of London It is generally accepted that it appeared 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 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 were noted at the beginning of the 7th century. Over the next few centuries, the city was alternately ruled by the Normans (Vikings) and the Anglo-Saxons.

In 1066, the army of the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, landed on the British Isles. Having defeated the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings, he was crowned the first English king in London's new building, Westminster Abbey. Then a royal residence was built in the city, later called the Tower, the Palace of Westminster and a stone bridge. Over the next few 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 survived a brief French invasion, a plague in 1348 that wiped out half the population, and the sack of rebellious 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 mistress of the seas.

The next blow to the city was dealt by a huge fire in 1666, which destroyed many medieval buildings. Burnt Cathedral of St. St. Paul's was restored at the beginning of the 18th century, then iconic buildings were erected - Westminster Bridge and Buckingham Palace. The railway, the first subway (in 1863) and, especially, the sewerage system (in 1865), which put an end to cholera outbreaks, gave a new impetus to the development of the city. Industrialization turned London into a major industrial center, and the population exceeded 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 is characterized by large immigration from the former colonies of the British Empire. And already in the 21st 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 main classical architectural and historical landmarks of London relate.

• Westminster.
• Tower.
• Cathedral of St. Pavel.
• British museum.

Tomb of Elizabeth I

Westminster

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

• royal residence - Buckingham Palace;
• parliament sitting in the Palace of Westminster;
• Westminster Abbey;
• Trafalgar Square.

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

The parade of the Horse Guards and the colorful ceremony of changing the guard takes place daily from 11 a.m. They were observed by almost everyone who visited London. But few of them saw 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 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket price: 16.5 GBP (pound 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 gates of which the queen passes to deliver the throne speech in parliament. Other traditions are also respected. Thus, the Lord Chancellor still sits on a woolsack, and parliamentarians who address the Speaker must wear hats. Get to Palace of Westminster The easiest way 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 structure rival in splendor. The cathedral is the site of coronations and burials of British kings. In the "Poets' Corner" there are graves (not always real) of famous Englishmen - Newton, Dickens, Shakespeare, Thackeray, Milton, Chaucer, Burns, Handel and others.

Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton

You can visit the cathedral for 20 GBP from 9:30 to 16:30, on Wednesday - until 19:00, and on Saturday - until 14:30. Services are held for parishioners on Sunday. The nearest metro stations are St James's Park or Westminster.

London's central square was named after the victory English fleet battles near Cape Trafalgar. On a high column in the center is a 5-meter figure of the battle hero Admiral Nelson. There are beautiful sculptures and fountains around the statue. In the corner of the square is a model of the ship on which the admiral was mortally wounded. And all London distances are measured from the monument to King Charles I. Near the square there are Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square underground stations.

The traditional poppy field in front of the fortress walls

Other attractions

The palace and fortress in London's Tower Hamlets are 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 they have seen ghosts of executed people here. The current Tower is a royal treasury, an armory and a residence for elite guests. The building's guards, dressed in luxurious uniforms, act as guides and living 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 to 16:30–17:30 (depending on the season), and on Sunday and Monday from 10 o’clock. Regular entry tickets cost 25 GBP.

Eastern part of the Cathedral

Cathedral of St. Pavla is located in the City area. The structure was built according to the design of the architect Christopher Wren from 1675 to 1710. Outside, the attention of tourists is attracted by the grandiose triple dome 120 m high. Many amazing things can be seen inside - columns breaking off to the ceiling, a false second floor, the famous Gallery of Whispers, heard within a radius of 30 m, the best English organ. In the right tower there is the main bell “Big Paul”, the sound of which carries for 37 km. Two outstanding 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 Sundays reserved for services. The ticket costs 14.5 GBP.

Many are interesting London museums. The most famous is, has been in operation since 1753. The geography of its 7 million exhibits is incomparably broader than its name. In chapter Ancient Egypt The Rosetta Stone and the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II stand out. In the ancient Greek exhibition you can see, in particular, the Parthenon marble slabs. The museum can be visited from 10 to 17:30 for free. And you can get there by getting off at the Russell Square, Holborn metro stations, or by buses No. 7, 55, 19, 22b, 8, 38, 25, 98.

Museum building and queue to enter

Private museums

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

To visit the museum, open from 10 to 17:30, you need to purchase a ticket for 28.8 GBP. 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 still arrive. Now this apartment has also been transferred to the museum located nearby - in building 239. The museum, open from 10:30 to 18 hours, can be visited by paying 6 GBP. Directions: take the metro to Baker Street.

City Hall lobby

Modern architecture

In the current century, several buildings in the post-modern style have been built in London. Modern London architecture causes a lot of controversy. Supporters consider these buildings new attractions, while opponents say they spoil the architectural appearance of the city. Two buildings were built according to the designs of one of the founders of the high-tech style, architect Norman Foster. Unusual shape He explains his buildings by environmental considerations.

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

Mary Ax Tower

Another of Foster's creations is a 40-storey tower in the City, opened in 2004. The Gherkin's grid-like structure has a maximum width of 57m at the 17th floor, tapering to 25m at the very top. Green glass panels allow sunlight to pass through freely, and the rounded design minimizes wind flows. A third of the building's glass panels are darkened, giving it a swirling effect. The nearest tube station is Aldgate. You can only get inside during Open House London in September.

The Shard skyscraper, 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 (“Shard of Glass”) fully reflects its appearance. The last 4 of the 72 floors are reserved for sky-high (literally) observation decks for visitors.

It is better to purchase tickets in advance, after checking the weather forecast: heavy clouds may interfere with distant viewing.

The nearest metro station is London Bridge, buses No. 43, 48, 141, 149, 521. Visiting hours are from 10 to 18, and on Thursday-Saturday - until 21 hours. Ticket price – 26 GBP.

Evening at Leicester Square

Things 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 among 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, then 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 (Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eaton Riverside). The city castle is one of royal residences. At 11 o'clock there is a changing of the guard. You can get inside from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. only if the royal family is not there. Price – 15 GBP.
• Canterbury (by train from St Pancras or Waterloo East stations), where the main Anglican temple, Canterbury Cathedral, is located. The entrance ticket costs 7 GBP.

All the main attractions of London. Big Ben and Tower, Abbey and Trafalgar Square. Even if you are a transit tourist and you have at least one free day, with or without a guide, you simply must see the main attractions of London. And we'll start with him business card and the main London attraction!

Big Ben Big Ben

The main attraction of London. In fact, Big Ben is the largest of the five bells in this tower, which is called the clock tower. Its appearance is familiar to everyone and you will undoubtedly want to see Big Ben first! Big is translated as big, and Ben is derived from the name Benjamin. Big Ben was built in 1858 by an English architect in the Gothic style. The height of Big Ben is just under 100 meters. The diameter of the world's largest four-sided striking clock is 7 meters. You can listen to the sound of the bells every 15 minutes, and Big Ben himself every hour. The sound of Big Ben is unique due to the fact that the bell cracked after 2 years of use, as a result of which a square cut was made in it to prevent the crack from spreading. The tower is part of the Houses of Parliament. Throughout London you can see many small towers similar in appearance to Big Ben. You can visit inside Big Ben. Entrance is open to tourists. Very beautiful pictures obtained in the morning, from Westminster Bridge at the tower and on the other side of the Thames directly on the embankment. On the way to the Abbey, do not forget to take a photo at the Churchill monument, which stands in the park opposite Big Ben.

Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey

One of the main attractions of London and the UK, of course, Westminster Abbey, is located a 2-minute walk from Big Ben. This St. Peter's Church is famous for being the traditional place for the coronation of British monarchs and the burial place of people of national importance. Queen Bloody Mary and her sister Elizabeth I, Mary Stuart, Edward the Confessor, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Lewis Carroll, Geoffrey Chausser, Charles Dickens, Friedrich Handel. Royal weddings also take place in Westminster Abbey. Construction of Westminster Abbey proceeded intermittently total 500 years old and was completed in 1745. The cathedral was built in the Gothic style. Ranked with world heritage. Its doors are open to tourists and you simply must go inside Westminster Abbey. Best time for visiting from 9:30 to 1:30 from Monday to Saturday. Paid entrance. If the queues are separated, then get in the left one, where you pay in cash, as it goes faster than the one on bank cards. Expect a 2 hour visit to Westminster Abbey. The ticket price includes a Russian audio guide. At the Abbey, if you ask, they can show you the oldest door in Britain, which was lined with the skin of the cathedral's only robber who was caught and executed. Perhaps this is a legend. Don't miss the museum, gardens and school at Westminster Abbey. On Sunday the Abbey is open for services, but not for tourist visits. If you are ready to stand for an hour or two, then in the evening you can enjoy the organ. The entrance is free. Before visiting, I also recommend reading about the Order of the Bath, whose chapel is located in the Abbey.

London Eye London Eye

Also, one of the main attractions of London - the London Eye - is the third highest in the world - 135 meters. The London Eye is located a five-minute walk from Big Ben. The 32 egg-shaped booths represent the 32 boroughs of London (not counting the City area). They, with the exception of the floor, are completely glass. The London Eye is usually open to the public from 10:00 to 8:30. In January, the London Eye is closed for half a month for maintenance. The time of one circle of the Ferris wheel is about 30 minutes including wheel stops. The cost of the pleasure may be less if you order a ticket via the Internet, but then it will be tied to the time of your visit. London Eye cabins are air-conditioned. After purchasing a ticket, to the left of the main ticket office is a room called 4D Experience. There, in a three-dimensional image, you will enjoy the views from the wheel, see Big Ben at a distance of five meters, and also feel the cold of the wind and snow on own body. A wonderful and free attraction lasts 5 minutes. The London Eye is also the traditional location for the London New Year's fireworks display. If you are afraid of heights or have a weak vestibular system, then the London Eye wheel will be comfortable for you, and less scary, since the London Eye is designed on cables and rotates very smoothly! And one more thing, I would like to add: if, nevertheless, you encounter a queue for the London Eye, spare no expense, pay at separate “Fast Track Tickets” ticket offices and also go to a separate, fast “Fast Track” queue. I recommend visiting the London Eye before lunch, when the sun illuminates the northern, most beautiful, part of London and then you will get the most the best photos against the backdrop of Big Ben. If you are planning to go to London attractions such as Madame Tussauds, Panic Room or the Aquarium, then buy combined tickets, as this is one company with the Ferris wheel.

Whitehall street

The street from which the British Prime Minister enters his home Whitehall street. Another undoubtedly important London landmark! Also a stone's throw from Big Ben. A little further are the barracks of the Horse Guards Regiment, where you can take pictures with horsemen or ceremoniously dressed guardsmen, at the clock, which was considered the main clock of London before Big Ben, at the site of the execution of King Charles I. The street is short and ends with another landmark of London - Trafalgar Square. Please note that the guards may "yell" and stamp their feet so that you jump while taking a photo next to them. Don't be alarmed. Don't touch them.

Trafalgar square

This landmark of London is its geographical center and the main square of London. In the center of Trafalgar Square stands a column in honor of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in Spain in 1805. The height of the Nelson column is just under 50 meters. Also in Trafalgar Square there are pedestals in the corners, three of which are permanent, and the fourth pedestal is a platform for contemporary artists. Trafalgar Square also hosts the celebration of Russian Maslenitsa. Two more landmarks of London rise above Trafalgar Square - the London National and Portrait Galleries. Look at the photo and find Big Ben in it. When you take photos, let Big Ben get into the frame!

Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace

The world famous landmark of London, the residence of the Queen of Great Britain in London is Buckingham Palace. When the Queen is at home, her flag (not the British flag! Completely different things!) is flown high above Buckingham Palace. At Buckingham Palace it will be interesting to watch the changing of the guard at 11:30 and actually get into Buckingham Palace itself. This London landmark is open to the public in August and September, and sometimes during other times when Her Majesty is away. Tickets cost from £19 to £65. The ticket price includes a Russian audio guide. The most famous Queen of Great Britain, Victoria, stands in the square in front of Buckingham Palace.

Tower Castle Tower of London

The main castle of Great Britain, and a landmark of London where the British Crown Treasures are kept. Tower Castle is the oldest stone residential building in London and the strongest medieval fortress in the world. Throughout history, Tower Castle has had several functions. Firstly, this is a fortress inside which there is a well and where the King could, and more than once, took refuge. The main reason for the construction of the castle in 1066 was to show the people the power of the founder of the Tower, William the Conqueror, who was crowned in Westminster Abbey that same year. Tower Castle is still the residence of the Royal Family. Since animals were a luxurious gift for kings in the Middle Ages, a zoo arose in Tower Castle soon after its founding, which only moved to its current location in Regent’s Park in 1832. The only inhabitants of the Tower Zoo who refused to move and still live in the castle are the Tower Ravens. However, on the territory of one of the main attractions of London you will encounter former inhabitants of Tower Zoo in the form of metal sculptures. For five hundred years, money was printed at Tower Castle. You can visit the Castle Mint on The Mint. There you can touch real gold with your hands to make coins. Tower Castle, above its famous Traitor Water Gate, houses a medieval palace with restored 13th-century interiors where Henry the Sixth, the founder of England's most famous boys' school, Eton College and Cambridge University, was assassinated. Since Tower Castle's walls are about four meters thick in some places, it was always difficult to get into it, but it was just as difficult to get out. For this reason, gunpowder was kept there to this day, and I consider this to be the main exhibit of Tower Castle. The royal treasury is located - the Safe with its famous second largest diamond in the world, the “Cullinan” diamond of 530 carats and the Crown British Empire. Also, due to its fortress, it became convenient to keep the most dangerous government prisoners in the Tower. And for this reason, there was a prison in the castle, but do not look for special cells, since the castle was not originally intended to have this function. What remains from those memories, however, are instruments of torture, a block and an ax. Also a chair with a bullet hole in the back after the last enemy executed on it during the Second World War. The ghost of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of the most famous King Henry the Eighth, haunts Tower Castle. Anne Boleyn was executed in Tower Castle and was buried there. But do not look for her grave; it is not accessible to the eyes of tourists. Anne Boleyn's Palace, the oldest surviving Tudor building dating back to Tudor times, is still guarded by Tower Guards. In addition to the guards in bearskin hats, you will also encounter the famous guardians and guides of Tower Castle, the Beefeaters. Beef is meat and Eater is an eater. Beefeaters are the King's guards who were allowed to eat meat from the King's table. You can take a photo with the Beefeaters - Tower guides. The central tower of Tower Castle houses one of the world's largest collections of weapons. The castle still hosts the world's oldest and shortest key ceremony at 10 p.m. You must register in advance. There is a café on the grounds of Tower Castle. It is better to visit the souvenir shop after visiting the Tower. It is located outside the castle grounds. Ticket offices are also outside the territory. It is best to go to the castle on weekdays and three hours before closing or before opening. You need to buy tickets in advance online and pick them up at a separate box office where there is no queue. The ticket price does not include a Russian audio guide. Next to Tower Castle is Tower Bridge.

Tower Bridge Tower Bridge

A relatively young landmark of London is Tower Bridge (just over 100 years old). Tower Bridge is the only drawbridge across the Thames in London. Most beautiful bridge that I've ever seen. For a fee you can go up to the upper level of Tower Bridge, where you will be shown a film (albeit on English language) about how Tower Bridge was built. Afterwards, you will be able to see the engine installation of Tower Bridge.

St. Paul's Cathedral

I highly recommend going to the next attraction in London - this Anglican Cathedral for the whole day. St. Paul's Cathedral or St. Paul's Cathedral was built in the very high point London 300 years ago and is the seat of the Bishop of London and one of the most visited attractions in London and the UK. After purchasing a ticket you will be given an audio guide. Language only English. You can climb above the large dome using the stairs. The cathedral has a restaurant and cafe. St. Paul's Cathedral is active. Buried at the bottom center are Admiral Horatio Nelson, who has a column in Trafalgar Square, and the Duke of Wellington.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is the most popular square among London attractions. Piccadilly Circus shines with neon advertisements, and in the center is a sculpture of Eros. In Piccadilly Circus there is one of the largest souvenir shops and 3 minutes away one of the largest bookstores, where there is a huge selection of Russian books.

Prince Albert Memorial Albert Memorial

This huge monument was erected in 1875 by his wife Victoria (the Queen of Great Britain whose monument stands at Buckingham Palace) and is more than 50 meters high. Every tourist goes to Kensington Park to take a photo here. Opposite the memorial, the Albert Hall was also built, where the Beatles performed more than once, but you will find information about it in the “Where to go” section.

New Scotland Yard New Scotland Yard

Greenwich Royal Observatory Royal Observatory

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