There’s plenty to see and do in London England, yet it would be impossible to experience everything in just a few days or weeks.
Londoners value strong neighborhood connections; London’s combination of location, housing stock and local amenities creates numerous microcosmic urban environments, which residents love discussing among themselves. Residents eagerly discuss nuances unique to their districts.
1. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square has long been a key public space, hosting everything from political demonstrations and rallies to Christmas tree lightings and New Year festivities. Nelson’s Column stands as its centerpiece – it stands 169-feet (30.6 meters). Protected by four bronze lion statues and surrounded by magnificent buildings such as the National Gallery.
The Square was originally the royal stabling area for Whitehall Palace (now part of which forms part of the National Gallery). John Nash began clearing it out as part of his Charing Cross Improvement Scheme, though not until Charles Barry took over following Nash’s death did the final phase take place.
Today, the Square is a vibrant hub of activity and provides an ideal spot for people watching. Additionally, each year a special Christmas Tree made of Norwegian Spruce pine needles commemorates Britain’s strong relationship with Norway.
2. Camden Market
Camden Market is an exquisite shopping and food stall haven with thousands of shops and food stalls to explore, plus a number of live music venues and pubs for entertainment purposes.
Market areas tend to be bustling and congested, particularly on weekends. To get the best experience and avoid crowds, it is wise to consult a local guide when visiting this part of town. They can give invaluable insider tips while keeping crowds away.
Camden is known for its alternative vibe and attracts teenagers of all ages, particularly teens. The area was home to Amy Winehouse when she resided there before moving to London; her bronze statue can be found near North Yard and Stables Market. Visitors will also discover quirky shops specializing in jewelry, art and accessories as well as eco-friendly materials used for manufacturing purposes – making Camden an environmentally responsible shopping destination!
3. The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the world’s premier and most extensive museums. Its collections illustrate and document human culture’s development over 2 million years on Earth.
Established by Act of Parliament in 1753, the museum initially contained Sir Hans Sloane’s collection of antiquities, manuscripts, books and natural history specimens. Later his collections were joined by those assembled by Sir Robert Cotton and the 1st Earl of Oxford who assembled Cottonian and Harleian libraries respectively.
Britain’s oldest and best-known museum can be found in Bloomsbury in the heart of London. Within its striking neoclassical building you will find everything from Egyptian mummies to Easter Island moais; an incredible library full of wonders visited annually by approximately 6 million visitors.
4. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of Her Majesty the Queen and overtook St James’s Palace as her main London home in 1837. As such, it serves as the venue for numerous state occasions as well as being a focal point for national commemorations or sorrows.
Built as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705, St James’s Palace became King George III and Queen Charlotte’s family home – they raised 14 of their 15 children here while St James’s played more of an official function.
Today, Buckingham Palace boasts 775 rooms and 19 State Rooms and is situated within a 39-acre private garden. Perhaps most renowned is Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard ceremony which occurs every morning during summer and alternate days thereafter; an iconic display of military precision and historical ritual.
5. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s most iconic public squares, frequently being compared to Times Square in New York. Situated within London’s bustling West End area, this famous junction is known for its large electronic advertising display as well as being home to various landmarks including London Pavilion and Criterion Theatre.
Piccadilly Circus takes its name from two sources – Piccadilly Hall (a local tailor’s house) and Latin for circle or ring (circulum). Bulb-lit advertisements first began appearing at this intersection in 1908; electric billboards followed shortly thereafter in 1923.
Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain was completed in 1893 as a tribute to the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury; its winged statue has become popularly known as Eros, though sculptor Alfred Gilbert initially intended for it to represent Anteros (Greek god of unrequited love). Additionally, giant video displays light up the square throughout the night for added illumination.
6. Westminster Abbey
Location for coronations, state funerals and royal weddings.
Since Edward the Confessor built his palace there in 1040s, Westminster has become the center of power, religious buildings and power politics ever since then. A monastery was later established nearby which relocated in 13th century into what eventually became Westminster Abbey.
After William the Conqueror used it for his coronation following his victory in 1066, Westminster Church has gained national significance ever since. Every subsequent British monarch has been crowned here (except Edward V and VIII who abdicated). When visiting London today, heads of state usually lay flowers on Unknown Warrior’s grave nearby and pay their respects at Poets’ Corner; an area dedicated to commemorating some of England’s great writers as well as scientists such as scientists associated with Bronte sisters memorialization.
7. The London Eye
London is defined by its river, the Thames. This powerful waterway defines both London’s identity and sense of scale; it marks a mediaeval boundary, while also creating a Green Belt to halt further expansion.
The London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel or simply “the Eye”) is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, standing at 135m tall. Featuring 32 capsules representing each of London’s boroughs – each of which can hold up to 25 people or 11 double decker buses – Capsule 13 has been left out due to superstitious beliefs.
London hosts more live comedy than any other city worldwide, from young performers in pubs to the likes of Chris Rock and Steve Coogan at major arenas. Additionally, London dominates UK visual arts scene with over 192 museums including British Museum as well as 14,000 artists living and working within its boundaries.
8. The Tower of London
The Tower of London is an ancient medieval fortress and royal palace complex built as a stronghold by William the Conqueror in 1078 and expanded over subsequent monarchs, eventually housing England’s Crown Jewels, museums, chapels, military barracks and barracks for military use until early 19th century.
During times of war, the Tower of London served as a prison for enemies of the state who were held for execution; notable inmates included Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh and Guy Fawkes.
The Tower of London is protected by a moat and guarded by Yeomen Warders – internationally-recognized symbols of London. These warders were once part of King Henry VIII’s royal bodyguard who traveled with him as part of his protection team.
9. The London Dungeon
The London Dungeon is a terrifying underground experience that provides visitors with a terrifying peek into British history’s darkest events. Established in 1974 as an interactive attraction under Tooley Street railway arches, this once free-flow attraction later transformed into an actor-led live tour featuring terrifying shows such as Great Fire of London and Jack the Ripper.
Tours culminate with a visit to the Tavern where an engaging storyteller recounts tales about famous figures such as Guy Fawkes and Sweeney Todd, as well as experiencing Drop Dead – an exhilarating faster-than-gravity drop ride!
Kitsch? Possibly, but millennials love it and the London Dungeon is often seen as the precursor of many of today’s “experiences”, such as crazy golf courses and rooftop cinemas. Although largely considered tourist traps, this landmark does have many merits that make it worth seeing for itself.
10. The British Library
The British Library (BL) is one of the world’s foremost research libraries. With a collection of over 150 million items in various languages spanning books, music scores, maps, manuscripts, newspapers, patents databases drawings stamps and prints.
The British Library (BL) is committed to providing access to materials on peoples’ cultural heritage, and has implemented services designed around this principle such as cataloguing, referral schemes and workshops for public libraries.
The British Library (BL) is expanding its outreach activities, particularly within the North East of England. Their Reaching the Regions project involves local authorities and libraries partnering together with NEMLAC as part of this partnership aimed at closing any gap between its world class resources and those in North East of England, and helping build local research cultures within regions like this one.