1) Big Ben
5) St Paul's Cathedral
2) Buckingham Palace
6) Tower Bridge
3) Hyde Park
7) Tower of London
4) Piccadilly Cirkus
8) Trafalgar Square
9) Westminster Abbey
Big Ben
One of London's most recognised landmarks, Big Ben is the clock tower of the
Houses of Parliament. Strictly speaking Big Ben was the name given to the 13 ton
Great Bell of Westminster. Over time the name has stuck with both St Stephen's
Tower and the clock itself.
There are several theories behind how the name Big ben was conceived. Some
believe it got its name from the heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt.
However it is more likely to have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall the
Commissioner of Works. According to the story, the first Big Ben bell was complete
before the tower was finalised. While the bell was kept in New Palace Yard it
cracked and had to be replaced. Big Ben is in fact the second Bell to have been
placed inside the famous clock tower. Big Ben's famous deep chimes can be heard
daily on BBC radio.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the offical London home of the sovereign since it was
built by the first Duke of Buckingham between 1701 and 1705.
In the early 19th century, King George IV had had enough with his London home
and ordered for it to be knocked down and rebuilt from scratch. However when
parliament failed to agree with his wishes it was decided that Buckingham Palace
should be rebuilt. It became the official residence of Queen Victoria in 1837 and is
today used as both a home and office by the present Queen, Elizabeth II.
Today, the palace is the setting for "The Changing of the Guard" ceremony which is
held in days throughout the year.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the world's most famous parks, situated in the heart of central
London. As well as being the largest park in London, it is a wonderful open space to
relax favoured by tourists and Londoners alike. Covering just under 400 acres, Hyde
Park is divided up into a series of sections ranging from the Serpentine to
Kensington
Gardens.
Hyde Park is the setting for many outdoor concerts during the summer months which
have recently included the G8 Live Aid concert in 2005.
London is blessed with a series of royal parks, rare for a city of its size. Hyde Park is
just one of many parks in and around London making this one of the greenest cities
in the world.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus, at the heart of the West End in London, is the meeting point of
some of London's most famous streets. Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury
Avenue all lead off from Piccadilly Circus with its brightly coloured lights.
At the centre of Piccadilly Circus is the equally famous Eros statue, a popular
location for visitors to take their photographs. Unknown to most, the Eros statue is in
fact not the Greek god of love but a memorial to the Earl of Shaftesbury, a
philanthropist who did much good in the area.
Behind Piccadilly Circus are a variety of well known sights, including London's China
town and Leicester Square where London's film premieres take place throughout the
year.
St Paul's Cathedral
The immense dome of St Paul's cathedral has stood above the London skyline for
almost 300 years, an emblem of London's pride and courage. The cathedral, also
known as the London Cathedral, was the masterpeice of the architect Sir
Christopher Wren. The present building is the latest in a series of churches to have
occupied this site.
Christopher Wren was commissioned by King Charles II to construct a model for a
replacement cathedral following the Great Fire of London in 1666. This fire had burnt
down most of the city of London. In 1675, Wren's third model was approved. St
Paul's cathedral was completed in 1710, and is the fifth religious structure to have
stood on this site (the first was a Roman temple dedicated to the Goddess Diana).
St Paul's Cathedral has been the setting for many famous events over the years,
most notably it has been the location for the royal wedding of Charles, Prince of
Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.
Tower Bridge
Built between 1886 and 1894, Tower Bridge is another colossus of the London
skyline. One of London's most popular sightseeing locations, Tower Bridge is the
only of the London bridges that can allow the passage of ships underneath it, by
opening its bascules. The spectaular towers are floodlit at night to give an awe
inspiring atmosphere and some of the most beautiful views of all of London City and
the
surrounding
areas.
The south tower contains The Tower Bridge Museum where among other things, the
original Victorian steam-driven machinery which was used to raise and lower the
bridge, can be found.
The Tower Bridge Experience is also found here. This is an extensive exhibition
demonstrating the history of the bridge in the form of film and holograms.
The tour consists of interactive displays, models- you can even say hello to the
ghost of Sir Horace Jones, the architect who died shortly after the foundation work
began. Undoubtedly the highlight of the Tower Bridge Experience is the view from
the upper walkway, a perfect spot to take photographs. The tour ends in the engines
rooms where the original steam pumps can still be seen.
Tower of London
The Tower of london has always been a popular attraction in London. In fact it has
been fascinating visitors for over 300 years!
The tower itself was built in the reign of William the Conqueror and has been a
prison, a place of execution and even a jewel house. It was through Traitors' Gate
that prisoners would enter the Tower for the last time before facing their death.
Tower Hill, found just outside the Tower, was once a popular place for executionsespecially on a Sunday!
Today the Tower houses, among other things, the Crown Jewels and the Royal
Armouries. Ravens circle the tour during the day and Yeoman Warders in Tudor
regalia guard the Tower.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square was laid out in the 1820's in memory of the british naval hero,
Admiral Nelson, who's column dominates the square. Lord Nelson died in the battle
of Trafalgar against Napoleon.
Trafalgar Square is always at the centre of London's celebrations and is a well
known public meeting place.
Around the area of Trafalgar Square are the National Gallery and the beautiful St
Martin's in the Fields.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey, situated by Parliament Square in the centre of London is
regarded as the House of Kings. The Abbey has been the setting for the coronation
of almost every king and queen of England since the time of William the Conqueror.
Westminster Abbey is an active Church of England Cathedral, with religious
ceromonies held throughout the week. As well as being the place for Coronations,
the Abbey is a famous burial place for some of England's best know monarchs,
including Henry VII and Elizabeth I.
The Abbey also has memorials to some of England's most highly regarded writers
over the centuries in an area known as Poets Corner. At the back of the Abbey is
also the Westminster school.
Visitors can sightsee inside the Abbey during specified hours during the day,
normally from 9:30am until 1:30pm or 3:30pm. Tickets are Ł10 per adult.