Exploring London's Sites

With such a wide variety of things to see and do, it is no wonder that the city of London is the top travel destination for 2015. With many iconic sites to visit such as Big Ben, Parliament House, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye, the is never a dull moment.

Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye

The Tower of London and Tower Bridge

The Tower of London has a long history, a place which fulfilled many different roles throughout history. From palace, private zoo, treasure vault to prison, this world heritage site offers insight into England's rich history. Inside the massive White Tower, is the 17th-century Line of Kings, built by William the Conqueror, with its remarkable displays of royal armaments and armour. Other highlights include the famous Crown Jewels exhibition, the Royal Mint, and exhibits about the executions that took place on the grounds. The adjacent Tower Bridge, its two huge towers rising 61 meters above the River Thames, is one of London's best-known landmarks.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of the royal family since Queen Victoria's accession. Drawing crowds each day at 11:30am, the Changing of the Guard is the post popular display of pomp and circumstance. This colourful and free display of precision marching and music also takes place at St James's Palace where you can follow the band along The Mall as they march between sites. When the Queen is home, the flag will fly at royal standard. When she is away however, the Palace is open for tours of the State Rooms, the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews.

Changing of the Guard

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is one of Europe's most popular palaces, once home to King Henry VIII. It is believed that two of his six wives haunt the palace. Other features include the Clock Court dating from 1540, the State Apartments with their Haunted Gallery, the Chapel, the King's Apartments and the Tudor tennis court. The many gardens and the infamous maze are well worth a visit.

For those interested in art, London's National Gallery ranks among the top museums in the world, with its greatest strengths in its 15th and 16th century collections of Dutch Masters and Italian Schools. Others might take interest in the South Kensington-based group of museums which includes the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. 

Picadilly Circus

For those interested in shopping, Picadilly and Oxford shopping is the place to be, with shops lining the streets. The Covent Gardens encompasses shops and restaurants as well, lined with specialty shops and kiosks selling everything from fine handcrafts to tacky souvenirs.

Hyde park  covers 350 acres, London's largest open space featuring a man-made lake, the Serpentine, erected in the 18th century and a popular place for boating and swimming. Apsley House is also found in the park, a museum which was the former home of the first Duke of Wellington and purchased after his famous victory at Waterloo. 

Hyde Park