5 great London Tourist Attractions
I have lived near London for most of my life, and I still find new reasons to visit the city. But some attractions never get old – watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace still feels special, even after seeing it a dozen times. The Tower of London is endlessly fascinating, with layers of history from Norman conquest to Tudor executions to the glittering Crown Jewels. These five attractions are popular for good reason. If you are visiting London for the first time, start here.
London is a city with something for everyone – whether you’re interested in history, art, buildings, or just want to enjoy some scenic views. With so many options, it can be hard to decide which attractions to visit. Here are 5 can’t-miss tourist attractions in London.
1. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, and for good reason! As the primary residence of the British monarchy, the Palace offers visitors a glimpse into the world of royalty. There are several things worth doing here:
1. Take a tour of the State Rooms
One of the highlights of visiting Buckingham Palace is taking a tour of the 19 State Rooms. These rooms are used by The King and guests for official and state occasions. The tour gives visitors a chance to see where some of these historic events have taken place, as well as get a peek at some of the incredible art and furniture on display.
2. See the Changing of the Guard
Another one not to miss while visiting Buckingham Palace is the Changing of the Guard. This ceremonial event takes place at 11:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (schedules vary, so check the official Household Division website). Prepare to be impressed by the guards’ precision marching and make sure you arrive early to get a good spot.
3. Watch the Royal Mews at work
The Royal Mews is where all of the royal coaches and cars are kept, and it’s open to the public! Visitors can watch first-hand as the team of skilled professionals care for these magnificent animals and prepare the royal carriages for official engagements. Seeing the Royal Mews in action is a truly unique experience.
Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most popular attractions. It’s particularly worth visiting if you’re interested in the monarchy, but the Changing of the Guard is worth seeing regardless.
2. Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament are located on the banks of the River Thames in London. This iconic building is a top attraction for any visitor to London. Take a tour of this historic building and learn about the history and workings of the British government.
History of the Houses of Parliament
The original Palace of Westminster was built in the 11th century. It was destroyed by fire in 1834 and rebuilt between 1834 and 1868. The current buildings house the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, two of the three parts of the UK legislature (the other being the Monarch).
What happens in Parliament?
Both Houses debate and pass laws. The House of Commons is responsible for proposing new laws, while the House of Lords scrutinises legislation before it becomes law. In addition, both Houses question government ministers about their policies and activities.
How does Parliament work?
Parliament works on behalf of all UK citizens to hold the government to account and make laws that govern us all. Anyone can watch MPs, peers and committees at work in both Chambers and select committee meetings. Most debates take place in public, although some may be held in private if they involve sensitive topics such as national security.
Take a tour to learn about the history and workings of this iconic building and British government.
3. Tower of London
The Tower of London has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution over its 900-year history. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. Don’t miss seeing the Ravens while you’re there!
History
The Tower of London was begun by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a fortification against possible rebellions following his conquest of England in 1066. It served this purpose for many years, but it was also used as a royal palace from time to time. During the Tudor period, it became increasingly used as a prison, with such notable inmates as Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, and Rudolf Hess. The last person to be executed at the Tower was German spy Josef Jakobs who was shot on 15 August 1941
Today, visitors can see the Crown Jewels, learn about the Tower’s history, and visit the Ravens. Legend has it that if the Ravens ever leave the Tower, it will collapse. Six are kept here at all times.
4. Westminster Abbey
This Gothic cathedral is one of the most important religious sites in Britain. It’s also where many British monarchs have been crowned and buried, making it a must-see for anyone interested in British history.
A tour of Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the most important religious sites in Britain, and where British monarchs have been crowned and buried for centuries.
History
Westminster Abbey was founded in the year 960 by King Edgar the Peaceful. It was originally built in the Romanesque style but was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 12th and 13th centuries. The abbey has been the site of many important events in British history, including the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 and the burial of Elizabeth I in 1603. In more recent years, it has become a popular tourist destination, with over 1 million visitors each year.
Architecture
Westminster Abbey is an example of Gothic architecture at its finest. The exterior is decorated with carved figures and statues, while the interior has stained glass windows and stone sculptures. The giant west front, with its three large Gothic portals, is one of the most recognisable features.
Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in London. If you’re interested in British history or architecture, it’s worth several hours of your time.
5. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London and is a great place to relax or enjoy some outdoor activities. Be sure to check out Speaker’s Corner, where you can listen to impromptu speeches on any number of topics!
1. Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London – a good place to take a break from the city’s busier attractions.
2. Hyde Park is home to Speaker’s Corner, where you can listen to impromptu speeches on any number of topics!
3. The park also has several monuments and statues, including the Albert Memorial and the Holocaust Memorial.
4. If you’re looking for a workout, Hyde Park has plenty of trails perfect for a morning run or walk.
5. In the summer, Hyde Park hosts a variety of events, from open-air concerts to movie screenings. There’s something for everyone!
Hyde Park is easy to reach from most of central London and works well as a break between other sights.
Conclusion:
These five give a solid introduction to London. Don’t overlook the free museums – some are world-class and charge nothing to enter. For shopping, Shepherd’s Bush has Westfield London, one of Europe’s largest shopping centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top must-see attractions in London for first-time visitors?
The top must-see attractions include Buckingham Palace (for the Changing of the Guard), the Tower of London (home to the Crown Jewels), Westminster Abbey (where monarchs are crowned), the Houses of Parliament, and Hyde Park. These attractions showcase London’s royal heritage, history, and culture.
Is Buckingham Palace open to visitors?
Yes, Buckingham Palace is open to visitors, but availability is limited. The State Rooms are open during summer months (usually July-September). The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at 11:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (schedules vary) and is free to watch from outside the palace gates.
How much does it cost to visit the Tower of London?
Entry prices vary, but tickets typically cost around £34.80 for adults and £17.40 for children when booked online. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid queues. The Tower houses the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and offers Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours.
Can you visit Westminster Abbey for free?
No, Westminster Abbey charges an admission fee for tourists. However, you can attend services for free as a worshipper. The abbey is a working church with daily services, but access to the historic areas requires a ticket.
What can you do at Hyde Park?
Hyde Park offers numerous activities including walking and jogging trails, visiting Speaker’s Corner for impromptu speeches, boating on the Serpentine lake, seeing monuments like the Albert Memorial, and attending summer events such as open-air concerts and film screenings.
How long should I spend at each London attraction?
Buckingham Palace tours take about 2-3 hours, the Tower of London requires at least 2-3 hours, Westminster Abbey needs 1-2 hours, the Houses of Parliament tour takes about 90 minutes, and you can easily spend 1-2 hours in Hyde Park depending on your interests.
