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5 great London Tourist Attractions

January 26, 2025

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. Here are 3 reasons why you should add Buckingham Palace to your London itinerary:

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 top attractions, especially if you’re interested in getting a glimpse into the world of royalty. Be sure to add it to your itinerary!

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.

The 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!

Tower of London – A Royal Palace, Prison, and Place of Execution

The Tower of London has a long and storied history, serving 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

A few facts about the Tower of London

Today, the Tower of London is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Visitors can see the Crown Jewels, learn about the Tower’s long history, and even visit the Ravens while they’re there! The Ravens are a vital part of the Tower’s history; legend has it that if they ever leave the Tower, it will collapse. So be sure to check them out when you visit!

With its rich history and iconic Ravens, it’s sure to be a memorable experience!

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. It’s also where many British monarchs have been crowned and buried, we’ll take a tour of Westminster Abbey, exploring its history, architecture, and significance. So grab a cup of tea and settle in – this is going to be a long one!

History of Westminster Abbey

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.

The Architecture of Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is an example of Gothic architecture at its finest. The exterior of the building is decorated with intricate carvings and statues, while the interior is filled with beautiful stained glass windows and stone sculptures. One of the most iconic features of Westminster Abbey is its giant west front, which contains three huge Gothic portals.

The Significance of Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is not only significant for its role in British history, but also for its architectural beauty and cultural importance. The abbey has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in London. If you’re interested in British history or architecture, Westminster Abbey is definitely a place you need to see!

Westminster Abbey is a Gothic cathedral that 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. In this blog post, we took a tour of Westminster Abbey, exploring its history, architecture, and significance. So if you’re ever in London, be sure to add Westminster Abbey to your list of places to see!

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!

5 Reasons to Visit Hyde Park on Your Next Trip to London

Hyde Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London and for good reason! Here are 5 reasons why you should include Hyde Park on your next trip to the city.

1. Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London, making it the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

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!

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or want to take in some of London’s history and culture, Hyde Park is a great destination for tourists of all ages. Be sure to add it to your list of places to see on your next trip!

Conclusion:

These are just a few of the many tourist attractions that London has to offer. Don’t forget to include a visit to all the free museums London has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history or just want to enjoy some scenic views, there’s something for everyone in this great city.

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.