Visit the two Bridges
London is packed with tourist attractions that will keep you on your toes as you explore everything the city has to offer.
There are numerous guided tours available around London, so grab your map and head out to the popular sites.
London Bridge Experience
A brilliant way to get a look into the history of London is to visit the London Bridge Experience.
This is a thrilling show that will take you back in time. Here you will uncover the secrets of this famous bridge. Get a real feel of what London Bridge was like throughout its history.
London Tombs
Make your way into the London Tombs where you will be screaming and shrieking with fear as you walk through narrow spaces coming face-to-face with clowns and scary demons.
Watching horror movies after this experience may be a little different. Prepare to scream your lungs out.
While touring London, be sure to drop into a pub for a plate of fish and chips and a pint of beer. This will complete your London adventure.
The world beneath your feet at Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge in London is one of the most iconic bridges in the world.
Some 50 design proposals were submitted to build the Tower of London, but in 1884, Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry’s collaboration was the chosen design for the bridge.
In 1910 the walkways on the bridge were closed due to a lack of use and were opened to the public 72 years later in 1982.
A tour of this bridge should be on everyone’s bucket list.
This fascinating bridge runs above the River Thames and boasts a glass floor – not for the faint-hearted.
While you are standing on the glass floor you will get to see vessels sail beneath you and you can watch crowds, cars and buses bustling below you.
Watch the bridge lift
If you plan your visit carefully, you will be able to watch the bridge lift under your feet – what an awesome sight!
Take a stroll along the bridge walkways and enjoy a brilliant panoramic view of London.
See if you can spot St Paul’s Cathedral from way up in the sky.
Films and interactive displays about the bridge’s history line the walkways, so you will get plenty of insight into this amazing piece of engineering.
Victorian Engine Rooms
Go into the Victorian Engine Rooms and admire the steam engines that raise this magnificent bridge. It’s interesting to note that the engines are the original engines which have been used since Victorian times.
While you are here, learn about the hydraulics and technology that has kept the bridge going over the years. There is even an exhibition area that has changeable exhibitions throughout the year.
Guided tours are available of Tower Bridge. There is even a private tour at night. Don’t miss this outstanding attraction on a trip to London.
Other historic sites
There are other historic sites around Tower Bridge as well as delightful restaurants and pubs to quench your thirst and ease those hunger pains.Â
Journey through history at the Tower of London
So you find yourself in London for a couple of days and want to do some sightseeing.
After you have explored the wonder of Tower Bridge, head to the Tower of London which will give you a view of the history of England.
Construction of the Tower of London
Construction of the Tower of London began in 1078 under William the Conqueror. The building of the White Tower where kings and queens often stayed was done first.
In 1350, various other separate buildings were built and the tower was transformed into a fortress that still remains today.
Used as a prison
Under Henry VIII the Tower of London was used as a prison from 1530. Henry VIII even had 2 of his wives imprisoned here. During the reign of Charles II the building was used as a hub for military supplies and equipment. In 1671, the Crown Jewels went on display and were almost stolen.
Beauchamp Tower
Make your way to the Beauchamp Tower which is built around the White Tower. Here you will see graffiti of prisoners.
Bloody Tower
At the Bloody Tower, you will read about the poisoning of Sir Thomas Overbury and step inside a chamber that takes you back to what it was like to be imprisoned at this tower.
Tower of Torture
The Tower of Torture is found at the bottom of Wakefield Tower where visitors will witness instruments to torture prisoners. This is an interesting look into London Tower’s dark history. Next to Wakefield Tower, spot the ravens that guard the Tower of London.
Legend says that if the ravens leave the Tower, the kingdom and the tower will fall. Today there are 7 ravens residing at the tower. See if you can spot one of the ravens who live in various parts of the tower.
Prisoners of the Tower exhibition
There is also the Prisoners of the Tower exhibition where you can see cells found at the Tower of London. An eerie experience looking into the lives of famous prisoners awaits.
Go to the Chapel of St John which William the Conqueror used for ceremonial purposes.
The chapel is the best-preserved part of the White Tower and gives visitors a great idea of Anglo-Norman architecture.
The chapel is still used today where services are held throughout the year by the queen.
Crown Jewels
A big attraction to the Tower of London is the Crown Jewels. The Crown Jewels are used for the opening of parliament and state funerals.
You will also get to see coins on display which are carried into the church during an Easter service.
Specially minted coins are given to members of the public during the church service. Catch a glimpse of the Imperial State Crown and the crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
Medieval Palace
For something a bit different, walk the tower’s walls. Here you will be able to tour the Medieval Palace and 7 towers which include the Salt, Broad Arrow, Martin, ‘Broad Beast’, Constable, Bowyer and Flint Tower.
At the Medieval Palace experience the lavish life of royalty.
Tour guides
Tour guides will tell you all you need to know while touring the Tower of London. The tours are great and informative. Allocate at least 2 hours to enjoy this attraction.
Originally posted 2016-05-02 18:41:04.
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