This site contains comprehensive tourism and historical information about London's top attractions. Follow the links below to view each attraction's dedicated page. Click on any of the photographs in this site to view the larger version.
St. Paul's Cathedral Finished in 1710, St. Paul's Cathedral was Wren's final masterpiece. A climb up the 530 stairs to the Galleries affords a spectacular view of London, but is not for the weak of heart. Trafalgar Square and Admiralty Arch Trafalgar Square honors one of Britain's most revered maritime heroes, Horatio Viscount Nelson. The Square is located within the heart of ceremonial London and draws visitors by the thousands each day. Across the Mall lies Admiralty Arch, constructed in 1910. Trafalgar Square & Admiralty Arch. Windsor Castle Windsor Castle is the hereditary home of Queen Elizabeth II and boasts the title of Europe's oldest continually inhabited castle. Set in the heart of the village of Windsor, the royal family honored the villagers by officially changing their surname from Hanover to Windsor.
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H.M. Tower of London
One of Britain's best medieval fortresses, H.M. Tower of London retains a sinister air. From royal palace to prison and execution site to treasury to the home of England's Crown Jewels, the Tower is best known, however, for it's role as a prison and execution site. Famous executions include Anne Boleyn (second wife to Henry VIII,) Katherine Howard (fifth wife to Henry VIII,) and the Duke of Norfolk- who was beheaded for his role in a scheme against Elizabeth I. Elizabeth was herself a prisoner here during the reign of her half-sister, Mary Tudor (daughter of Catherine of Aragon.) The Tower Bridge The Tower Bridge, with its functioning drawbridge is the easternmost entrance to the Thames. The bridge is also a museum which, for a fee, will allow visitors to go up to the old pedestrian walkways and get a breathtaking view of London. |
Westminster Abbey
As the site of the coronation of all British monarchs but two since the death of Edward the Confessor, this cathedral is a MUST see. In addition to to the many royal chapels and tombs, Poet's Corner is a tribute to eloquence. Fan vaulting, flying buttresses and other architectural magnificence contribute to the splendour of this structure. St. Margaret's Church St. Margaret's, adjascent to Westminster Abbey, is the official place of worship of the House of Commons. The 15th Century church contains a plethora of beautiful memorial windows and monuments. If the queue to Westminster Abbey is especially long, it is well worth losing your place in line to visit St. Margaret's. Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the royal family, is situated between three lovely parks. This 600 room palace also boasts a movie theater, swimming pool and 40 acres of gardens. The Changing of the Guard is one of the most watched events in London, as any respectable tourist knows! St. James' Palace & Park Another of Henry VIII's commissions, St. James' Palace replaced a lepers' hospital as a hunting lodge for the king's new deer park, St. James' Park. The palace remains the official residence of the monarch, but was subplanted in reality by Queen Victoria's move to Buckingham Palace upon her accession. Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace, once home to Cardinal Wolsey before his untimely end, was Henry VIII's favorite country palace. With a world-famous hedge maze, astronomical clock and the world's first tennis courts, Hampton boasts beautiful and unique grounds in addition to the Palace. Only a 32 minute trip from London by rail, Hampton Court Palace is well worth a visit! Kensington Palace Kensington Palace, best known as the former home of Diana, Princess of Wales, was also the birthplace of Queen Victoria. Probably the least palatial of the royal residences, it nonetheless holds charm and appeal- as well as beautiful gardens made from land pilfered from Hyde Park. |
The Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament are comprised of The House of Commons and The House of Lords. The clock tower, affectionately known as "Big Ben," is arguably the most recognizable sight in London. Situated on the banks of the Thames, the New Palace of Westminster is a magnificent example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Send a message!©1998-2004 MD Cerny. All rights reserved. |