Top Attractions in London

The Big Ben of London also known as Elizabeth Tower

When travelling to a city that you’ve never been to, do you usually go on a museum-hopping tour to learn more about the history of the place? Or do you opt for some off-the-beaten-path destinations? Even if you’re not a history buff, it does feel to learn a bit about the background of the place that you are visiting. This will give you a deeper insight into what made the city turn out to be what it is today.

Touring London, the most popular city in the United Kingdom, is an experience of history behind an enormous megalopolis. It does pay to have a historical tour of the place, so that you can understand how it turned out to be the modern marvel that it is today. It is even more interesting as London has the richest royal history of all time…from the very first King, Alfred the Great to the reigning Queen of today, Elizabeth II. But London is not just about crowned heads as there are so many attractions worth discovering in this splendid city.

Best Historical Sites In & Around London

To get you started, here is a list of some must-visit historical sites in and around London that will give you a deeper insight into how the city came to be:

Buckingham Palace

The Changing of the Guards usually takes place at 11:30am, marks the moment when one member of the Queen's Guard ends his sentry duty and exchanges duty with his replacement. 

Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who reigned since 1952. From May to July, the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony is the highlight for visitors who come to see Buckingham Palace. These are highly trained guards assigned to protect the Sovereign. This is a process wherein new guards exchanges duty with the old guards and this has been a tradition for 700 years already. You have to be early to occupy a nice spot for you to see every happening in this event. On other months of the year, the guard changes on alternate days. You should also see the Tate Britain gallery housing British art collection from year 1500 up to the present. Admission is free for Changing of the Guard Ceremony and Tate Britain so never miss these top highlights being offered by the palace.

St. James Palace.

Built during the 1530s, St. James is still a working palace where the Royal Court is based. It’s one of the oldest palaces in London which is built in a red-brick Tudor style construction. The interior is not open to the public, but you can walk by and see the guards outside while also marvelling at the beauty of its old exterior.

Temple Church.

Built during 1185, Temple Church is one of the oldest buildings in the city. One of the most interesting things that you’ll see inside is the rare circular nave called “The Round”. There’s also the Norman door – notice the grotesque portrait heads of silly human faces and a goat. This is where a highlight scene in the Hollywood film “The Da Vinci Code” was shot. Feel like your part of that film and strike a pose for that one souvenir pic.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London.

No historical tour of London will ever be complete without visiting the Tower of London which is a World Heritage site as well. The tower houses the Crown Jewels which are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy. Crowns, sceptres, orbs, rings, swords, spurs, bracelets and robes, all of which have been kept in this Tower. This has been open for visitors since 1994 and well-guarded by Yeomen Warders (‘Beefeaters’). As you enter this tower, ready your eyes for those gold and precious stones which has maintained its glitter and glamour even after so many years.

The Tower Bridge

The London Eye

The Tower Bridge and London Eye.

Tower Bridge is the most iconic bridge in London. It’s a picture-perfect at night and becomes even more interesting as it opens to let ships pass which happens almost 900 times a year. You can even walk across the bridge to see a better view of London’s face. If this isn’t enough, try London Eye for that perfect bird’s eye view of the city. This is London’s giant Ferris wheel, and even the tallest in Europe. Inside it is a touch screen tab for that interactive experience including a 3D view of each sight which can be seen while you’re inside the capsule of this Ferris wheel. Fantastic and breath-taking, the two exact words to describe this experience.

Bath.

Bath is a World Heritage Site which is famous for its hot springs. It’s the only place in Britain where you can bathe in natural hot waters as you book one of the services at the Thermae Bath Spa. Take your pick from having a soak at the indoor or outdoor roof pool, have a “kraken stove” steam bath or ease away the tensions from your back with a soothing massage. So after all the walking and bus tours, it is time for you to take a breather and spend hours in this natural springs.

The list is endless if we will talk about the colourful history and fascinating attractions of this part of United Kingdom. With so many things to do and so many attractions to discover, indeed London is one of the must-visit spots a traveller shouldn’t miss.

So if you've been planning for a vacation, just visit www.itravel-utravel.com and book your trip to London!