LONDON - TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS

1. BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace was originally bought in 1761 by George III for his wife, Queen Charlotte as a family home. Since then, it’s extensive renovation works and extensions, and the amount of Royalty it has housed, has made it a great tourist attraction. Also Buckingham Palace garden is a home to over 350 different types of wildflowers.

2. TOWER BRIDGE

Tower Bridge over the River Thames in London is one of the finest bridges in the World. At the Tower Bridge Exhibition you can enjoy breath-taking views from the high-level walkways and learn about the history of the Bridge and how it was built. You can then visit the Victorian engine rooms, home to the original steam engines that used to power the bridge.

3. HOUSES of PARLIAMENT and BIG BEN

Big Ben named after the first Commissioner of Works, Sir Benjamin Hall. It holds the record of being the “world’s largest four-faced chiming clock.” The tower of the clock, has cells within it to imprison members of parliament for breach of parliamentary privilege, but the last recorded case of this was in 1880.

Big Ben lies at the North-Eastern end of the Houses of Parliament. This magnificent building has been the home of the English parliament since before 1547 and was originally called the Palace of Westminster. This is the site that Edward the Confessor had the original palace built in the first half of the eleventh century. Since 1547 it became the home of the English Parliament.

4. THE LONDON EYE

A flight on the London Eye, the world's highest observation, is an unrivalled experience. As you rise to an incredible 135 meters above the River Thames, the 30 minute rotation provides stunning panoramic views of the city and reveals parts of London which are simply not visible from the ground.

5. BRITISH MUSEUM

British have one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated comprehensive collections of some of history’s most prized artifacts. With over 13 million pieces ranging across every major point in human history, British Museum exhibitions are nearly encyclopedic in nature.

6. NATIONAL GALLERY

The National Gallery in London houses one of the largest collections of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The gallery is a non-departmental public body; its collection belongs to the public of the United Kingdom and entry to the main collection is free of charge.

7. TOWER of LONDON

The ancient stones echo with dark secrets, sparkling jewels in fortified vaults and ravens parade the grounds. The Tower of London, founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7, holds some of the most remarkable stories from across the centuries. Despite the infamous reputation as a place of torture, this powerful and enduring fortress has been enjoyed as a royal palace and served as an armory.

8. MADAME TUSSAUD WAX MUSEUM

At Madame Tussauds, you'll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to the founder of the Turkish Republic and its first President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, you'll meet history and politics' most influential figures; sing along with Kylie; strike a penalty with Rooney or receive once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.

9. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

As well as the permanent dinosaur exhibition, the Natural History Museum boasts a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. In addition, the new Darwin Centre opens in September 2009.

10. KENSINGTON PALACE

Kensington Palace has been a royal residence since 1689 and part of the palace remains a private residence for members of the Royal Family today. Visitors can explore the magnificent State Apartments and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, which includes dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.

To find more attractions in London please click here.

London Hotels
UK Customs and Visas

TAGS: destinations discos scuba diving entertainment flights food forests fun golf hotels mountaineering mountains museums national parks night life packing paintings parachuting parasailing places resorts recreation restaurants sea