What are the top attractions in London? War rooms of Churchill. Trafalgar square Trafalgar square

It is unlikely that anyone will argue with the fact that London is one of the main tourist destinations in the world. According to official statistics, London attracts over 15 million visitors a year. The British capital is a vibrant concentration of art, entertainment, music and numerous monuments. The British are rightly proud of the huge concentration of cultural attractions in London. From royal palaces to the Houses of Parliament, Roman ruins, castles and cathedrals, you can spend many days exploring London's landmarks and always find something new and interesting. The capital of England and the United Kingdom is also the most populous city in the UK with over 9 million inhabitants. The history of London goes back over 2,000 years, when the Romans first founded the ancient city of Londinium here. Numerous tourists come here throughout the year, and if you plan to be among them, here is a list of the top 17 London attractions for the active traveler.

British museum

Located in the Bloomsbury area, the British Museum is dedicated to human history and culture. Its permanent collection of approximately 8 million works is one of the largest and most comprehensive exhibitions in the world, spanning the history of all continents. The British Museum illustrates and documents the history of human culture from its inception to the present day. Visiting the museum is free, but sometimes there are small queues.

Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster (more commonly known as the House of Commons and the House of Lords) is the Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom. The history of the House of Commons and the House of Lords spans over 900 years, from the time of the Anglo-Saxons to the present day. The current building was built in the 19th century, restored after a fire in the magnificent tradition of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture. The appearance of the Palace of Westminster is decorated with Big Ben - the legendary clock tower on the banks of the River Thames. This landmark of london recognizable all over the world and is one of the most visited places in London.

Tate Modern

Tate Modern is the UK's national gallery for international contemporary art. She is part of the Tate Group (along with Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, Tate St Ives and Tate Online). Tate Modern is the most visited contemporary art gallery in the world, with 4.7 million visitors a year. Admission to the Tate Modern is absolutely free, with the exception of some special exhibitions.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. This famous landmark is located in London's Tower Hamlets, separated from the east end of London City Square. open space Tower Hill. The Tower was founded towards the end of 1066, in honor of Norman conquest England. In general, this is a complex of several buildings in two rings of protective walls and a moat. The Tower of London has played a very important role in English history.

Madame Tussauds museum

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum in London with branches in many major cities on four continents. It was founded by the wax sculptor Marie Tussauds, becoming one of the main attractions in London. Wax figures of historical and royal figures, movie stars, sports stars and even infamous assassins are on display here.

Science Museum

The Science Museum is the largest museum on Exhibition Road in South Kensington. It was founded in 1857 and today is one of the most visited places in the city, attracting 3.3 million visitors annually. Here you can experience the main scientific achievements of the past 300 years, as well as visit the stunning IMAX cinema. Entrance to the Science Museum is absolutely free.

Museum of Natural History

The museum is entirely devoted to earth sciences and includes approximately 80 million exhibits in five main groups: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology. The Museum of Natural History is a world-renowned research center specializing in the taxonomy, identification and conservation of the riches of the earth. Given the age of the institution, many exhibits have a very large historical, as well as scientific significance. Some specimens were collected by Charles Darwin himself. Like all other museums in London, the Natural History Museum does not require any entrance fee.

"London Eye"

A modern but already very popular attraction in London is the "London Eye" - a giant ferris wheel located in the Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank of the Thames. The 135 meters high Ferris Wheel was created in honor of the millennium of London. On a clear day, visibility from the summit is 40 kilometers.

Victoria and Albert Museum

London's Victoria and Albert Museum is the most big museum in the world of decorative arts and design, and its permanent collection includes more than 4.5 million different items. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Permission to V&A is free except for special exhibitions and events.

National Gallery

The National Gallery is an art museum on Trafalgar Square in London, founded in 1824. It houses the national collection of art in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. It is one of the most visited museums in the world, after the Louvre in Paris, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a large city square founded in honor of Lord Horatio Nelson's victory over Napoleon's navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The central monument of the square is tall pole with the figure of Nelson contemplating London. His monument is surrounded by four lions and a series of large fountains. This landmark of London got its name in honor of the Battle of Trafalgar - a British naval victory during the Napoleonic Wars, which took place on October 21, 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a large Gothic church in the city of Westminster, not far from the Palace of Westminster. Westminster Abbey has been around for over a thousand years. Benedictine monks first settled the site in the middle of the tenth century, establishing a tradition of daily worship that continues to this day. In 1066, the church became the site for the coronation and is the burial place of seventeen monarchs. The existing structure was built by Henry III in 1245 and became one of the most important gothic buildings. Admission to Westminster Abbey is free.

Buckingham Palace

This is a London residence and most importantly workplace Queen of Great Britain. Located in the city of Westminster, the palace is the venue for official ceremonies and a symbol of royal hospitality. Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of British sovereigns since 1837, and despite being used for many official events and receptions, the State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors throughout the year.

Hampton Court

Hampton Court is one of the most famous palaces in Europe. Its Grand Hall dates back to the reign of Henry VIII. This is the place where Elizabeth I learned about the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Other points of interest include the Clock Hall with its spectacular 1540 astronomical clock, the Chapel, the Royal Chambers and the Tudor tennis court. The Hampton Gardens are also worth a visit, especially in mid-May when they are in full bloom. The Garden Complex includes the Secret Garden, the Lakes, the Elizabethan Garden, the Wilderness and the famous Palace Labyrinth.

Piccadilly Circus

The two most famous tourist areas in London are located not far from each other. Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are popular for attractions such as the Soho Locks, the London Theater and the Entertainment District. Piccadilly Circus is the intersection of several busy streets - Piccadilly, Regent Street, Haymarket, and Shaftesbury Avenue. London's most famous sculpture, Winged Eros, is a finely balanced masterpiece of art on this lively site.

covent garden

covered markets Covent Garden - just the beginning large complex covering the shops and restaurants of Long Acre with neighboring streets, as well as the Central Square with its street performers. The halls and galleries of Covent Garden Market, with their specialty shops and stalls, attract a lot of tourists. Absolutely everything is sold here, from fine handicrafts to small souvenirs. In the building of the former flower market You will find the London Transport Museum with historical exhibits - vintage cars, trams and buses. This area is also home to the Royal Opera House, another famous landmark in London.

Greenwich and Docklands

For centuries, Greenwich and the Docklands has been the main base of the British Navy. ---- Greenwich known primarily to tourists as the home of Cutty Sark----. It is also home to the Greenwich Visitor Center with its exhibitions showcasing more than 500 years of maritime history and the Pallas Athena style mansion known as the Queen's House. Impressive exhibits of the National Maritime Museum, the most big museum of this type in the world, illustrate the history of the Royal Navy of Great Britain. The lively Docklands is located on the other side of the river. It has been transformed into an international business district and is filled with the most gourmet restaurants London. The excellent Docklands Museum, housed in old Georgian warehouses, is dedicated to the river port and its history since Roman times. Interactive information displays are especially interesting for children.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is officially called the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is located in southwest London on the south bank of the Thames. This is a wonderful place to spend time enjoying the many plants on an impressive 300 acres. Established in 1759, the gardens became a government park in 1841. In 1897, Queen Victoria added the Queen's House and the surrounding woodland to the site. Many tours of the park are completely free, and Kew Gardens hosts numerous concerts and cultural events throughout the year.

Churchill War Rooms

Among London's most exciting historical sights is the well-preserved command center from which Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed British military campaigns during World War II. Their spartan simplicity and limited conditions highlight the difficulties that England experienced during the expansion of Nazi power throughout Europe. Here you will see the tiny room where Churchill slept and the makeshift radio room where he broadcast his famous war speeches. Numerous simple details, such as Clementine Churchill yarn and maps of Europe with markers, create an indescribable atmosphere.

One of the most visited cities in the world has something for everyone, so don't miss the chance to visit the capital of England at least once in your life to experience all the highlights of London.

All the top sights in London. Big Ben and Tower, Abbey and Trafalgar Square. Even if you are a transit tourist and you have at least one free day, with or without a guide, you simply must see the main sights of London. And we will start with his business card and the main attraction of London!

Big Ben Big Ben

The main attraction of London. In fact, Big Ben is the largest of the five bells in this tower, which is called the sentry. Its appearance is familiar to everyone and you will undoubtedly want to see Big Ben first! Big is translated as big, and Ben is derived from the name of Benjamin. Big Ben was built in 1858 by an English architect in the Gothic style. The height of Big Ben is just under 100 meters. The world's largest four-sided chiming clock has a diameter of 7 meters. The sound of bells can be heard every 15 minutes, and Big Ben itself every hour. The sound of Big Ben is unique due to the fact that the bell cracked after 2 years of operation, as a result of which a square cut was made in it to prevent the crack from spreading. The tower is part of the parliament building. All over London you can see many small towers similar in appearance to Big Ben. You can visit Big Ben. Tourists are allowed to enter. Very beautiful photos are obtained in the morning, from the Westminster Bridge near the tower and on the other side of the Thames right on the embankment. On the way to the Abbey, do not forget to take a picture at the monument to Churchill, which stands in the square opposite Big Ben.

Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey

One of the main sights of London and the UK, of course, Westminster Abbey is a 2-minute walk from Big Ben. This church of St. Peter is famous for being the traditional place for the coronation of the monarchs of Britain and the burial place of people of national importance. Queen Bloody Mary and her sister Elizabeth I, Mary Stuart, Edward the Confessor, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Lewis Carroll, Geoffrey Chausser, Charles Dickens, Friedrich Handel. Royal weddings also take place in Westminster Abbey. The construction of Westminster Abbey went on intermittently for a total of 500 years and was completed in 1745. Cathedral built in gothic style. Listed as a World Heritage Site. Its doors are open for tourists and you simply have to go inside Westminster Abbey. The best time to visit is from 9:30 to 1:30 from Monday to Saturday. Paid entrance. If the queues are divided, then get up on the left, where for cash, as it goes faster than the one on bank cards. Count on visiting Westminster Abbey for 2 hours. The ticket price includes a Russian audio guide. At the Abbey, if you ask, you can be shown the oldest door in Britain, which was upholstered in the skin of the only cathedral burglar who was caught and executed. Perhaps this is a legend. Don't miss the museum, gardens and school at Westminster Abbey. On Sunday, the Abbey is open for service, but not for tourist visits. If you are ready to stand for an hour or two, then in the evening you can enjoy the organ. The entrance is free. Before visiting, I also recommend reading about the Order of the Bath, whose chapel is located in the Abbey.

London Eye London Eye

Also one of the main attractions of London - the London Eye - the third in the world in height - 135 meters. The London Eye is located five minutes walk from Big Ben. The 32 egg-shaped booths symbolize the 32 boroughs of London (excluding the City area). They, with the exception of the floor, are completely glass. The London Eye is usually open to the public from 10:00 am to 8:30 am. In January, the London Eye is closed for maintenance for half a month. The time of one lap of the ferris wheel is about 30 minutes including wheel stops. The cost of pleasure may be less when ordering a ticket via the Internet, but then there will be a link to the time of the visit. Cabins London ai are air conditioned. After purchasing a ticket, to the left of the main ticket offices is a room called 4D Experience. There, in a three-dimensional image, you will enjoy the views from the wheel, see Big Ben at a distance of five meters, and also feel the cold wind and snow on your own body. Lovely and free attraction lasts 5 minutes. The London Eye is also the traditional venue for the London New Year's fireworks. If you are afraid of heights or have a weak vestibular apparatus, then the London Eye wheel will be comfortable for you, and less scary, as the London Eye is designed on cables and rotates very smoothly! And one more thing, I would like to add: if, nevertheless, you come across a queue at the London Eye, do not spare the money, pay at separate cash desks for "Fast Track Tickets" and go the same way to a separate, fast "Fast Track" queue. I recommend visiting the London Eye before lunch, when the sun illuminates the northern, most beautiful, part of London and then you will get the most the best photos against the backdrop of Big Ben. If you are planning to go to such London attractions as Madame Tussauds, the Panic Room or the Aquarium, then buy combined tickets, as this is one company with a Ferris wheel.

Whitehall street

The street from which the British Prime Minister enters his home Whitehall street. Another undoubtedly important sight of London! Just a stone's throw from Big Ben. A little further there are the barracks of the Horse Guards Regiment, where you can take pictures with riders or smartly dressed guards, to the clock, which was considered the main clock of London to Big Ben, at the site of the execution of King Charles I. The street is short and ends with another attraction of London - Trafalgar Square. Please note that the guardsmen can "yell" and stomp your foot so that you jump when taking a picture next to them. Don't be scared. Don't touch them.

Trafalgar square Trafalgar square

This attraction of London is its geographical center and the main square of London. In the center of Trafalgar Square stands a column in honor of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died in the Battle of Trafalgar in Spain in 1805. The height of the Nelson column is just under 50 meters. Also on Trafalgar Square there are pedestals in the corners, three of which are permanent, and the fourth pedestal is a platform for contemporary artists. Trafalgar Square also hosts the celebration of the Russian Maslenitsa. Towering above Trafalgar Square are two more sights of London - the London National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery. Look at the photo and find Big Ben on it. When you take your photo, let Big Ben be in the frame!

Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace

The world-famous landmark of London, the residence of the Queen of Great Britain in London is Buckingham Palace. When the Queen is at home, her flag (and not the flag of Great Britain! Completely different things!) is raised high above Buckingham Palace. At Buckingham Palace it will be interesting to watch the changing of the guard at 11:30 and, in fact, get into Buckingham Palace itself. This London attraction is open to the public in August and September, and sometimes at other times of her Majesty's absence. Ticket prices range from £19 to £65. The ticket price includes a Russian audio guide. On the square in front of Buckingham Palace rises the most famous Queen of Great Britain Victoria.

Tower Castle Tower of London

The main castle of Great Britain, and the landmark of London where the Treasures of the British Crown are kept. Tower Castle is the oldest stone residential building in London and the strongest medieval fortress in the world. Throughout history, Tower Castle has served several purposes. Firstly, it is a fortress inside which there is a well and where the King could, and has already taken refuge more than once. The main reason for the construction of the castle in 1066 was to show the people the power of the founder of the Tower, William the Conqueror, who in the same year was crowned in Westminster Abbey. Tower Castle is still the residence of the Royal Family. Since animals were the chic gifts for kings in the Middle Ages, a zoo was established in Tower Castle shortly after its foundation, which only moved to its current location in Regent's Park in 1832. The only inhabitants of the Tower Zoo who refused to move and still live in the castle are the Tower Ravens. Nevertheless, on the territory of one of the main attractions of London, you will come across the former inhabitants of the Tower Zoo in the form of metal sculptures. For five hundred years, money was printed at Tower Castle. You can visit the Mint of the Castle on The Mint Street. There you can touch real gold for making coins. In Tower Castle, above its famous Traitor water gate, is located medieval palace with restored interiors of the 13th century where Henry the Sixth, the founder of the most famous English school for boys of Eton College and Cambridge University, was killed. Since the walls of the Tower Castle are about four meters thick in places, it was always difficult to get into it, but it was just as difficult to get out. For this reason, gunpowder was kept there to this day, and I consider this the main exhibit of the Tower Castle. There is a royal treasury - the Safe with its famous second-largest Cullinan diamond in the world of 530 carats and the Crown of the British Empire. Also, because of its fortress in the Tower, it became convenient to keep the most dangerous state prisoners. And for this reason, the castle had a prison, but do not look for special cells, since the castle did not originally intend to have this function. True, the instruments of torture, the chopping block and the ax remained from those memories. Also a chair with a back pierced by a bullet after the last enemy executed on it during the Second World War. The ghost of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of the most famous King Henry VIII, walks in Tower Castle. Anne Boleyn was executed at Tower Castle and buried there. But do not look for her graves, she is not accessible to the eyes of a tourist. Anne Boleyn's Palace, the oldest surviving Tudor-style building built in Tudor times, is still guarded by the Tower Guards. In addition to the guardsmen in bear hats, you will also encounter the famous guardians and guides of the Tower Castle "Beefeaters". Beef is meat and Eater is an eater. Beefeaters are the King's guards who were allowed to eat meat from the King's table. With Beefeaters - guides of the Tower you can take a picture. The central tower of Tower Castle houses one of the largest collections of weapons in the world. The castle still hosts the oldest and shortest key ceremony in the world at 22:00. It needs to be registered in advance. There is a cafe on the territory of the Tower Castle. It is better to go to the gift shop after visiting the Tower. It was taken outside the castle grounds. Ticket offices are also outside the territory. It is best to go to the castle on weekdays and three hours before closing or right before opening. You need to buy tickets in advance on the Internet and pick up at a separate box office, where there is no queue. The ticket price does not include a Russian audio guide. Next to Tower Castle is Tower Bridge.

Tower Bridge

A relatively young landmark of London is Tower Bridge (just over 100 years old). Tower Bridge is the only one drawbridge across the Thames in London. The most beautiful bridge I have ever seen. For a fee, you can go up to the upper level of the Tower Bridge, where you will be shown a film (though in English) about how the Tower Bridge was built. After, you will be able to see the machine installation of the Tower Bridge.

St. Paul's Cathedral

I highly recommend going to the next attraction in London - this Anglican, Cathedral for all day. St. Paul's Cathedral or St. Paul's Cathedral was built at the highest point in London 300 years ago and is the residence of the Bishop of London and one of the most visited attractions in London and in the UK. After buying a ticket, you will be given an audio guide. The language is only English. You can climb above the large dome along stairs.The cathedral has a restaurant and cafe.St. Paul's Cathedral is active.Bottom in the center is buried Admiral Horatio Nelson, who has a column in Trafalgar Square and the Duke of Wellington.

Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly circus

Piccadilly Circus is one of the most popular squares in London. Piccadilly Circus is lit up with neon signs and a sculpture of Eros in the center. On Piccadilly Circus there is one of the largest souvenir shops and in 3 minutes one of the largest - bookstores, where huge selection Russian books.

Prince Albert Memorial Albert Memorial

This huge monument was erected in 1875 by his wife Victoria (the Queen of Great Britain, whose monument towers at Buckingham Palace) and has a height of more than 50 meters. Every tourist tends to Kensington Park to take a picture here. Opposite the memorial, the Albert Hall was also built, where the Beatles performed more than once, but you will find information about it in the "Where to go" section.

New Scotland Yard New Scotland Yard

Greenwich Royal Observatory Royal Observatory

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London is a city of contrasts. The capital of a huge colonial empire combined the ancient spirit of the inhabitants of the island, and the aggressive impulse of the British colonialists, and the glory of the financial capital of the world and the fervor of numerous Asians and Africans, whose countries are still part of the British Commonwealth. It is very difficult to understand what sights in London, perhaps, except for the Tower, carry only the classic British spirit.

The main sights of London, of course, are connected with the ancient history of the city. And this is, first of all, Westminster Abbey.

Landmarks of the city of London

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey. It is the Collegiate Church of St. Peter. Founded back in Edward the Confessor. The two towers of the abbey and the red double-decker bus passing in front of them are the most famous visiting card of London, of course, except for the guardsmen in bear hats. All British monarchs have traditionally been crowned in the abbey. The coronation throne was made of oak during the reign of Edward the First, 1300. Most of the English monarchs are buried here. England is dominated by the Protestant Church, and it should be noted that Westminster Abbey is independent of the English archbishop. At the beginning of the central gallery there are Russian icons painted by the icon painter Sergei Fedorov.

Tower

Tower It was built as a castle in the early Norman style, and the first fortifications in its place were in its place even before William the Conqueror. In a fortress surrounded by a deep moat with water, guarding London, the Tower turned later. It first became a prison in 1190 and was used by the English kings for this purpose for a long time. Two wives of King Henry VIII, Elizabeth's father, were executed here. During its long 900-year history, the Tower managed to visit a fortress, a prison, an arsenal, a mint and even a zoo. Now it is one of the main tourist places in London, it houses a museum. The Tower is guarded by palace guards in ceremonial uniforms; now the jewels of the English crown are exhibited in it.

Hyde Park

You can't visit London and not visit its parks. Due to them, London gained fame as the green capital of Europe. The most famous park, of course, is Hyde Park, where, in addition to ancient lindens, ponds and royal swans, there is the most famous platform in the world (the Orators' Tribune) for rallies and expressing one's opinion. At the same time, here you can meet a convinced communist, a preacher of an exotic religion and a poet who reads good poetry. The site is always full of tourists and listeners. The park is bordered by Kensington Gardens, where there is a palace and a monument to Princess Diana.

Trafalgar Square

Studying the names of London sights and making your route, you cannot bypass the most famous square in London with Admiral Nelson's Column. The square can be reached by walking along the famous. The area is called the "Heart of England". She got her name in honor of the battle at the cape Trafalgar in 1805, when the British sank 22 enemy ships without losing a single one of their own. But Admiral Nelson, whose monument adorns the square, died in it. At the end of winter, Russian emigrants hold traditional Maslenitsa festivities on the square. Nearby is the National Gallery and Leicester Square, home to many cinemas.

Harrods

Britain is a trading empire. And it is impossible, visiting this city, to get around the oldest and most famous Harrods department store, noted in almost all books and films about London. After visiting numerous boutiques and making sure of the originality of English fashion, admiring the customers - the wives of Arab oil sheikhs in veils and fashionable sandals, you can drink coffee in a cafe (there are 28 restaurants and even your own bank) or beer in a pub around the corner. At night, 1150 light bulbs are lit on the building.

london eye

Ferris wheel. The London Ferris wheel erected for the Millennium or " london eye» is now one of the sights of the capital of Great Britain. The height of the wheel is 135 meters (approximately the height of a 45-storey building). In the wheel booth, you can simply ride and look at London, or you can order a picnic basket and champagne. It is better to buy tickets in advance, you can spend up to an hour in line. The view from the wheel over London is amazing.

tate modern

There are many museums in London, but the most interesting is without a doubt the Tate Modern, a contemporary art gallery. It is located in the building of a former power plant, right on the Thames embankment. It houses works of all genres of contemporary art, and admission to most exhibitions is free. The gallery has 5 floors, and the expositions are formed not by periods and artists, but by reflected objects and phenomena. Thus, the third floor is devoted to poetry and material gestures, and the fifth - to ideas and states of change.

During the rise of the mighty British Empire, London became practically the center of the world. Fabulous capital and resources flowing into the metropolis from numerous overseas colonies made the capital of Great Britain a rich, arrogant and brilliant city, stuffed with architectural masterpieces, magnificent concert halls and fashionable shops.

London is a coveted destination not only for countless immigrant flows, but also for tourists from all over the world. Lush Victorian city blocks, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are among the world's most visited attractions. Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy clubs in London's Soho area attract here the most advanced, progressive, select audience.

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What to see and where to go in London?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Drawbridge over the River Thames, designed by architect H. Jones and built at the end of the 19th century. The construction consists of two powerful "Gothic" towers 64 meters high, connected by galleries and hanging spans. Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable symbols of the capital of Great Britain, although initially the inhabitants of London considered it ugly and ridiculous. There is a museum on the top floor of one of the galleries.

Another recognizable city symbol. Big Ben was nicknamed the bell of the famous clock tower on the territory of the Palace of Westminster, more often the whole tower is called that together with the famous clock face. The tower was built by the architect O. Pugin in 1859; the building reaches a height of 96 meters. Since 2012, Big Ben has been officially renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of the reigning queen.

The fortress, standing on the north bank of the Thames, is over 900 years old. The Tower is known as a prison for nobles and prisoners of royal blood. From time to time it became the residence of monarchs. IN different time the famous humanist Thomas More, the wives of Henry VIII Catherine Howard and Anne Boleyn, the "bloody" Queen Mary Tudor and many others visited the castle. Only in the middle of the 20th century, the Tower ceased to serve as a prison.

The Royal Palace, the official residence of the ruling dynasty in London. There are about 800 rooms in the building, around a perimeter of 20 hectares there is a whole “city” for the internal use of the royals: a hospital, a police station, a post office, a restaurant. The palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham in the 18th century, but was bought by King George III. It became the official residence after the accession to the throne of Queen Victoria.

The seat of the British Parliament since the 16th century. Until 1530 it was the royal residence (until Henry VIII moved to Whitehall). The palace stands on the banks of the Thames in the heart of the capital. Since the 11th century, English kings have settled here. For many centuries, the facade of the building was rebuilt, updated, new buildings were added. The last reconstruction was made in the middle of the 19th century after a fire. Tourists can only get inside during the summer parliamentary recess.

Another royal residence, the smallest of all the palaces belonging to ruling family. The building was built in the 17th century. for the Earl of Nottingham, but King William of Orange bought it and made it his summer country estate. Kensington Palace (rather a mansion compared to others royal palaces) is located in one of the western boroughs of London. In our time, the families of the Duke of Kent and Gloucester live there.

The main church of Great Britain, not only important religious center, but also the place of coronation and burial of British monarchs. The abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor at the beginning of the 11th century. modern look acquired in the 15th century. Since Harold II, all the kings of Great Britain have been crowned here. The abbey is open to tourists and concerts are often held here. classical music and exhibitions are organized.

Anglican Church standing on Ludgate Hill. Since the early Middle Ages, Christian churches have been built in this place. The last Catholic cathedral fell into disrepair after the reforms of Henry VIII, only ruins remained on the top of the hill. In the 17th century construction began on a completely new cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Many iconic personalities of British history are buried in the temple: W. Churchill, Admiral Nelson, A. Fleming and others.

The famous square in central London, the symbol of the city beloved by tourists and the place where the British " zero kilometer". Numerous holidays and festivals are held here, and the main Christmas tree of the country is set up in winter. The square appeared in 1820 on the site of the old Whitehall stables. The place is named after the victory of the British in 1805 in the naval battle at Cape Trafalgar.

One of London's most famous shopping streets. More than 100 million people visit it every year. First of all, visiting the street is interesting for everyone who follows fashion and loves shopping. In a relatively small area (Oxford Street is only 2.4 km long.) There are more than 500 stores, including boutiques of world brands, large family supermarkets and shops with goods of the mass market category.

The street got its name from the lace collars that Robert Baker sold. Previously, it was called Portuguese. Piccadilly is known for the fact that for more than 300 years the richest and most distinguished representatives of the world's "elite" have settled here: bankers, stars, members of powerful financial clans. Here are the most expensive and luxurious mansions, hotels and apartments.

The street gained popularity due to the fact that part of it was immortalized on the cover of the record "The Beatles" (the album was called "Abbey Road"). The record company was also located here, where the famous band recorded their songs. Decades later, fans continue their pilgrimage to Abbey Road. Beatles breathlessly photographed in "the same place" that is depicted on the cover.

A structure made of metal and glass structures in the modern center of London, shaped like a cucumber (Barcelona also has such a tower). The building is used as the headquarters of the Swiss company "Swiss Reinsurance". The tower was built from 2001 to 2004. designed by architect Sir N. Foster. 400 million dollars were spent on the construction. The structure reaches a height of 180 meters and contains 40 floors.

A high-rise building built for the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games. The structure is a glass pyramid resembling a piece of ice 310 meters high (72 floors). Inside there are offices, hotels, recreation areas, private apartments. Tourists tend to get into the skyscraper to the observation deck, located at the level of the 70th floor, from where you can admire London lying in full view.

The main historical and archaeological museum of the country, one of the largest in the world. There are about 100 exhibition halls in the building, where exhibits from all over the world are presented - former colonies British Empire. There are also ancient Egyptian and antique artifacts. Many countries require the return of the exhibits to their homeland, as it is believed that they came to the British Museum in a not entirely honest way.

The largest museum in the country with over 2,000 examples of Western European painting dating back to the 12th century. The gallery was founded in 1839, since then the collection has been constantly replenished. Like many similar places, the museum cannot be bypassed in one visit; you will need to return to it several times to look at all the expositions. Also in the London Gallery you can listen to audio books and lectures on art.

A branch of the most famous wax museum in the world (it has branches in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York, Copenhagen). Marie Tussauds inherited wax figures from her teacher Curtis and gradually added new characters to the collection. Until 1835, she toured all over England like circus performers, then opened a permanent exhibition at the insistence of her sons.

House Museum of the popular detective at 221b Baker Street. It was here, according to the idea of ​​the writer Arthur Conan Doyle, that Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson rented rooms. The building was purchased by a society of admirers of this literary work. The museum opened relatively recently - in 1990. In the rooms, the atmosphere is recreated, exactly corresponding to the author's description of A.K. Doyle.

A contemporary art gallery that attracts millions of tourists every year. Considered one of the largest in the world. The collection is made up of works from the period of the beginning of the 20th century. and to our days. The modern building opened to visitors in 2000. It consists of seven floors, each of which has its own exposition. The museum is housed in a converted building of a former power plant.

One of the most prestigious opera venues, where the best performers and orchestras strive to get into. Before the construction of the modern building in 1858, there were two theaters on this site, which burned down in fires. Previously, all theatrical genres were staged in Covent Garden, but later it began to specialize only in musical performances: operas, oratorios, ballets, concerts.

A concert hall reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, hosting a variety of events from musicals and award ceremonies to charity receptions. The hall was erected in the period 1867-1871. designed by Prince Albert. To recoup construction costs, the creators sold tickets to future events that gave them the right to visit the Albert Hall for 999 years. Some still go to the hall on these tickets.

The theater, created with the participation of the great playwright W. Shakespeare at the end of the 16th century. Almost all of the author's works were staged here, but the building lasted only 14 years and was destroyed by fire. The rebuilt theater lasted until 1642 (then the troupe was disbanded by order of the Puritan government, and two years later the building itself was demolished). The modern "Globe" is a reconstruction based on fragments found during excavations.

City park, where it is always crowded and lively. Tourists tend to come here to see with their own eyes the personification of democracy "Speakers' Corner", where everyone can express any thoughts. True, you can’t use microphones, so you have to strain your larynx. Hyde Park is a typical English landscape park with fountains, topiary trees and neat lawns.

One of the largest attractions of this type in Europe. The height of the structure is 136 m, which approximately corresponds to a 45-storey building. The wheel is set on the banks of the Thames, with a view of the whole of London. Passengers can be accommodated in one of 32 closed capsule cabins, which symbolize 32 city districts. A full rotation is completed in half an hour. The attraction opened in 1999.

The river artery of the capital, crossing the entire city and passing through its central part. Perhaps this is one of the most popular rivers in the world, passing through the city. Largely due to the possibility of navigation on the Thames, London began to develop as an industrial, and later Finance center. Even during the Roman Empire, there was a port here. The Thames is an independent attraction visited by millions of tourists.

Railway junction in central London. It was built by architect W. Henry in the 19th century. The station building is a typical example of the neo-Gothic style characteristic of the Victorian era. Trains arrive here from continental Europe and from neighboring counties. Single architectural ensemble made of red brick together with the station is a five-star hotel "Renaissance Hotel".

A well-known and even legendary stadium among football fans, a symbol of football England. For the first time its gates were opened under King George V in 1923, in the same year the FA Cup was played at the stadium. By the 60s. XX century Wembley becomes the main football arena of the country. In addition to games, there were concerts by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Oasis, AC / DC and other world stars.

A real "mecca" for fashion fans and shopaholics, it is one of the three most visited London attractions. Harrods occupies 18,000 m², on its territory there are 300 stores selling everything in the world. Here shopping is elevated to its highest degree. The building itself is distinguished by the luxury of interior decoration and the monumentality of architectural forms.

Located in Notting Hill (West London). Here, the collapse of antique gizmos, shops with second-hand clothes coexist with expensive boutiques. In the market you can buy unusual clothes, vintage interior items and furniture, interesting handmade souvenirs. Many people come here not for shopping, but for the special atmosphere of antiquity, history and strong traditions.

Symbols of the British capital recognizable all over the world. Previously, booths were used for their intended purpose, but with the invention mobile communications became just cultural objects(some host mini-libraries). The red bus became the prototype for the tourist bus in almost all world capitals, its model was invented in Britain in 1956.

Many tourists try to visit the delightful, sophisticated and luxurious capital of Great Britain - London. This city, whose history has been formed over many centuries, impresses with a combination of restraint and scope. It harmoniously coexists magnificent modern buildings, stunning with their original design, and ancient architectural complexes, saturated with the spirit of conservatism and strict traditions.

The sights of London fascinate and enchant, make you admire their grandeur and beauty. Many of the most popular places in the capital of England have a rich history, diluted with many legends. The city makes an indelible impression and forever captivates the hearts of people who visit it. All the sights of London, the photos with the names of which can be seen in this article, are difficult to visit in one day, so it is better to go to this city for more long time to enjoy its beauty.

You can't go to London and not visit the most famous building city ​​- Tower Bridge, proudly towering over the Thames. The construction was built more than 130 years ago and still amazes with the grandeur of the idea. Despite the fact that the bridge is a drawbridge, pedestrians could always cross the river by walking along the second floor of the building. Today, this part of the bridge is used as an observation deck from which you can admire amazing landscapes. There are museums in the towers, which present many interesting exhibits.

The clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, often called Big Ben, is not only a symbol of London, but of the whole of Great Britain. The huge clock on its walls has been counting time for more than 157 years, as if symbolizing the calm, measured lifestyle of conservative Englishmen. Officially, the building is called the Elizabeth Tower. It houses the largest bell in the United Kingdom, which is called Big Ben. Tourists and residents of the capital prefer to call the tower itself that way.

For more than 950 years, the north bank of the Thames has been adorned with the walls of an ancient fortress - the Tower of London, which is one of ancient structures Great Britain. Behind long history the fortress was used as a palace, a storehouse for jewelry, an arsenal, a mint. High-ranking and honorary prisoners served their sentences within its walls. This amazing building has been used as an observatory and even as a zoo. Today, the Tower of London is the historic center of the city, which attracts millions of tourists.

In the historic Westminster district of London, above the River Thames, there is a magnificent ancient palace in which the history of the state is being created. The country's parliament sits within its walls, meetings are held with foreign statesmen. There are tragic events in the history of the Palace of Westminster. In 1834, the building was almost destroyed by a big fire. Its restoration took more than 20 years. In the near future, the restoration of the building is planned, which will have to spend about 3.5 billion pounds. An exact date for the start of work has not yet been determined.

Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, the palace is now known throughout the world as the residence of the monarchs of Great Britain. It can be safely called a small separate town, which has its own hospital, post office, police and other institutions at the disposal of members of the royal family. On the main square of Buckingham Palace, a white marble pedestal rises, on which a gilded monument to Queen Victoria is placed.

The main collegiate church of Great Britain, which is located in Westminster, captivates with its grandeur. Made in the Gothic style, it evokes admiration and a sense of reverence. In the delightful halls of Westminster Abbey, the coronation of the country's monarchs is held. Everyone can visit the church, attend exhibitions or concerts of classical music, which are often held here. It is interesting to visit the museum in Westminster Abbey, visit the corner of poets or admire the beauty of the chapter house.

When visiting London's sights, it is worth taking the time to Kensington Palace, which was the summer residence of royal people for a long time. At first, the building was owned by the Earl of Nottingham, for whom it was erected in the 17th century. But the palace was soon bought and refurbished by the king. At present, its owners are Prince William and his wife. Visiting Kensington Palace, you can admire not only the excellent architecture of the building, but also the beautiful gardens that surround it.

Tourists staying in London do not miss the opportunity to visit the huge Greenwich Park, which is located on the outskirts of London. In this place you can visit many museums that tell about the development of maritime and astronomy in the UK. The Zero Meridian passes through the park, in connection with which an observatory was founded here in 1675, which was engaged in clarifying coordinates important for sailors.

Visiting the English Cathedral, tourists can not only see an excellent baroque building, but also visit the highest point in the city. This delightful place is located on Ludgate Hill. Its construction, which started in 1675, took more than 33 years. The cathedral attracts tourists with its beautiful architecture. There are amazing galleries under the huge dome in the building. One of them strikes with its acoustics and is called whispering: it is worth pronouncing a word in a low voice at one end of the hall, and it will be clearly heard throughout the room. From the golden gallery offers a delightful view of the city. But in order to enjoy the panorama of London from a bird's eye view, you will have to conquer a rather steep staircase, consisting of 500 steps.

A very popular attraction in London is the British Museum. In terms of attendance, it is second only to the Louvre in Paris. Its countless exhibits attract more than 6.5 million tourists a year. For centuries, unique artifacts from numerous British colonies have been collected here. Today they are exhibited in various exhibition halls of the museum, of which there are more than a hundred. Here you can admire exhibits that are thousands of years old. They are considered the gems of the collection. The museum also has a huge library, which contains unique works, ancient Buddhist manuscripts and various manuscripts.

In the halls National Gallery London is home to many amazing works of art created by some of the greatest artists of all time and up-and-coming talented craftsmen. The collection of this art museum began to gather as early as 1824. Its first exposition consisted of only 38 paintings. She gave rise to the formation of the gallery. Today, thousands of works of art are presented here, which more than 6 million visitors annually wish to admire.

The most famous street in London got its name thanks to Robert Baker, who was the largest manufacturer and trader of piccadilly collars fashionable in the 17th century. He built a mansion here, which later became known as Piccadilly Hall. His example was followed by the noble persons of London, who erected luxurious houses on this street. Immediately, people from the lower strata of society, who quickly became rich, tried to build mansions for themselves. Today, the richest people on the planet acquire apartments on this street.

Tourists who have arrived in London do not miss the opportunity to visit the central Trafalgar Square of the city. It is especially beautiful here during the holidays: you can admire various processions and festivals. The main Christmas tree of Great Britain is also installed here. Previously, there were old stables on the site of the square. In 1820, they decided to establish a central square here and name it in honor of the naval battle that took place off Cape Trafalgard.

More than 200 years ago, the Frenchwoman and talented sculptor Marie Tussaud began traveling around Europe with a small collection of wax figures at that time. The number of exhibits increased over time, and a building on Baker Street was allocated for their location. The museum was very popular and required expansion. The city authorities decided to allocate a building located in Marylebone for a collection of wax figures. It is there that today you can admire a huge number of wax figures of the most famous people in the history of mankind.

You can see the amazing panorama of the city from the huge Ferris wheel, which is called the London Eye. It rises on the banks of the Thames and impresses with its size. The Ferris wheel is equipped with 32 egg-shaped booths. The capsules close tightly and are well ventilated. They are made of the most durable glass, which ensures the safety of people who decide to look at the beauty of London from a bird's eye view.

The museum of the world's most famous detective Sherlock Holmes is very popular with visitors and residents of London. Despite the fact that the character is fictional, the house described in the work of the famous English writer Arthur Conan Doyle was recreated to the smallest detail on Baker Street. In the museum you can see the rooms in which the main characters lived, admire their wax figures. In addition, the house in which the exposition is organized is of interest to tourists. Built in 1815, it is an architectural and historical value.

The modern symbol of the capital of Great Britain is the skyscraper Mercy Ex 30, which is popularly called the "London Gherkin" because of its bizarre shape. This building, designed by the talented architect Foster, is one of the most environmentally friendly skyscrapers. Thanks to an excellently thought-out design, 2 times less energy is spent on its needs than on other similar structures. Everyone can admire the beauty of the lower floors of this majestic structure or visit the popular restaurants located under the transparent dome of the skyscraper.

The most interesting place to visit is the Shard skyscraper, towering in the center of London. So that the building does not violate the unique architecture of the city, it was decided to create it from glass and metal. The skyscraper looks like a huge ice block, rushing to the heavenly heights, which determined its name. The most popular among tourists is the observation deck of the glass pyramid, from which you can see even remote areas of the huge city.

Built in 1871, the famous Albert Hall remains the most popular concert hall in the world today. More than 350 different events are organized within its walls every year. The structure, reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, required huge costs for its construction. To complete construction, Queen Victoria instituted ticket sales for future events to be held at the Albert Hall. Thanks to people who love art, concert hall was completed. It is noteworthy that the tickets are valid for 999 years, and some English people still use them to attend events held here.

The magnificent royal theater located in Covent Garden strikes with its grandeur. Every performer or orchestra dreams of visiting its famous stage. The building was erected in 1858. Its predecessors were two theaters famous at that time, which were damaged by fire and could not be restored. Previously, it was possible to watch performances of almost all theatrical genres here. Today the repertoire is limited only to musical performances: ballets, concerts, operas.

Visitors of all ages can have fun at London's famous Natural History Museum. Over the 135-year history of its existence, the museum has collected more than 70 million exhibits. The most popular exposition, which presents the skeletons of dinosaurs. Here you can also look at a huge collection of meteorites. Even the building itself captivates with its delightful ancient architecture. Located in South Kensington, the museum is very popular with residents of the city and its visitors.

In 1862, a huge railway station was built on Victoria Street, designed by architect W. Henry, which was named after Queen Victoria. This unique building, built of red bricks, was reconstructed in 1910 and still adorns the city with unique architecture. About 70 million passengers arrive here every year.

On an area of ​​121 hectares, in the south-west region of London, there are wonderful botanical gardens, which are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are all conditions for a pleasant stay. On the territory of the Royal Botanic Gardens, you can admire a huge number of a wide variety of plants, relax in cafeterias and restaurants. Kew Gardens can also please with huge collections of herbariums, drawings, seeds.

The symbol of English football is the popular Wembley Stadium. No football fan will miss the opportunity to visit this unique place. The opening of the first building took place in 1923, where the FA Cup was immediately launched. In 2003, it was decided to build a new stadium, which took 4 years to build. Today, in addition to sports competitions, performances by the most popular pop stars are organized at the new stadium. It was here that Madonna, Michael Jackson and many popular musical groups delighted the audience with their concerts.

It is interesting to visit the Chinese area of ​​London Chinatown. This unique place, where two cultures practically merged: Chinese and English. At the beginning of the 20th century, outcasts and immigrants who arrived in Britain from other states lived in this disadvantaged area of ​​​​the city. Soon the area was settled by the Chinese, which was clearly reflected in its appearance. London's Chinatown is often visited by tourists who want to see a piece of China in England.

The modern Globe Theater impresses with its tragic history. The first version of the building was built in 1599, but after 14 years it was badly damaged by a fire that raged here in 1613. A year later, it was restored, but this time a difficult fate awaited it: the building was abandoned and destroyed. The architects of our time, having studied the ancient descriptions of the theater and the fragments found during excavations, recreated the building. It was in this place that the great Shakespeare organized performances of his works.

Connoisseurs of high art should definitely visit the Tate Gallery in London, where the works of the best British artists are collected. The first exposition appeared here in 1897. The Board of Trustees decided to present only the works of masters who have been working since 1790. At the beginning of the 20th century, they decided to significantly expand the gallery by creating collections of works by foreign artists. Sculptures of famous masters of our time are also presented here.

A real paradise is Oxford Street for people who carefully follow fashion. About 500 different shops are equipped on this street, which are visited annually by over 100 million Londoners and visitors to the city. Here you can see the works of famous couturiers presented in the boutiques of the most prestigious brands. This street is especially popular on the eve of the holidays, when everyone rushes to supermarkets in search of gifts for relatives and friends.

The Temple Church has an extremely rich history associated with the Knights Templar. It was founded in 1185 and since then its walls have witnessed the development of London. In this old majestic building secret ceremonies were performed during which knighting took place. Services are still held in this church today, during which you can listen to the singing of the choir, consisting of 30 people. In the inner courtyard of the church are beautiful gardens stretching to the banks of the Thames.

This is only a small part of the attractions of London, which will be of interest to all tourists. Photos and descriptions of these places will provide an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the many-sided and delightful capital of Great Britain. This city is an example of how to value your history, be proud of it and preserve it in order to pass on a rich heritage to future generations.

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