London is renowned for being a capital steeped in culture and history. There are so many things that see that you could not possibly cover it all in one trip, even if you stayed there for weeks. For those of you making a whistle stop tour, be sure to use some form of luggage storage in London to avoid carrying too many bags with you. So, continue reading for the must-see historic things in London.
Tower of London
Discover this historic building’s link to royalty, criminals, death and treason. There is so much to learn about the Tower of London with over 1000 years of tales to be told. Home to the crown jewels, you could easily spend several days exploring all this castle has to offer. Highly recommended is the Yeoman Warder tour and also a visit to the ravens, which, if they ever leave the Tower of London, are said to signify the Crown and Britain falling.
Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s official residence, Buckingham Palace is a grand building that you certainly should not miss on your visit to London. If your visit falls during the summer months, it may be possible to book yourself onto a tour to view 19 amazing state rooms adorned with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck. Even if you are in London at the wrong time of year, there is still much to witness including the Changing the Guard.
Monument
World-renowned architect, Sir Christopher Wren, designed monument as a memorial to all those who lost their lives (very few) or livelihoods (many more) during the Great Fire of London in 1666. Monument stands at 61 metres tall, which is also the exact distance between its location and that of the start of the fire on Pudding Lane. Refurbished on a grand scale in the late 2000s, they installed, on the very top of the monument, a 360-degree panoramic camera updating every minute of every day.
Tower Bridge
One of the world’s most famous landmarks, Tower Bridge was built over 125 years ago in order to ease the problem of congestion in that area of the city. It also allows for access to the port by lifting and lowering for any larger ships to pass through. Walking across the bridge can be fascinating, but you are also able to see a lot more. The history of the bridge can be seen in the exhibition area with the opportunity to also walk across a glass-floored section, giving a clear view of the world below.
Globe Theatre
Located on the bank of the River Thames in Bankside’s Cultural Quarter, the Globe Theatre could well be the most famous in the world. Whether you take in a play in the Globe or simply embark on a guided tour, you will most certainly marvel at the structure. The atmosphere here is unique with a warm welcome for all. As well as first-class performances, you may also be able to engage with the world of theatre by listening to a talk or undertaking a course.