Old landmarks of London. The main attractions of London

No one will argue that London is one of the most popular places on the map among tourists; almost every traveler wants to visit this rainy and perhaps a little gloomy, but such an attractive city with a magical atmosphere. This is the capital of dreams, memorable at first glance for its unique character and color expressed in every detail.

The banks of the Thames amaze with the number of interesting sights, because to form even a superficial opinion about this wonderful metropolis, you will need to spend at least a week here.

Moreover, unlike some other cities that are invariably included in the list of must-see places in the world, London does not have a clearly defined center that would unite the main attractions on its territory. Here famous places scattered across various areas.

Add to list worth a visit places in the English capital include not only museums, castles and other historical buildings, but also rich nature, picturesque parks, as well as modern buildings, for example, skyscrapers, striking in their originality and impressiveness.

Let's take a closer look at the objects that no self-respecting guest from another state should pass by.

One of the first historical buildings that you definitely can’t ignore is Big Ben. There is probably not a traveler who has not seen the world’s most famous watches on postcards or stationery.

The construction of the tower took place under Queen Victoria in the mid-19th century, and its height reaches 97 meters. Since then, the clock has never tired of faithfully counting time, serving as a guide for all residents of London.

It should be mentioned that there is a widespread misconception regarding the name of the building. “Big Ben” is not the name of the legendary clock tower or the clock itself, it is the most impressive bell in size located in the tower.

This giant differs from its five brothers in its amazing weight - 13.5 tons. But due to the simplicity of the name and its easy perception, both visitors and local residents often apply the name “Big Ben” to both the clock and the tower as a whole.

The official and correct name of the main symbol of the English capital is the Elizabeth Tower. This honorary name was assigned only in 2012, and the occasion was the 60th anniversary of the queen’s reign. Until then, the tower was given the name St. Stephen's Tower.

Let us turn to the milestones of the existence of the historical site: previously, this building served as a prison intended for political prisoners - parliamentarians, whose opinions contradicted the views of the authorities. However, in fact, the tower practically did not fulfill its functions; in its entire history, only one prisoner was imprisoned within these walls.

The tower invariably finds its place in popular culture. In 2012, the chimes signaled the opening of the Olympics, and in the most famous films and even cartoons the tower becomes the star of close-ups - “Flood”, “Mars Attacks” and other Hollywood masterpieces.

And a number of cartoons even contain scenes in which Big Ben becomes the setting - “101 Dalmatians” or “Peter Pan”.

As you know, Big Ben is an integral part, one of the towers of the grandiose Palace of Westminster, which is another important attraction. The history of the palace is full of tragedies - until the 14th century it was assigned the role of a royal residence, but fate had a surprise in store for it.

In 1834, a terrible fire broke out, causing the loss of most of the structure. There are also a few surviving fragments of the palace - Westminster Hall, where lavish receptions were held, and the Tower of Jewels.

It was only in the mid-19th century that a new palace building was built to replace the burnt apartments. Parliament meetings are held here today. The style in which the modern palace was built can be defined as neo-Gothic.

The impressive characteristics that distinguish the majestic structure are that the total length of its corridors is about five kilometers, and the number of rooms almost reaches 1200.

Westminster Hall requires special attention, since it is not just one of the halls, but a most valuable monument of the Middle Ages, which preserved the spirit of those years and survived the fire.

The hall was created in the 11th century and was distinguished by its luxury, and the original project was reconstructed 300 years later: the walls were lined with stone, and wooden ceilings were added. It must be said that not only did this hall go through a monstrous fire, but also through the German bombings in 1941, because the neighboring hall was completely destroyed by them.

The dimensions of Westminster Hall are awe-inspiring - the ceiling height is 28 meters, and the total area is about 1800 sq.m. Not always, however, exclusively ceremonial receptions were held here; this room served as a courtroom until the end of the 19th century - it was here that the Supreme Court of the state ruled death sentence for a number of famous personalities, including, for example, the thinker Thomas More.

The next point on the itinerary of an inquisitive tourist is Westminster Abbey, which can be found to the west of the Palace of Westminster. Another, less popular, name for the building is the Church of St. Peter.

The duration of the construction process of this building in the Gothic style is striking - exactly 5 centuries, although there were short breaks. Statues of martyrs adorn the western façade of the majestic church.

Westminster Abbey boasts the constancy of its functions - it is the only place where British monarchs ascend to the throne, as well as the territory of their burial. In addition to royalty, prominent Britons whose activities glorified England also find eternal rest in the abbey.

For example, in the Poets' Corner you can find the burial places of Dickens, Chaucer and other literary geniuses. The graves of such famous scientists as Darwin and Newton are also located here. Great honor to find here last refuge turns out only to outstanding citizens.

Buckingham Palace

You can’t ignore the residence of Elizabeth II - the magnificent Buckingham Palace. It was founded in 1703, and received its name after the surname of the original owner - the Duke of Buckingham.

There are more than 600 rooms inside the palace. The northern part of the castle is occupied by the current queen and her husband. Tourists can instantly determine whether the monarch is present at the residence or has temporarily left it by the British flag, which either flies over the structure or is lowered.

For those who like to watch the changing of the guard of honor, this opportunity is provided daily half an hour before noon on the palace square.

Fortress Tower

The next most important point is tower fortress, playing the role of another main symbol of the capital. The building is ancient, the date of construction is 1078.

Unlike Westminster Abbey, which was permanent in its purpose, the ancient Tower was a fortress, a royal residence, an observatory, a zoo, a mint, and a prison. It was the latter that made it an infamous historical point.

Second World War became the period of the Tower's return to its prison past - Germans taken prisoner were held here, including Rudolf Hess.

Currently, the complex includes several buildings, including the museum of jewelry and the armory, which are the most significant.

The bridge of the same name - Tower Bridge - is located near the fortress. It was in honor of her that he acquired such a name. The bridge was opened in 1894. This is a large-scale steel structure in the Gothic style, spanning the Thames.

The Tower Bridge is a structure of two towers (65 meters each), which are connected by a passage. The wings of the passage can rise up to 83 degrees to allow large ships to pass under the bridge.

An interesting fact is that the bridge is extremely convenient for pedestrians due to special paths that are provided even at the time of its opening.

Using the stairs located in each tower, you can climb to a height of 44 meters and move to the other side of the river, despite the wings being fixed at an angle. The bridge also provides Observation deck, which is located at the top of the bridge. From there, tourists can admire the magical English city.

Trafalgar Square

Let us now turn to the famous squares. Most known to travelers- Trafalgar Square. This attraction is located directly in the center of the capital. You can find the square by the column installed on it, topped with a statue of Admiral Nelson.

The height of the column is 44 meters, and the material for its creation was gray granite. Nowadays, the square becomes home to London's main Christmas tree every year. Read about it here.

Piccadilly Circus

Another ancient square is Piccadilly Circus, its history goes back more than 200 years. Here you can find a famous cafe called “Royal”, which served as a gathering place for creative personalities - artists, poets. The main highlight of the square is the fountain topped with a statue of the Greek god Anteros.

Another interesting detail is the underground theater hall with 600 seats (Criterion Theatre), which has been in operation since 1874. Also, some tourists come here wanting to visit the Cupids of London museum. This is already a modern cultural point, which appeared in 2007.

A fun fact about Piccadilly Circus is that it was one of the first squares to feature the first neon signs, over 100 years ago.

Madame Tussauds museum

Let's move on to museums. London is famous all over the world thanks to its exhibition, which allows you not only to take pictures, but also to touch show business stars, historical figures, royalty - this is Madame Tussauds. This wonderful place is located on Marylebone Road.

The exhibition includes more than four hundred realistic exhibits, including such personalities as Michael Jackson, the Beatles and other people who left their bright mark on history. The craftsmanship with which the figures are made often leaves one speechless, since it is quite difficult to distinguish them from living prototypes.

This seemingly harmless museum also has a corner for those who like to tickle their nerves. This is the Chamber of Horrors - a room where images of British criminals who have committed monstrous deeds over the past 5 centuries are collected.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

It is impossible not to pay attention to this museum on Baker Street. It is clear to everyone that this exhibition is dedicated to the favorite literary hero of the people of England - Sherlock Holmes. The building in which the museum is located was built in 1815. It has four floors, the first of which houses a souvenir shop and a hall.

On the second, tourists can find the detective's room and the living room, and the third is occupied by the chambers of Mrs. Hudson and Dr. Watson. The top floor serves as a platform for wax figures of the main characters of the Holmes works.

The setting was recreated with particular precision - the British paid close attention to detail, placing in the chambers a violin, the detective’s smoking pipe, as well as other things that reflect his hobbies. A tourist can even spend time by the fireplace in Sherlock’s favorite chair, immersing himself in an atmosphere of carelessness and disorder, creating the effect of the owner’s recent presence in the room.

Residential complex One Hyde Park

Finally, let's take a look at the city's modern attractions. Travelers are often attracted to the unattainable and luxurious. One of these places is an elite residential complex located in the Knightsbridge area. Of course, you won’t find any special beauty or historical atmosphere here.

This complex consists of four separate buildings made of reinforced concrete and glass. However, the complex gained worldwide fame due to its cost. The most expensive apartment on the planet is located right here; the owner bought it for $220 million.

Luxurious housing, unfortunately, is the prerogative of only billionaires. A tourist can only walk around the prestigious quarter and take a photo against its background.

Naturally, these are not all the attractions of London, but only the minimum that every tourist must visit. In addition to the above, plan a visit to the National Art Gallery, famous for its collection of works by da Vinci, Monet, Rubens and other world-famous artists.

Take a walk along the Avenue of Stars - an analogue of the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, containing the handprints of famous Englishmen. Lovers of entertainment and shopping should head to the Soho area.

London attracts people with its unique architecture and beauty. The city of fogs is very popular among tourists from different parts of our planet. The Greenwich meridian passes through the capital of Great Britain. Here you can be in two parts of the world in just a few minutes. Only in this city does the bus cause a storm of emotions among tourists. After all, the red bus is already a symbol of Great Britain. We'll tell you about the popular attractions of London, what to see and where to go.

The Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences is located in Westminster. He is quite famous all over the world. The structure is named after Queen Victoria's late husband, Prince Albert. The Albert Hall is elliptical in shape. The red brick building is crowned with a glass dome on a metal frame, and on the facade concert hall Quotes from the Bible are laid out using mosaics. The interior of the Albert Hall is designed like an amphitheater. The building can accommodate up to 5,500 thousand people. The second largest organ in the entire country is installed here.

The Albert Hall hosts art exhibitions, various events, and sports competitions. But the building gained its fame thanks to numerous concerts of popular musical groups. Since the opening of the Albert Hall there have been major problems with acoustics. However, over time, this issue was resolved with the help of special panels. They were reinforced under the ceiling of the building.

Local residents have already nicknamed the panels “flying saucers.” You can get to the Royal Albert Hall by taking the tube to South Kensington station. Or by bus No. 9, 10. It is simply impossible not to notice the structure. Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. A ticket to the Royal Albert Hall costs about 13 euros for adults, about 6 euros for children, and a family ticket can be purchased for about 30 euros. The tour lasts 70 minutes.

Big Ben

The huge clock tower towering over the Thames is the symbol of the city. Many people believe that it is the one that bears the name “Big Ben”. However, in reality, Big Ben is a huge bell on a tower. In ancient times, bells were given names. So they named the symbol “Ben”, in honor of Benjamin Hall. They say that it was this man who supervised the installation of the huge bell.

Subsequently, the tower itself began to be called by this name. Although its real name is “Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster”. The height of the structure reaches 96.3 meters. The clock on it is the largest in the world. There are 4 dials, which are turned to 4 cardinal directions. Big Ben's clock is the most accurate in the world. The huge bell will get cracked. As a result, his sound became distinctive.

The tower looks majestic and beautiful. In the dark, it all glows especially gorgeous. The area around the attraction is always crowded. In addition, there is heavy traffic here. On weekends the situation worsens. If you decide to visit this place, it is better to go on weekdays. You can get to Big Ben by taking the metro to Westminster station.

Or by bus to the Parliament Square stop. Tourists are not allowed to climb the tower itself. Since it is part of the Westminster complex, which belongs to a government institution. Only available to UK citizens. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

British museum

This is a collection of works of art from Ancient Greece, Rome, Ancient Egypt. The works of masters from all over the world are stored here. Engravings, drawings, ethnography, coins and medals - all this can be seen in one of the largest museums in the world. The building took 24 years to construct. But during World War 2 the museum was partially destroyed. Therefore, many exhibits were taken from here. Restoring the structure and returning the works of art took many more years. In museums you can see wooden sarcophagi with animal mummies. Reliefs depicting scenes of battles and hunting evoke delight and grandeur.

Only in the British Museum is it possible to view sculptural portraits of the emperors Augustus and Hadrian. Numismatics lovers should definitely visit the hall with coins. And art lovers will be happy to see works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Dürer, Raphael, Van Gogh and Rembrandt here. You can get to the museum by taking the tube to the Tottenham Court Road or Holborn stops. Or take a bus in this direction. Opening hours are from 10 to 17.30 every day.

On Friday, some departments are on duty until 20.30. Entrance to the museum is free. Guides who speak Russian work here. Nights at the Museum are very popular at the British Museum. They take place here 4 times a year. Each time a new topic is set. During such an excursion there is an opportunity to listen interesting stories all night long. It is simply impossible to view all the exhibits at one time. There is a café and souvenir shop on the museum grounds.

Westminster

The House of Parliament, Westminster, is famous all over the world. This is a huge and beautiful complex located on the banks of the Thames. Its two famous towers, Big Ben and Victoria, reach high into the sky. The impressive size of the building amazes with its beauty. It feels the strength and power of Great Britain. Westminster was open only to British rule for many years.

Excursions to the House of Parliament were allowed only in 2004. Visitors are allowed here during the parliamentary recess from August 7 to September 16, and on Saturdays throughout the year. Inside the building you can see a royal gallery with paintings and sculptures, a royal wardrobe, and a chamber for disputes. The main attraction of the Houses of Parliament is Westminster Hall.

You can get to Westminster by metro to the station of the same name. The tour is free. It begins when a group of 16 people is recruited. Visiting hours at Parliament House are from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. On Saturday from 08.45 to 16.45 hours. To avoid queues, you can order tickets in advance online.

The cost of the tour is about 30 euros for adults. Child ticket can be bought for 13 euros. Children under 5 years old have free entry. Discounts are available for students, pensioners, and groups of 10 or more people. If you want to save money, you can book an audio tour. Its price is 10 euros cheaper.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

The Museum of the most famous Sir Mr. Sherlock Holmes (The Sherlock Holmes Museum) is located at 221B Baker Street in the Borough of Westminster. It is located in a very ordinary 4-story building. From a distance, the museum is not noticeable; it can only be recognized by its sign and the queues of tourists. At the bottom of the house-museum there is a gift shop. Above are the living room and bedroom of Sir himself.

On the third floor are the rooms of the mistress of the house, Mrs. Hudson and Dr. Watson. On the top floor there is an exhibition of wax figures. It consists of numerous detective heroes. Here you can meet Professor Mariarty himself, Irene Adler, the Hound of the Baskervilles or a corpse on the floor. There is a bathroom in the attic. Photography is allowed in the museum.

Visitors enjoy posing in front of the home of their favorite hero. Here you are allowed to sit in armchairs by the fireplace. And on a special table the props are always ready: Sherlock’s cap, a pipe and a magnifying glass. You can get to the museum by taking the subway to the Baker Street station. It's only a few minutes' walk away. The museum is open every day except Christmas holidays.

A ticket to it costs about 7 euros for an adult and 5 euros for a child. It is better to go here on an excursion in the morning. There are many people who want to see Sherlock Holmes's house. With a large crowd of people, it is quite difficult to move around the museum. And photographing anything is even more difficult. Opening hours are from 9.30 to 18.00.

Piccadilly Street

Piccadilly is the most famous street. It is located in one of the oldest areas of the city - Westminster. The street is always quite busy, it is full of people, tourists and residents of the capital. Piccadilly Circus was named after tailor Robert Baker. He made his fortune sewing Piccadilly collars. Baker purchased land in the area and built a house called Piccadilly Hall. As a result, the streets were lined with rich mansions of wealthy people. Such houses began to be called “Piccadilly”. Here, even today, there are many clubhouses, the entry of which is prohibited to ordinary people.

Everyone who comes to the capital of Great Britain should take a walk along Piccadilly Circus. The street is huge, clean, with incredible beautiful houses and shops. It's especially beautiful here in the evening. When the city lights up, the mansions of Piccadilly flash with colorful lights. And boutiques cannot fail to attract attention. Shop windows here are carefully decorated. Every little thing, jar, and box attracts special attention. The square of the same name in Piccadilly is one of the favorite meeting places of the British. People often arrange dates or just friendly meetings here.

The well-known cafe “Royal” is located on the street. Creative people like to meet here: artists, writers, poets. Getting to Piccadilly is easy. The transport links here are one of the best in the world. Several major roads lead to it. Get to famous street The fastest way is by metro to Piccadilly Circus or Green Park stations.

District City

The City of London is another one of the most ancient areas. It is located in the very center of the capital of England. The region has an amazing status; it is not subject to royal authority. The head of the City is its mayor. And, if someone from the royal power decides to come to this area, they can only do this with the permission of the head of the City. There are rules and laws here.

The City is officially the UK's smallest county. The district boundaries are separated by special posts. The population of the City is also the smallest, about 10,000 people. The area was founded by the Romans about 2000 years ago. At that time, Great Britain was still part of the Roman Empire. Many City streets follow the roads laid by the ancient Romans.

Near large cluster historical monuments. Here are the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Royal Exchange, and Leadenhall Market. Old buildings in the City alternate with new buildings. Infrastructure development has not stopped here. There are many office towers in the area: Heron, Lloyd, Mary Ax 30, Walkey Talkie, Tower 42. The largest complex in the capital, the Barbican Center, was built here. The City's architecture is an incredible mixture of all centuries and styles.

A visit to this area is definitely worth it. There is no point in visiting the attraction on weekends or in the evening. It may happen that you will be alone on the entire street. The area is beautiful when there is activity all around. However, during peak hours the metro suffers from large crowds. Therefore, choose your visit time carefully. It is convenient to get to the area by metro. There are quite a few stations: Barbican, Tower Hill, Liverpool, Mansion House.

Tower

The Tower of London complex is located on the northern bank of the Thames. It is considered the best preserved building in Europe. Over the entire many years history of the Tower in all the years they could not take it by storm. The thickness of its walls reaches 4.5 meters. The castle has a difficult history. Royalty lived in the complex. Noble and rich people were also taken into custody here. The Tower was both a home and a prison at the same time. It contains traces of human tragedies and deaths.

The Tower is surrounded by myths and legends that are already difficult to distinguish from real history castle The black raven is considered a symbol of trouble and misfortune in the complex. According to legend, he appears on the territory of the complex before any tragedy. The castle leads in the number of ghosts living in it. The British claim that the ghosts of royals who met death live here in the complex.

The Tower is fascinating and terrifying at the same time. A huge castle, which has repelled many enemies, rises above the Thames. It is especially beautiful at sunset. The roads within the complex are made of stone paving stones. Therefore, you should take care comfortable shoes. There are many tourists in the Tower. Those with a London pass are allowed to skip the queue. And so, it is better to purchase tickets in advance. Opening hours of the complex from March to October: from 9 to 17.30 from Tuesday to Saturday.

From November to February the castle is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Sunday and Monday, the Tower welcomes tourists from 10 to 17.30, regardless of the season. During the Christmas holidays the castle is closed. A ticket for adults costs about 5 euros, for children - about 4. A family ticket costs about 15 euros. You can get to the castle by metro to Tower Hill station or by bus number 15, 42, 78, 100.

Tower Bridge

Another symbol of England, strict and beautiful at the same time, is the famous Tower Bridge. It captivates visitors at first sight with its impressive size and stunning architecture. The bridge was built in the 19th century, when London became an impressive commercial and industrial center. The two Gothic towers of the building perfectly convey the entire English spirit.

The bridge harmoniously combines with the nearby Tower. He becomes his continuation. Inside the bridge, between the towers, there is a museum. Previously, this was a pedestrian zone, but it was subsequently closed due to increased cases of theft in such a deserted place. The towers can be reached by stairs or elevator. You can also see the lifting mechanism. It is huge in size.

You can take photographs on the bridge. But metal structures and glass greatly hinder this. Therefore the majority knowledgeable tourists They don’t climb the towers. Beautiful scenery can be seen from other bridges. In the gallery of the building there is an exhibition of photographs of various bridges around the world. There is also information about them here.

Tower Bridge is open every day from April to September from 10 to 18.30 hours. From October to March from 9.30 to 18.00 hours. A ticket for adults costs about 10 euros, for children - about 4. Children under 5 years old have free admission. Tower Bridge is located in the center, next to Tower Castle. Tower Hill metro stop or bus number 42, 100, 15, 78.

Globus theatre

The Globe is the very first theater in the capital of Great Britain. It was erected on the site where its predecessor was previously located. At the beginning of its history, the Globe was only a small square in the shape of a circle, surrounded by a fence. This building burned down completely. And the authorities built a house in its place. The new theater building was built a few meters from the old one. It was opened in 1997. The architects tried to make the theater as close as possible to the very first building.

Inside there are three tiers of balconies with seating. Near the stage you can enjoy the performances only while standing. The way poor people who did not have money for seat tickets watched performances in the old days. In principle, microphones and spotlights are not used in the Globe. To create an atmosphere similar to that of the old theater.

You can purchase tickets online or buy them in advance. Despite the fact that the Globus is not open in winter, excursions are still held there. The theater's opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Times change during the theater season. Admission for adults costs about 18 euros, for children - about 11. Children under 5 years old have free admission. You can get to the Globe by metro to the “Cannon” or “Mansion House” stops.

Theater Royal Covent Garden

Covent Garden is considered the largest opera house Great Britain. It got its name in honor of the square where the theater was built. In 1808 the building burned down. But in just 9 months it was restored. To recoup the money spent on repairs, the authorities raised the price of tickets. However, after a 2-month boycott of the public and disruptions of performances, they gave up and were forced to reduce prices to the old level. Once again, the fire of 1986 destroyed Covent Garden for the second time. In this case, recovery took about two years.

There are two excursions to Covent Garden. The first is called “Behind the Scenes of the Theatre.” It introduces tourists to the everyday life of actors and preparations for new works. A ticket for adults costs about 14 euros, for children - about 10 euros, for students and pensioners - about 13 euros. The second excursion is called “Velvet, Gilding and Glamor”. It introduces travelers to the architecture and history of the building. A ticket for adults costs about 12 euros, for children - about 10 euros, for students and pensioners - about 9 euros. You can look at the interior of the theater, and at the same time enjoy the opera, from 18 to 217 euros. You can get to Covent Garden by bus numbers 9, 13, 15, 23, 139 and 153. Or to Covent Garden station by tube.

Trafalgar Square

The main square of the capital of Great Britain - Trafalgar Square - gathers city residents for all the major holidays of the country. She is named after the Trafalgar victory by Admiral Horatio Nelson. The monument to the admiral is located in the center of the square, surrounded by 6-meter lions. Each animal is a symbol of Nelson's victories in battle. You can also see a monument to Charles I here.

The British calculate distances from it. The monument is located in the central point of the capital. There are 4 pedestals at the 4 corners of the square. On the tops of 3 of them are monuments to George IV, General Napier and Henry Havelock. The surprising thing is that pedestal 4 was empty until 2005. Afterwards it was replaced by various sculptures, including living ones.

Until in 2010, a model of the Victoria ship was installed on the pedestal, where Admiral Nelson died heroically. One of the symbols of the square were pigeons. Over the years, thousands of birds have lived there. Until the authorities banned feeding them in 2007. Now there are almost no pigeons there. The square is located in the center of the capital at the crossroads of three streets: the Mall, the Strand and Whitehall. You can get there by bus No. 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 24 and many others. By metro you can get to the Charing Cross and Embankment stations.

Abbey Route

Abbey Route could well be called “the street where dreams come true.” Young people and creative people love to visit this place. The British gave it a second name, which sounds like “Home of Love and Art.” Fans of The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Duran Duran come here to see the place where their idols recorded their songs. Abbey Route is home to the world-famous Amy Recording Studio.

The most popular place on the street is the intersection, the image of which was captured on the last Beatles disc. All tourists take pictures here. Even drivers treat this with understanding, giving way. The zebra in this place is the only one in the world that has a webcam with live broadcast to the Internet.

The building at the junction of Abbey Road and Grove End Road is an unofficial monument to the Beatles. Here you can see a sign with the inscription: "Abbey Road NW8 City of Westminster". It was often stolen by fans of the group. Therefore, the sign had to be firmly mounted into the building at a fairly high altitude. The building near the inscription is painted every three months, but graffiti depicting “The Beatles” appears again and again. You can get to Abbey Route by metro to St. John's Wood." There is a bus stop nearby - Abbey Road Grove End Road. Walking along Abbey Route is free. But if you want to listen to information and interesting stories, you can purchase a ticket for a tour of the streets. Its cost is about 88 euros.

Westminster Abbey

The world-famous monastery - Westminster Abbey - is the main shrine of Great Britain. It is located next to the Palace of Westminster. British royals are crowned, married and buried here. This is a very large and beautiful building, made in the shape of a Latin cross. The monastery has two big towers and a huge variety of carved arches.

The rich interior is decorated with wonderful stained glass windows. Here you can see magnificent frescoes from the 12th century. The floor of the abbey amazes with its wonderful mosaics. Inside, the monastery looks more like a tomb. There are more than three thousand tombstones here. Among them, are the tombs of kings, monarchs and great men of the kingdom. Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton, Lord Byron, Charles Darwin, and Robert Burns found their peace in the abbey.

In the monastery there is a throne for coronation, which is called the “Stone of Destiny”. The abbey often hosts brass music concerts. Photography and filming are not allowed inside the cathedral. If you decide to visit the cathedral, you need to take care of your clothes. You will not be allowed in in shorts or short skirts. The Abbey also has a policy that pre-school children should not be brought in to avoid unnecessary noise. The monastery is located in the center of Westminster.

You can get there by metro to Westminster or St. James's Park." The abbey's opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 15.30, Wednesday from 9.30 to 18.30, Saturday from 9.30 to 12.30. Entry costs around 23 euros for adults. For children, a ticket can be purchased for about 7 euros. Admission for children under 11 years of age is free.

Buckingham Palace

This palace differs from hundreds of similar monuments in that it is still a functioning royal residence. The palace originally belonged to the Duke of Buckingham, who later sold it to George III. Construction and decoration lasted for almost a century - and the ballroom was completed only by the middle of the nineteenth century. Over the years, the interiors of the palace have changed their decorations more than once, but only luxury has remained unchanged.

Not only the palace itself is a landmark, but also the traditions that “surround” it. For example, the changing of the guard, which is perhaps the most recognizable ceremony in the world. A visit to the state rooms will cost adults (over 17 years old) £24.00. Visiting the palace is possible starting at 09.30. But closing times vary. This usually happens around 18:00.

Kensington Palace

This is the most modest and comfortable of the modern royal residences of England. Today it belongs to the Prince and Princess of Cambridge. It is noteworthy that the mistresses of the palace are always women. Moreover, women who changed history. Once upon a time, it was under its arches that Queen Victoria was born, and a little later, the echo of Princess Diana’s steps began to echo through the spacious halls. But behind the seemingly inconspicuous façade there are paintings, unique items interiors and historical rooms. Pay special attention to the tapestries and paintings on the ceilings and walls.

In the center of the palace - in the middle of living history - there is a stunning installation, which is rightfully considered a real miracle of scientific and technological thought. Of course, we are talking about Shining Lace - a light installation, for the creation of which not only 12 thousand Swarovski crystals were used, but also 4 kilometers of luminous wire. In summer (from March to October) the palace is open to the public from 10.00 to 18.00, winter time– until 16.00. Adult tickets cost up to £19.50.

St Paul's Cathedral

The most high point and concurrently, the largest Anglican church in Europe is the official residence of the local bishop. The building that you can see today is the fifth variation on a similar theme - the three previous ones were destroyed during fires, and the fourth was completely plundered by the Vikings. The dome of the cathedral is something that you simply cannot help but notice. It was not in the original plan, and therefore the designers needed all their ingenuity to organically weave into the project an exact copy of the dome of the main basilica of Rome.

St. Paul's Cathedral opens its doors to tourists at half past 9 am, and closes at half past 5. On Sundays the cathedral is open only to parishioners. Admission for adults (18 years and over) is £18, or £16 if you are part of a tour group. You can save up to £2 when you book your ticket online.

Oxford Street

Welcome to the busiest shopping street in Europe! Sooner or later, any guest is thrown into its orbit, which, however, is not surprising - several extremely popular tourist routes pass here, and the local pricing policy is such that a person of average income will leave here with a thousand rustling packages, but without significant damage to their budget. This area appeared on the city map in the sixteenth century, when a section of the old Roman road began to be built up with cheap houses.

This is how urban slums appeared, which at first were the site of public executions, and then (after the introduction of the corresponding ban) the center trading life mediocre craftsmen. Today there are more than 300 stores here. Don't try to look at everything - local policy is to place items at the door that best reflect the establishment.

Therefore, you can immediately understand whether this place is right for you or you can safely move on. Oxford Circus, Marble Arch and Bond Street - these tube stations open onto Oxford Street and are all literally overcrowded. Be especially careful when walking along Oxford Street - this street breaks all records for petty theft.

Charles Dickens House Museum

Today it is the last surviving house where Charles and Catherine Dickens lived. At first glance, it becomes clear that this house is a stronghold of Victorian England - its spirit, life of the old school. The restorers did a great job to convey the mood of a lived-in, warm nineteenth-century house with a lovely living room, a long dining table, a magnificent four-poster bed, and a variety of kitchen utensils.

There is also the writer’s office with his personal belongings. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. This schedule continues all year round, except for December, when the museum is open seven days a week. Adult tickets cost £9.50.

Soho area

In Soho you can meet a contingent of completely different types: from students to marginalized people. This area lives up to its reputation as the busiest place. Its appearance is associated with Henry VIII, a lover of women and hunting. It is believed that the name came from the hunting call "So-ho". The atmosphere of the area has developed historically - Soho has always been a kind of buffer zone between the aristocratic neighborhoods and the neighborhoods of the mob, and therefore mainly immigrants, people of creative professions and marginalized people settled here.

Today there are very few residential buildings here, and finding these inconspicuous courtyards is quite difficult. Mostly clubs, bars and sex shops are concentrated here. Soho is lively at any time of the day or night, so if at four in the morning you decide that the party is not over yet, feel free to head here. Soho is also worth a visit for gourmets - it has the most colorful selection of cuisines and restaurants in the world at fairly reasonable prices.

Skyscraper Mary Ax

The forty-story, fully glassed Mary Ax skyscraper was named after the street on which it stands, but it official name– the gherkin, that is, “cucumber”. Residents named it this way because of the greenish tint of the glass and the corresponding shape. Against the backdrop of historical London, this skyscraper looks extremely futuristic. Innovative methods were used to create it. Thus, load-bearing structures made in the form of a grid were used, which made the building more economical in terms of maintenance.

And the abundance of glass solved three problems at once: the problem of ventilation, heat conservation, and lighting - after all, the building is literally filled with light during the daytime. The team of engineers received a number of prestigious European awards for the uniqueness of the project. The entrance to the tower is not open every day, but if you are lucky, access to the observation deck is free. On the last three floors there are cafes and restaurants.

Leadenhall Market

The oldest market in Foggy Albion does not lose its relevance. Back in the days of Londinium, as the Romans called it, there were retail space, and Leadenhall Market itself appeared on the city map in the fourteenth century to quickly become one of the fastest growing retail outlets. By the beginning of the nineteenth century, its significance could no longer be denied, and the city authorities announced a competition. The winner received the opportunity to bring their building design for Leadenhall to life.

As a result, we received a huge shopping pavilion with long galleries and a glass roof, decorated with hundreds of details. If you experience a vague feeling of déjà vu when you find yourself under the shadow of glass vaults, know that this feeling was completely justified - this is where “magical” London was filmed in the first part of the Harry Potter saga.

Skyscraper Shard

Shard has become one of the newest architectural landmarks of the capital. The construction of this glass pyramid was timed to coincide with the beginning of the 2012 Olympic Games. “Shard of Glass” fully lives up to its name - thousands of glass panels sparkle in the sunlight. Typically, tourists can enter the skyscraper building from 10 am to 6 pm from Sunday to Wednesday, from 10 am to 10 pm on other days, but such operating hours are variable.

It all depends on whether any events will be held, so before visiting the skyscraper, check the working hours for the current day. The full cost of visiting (for one day) is £32. You can go up to the observation deck (from the 68th to 72nd floors) and use the bar for free. If it is too cloudy at the time of your visit to prevent you from enjoying the view, you will have the right to claim your money back.

London National Gallery

One of the largest art galleries in the capital looks somewhat more modest than the Louvre, but it is more structured. Paintings from the twelfth to the twentieth centuries are exhibited here, with representatives of schools exclusively in focus. Western Europe. The gallery was opened at the beginning of the nineteenth century and has already managed to change its location.

The last move was forced - there were more and more paintings, and it was necessary to begin construction of a new building. Soon, the now well-known building by Wilkins appeared on the northern end of Trafalgar Square. The halls contain more than two thousand exhibits, and therefore it will be almost impossible to see everything in a day.

It’s better to decide right away whether you want to get to know Van Dyck, one of the titans of English classical painting, or whether you’ll be interested in Van Gogh’s paintings. If you wish, you can listen to audio lectures or apply for additional information to the museum staff. The gallery is open from 10am to 6pm daily. On Fridays it closes at 21.00. The entrance is free.

Madame Tussauds museum

Marie Tussaud was able to brilliantly put into practice the knowledge she acquired while her mother worked as a housekeeper for Philip Curtis, a recognized wax figure master. At first, Tussaud traveled with her silent companions around the cities, and then decided to settle in London. She originally opened her museum on Baker Street, but then moved it to Marylebone Street, where it remains today. Since its opening, the museum has not changed its concept.

Rising stars of our time appear in collections immediately, but also quickly disappear if the glory of the real prototype begins to fade. Fab Four characters " Star Wars", Benedict Cumberbatch and Marilyn Monroe coexist quite comfortably with politicians and kings. Modern technologies make it possible to make figures a little more alive.

So, Jennifer Lopez blushes adorably. The museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays. On weekends it opens at 9. A standard ticket will cost you £35 if you buy it at the box office, and £29 if you buy it online.

This historical Museum, which is located deep underground. Medieval instruments of torture are collected here, which continue to inspire horror. The museum opened at the end of the twentieth century. The first batch of history's most terrifying humans and non-humans left a lasting impression on audiences. Since that moment, little has changed - thanks to the improvement of the technical base, the museum continues to make its guests tremble with fear.

In addition to torture instruments, the modern exhibition includes “live performances.” You will be able to see with your own eyes how ugly and unsightly some of the realities of medieval London were: the fire of 1666, the plague, wars. And you will find yourself in the very epicenter of events.

On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays the museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm. On Thursdays, tours begin at 11 am. On Saturdays the last tour starts at 6 pm, and on Sundays at 5. You can order tickets directly on the website.

British Tate Gallery

The gallery is based on the personal collections of Sir Henry Tait, who owned one of the world's largest collections of English art from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries. It is noteworthy that the opening of the gallery became possible only due to the fact that Henry Tate is the creator of cotton candy, and the expected popularity of this delicacy made him a very wealthy man.

Gradually, the collections grew so large that it became necessary to divide them: works from the classical period remained in the old premises in Trafalgar Square, while contemporary art moved to the new premises on the banks of the Thames.

Today, the old power station, where the galleries are located, has become an iconic tourist destination. Entry to the gallery is free. Tickets will only be purchased for special exhibitions. From Sunday to Thursday the gallery is open from 10 am to 10 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays – until 18.00.

Hyde Park

This park usually has a rather lively atmosphere. Everyone is well aware of such a national British trait as restraint, and they have probably heard at least once the expression “stiff upper lip.” The faces of these people will not waver, no matter what happens! This doesn't apply to two things - football and Hyde Park. As you know, English fans are some of the most fierce in the world, and as for Hyde Park, there is the so-called Speakers' Corner, where anyone can climb up to the podium and speak on any topic.

There are only three prohibitions: microphones, calls for violence and obscene language. Therefore, do not deny yourself the pleasure of joining the flow of sincerity. The park itself has the appearance of a typical, slightly careless English park - imposing and picturesque. No French symmetry - just calm and relative riot of nature.

In the very center of the park is Lake Serpentine - people often walk barefoot on its shores, and swimming in the lake itself is not prohibited. Nearby there is a small contemporary art gallery of the same name. The park is open daily from 5 am until midnight.

The London Eye (or Millennium Wheel) was built to coincide with the millennium celebrations. By the time construction was completed, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, however, today this status has passed to a similar structure, but in Singapore. The Ferris wheel has a total of 32 transparent cabins, each of which can simultaneously accommodate up to 25 people.

You can also choose a cabin for two and enjoy a unique romantic walk. The opening times of the London Eye vary quite a bit throughout the year, but generally it opens at 10am and closes between 6 and half 9pm. Adult tickets cost £25.20. When ordering tickets online you can save up to 15% of the amount.

Thames

The Thames is not just another river. English monarchs built their palaces on its banks in order to quickly get home. It was this waterway that made London one of the largest port cities in Europe. The Thames has become a source of inspiration more than once. Thus, the amazing impressionist Claude Monet created a whole series of landscapes on a similar theme. The English painter William Turner did not lag behind him. It was along the Thames that three well-known people traveled with their dog, and Dickens’s characters often strolled along its banks.

It's time for you to enjoy the beauty of this glorious river. Buy a ticket for one of the ferries plying the water stream and try to feel the majestic view of the bridges (Tower, London, Waterloo and others), take a different angle at the most striking sights: the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, St. Paul's Cathedral and many other.

St Pancras Station

After restoration in 2007, the Sant Parnassus station, located right in the city center, quite confidently began to compete with other attractions that claimed the title of the most romantic place in the city. The building in which the station is located was built in the Victorian era and has fully retained its charm.

This is a kind of “matryoshka”, because the station itself is located in an arched landing stage, and around it a building in the neo-Gothic style was built, in which the hotel was located. True, today under the arches of the station there is not a trace left of the nineteenth century - only naked modernity. Trains to the mainland run from Saint-Parnasse Station.

Today, it takes about two hours to get from Paris to London. King's Cross (famous among fans of the Harry Potter universe) and St. Parnassus stations are united due to the presence of an underground station, whose name organically combines the names of the stations.

Wembley Stadium

Wembley is one of the largest sports venues in the world. It was built on the site of a truly legendary arena in 1923. However, the new stadium turned out to be a worthy successor – it amazes with its size and level of technical equipment. Even on the approaches to the stadium, an elegant arch, which serves as a load-bearing arch, catches your eye. It supports the roof, which “opens” with three petals. Even if you are not a football fan, you won’t be able to remain indifferent.

In addition, Wembley has more than once become the stage for world-famous stars. Today, tours of the stadium are offered especially for guests. A basic ticket costs £19. The tour schedule is flexible. It depends not only on the type of ticket you purchased, but also on current events. On average, tours start at 10 am. The last round, as a rule, finds its audience by 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

Harrods department store

The most fashionable department store, unfortunately, is beyond the means of most guests, but a walk through it is quite comparable to a trip to a museum, because the luxury and aristocracy that the interior literally screams about are reminiscent of the decoration of royal residences. However, this is not far from the truth. Since the first third of the nineteenth century, Oscar Wilde, Princess Diana, Sigmund Freud, Elton John, Madonna and others were regular clients of this department store.

However, Harrods has something besides design and brands - fashion shows, festivals and cooking shows are regularly held here. Be sure to come here at Christmas - the extravaganza of the action taking place here is difficult to compare with anything else. The department store is open from 10 am to 8 pm on all days except Sunday. On Sundays it opens at half past 12 and closes at 6 pm.

Portobello Flea Market

Portobello Road is considered one of the most popular market streets in the world. It crosses the Notting Hill area horizontally, meaning that more than three kilometers of open stalls, shops, stalls and street vendors await its guests. But this is not how he managed to win his name. The real Portobello begins on Saturday, when sellers and antique connoisseurs gather here.

The local antiques market is the largest in the world. It is noteworthy that three centuries ago there was a farm on this site, which bore the very poetic name Portobello, which symbolized the victory over the Spanish city of the same name.

In the Victorian era, this area was built up with small houses - blue, red, lilac - and the urban landscape gradually began to take shape. Today you can wander around the market for hours. Here you can find everything from faded Rolling Stones concert tickets to Meissen porcelain.

Brick Lane Flea Market

Shopping fans often ignore the presence of truly colorful street markets that dictate their own fashion trends. And Brick Lane Market is one of them. The street where the market is located is part of the Bangladeshi community, which was once a Jewish ghetto. Such historical realities left their mark on the appearance of this place.

People come here for two things: curry and conceptual fashion. The local array of restaurants serving this dish will amaze you. As for fashion, you can find everything here: from vintage clothes of expensive brands (which for some reason are sold by the Japanese) to vintage Art Deco magazines and everything related to high art. Photographers and artists often appear here, finding inspiration in the chaos and diversity of colors of this market.

London is, of course, called the place where the heart of Great Britain beats. In this multimillion-dollar city of luxury and British tradition, you can find a huge number of attractions that can outshine other historical relics of the world. Let's take a closer look at them.

The famous clock on the main tower

Sometimes tourists wonder where in London to look for Big Ben? The world famous clock tower is located in Palace of Westminster. The palace itself is home to both houses of the British Parliament.

Big Ben is considered a real pearl of London architecture. The tower got its name thanks to the bell located in it. This bell strikes every hour, notifying Londoners of the time.

The tower reaches to the sky 96 meters high. At its top there is an observation deck, which is reached by 334 steps..

Big Ben is still one of the largest clockworks in the world. His work began in 1859. For safety reasons, excursions to Big Ben are not available for a wide range of visitors, but it is still possible to explore the tower up close.

History London Museum

In 1753 Parliament approved the founding of the British Museum. Its 94 galleries with exhibitions are dedicated to history and archaeology. The institution received its main collections from Count Harley, doctor Sloan and antique dealer Cotton.

The British Museum has unusual workers - cats. Six cats there are approved and registered rat catchers.

Colonial Britain, Africa and the East are only a small part of the areas in which the museum exhibits. There are many Greek relics and other European antiquities there. Russell Square tube station is located next to the museum.

Current Queen's Palace

There are not many palaces left in the world where the royal family would live in real life. Buckingham Palace is a pleasant exception here, and is also considered the current residence of the Queen of England.

Buckingham Palace complex can be called small town. Indeed, in addition to the main building with luxurious halls and presentable rooms, there is a post office, a police station and even a pub.

The palace has 775 rooms that serve 700 people. total area complex with garden is 20 hectares.

Tours of the palace are offered in August and September. The changing of the guard in front of the palace is an entertainment available to tourists at any time of the year. Near the palace there is the St James Park metro station.

Westminster and its history

In the 11th century, Westminster Abbey was located outside central London. Then Buckingham Palace was rebuilt nearby, and Westminster itself received an important political status.

Today, within the walls of this castle there is the House of Lords, as well as the House of Commons.

There are a huge number of “royal” attractions near Westminster. Near the former abbey there is now a metro station of the same name.

Freedom of Speech Park

Hyde Park is considered a favorite place for Londoners. There they walk along the alleys, relax on the grass, and can also stand behind a special platform to speak out. The only restrictions during a speech may be swear words and calls for violence, but you can speak publicly on any topic.

The park area includes the Serpentine Lake. You are allowed to swim in it.

The park is located near Kensington Palace. Hyde Park is connected to the palace park by a common area.

Ferris wheel for the millennium

The height of the London Eye or the main Ferris wheel in London is 135 meters. This wheel, which resembles an eye from a distance, has a total of 32 cabins with transparent glass, which can accommodate up to 800 people at a time.

The London Eye service is top notch. You can order champagne and strawberries there. It is also possible to rent a cabin for two.

The revolution of the huge wheel ends in 30 minutes. The wheel is located in the Lambert area.

Tussauds and wax figures in London

The most famous and modern wax museum, which was invented by Madame Tussauds, is located in London. It was in the heart of Britain that the French woman moved her collection to escape the war.

The museum displays figures of various celebrities and historical figures. All of them are made of wax and plastic with amazing precision. Many exhibits are animated.

The museum is located on Marylebone Rd. In this establishment, visitors are greeted at the entrance by the famous madam herself, made of wax, of course, and many of the exhibits can be touched with your hands.

Holmes and his museum

The museum of the legendary literary character is located in the house, the number of which is determined as 239. Thanks to concessions from the authorities, this house was nevertheless assigned the number from the books of Arthur Conan Doyle 221b.

The museum building on three floors houses Holmes and Watson's rooms reconstructed from the books, as well as Mrs. Hudson's apartments. On the fourth floor there is an exhibition of wax figures.

You can find the modern house of Sherlock Holmes on London's Baker Street. Next to the museum there is a metro station with the same name as the street.

The largest gallery in the UK

All the best painting in London is collected in one place - in the London National Gallery. There you can look at paintings from all over Western Europe, from the 12th century to the 20th century.

Today the gallery is located in the north of Trafalgar Square.

The new gallery building has bars with excellent coffee. There you can buy books and posters in the souvenir shop. Excursions with audio guides are organized for tourists.

One of the most famous streets

Piccadilly Circus is mentioned more than once in numerous literary works. This street is the heart of Westminster. This avenue always looks lively, well-groomed and colorful.

The street got its name thanks to a tailor who sewed piccadilly collars there..

This street has its own square and the Royal Academy. On both sides of Piccadilly Circus there are trendy cafes and interesting shops.

City, Thames and architecture

London's financial heart beats in the historic City. This is where the Tower, the Mary Ax skyscraper, and St. Paul's Cathedral are located.

City is a crazy combination architectural styles. Antiquity there harmoniously coexists with modern new buildings.

It is difficult to find residential buildings in the City; the London Stock Exchange, banks and offices are located there. The City is an area created not for living, but for working.

The most fashionable area

It so happens that Soho is one of the most expensive and fashionable parts of London. The area does not sleep even at night; this is where the most reckless and extravagant parties are held.

In the 17th century, the territory of modern Soho was a hunting ground. It is believed that the name of the area came from the hunting call “so-ho”.

Soho has a huge number of bars. There is a gay quarter, as well as apartments where artists and creative bohemians like to live. Leicester Square tube station is located next to the area.

Fortress on the banks of the Thames

The Tower is a real ancient fortress on the north bank of the Thames. After construction, the fortress served as a defensive structure, then it was a mint and even a zoo.

The height of the Tower towers is 30 meters. The ancient fortress was built in 1078.

Today the Tower is a royal residence. On the ground floor of the fortress there is a museum where iconic treasures of the British crown are exhibited. The fortress also has an armory and an ice skating rink, open from November until the end of winter.

London's Main Bridge

The complex design of Tower Bridge is no less admirable than the views from its observation deck. When the bridge is opened for navigation, the pedestrian part of the structure remains intact.

Today there is a museum on the ancient bridge. Tower Bridge offers the best city views of London.

The bridge was put into operation in 1894. Since then, its 244-meter-long structure has been used for traffic and pedestrian movement.

Theater Globe

The old and famous Globe Theater hosts performances from April to October. The rest of the time there are excursions there.

The theater is a reconstruction of a 16th century theater building. Performances there are shown in natural light. Not in the theater seating, and the thatch roof only partially covers half of the stage.

The Globe is located on Bankside Street. Despite its historical surroundings, the lines at the ticket office are always long.

Opera House of the Kings

Covent Garden is the luxurious stronghold of the Royal Opera House in London. The Royal Ballet and the Royal Troupe perform there. The theater acquired its final architectural design in 1990.

The spectator hall seats approximately 2,200 people. The ballet of this theater is patronized by the Queen herself, and the cast is patronized by the Prince of Wales.

Covent Garden is located in Covent Garden Piazza. You can get to it by buses number 9, 13, 153 from Piccadilly Street.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is not only a nice place for recreation, but also an interchange for many types of transport. It is on this square that the country's main Christmas tree is lit every year.

The square is named after the victory at Trafalgar. The event took place in 1805.

This historic square contains many interesting and unusual sights. Charing Cross Underground station is located nearby.

Best place to buy groceries

The highest quality and freshest food in London can only be found in the Borough Market building. The best chefs of the capital's fashionable restaurants shop there for themselves, and not for their business. This indicates the excellent quality of farm produce at Borough Market.

London's oldest market has been operating since the 13th century. It sells ready-made food made according to family recipes, the freshest meat, as well as fish, milk, cheeses and other gastronomic delights..

Truly English products can be purchased on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as on Friday and Saturday. Trading at the market begins at 9 am and unofficially ends at 3 pm. London Bridge station is located next to the market. To get to the market from the metro you will have to walk 10 minutes.

The oldest zoo in the world

Londoners can be proud of being the first to offer visitors a trip to an excellent zoo, aquarium, insectarium and serpentarium.

The world's first zoo appeared in Great Britain in 1828. Today it houses more than 16 thousand animals.

The oldest zoo was founded by Thomas Raffles. It is located in central London, next to Regent's Park tube station.

Skyscraper for the Olympic Games

The Shard glass skyscraper was erected in 2012 before the start of the Olympic Games. The height of the skyscraper is 309 meters. There are 72 floors in the building.

From the 68th to 72nd floors, Shard turns into a giant observation deck.

A high-speed elevator takes tourists to the top of the skyscraper. In 2012, the Shard was considered the tallest European skyscraper. Shard is located at 32 London Bridge Street.

Chinatown in London

Chinatown is a small metropolitan area inhabited primarily by Chinese families. Chinese have lived in the area since Hong Kong was a British colony.

The Chinese area is very bright and colorful. It has an Asian atmosphere and sells the best Chinese food in London.

Today the area has developed into a restaurant and shopping option. There are few residents from China who own apartments there, but shops and cafes can be found in abundance.

Regent's Park and its beauty

The classic royal park in the English style appeared thanks to Henry the Eighth's passion for hunting. Smooth alleys, geometric flower beds and a standard set of trees do not make this park boring; rather, they give it an aristocratic charm.

The beautiful lake and 400 varieties of roses are the real highlight of the park.

Regent's Park opens unusually early - at 5 am. The place is open for walking and relaxing until late at night. Next to it there is a metro station with the same name.

Highgate Cemetery

The sad and beautiful landmark is the resting place of many famous Londoners. The cemetery began operating in the Victorian era. Initially it was built up with Gothic tombs.

Several centuries ago, Londoners believed that it was quite possible to meet a vampire in this cemetery at night. The ambience of this place is a little sinister, but has a special gloomy beauty. The cemetery is located on Swain's Ln.

All Saints Cathedral

All Saints Church in London is over 1500 years old. This impressive building is located in the center of the capital, and pleases the eye with its difference from modern buildings.

The church was built in 675. Before this period, there was a Roman settlement there.

Brass engravings and Roman mosaics on the floor harmoniously connect the different stylistic eras that this church has experienced throughout its history. Wooden statues of the fifteenth century will be of particular interest to tourists, because it is difficult to imagine that a tree can retain its appearance for so long. The temple is located in the City near Tower Bridge.

One play theater

This palace, mentioned above, is a haven not only for Big Ben, but also for the country’s parliament. The House of Commons and the House of Lords are located here. The attraction is available for visits only a few days a year, so if you definitely want to visit here and see everything, follow the schedule open doors on the website - parliament.uk or dial +440-20-721-931-07. As a rule, a cycle of 70-minute excursions occurs throughout September, but it is better to check the information.

One of the oldest attractions of its kind in Foggy Albion, built during the reign of Henry VII. It was here that Elizabeth II made her first speech from the throne. The interior of the palace is completely open for inspection, enjoy. By the way, there is also a changing of the guard at the entrance to the park - it's worth a look. The closest metro stop to the palace is Green Park.

Bridges of the capital

London is rich in various attractions, including bridges that are works of art. Let's start with the most famous.

The handsome man - a neighbor of the already familiar Tower Fortress, connecting the banks of the Thames, claims to be the symbol of the capital. The year of birth of the attraction is 1894, construction lasted almost 10 years, but the result was a masterpiece. The Tower Bridge owes its appearance to its “brother” - the London Bridge, which served only pedestrians, thereby depriving vehicle owners.
The new design was a great success - drawbridges, galleries for pedestrians, clock mechanisms, and now a museum - all this made the bridge famous and attractive to tourists. Further details, including viewing schedule and coordinates, are available at www.towerbridge.org.uk.

One of the oldest bridges that has survived to this day is Westminster - a 150-year-old arched bridge that holds the record among its brothers for the number of arches (there are 7 of them, when other bridges in the capital have only 5). Westminster Bridge is a kind of starting point for the development of the city, since it is the second capital bridge; before it, there was only one way to get to the other side of the Thames - through the Old London Bridge, which at that time was a good fifteen hundred years old. The neo-Gothic style of the building fits perfectly into the urban background, you can see this for yourself. How to get there: Westminster station.

And the top three is completed by the newest bridge, built at the turn of the third millennium - hence the name. The year the attraction was opened was 2000. The queen herself took part in the ceremony. In one day, more than 100,000 people crossed the bridge during festive processions. From here you can see an amazing panorama of Foggy Albion, you can see the domes of cathedrals and the Globe Theater. If you travel by metro, head towards Mansion House station.

Monuments and monuments of London

For admirers of monuments in London there is also something to see. Pay attention to such attractions.

The huge monument, exceeding 50 meters in height, was ordered to be erected in 1875 by Albert’s wife, Queen Victoria. Each traveler certainly strives to take a photo against the backdrop of the memorial. Opposite the monument is the hall of the same name, a favorite of the Beatles, which may also be of interest to you as an attraction. The place of “residence” of the monument is Kensington Park.

The author of this legendary monument is the talented architect Railton, who invented and brought to life the statue of the national hero of Britain - Horatio Nelson. Due to the fact that the last battle in which the admiral participated was Trafalgar, they decided to place the column in the square of the same name. The landmark stands on 4 panels made from bronze trophies of that time and reaches a height of 46 m, although the figure of Nelson itself is 5.5 meters. As you understand, the place of “registration” of the memo is Trafalgar Square.

You already know that Foggy Albion has been subjected to troubles more than once; a column was even erected in memory of one of them. When it was built, in 1677, the monument took first place in height among its kind (almost 62 m). The column is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a scientific instrument that allows you to experiment with pendulums and gravity. By the way, there is an underground laboratory located under the monument; be sure to check it out by purchasing a ticket for a symbolic £3. The metro station where you should get off has the same name. For other information about the attraction, see here: www.themonument.info.

Monument to Vladimir the Great

Just imagine, such historical heroes are valued in London. The author of the creation is Leo Mola, a talented Canadian sculptor. To meet the English Vladimir the Great, get off at Holland Park station.

Britain values ​​smart and kind rulers, so several of the most talented rulers in the world gathered in Parliament Square, according to the London authorities. Among them is Lincoln, the national hero of America who freed the slaves.

The legendary Mandela was also located next door. The attraction was “born” relatively recently - in 2007.

This landmark appeared as a sign of memory to the members of the Machine Gun Corps who died during the First World War. The place of "registration" of the architectural creation is Hyde Park Square, on the side of the Wellington Arch.

And “for dessert” for those who love unusual monuments- 5-meter sculpture of a blue rooster in Trafalgar Square, made of fiberglass. By the way, this year the London authorities were going to replace the “Rooster” with the bronze “Gift Horse”, so perhaps you will be among the first to admire the new architectural masterpiece.

London Cathedrals

For travelers developing spiritually, there are several holy places that can help achieve inner harmony, as well as gain an impression of the history and church customs of Britain.

This Protestant cathedral is one of the capital's most popular attractions. It was created in opposition to the Catholic Church located in Rome. The fire did not spare the miracle of architectural thought. The restoration of the cathedral lasted for 35 years; there was not enough finance, so many workers agreed to work for free. Although the decoration of the church can hardly be called chic, all the details are made filigree: the wonderful triple dome has become an integral part of the silhouette of the capital.
A couple of towers, a dozen ringing bells, among which is the famous 16-ton “Big Floor”, the sound of which can be heard within a radius of 37 kilometers, a huge clock, an organ, a talented choir - all this immerses you in an atmosphere of peace of mind and comfort. Try it yourself! The nearest underground station is Liverpool Street, further details at www.stpauls.co.uk.

Among the Catholic cathedrals in Britain, Westminster is considered the central one. Neo-Byzantine style with an abundance of red brick, “made friends” with Portland limestone, a huge cross, an amazingly beautiful bell tower, a wonderful view of St. Victoria Square, a kaleidoscope of mosaics, the best organs in the country - all this awaits you at 42 Francis Street. Metro stop - Victoria. Don't miss the concert of delightful organ music, held at 16.45 every Sunday, completely free. More details - www.westminstercathedral.org.uk.

Southworth Temple

The attraction is the main Anglican church in the Southwark area and is among the TOP 3 most visited holy places in London by tourists. The building recently underwent restoration, so there is something to admire. The highlight of the cathedral are the stained glass windows illustrating scenes from the works of Shakespeare. The temple is available for inspection from 8.00. The nearest station is London Bridge.

London parks

And now about the natural attractions, some of them, by the way, are equipped in such a way that you will forget about Disneyland.

Regent's Park and Zoo

In terms of beauty, the palm among the capital's parks can easily be given to Regent's Park. Initially, in 1812, a different project was planned here, including 40 villas, separated by greenery so that neighbors could not see each other. After the construction of 8 buildings, they decided to redo everything, turning the construction site into a park. Some villas, by the way, have survived; you can find them among the abundant vegetation. The royal garden, decorated with rose gardens and paintings of flowers, has been preserved on the territory. In summer, concerts and performances take place here. Also within the park you can find the famous London Zoo, proudly bearing the title of one of the first zoos on the planet. The year of its foundation is 1828. The gates of Regent's Park open at dawn - at 5.00. If you take the metro, get off at the station of the same name.

This park is the leader in terms of territory size, which is 1000 hectares. This was once a royal hunting ground. If you want to see all the beauty, you can enter the park by car, because car traffic is allowed here, however, there are speed limits - up to 30 km. Deer and other free animals hide among the trees. You can rent a bicycle or horse. Richmond Park is also a great place for panoramic shots of London, and there are several excellent vantage points on site. In summer, the park gates open at 7.00. The nearest metro was named after the landmark.

Situated in the center of London and combined with other green attractions, Hyde Park is one of the most favorite places for tourists. Of course, exhibitions, concerts, parades, and performances are often held here. Every day from 12.00 you can see something interesting. If you want, go up to the microphone yourself, they will let you speak if there is a “window” on the air. The park closes only at midnight, but already at dawn - at 5.00 you can come back here again. The metro station also bears the name of the park.

Royal Botanic Gardens

More than 40 thousand people settled on 300 acres of land in the botanical garden. different types plants, as well as a rock garden, greenhouses, a park, and a Japanese garden. Also on site you can visit two galleries, a herbarium and a library. And if you are in London in winter, then go skating. The area is accessible from 9.30 until sunset. Enjoy!
And get acquainted in absentia botanical garden you can by going to www.kew.org.

What else, besides the listed categories, is worth seeing in London?

Dungeons

If you love underground labyrinths, mysterious stories and the secrets of the past, welcome to the London Dungeons, which were built over 2000 years ago. You can visit the attraction during the following hours: 10.30-17.30.

London Planetarium

Do you love stars, the sky and astronomy? Come to the London Planetarium, which has been delighting its guests with star shows for 40 years. Interactive travel into space, attractions, lectures, search tours and much more awaits you here, starting from 10.30 on weekends and from 12.30 on weekdays. For more information see www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/planetarium-shows#times.

London Aquarium

The London Aquarium is an ocean in miniature. Here you can admire sharks, stingrays, piranhas, starfish, giant eels, crabs and other inhabitants of the deep sea. Prices and opening hours can be found here www2.visitsealife.com/london/#_=_.

This attraction is called the London Eye. The Ferris wheel, erected in honor of the Millennium, was the largest on the planet in those years. Half an hour's journey over London is incomparable. By the way, if you wish, you can go up not in a cabin, but in a cozy VIP capsule, savoring champagne with strawberries. Check out the schedule and prices here - www.londoneye.com.

The famous stadium “settled” in the northwestern part of the capital. Not only football “fights” are held here, but also concerts, festivals, and other sports championships. Of course, since Wembley is the second largest city in Europe, accommodating 90 thousand visitors. Moreover, all spectator seats are located indoors, so rain will not interfere with your entertainment.

Avenue of Stars

London's equivalent of the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Here you can admire the handprints of famous people. Who knows, maybe one day you will become a star if you develop, and traveling is a great way to promote personal growth.

London is enough Old city. It was formed by the ancient Romans in 43 BC. e. and named it Londilium. The city developed and grew rich. He gave the world famous mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and other scientists. The British were ahead of many countries in the world in the development of scientific thought. The first line of the London Underground opened in 1863. This was the first metro in the world. At one of the stations there is still a wooden escalator. The advanced solutions of British engineers in many areas are impressive.

The first thing that catches your eye is double-decker buses and red telephone booths, lots of cyclists. And road traffic lives by its own rules, different from our world. Pleasantly impressive a large number of gardens and parks. Many museums and galleries open their doors completely free of charge.

Cricket and horse polo, golf, boxing are the most popular entertainments of the British. And the rowing regatta on the Thames is my favorite sport.

London is full of beer pubs and cozy cafes. People here traditionally eat oatmeal in the morning and love pudding and oven-baked meat.

The modern city seems to be living in a real fairy tale. It’s hard to imagine it without Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth, princes, and princesses. Whole crowds gather to watch the ceremony of changing the guard of the court guards. It's hard to imagine London without Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes and Baker Street. London is Westminster Abbey, the Tower, which remembers the history of the city in the smallest detail. London is home to everyone's favorite Beatles, Deep Purple, Sting.

Sights of London - PHOTO

The 900-year-old fortress remembers almost the entire history of England. At various times it had to be the residence of kings, a prison, and a zoo. On its territory there was a mint and a treasury. Now it is a unique museum complex. In addition to medieval architecture and interiors, ancient traditions and ceremonies have been preserved here; old legends and prophecies are still revered. And the court ravens, which have become a symbol of the castle, have received official permission since the reign of Charles II. They also say that in the halls of the castle you can meet the ghost of Anne Boleyn, or some other monarch who was beheaded in the Tower.

Nearest hotels: Tower of London

St. Peter's Church in Westminster and St. Margaret's Church are strictly Gothic in style. It took several centuries for the masterpiece of architectural thought to become what it is now. Thin, graceful towers, rushing upward, amaze with their elegance and simultaneous severity. The internal lace vaults make you forget that they are made of stone and by human hands. The abbey has beautiful stained glass windows, many sculptures, jewelry, unique tapestries, works of art, and a working organ. The main Anglican church is closely associated with the royal court. Almost all coronations of English monarchs took place here, starting from 1066. The Abbey preserves the history of all of England; the flower of the English nation is buried here - from kings to scientists and poets.

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In the halls of the museum you can easily see a cat in uniform - this is a museum employee and the keeper of rarities, of which there are countless numbers. To see all the exhibitions you need to spend 3-4 days; its area is 6 hectares. The museum has a lot to be proud of. The richest collection of Egyptian antiquities is located in London. The gallery stretches almost 92 m. Here you can see the Rosetta Stone, thanks to which it was possible to read ancient writings, a huge number of household items, luxury items, and a collection of mummies. Quite widely represented ancient history Greece, Rome, a large collection of art objects from Africa and Asia.

Hotels near the British Museum

In August and September Royal Palace is open to tourists, and being a “guest” of the crowned lady is an unforgettable personal holiday. The fairy tale begins with the royal gates and the guard ceremony. The halls of the palace invite you to view the queen’s personal collection, including works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Michelangelo, Vermeer, a collection of porcelain, and antique furniture. There are 775 rooms in total. A tour of the royal stables costs £8, where you can see the golden carriage, the transparent wedding carriage and, if you're lucky, the royal horses.

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The Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames is capable of lifting 800 people at a time to a height of 135 meters. It was dubbed the London Eye because from here the entire city is at a glance, and can be seen for 40 km around. Each capsule weighs 10 tons and is equipped with a seat and a 4D cinema. The creators equipped the wheel with unique lighting, and in the dark the light show will bring many pleasant moments.

Hotels near the Ferris wheel

The Big Ben clock tower has become not only a symbol of London, but of the whole of Great Britain. It was built in 1859. The large bell behind the Big Ben clock gave the tower its name. However, in 2012 it was decided to rename the building in honor of Queen Elizabeth. The Clock Tower boasts the world's largest four-sided striking clock. Inside, at a height of 55 m, there is a complex clock mechanism. Masters constantly monitor not only the gears - temperature, air pressure - everything is important when it comes to the accuracy of the mechanism. Sometimes a coin is placed on the pendulum to adjust the time and restore deviations.

Nearest hotels: Big Ben

The bridge was put into operation in 1894. Prince Edward of Wales and his wife attended the opening ceremony. An advanced development for that time made it possible to raise the bridge in just 1 minute. In addition to stairs, elevators were installed inside the towers. This made it possible for residents to cross the Thames even while ships were passing. Currently, in the bridge's galleries there are exhibitions dedicated to the history of the bridge; in the towers you can explore the Victorian rooms, go down to the engine room of the bridge and look at the lifting mechanisms. Tower Bridge itself is an excellent viewing platform. From here you can take great shots. It is very beautiful at night with garlands of lighting.

Hotels near Tower Bridge

Hyde Park has become famous as a venue for political rallies and protests. The so-called Speakers' Corner officially exists here. Anyone can try themselves as a tribune, defending the most unusual ideas. Parades and processions and city festivals are held in the park. On the territory of the park there is an artificial lake in the shape of a snake - the Serpentine, a gallery of modern art. There are trails for horse riding. Sometimes an unusual cemetery is opened for tourists, where pets are buried.

Hotels near

In the center of the square stands a 40 m long column of General Nelson. Cast lions stand around her and fountains gush out. There are 4 pedestals on the sides of the square. Three have statues of great men of England. The fourth pedestal was first used only in 2005. Under New Year The country's main Christmas tree is installed here, which is always sent as a token of gratitude by the Norwegians for their help during World War II. Until recently Trafalgar Square could be called Pigeon Square. There were up to 35 thousand birds here at the same time. Due to the fact that cleaning the area became a big problem, the city authorities officially banned feeding and grooming animals.

Hotels and inns near Trafalgar Square

10. St. Paul's Cathedral

Under the dome of this cathedral there are three unusual galleries - stone, golden and the gallery of whispers. The latter is so named because of its acoustic effects. The dome itself repeats the top of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and is a unique landmark of London. There are 17 bells in the church bell tower. Brass music concerts often take place here. Interior decoration The cathedral was transformed in 1860. The parishioners established a special fund for the needs of the cathedral. Today, the interiors of the church impress with mosaic masterpieces, openwork grilles, and sculptures. Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married here.

Nearest hotels: St. Pauls Cathedral