10 Must See Architectural Wonders Of London
London is a city steeped in history having been founded by the Romans in AD 43. The capital city of the United Kingdom, it is also the largest city in western Europe and one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world. If, you enjoy variety and diversity, then walking the streets of central London will be a real delight. You’ll hear a myriad of different languages, see countless world famous landmarks, and witness a great metropolis with people from all kinds of backgrounds living side-by-side and blending in together.
Below, in no particular order, are 10 must see architectural wonders of London.
Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s home in London is a pretty cool place to visit if you fancy a day wandering around central London. If it is a warm, sunny day you could head to one of the Royal Parks next to the palace.
Maybe take a pic-nic, crack open a bottle of wine (you’ll have to use plastic cups or you might get fined) and soak up the sun for a few hours. Then wander over to the palace to watch the guards parade and see if the Queen is home.
If the Union Jack flag is flying above Buckingham Palace then the Queen is not in residence, and if it’s the Royal Standard flag then she is.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Across the river from the London Eye you will find two of London’s most iconic buildings - the most famous clock and clock tower in the world, and the home of British politics.
You can book tours to see inside the Houses of Parliament, but unless you are interested in British politics or hearing about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, I wouldn’t bother as it can be overcrowded.
Big Ben is not open to the general public, but you should try to see it at night when the four clock faces are illuminated. For me, it’s an unforgettable spectacle!
Interestingly, the name ‘Big Ben’ is actually the nickname for the clock’s Great Bell. The tower is actually called Elizabeth Tower.
Tower of London
This castle was the most infamous prison in Christendom and housed many famous historical characters, including Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, who is said to still haunt the tower to this day.
It has also served as a royal palace and a zoo, the notion of which I found quite amusing. If you are a history lover then this is a place you definitely should try to visit.
In 2014 and I saw the moat covered in poppies to mark 100 years since Britain’s involvement in the First World War.
The 23,578 gems that make up the Crown Jewels are on view in a museum here.
The Tate Modern
London has loads of brilliant free to enter art museums including the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and the V&A Museum. But, the one housed in the most interesting building is the Tate Modern.
The building is unique in that it is a disused power station. It’s full of interesting works of art by modern contemporary artists, and could be a very cool place to spend a few hours reflecting and considering your own path to self-expression.
Located on South Bank you can find it just along from the aquarium and London eye. Enjoy the picturesque walk beside the river and stop along the way to watch the fabulous street performers.
It’s one of the busiest art galleries in the world so to avoid crowds go during the week, if you can. Monday morning is the quietest time.
The Globe Theatre
Nearby the Tate Modern, this is a reconstruction of the original theatre that Shakespeare wrote his plays for and performed in. There is a really fun tour that you can do where you’ll get an insight into life in Elizabethan times and see the type of costumes that were worn on stage.
For the talent and performance that you witness, the price of entry to see a play here is insanely low compared to other London attractions and plays in the West End.
If you love theatre or want to be filled with awe and wonder then make a visit here a priority. Plays run between April and October.
Watching Shakespeare is a completely different experience from reading it.
St Paul’s Cathedral
This exquisite building was the gem of the London skyline when the city was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London. It’s dome structure makes it instantly recognizable, and it is well worth going inside for a look around.
Exploring the crypt and discovering the tombs of historical British figures was fascinating, and the challenge of the 530 steps up to the Golden Gallery is rewarding as you get a lovely view from the outside of the dome.
The funeral of Winston Churchill took place here in 1965
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a large public space in central London that surrounds the unmissable Nelson’s Column. It’s central location makes it a great place to stop for a snack as you explore the surrounding landmarks.
Find a spot on one of the steps or benches and admire the impressive column, majestic fountains and magnificent architecture.
The Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 was where Admiral Nelson defeated Napoleon and the Spanish and French fleets. If lucky, you may get to witness another kind of 'battle' in the form of a political demonstration, which is great entertainment.
Wembley Stadium
The home of the England soccer team, this stadium is much loved by the citizens of London whether they are sports fans or not.
If you have a window seat on your flight to London, look out for it when you are coming in to land - it’s pretty easy to spot on account of the huge arch that is holding it up.
Considered to be the‘home of football’ - at least by the English - seeing a game of soccer here is an exciting experience. If there isn’t a game or event on when you are there then you can do a tour.
This year Wembley Stadium will host 3 NFL games, and there are still tickets available to purchase for the Titans-Chargers game.
London Eye
A giant cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, it was built in the year 2000 to celebrate the start of a new millennium.
The turning wheel - meant to represent the passage of time - is made up of little pods that you can go up in and get a spectacular panoramic view of London.
On a clear day you can see for 25 miles from the top! See if you can spot Windsor Castle on the outskirts of the city.
10 Downing Street
Number 10 is where the Prime Minister of Britain lives. You can’t get up the street as it is gated and guarded by police, but you can peer through the gates and may catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two coming and going.
If you want a picture in front of the door there is an almost identical one in another part of London at No.10 Adam Street just off The Strand.
Interestingly, the the front door of Number 10 cannot be opened from the outside because it has no handle. And there is a policeman posted outside it 24/7.
