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 Attractions & Activities : Historic Sites
Londoners work hard, and the daily grind often monopolizes their time. But off-hours activities abound, and the city bears no shortage of sights and events to stimulate, educate, and fascinate. Parks and gardens showcase London’s love affair with natural beauty and its long-lived desire to keep public greens for the benefit of all citizens. Hyde Park and Serpentine Lake offer pastoral vistas and plenty of recreation, while Kew Gardens in southwest London features an enormous collection of plants, landscaped panoramas, and charming greenhouses. History buffs often find themselves swept up in London’s bounty as well. Buckingham Palace, the royal residence, delivers a glimpse of aristocratic life, while the Tower of London titillates with its legacy of intrigue and its Crown Jewels exhibit. Plus, venerable Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral serve as time-tested counterpoints to newer sights like the London Eye and the Millennium Dome. Guided tours are an especially good way to catch an overview of the city’s many treasures, and bus and walking tours feature experienced, informative guides who’ll point out the familiar and impart you with unusual tidbits to boot.
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10 Downing St, London SW1A 2AA
Description: WESTMINSTER. Look for the famous, yet understated black door on this notable street that bears the number "10." It's the residence and office of England's Prime Minister. It has been a beehive of activity through two World Wars as well as during countless celebrations and crises that have affected the British populace. It first became associated with the office of Prime Minister in 1730, and so far, 51 men and one woman serving as PM have called #10 their home at some point in their lives.
Kensington Gore Kensington Gardens, London SW7 • 20-7298-2100
Description: KENSINGTON. In 1851, Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, coordinated a Great Exhibition to highlight worldly innovation. Its success led him to propose a permanent hall for such events, but he died in 1861 before it met fruition. The inconsolable queen erected this extravagant monument in his memory. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Gothic-styled, medieval-inspired structure included allegorical figures representing Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. Fashioned of granite and marble, the memorial also features a 14-foot statue of the prince himself. Nearby sits Albert Hall, the domed structure that he originally envisioned. Completed in 1871, it hosts both classical and contemporary concerts. TUBE: South Kensington
Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1A 1AA • 20-7839-1377
Description: ST. JAMES'S. Buckingham Palace is a sightseeing must. Queen Victoria moved into the vast mansion in 1837; since then, generations of royals have made the palace their home. Although wandering the grounds and taking photos of the elaborate exterior are always popular, the interior (some of which is open only during late July to September) is a treasure trove of art, furniture, sculpture and decorative goods. Walk around the corner to the Royal Mews to see the queen's coaches and horses. Admission is by timed ticket, available by phoning 20-7766-7300 or e-mailing bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk. TUBE: Victoria or Green Park or St. James's Park
King Charles St Clive Steps, London SW1A 2AQ • 20-7930-6961
Description: ST. JAMES'S. Offering a glimpse of a city under siege, these underground chambers illustrate British efforts to thwart German bombs and hostilities during WWII. They're where Prime Minister Winston Churchill led the government, coordinated communications, and held out against Nazi aggressions. The rooms are laid out much as they were when the war ended, complete with furniture, maps, and technology. Churchill lived here at times, and a portion of the museum is devoted to his life and leadership. TUBE: Westminster or St. James's Park
48 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LX • 20-7405-2127
Description: BLOOMSBURY. Enthusiasts of English literature find much to appreciate in this fine home, the only one of Charles Dickens' residences still remaining. "Oliver Twist" and "Nicholas Nickleby" were penned here, and visitors can examine photographs and other items left by the renowned author. Much of the house has been restored to its original appearance. TUBE: Chancery Lane
south bank of the Thames 4 miles east of central London, Greenwich SE10 • 87-0608-2000
Description: GREENWICH. About four miles from downtown London, Greenwich is ideal for a day trip. Its attractions are legion and include the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, Queen's House, Millennium Dome, wonderful Greenwich Park, and the clipper Cutty Sark. In addition to straddling two time zones at the prime meridian (where Greenwich Mean Time is established), visitors enjoy plenty of charming pubs, restaurants, and shops. There's also a great market that'll keep you browsing for quite a while. For the best experience, travel to Greenwich on one of the Thames cruise boats. TUBE: Trains run to Greenwich from the Charing Cross, Waterloo, or London Bridge tube stations.
Parliament Sq, London SW1A 0AA • 20-7219-4272
Description: WESTMINSTER. The impressive, Gothic-styled Houses of Parliament occupy the original site of the Palace of Westminster. Combined with their famous clock tower (commonly known as Big Ben), they're synonymous with London and a necessary stop. Although the building's exteriors are spectacular, it's even more interesting to head inside and see the Houses in action from the Visitor's Gallery – particularly if you go when the Prime Minister is subjected to Question Time, when disorder is common. Overseas visitors may tour Paliament only during Summer Opening in August and September, but may attend debates during the session. TUBE: Westminster
Parliament Sq, London SW1A 0AA • 20-7219-4272
Description: WESTMINSTER. The impressive, Gothic-styled Houses of Parliament occupy the original site of the Palace of Westminster. Combined with their famous clock tower (commonly known as Big Ben, although that is actually the name of just the largest bell), they're synonymous with London and a necessary stop. Although the building's exteriors are spectacular, it's even more interesting to head inside and see the Houses in action from the Visitor's Gallery – particularly if you go when the Prime Minister is subjected to Question Time, when disorder is common. Overseas visitors may tour Parliament only during Summer Opening in August and September. TUBE: Westminster
Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4PX • 0844 462 777
Description: KENSINGTON. This Jacobean mansion, flanked on all sides by Kensington Gardens, was purchased by William and Mary in 1689. Queen Victoria lived here until she became queen, and, more recently, it was Princess Diana's home. Inside, 17th-century paintings and furnishings make for interesting viewing, and a permanent exhibit features the Princess's dresses. Concessions available for tickets online. TUBE: Queensway or High Street Kensington
Park Ln, London W1
Description: HYDE PARK. With its three grand portals of Carrara marble, this impressive structure was designed by John Nash in 1828 as the entrance to Buckingham Palace. When the royal residence underwent renovations in 1851, the arch was made obsolete and was moved to become the new entrance to Hyde Park. These days, following re-routed roads, the arch sits on a traffic island, a somewhat ignominious setting, given its birth. It also sits in the vicinity of the notorious Tyburn Tree, where public executions were performed until the 18th century. Nearby, even today, is the Speakers' Corner, where free speech is given free license, often to the chagrin of passers-by. TUBE: Marble Arch