20 interesting places in London – what to see, where to go, photo, description, map

London is associated with a prim, refined aristocrat, arrogant and domineering. A brilliant city, which is the capital of a strong, wealthy state, where the world‘s financial markets are concentrated, and cannot be otherwise. The trail of a long dramatic, triumphant, sometimes tragic and bloody history is forever imprinted in monumental architectural structures, cultural and historical monuments. Among them there are very interesting places in London – the main symbols of England.

Big Ben

One of the main symbols is the famous Big Ben, whose name has several lexical meanings: the tower of the Palace of Westminster, a round clock mounted on it and a large bell inside the clockwork. According to one version, this is the name of one of the lords sitting in the House, according to another – a famous heavyweight boxer. The unique Neo-Gothic tower was erected during the reconstruction of the palace (1840).

A magnificent brick building, lined with colored limestone, 96 m high, is based on a reliable concrete foundation 15 m deep. The dials of the famous chimes (there are 4 of them) are assembled from vitreous opal (312 pieces), the edge of the disks is covered with gilding. Cast iron hands (2.7 meters long) and copper seconds hands (4.2 meters long) are visible from afar. The weight of the pendulum (300 kg) and clockwork (5 tons) is impressive. Big Ben is London's most accurate clock, striking every hour. Tourists can only view the tower from the outside, it is forbidden to climb inside.

🏨 🚕 Individual transfer from the airport to the hotel and more

Tower of London

The oldest historical and architectural monument of Great Britain – the Tower Fortress is interesting not only for its authentic appearance, but also for the versatility of its purpose. Built in the 11th century the fortress castle as a defensive structure was soon used as a prison for noble persons who had offended the king. Here, 7 people who were related to the royal court were executed, including the wives of Henry the 4th – A. Boleyn and K. Howard.

Sinister rumors and legends still circulate around the monumental structure. Every century the purpose of the castle changed: in addition to the prison, it housed a mint, a zoo, a mint, an arsenal, a royal treasury, an observatory. Today, the Tower, which has been preserved almost in its original form, is formally considered a royal residence where treasures are stored.

But along with this, the odious castle is a popular tourist attraction, where tours are conducted by law enforcement officers, dressed in strict Victorian uniforms on weekdays, and in elaborate Tudor costumes on holidays. Guardian robes are a kind of museum exhibits.

Visiting times: November-February (Tue-Sat, 09.00-16.30; Sun-Mon, 10.00-16.30, admission – until 16.00).

March-October – the same, but until 17.30.

london eye

This name, by analogy with the huge all-seeing eye, was given to a common park attraction – the Ferris wheel. But the London wheel impresses with its height – 135 meters and has surpassed many similar structures in the world in this. Such an extreme structure appeared thanks to the enthusiasm of the spouses-architects – J. Barfield and D. Marx, who took part in the competition dedicated to the meeting of the Millennium (2000) “The Millennium Building”.

The competition jury rejected their project, but the architects infected with their idea found an investor. The installation of the attraction began in 1998. Huge parts of the structure were transported along the Thames by ferry, experienced specialists worked on their connection. According to official documents, the Ferris wheel as an experimental structure was supposed to function for 5 years.

But the extraordinary popularity of the attraction among Londoners and tourists “extended the life” of the “London Eye”, making it a real “hit” in the entertainment industry. From 32 glass capsule cabins, accommodating 800 people at the same time, the entire magnificent panorama of the British capital is visible. Unforgettable sensations are experienced by those who risk climbing to such a height.

The wheel is open every day, 10.00 – 18.00.

Chinatown area

The Asian name, which is not quite familiar to the ear of a European, did not appear in London from scratch – there is a Chinese microdistrict of Chinatown almost in the center of the city. It was formed as a tiny part of a not very prosperous district of Soho, in which all sorts of outcasts such as French Huguenots, Hong Kong Chinese and interned Italians initially settled.

Gradually, the settlement of strangers turned into a kind of exotic attraction with its own way of life, traditions and color. The Chinese do not live here permanently, they trade, work in various institutions. Today, in a small area where old English buildings have acquired an Asian look, where Chinese restaurants, shops and shops with exotic goods stretch in a continuous line, you can see a lot of interesting things.

Exciting shopping awaits you here: unique Tibetan herbs, unusual spices, vegetables, spices, exotic alcohol and other rarities are sold in local shops. In one of the restaurants, you can taste traditional Chinese cuisine at fairly reasonable prices.

Zoo

The London Zoological Park, opened in 1928, is not just an entertainment and entertainment facility, but a major scientific center designed to study the animal world. The innovation of the organizers of the zoo in London is the opening of the world's first serpentarium, aquarium, insectarium and zoological corner for children. It is noteworthy that the huge zoo is maintained at the expense of the charity of individuals and organizations – so great is the need for this institution.

To see all the sections and pavilions here, to enjoy the landscape beauty of the park, you need to devote at least 3 hours to this. In 3 halls of the aquarium, numerous species of inhabitants of the seas and oceans are presented. In the serpentarium, you can see the most exotic reptiles, from tiny snakes to huge reptiles.

An amazing spectacle awaits everyone in the Gorilla House, built in Art Nouveau style. And the collection of tropical butterflies in incredible colors in the BUGS pavilion makes an amazing impression, as does the African bird safari section.

Open for visits: September-mid-February – from 10 am to 18 pm.

Coca-Cola London Eye Ticket £27
Tower of London & Royal Treasures
Ticket £27.50 Tower Bridge Ticket £9.80
Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket & Audio Guide £21
Madame Tussauds Ticket £21 29
St. Paul's Cathedral: Fast Track Ticket – £17
Shard Skyscraper – Entrance Ticket & Champagne – £27.20

Thames Barrier

Such a rather strange name is given to a wonderful coastal park, which is an excellent example of how you can ennoble a place of production that pollutes the surroundings. This area of ​​the royal docks, used for many years as a testing ground for the transportation of imported and exported raw materials, has become environmentally polluted in 130 years, so the London authorities turn the industrial zone into a “recreation place” for citizens, “green lungs” of the capital.

The Thames Barrier is also a grandiose dam that blocks the river across and protects the city from floods. Opened in 2000, a piece of landscape art has become a favorite vacation spot for Londoners. Spread over 22 acres of green lawns and ornamental lawns, flower beds, gravel pads with benches adorned the once unsightly territory.

At the entrance to the Thames Barrier, 32 fountains sparkle with crystal jets. The Pavilion of Memory dedicated to the local residents who died during the 2nd World War was opened here. Figured hedges of yew, honeysuckle and other shrubs frame the walking paths. The popular park has children's and basketball courts, picturesque bridges, and picnic areas.

Open for visits – from 07.00 to dark.

The entrance is free.

Spencer House

A unique luxurious neoclassical palace built in the 18th century. under the Earl of the first generation Spencer, became especially popular with tourists after the death of Princess Diana. During her lifetime, she also had a relationship with the old mansion, renting it out, as her ancestors had done since 1895. It was Spencer House, with its graceful appearance, that laid the foundation for neoclassical architecture in London.

The highest London nobility held various celebrations in the palace, which were attended by the most famous English aristocrats. After the damage caused during the war, the mansion was carefully restored, many valuables were returned, and it again began to be rented out to various clubs, offices and tourists.

They can walk around the palace, admiring its charming exterior, velvet lawns and ornamental shrubs in front of it. Inside, admire the marble sculptures, golden palm trees wrapping around the columns, the magnificent interiors of the 11 rooms of the palace.

Excursions (groups up to 20 people) are held every Sunday, except January and August, from 10.30 to 17.45

Marshalsea Prison

Anyone who has read Dickens' novel about the sad fate of Little Dorret is already familiar with the notorious Marshalsea Prison, where the Dickensian heroine was born and grew up. After all, this terrible place was well known to Dickens himself – his father was sitting here for debts to the baker. To free his father, to repay his debt, the teenage Dickens got a job at a wax factory 8 km from home. After working 10 hours, he returned back, and so every day.

Now from the gloomy apartment buildings of the prison (the prisoners lived in families) there is only one 4-meter wall, located next to the street. Borough High Street. It preserved 2 arched barred openings that served as prison gates. The wall, covered in places with moss and ivy of “oblivion”, recalls the harsh customs of the past.

You can sit on a bench in a landscaped courtyard, indulge in contemplation of the wall, then go to the nearby Anglican Church. She is also present in Dickens' novel and plays an important role in the fate of little Dorrit. It is no coincidence that there is a picture of a girl on the stained-glass window of one of the church windows.

Coliseum Theater

The first production in the form of a variety show took place at London's largest theater, the Coliseum, on December 24, 1904, and since that time, famous performances have regularly premiered on its stage. The theater building, designed by the venerable architect F. Matchen, looks great and is deservedly considered a masterpiece of architecture. Its façade is decorated with graceful columns and expressive sculptures; the top of the dome is crowned with a model of a globe with the name of the theatre.

The interiors captivate the viewer with lush beauty. Luxurious velvet curtain, gilded cupids on the walls, chic boxes are impressive. The huge hall can accommodate 2358 people. Here you can hear arias of the most famous classical operas staged by venerable directors and performed by the best opera singers.

The London public has the opportunity to listen to opera performances from almost all theaters in the world. Frequent viewers are members of the royal family, famous politicians and cultural figures. Despite the considerable age of the institution, everything inside is technologically equipped at the modern level. 2 restaurants are open, and if desired, spectators can bring champagne and snacks to the box.

Westminster Abbey

The true British shrine, the oldest church of St. Peter or Westminster Abbey is located in the historical place of London – Westminster. Since 1987 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of the monastery complex, a 1000-year history of Christianity and England is imprinted. The first temple, presumably, was erected in this place in the 7th century, when, according to legend, a local fisherman saw St. Peter in a dream.

Under King Edward the Confessor in the 11th century. the temple was rebuilt into a majestic monumental building, and here he was buried. It was here, where the coronation throne was preserved, that the coronation of English monarchs took place, royal weddings took place (16). The most famous of them are the wedding ceremonies of Prince Albert and Elizabeth I (1923) and the current Queen Elizabeth.

The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (2011), which was broadcast around the world, aroused great public interest. The ashes of the great personalities of Britain from among the ruling and church persons, scientists, poets and writers are buried within the walls of the abbey. A visit to the unique sanctuary leaves a deep impression.

Opening hours: Mon., Tue., Thu, Fri – 06.30-15.30.

Wednesday – 16.30-18.00; Sat – 09.30-13.30.

Madame Tussauds museum

The extravagant museum, opened in 1835, is located in the north of Westminster, the richest district of London. At the entrance, everyone is greeted by a small figure of an elderly lady in a black robe, with a white cap on her head – Madame Tussauds herself. Here, not only the number of wax copies (more than 400) is striking, but also their extraordinary resemblance to the prototypes. All celebrities look truly alive, and not like frozen mummies.

Talented followers of Tussauds captured their idols in relaxed poses. It is difficult to convey in words the strong impression of visiting an unusual museum. Technological innovations have greatly expanded the possibilities in the creation of wax sculptures. For example, the use of modern types of plastic, artificial leather allows you to make the most believable nails and eyes.

Now it is possible to make figures move and even speak, reacting to certain behavior of visitors. Particularly impressive is the new attraction-journey to the Middle Ages “The Spirit of London”, when sightseers in miniature “taxi” ride through the halls that recreate past eras. Familiar characters make greeting gestures, the military salute.

Working hours according to the “floating schedule”, it is recommended to find out about the opening on the day of the excursion on the museum's website.

Saatchi Gallery

Shocking, outrageous, unusual, intriguing – such epithets can characterize the Museum of Contemporary Conceptual Art – the Saatchi Gallery. It was created by a collector and talented art dealer Charles Saatchi, who was passionate about works of art nouveau in painting, collecting paintings, installations, engravings and graphics by contemporary artists. His extraordinary collection, once put on public display, became the basis of a large museum, which is now located in the premises of the former barracks, occupying 4 floors.

Exhibits of museum exhibitions are a constant subject of controversy, criticism, discussion and great interest of the public. Most of the inhabitants, many of the presented “masterpieces” are not very clear, but capture the imagination with their abstractness and innuendo. Amazing and thought provoking unusual installation with a chic car bent in half, strung on a metal pipe.

Busts of thinkers of the past with trident-pierced eyes, hearts, faces evoke a shudder and awaken thought. Abstract paintings, photos do not let go of their mystery for a long time. The gallery is a venue for various art workshops.

Opening hours: daily, from 10.00 to 18.00.

Entrance b / n, except for individual exposures.

Eltham Palace

When in the early 20th century the luxurious royal palace of Henry the 8th turned into almost ruins, the Courtauld couple decided to completely restore the “architectural treasure”. Two young progressive architects set to work, bringing together all the authentic fragments of the palace. On this basis, two magnificent buildings were erected, decorated with Tudor Gothic elements, neoclassical details of Italian and French Art Deco architecture.

Both buildings were combined into one complex with an elegant rotunda with a glass dome. Visitors really like the truly royal decoration of the palace, designed by famous designers of the 30s of the 20th century – the Swede Engstrom and the Italian Malacrid. It is impossible not to admire the lacquered panels made of expensive wood, the picturesque wall panels in the hall of the palace.

The main entrance is guarded by 2 people representing the ancient guards – a Roman and a Varangian. The ancient Greek motifs in the design of the dining room and the Renaissance decoration of the bathroom are impressive. Today, the architectural marvel, included in the national heritage of England, is given over to an elite hotel.

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun – from 10.00-17.00 (01.04-04.11).

10.00-16.00 (05.11-17.02, 23.02-28.03 on Sun).

10.00-16.00 (18.02-22. 02, Mon-Wed).

Kensington Palace

A solid, strict architecture building, surrounded on 3 sides by a park – Kensington Palace, in fact, the cradle of English kings from the 17th century. The first owners and its creators were William of Orange and Mary II. Their portraits occupy a worthy place in the palace gallery. The illustrious Queen Victoria was born in it, from here she led the state and lived in a happy marriage with Prince Albert. A monument to Victoria, the work of her daughter Louise, is installed on the alley leading to the palace.

The famous Princess Diana lived in the old chambers for 16 years with her children and her husband. The latter fact especially attracts tourists here. Now the family of Prince William lives in one half of the palace, and excursions take place in the second (entrance from the park). On the right side of the alley leading to the palace, there is Diana's garden, fenced around the perimeter with covered floristic galleries, unusually cozy.

Its center is adorned with a picturesque pool with fountains, around which are densely growing white flowers – the White Garden, created by the palace gardeners on the 20th anniversary of Diana's death. Inside, a large-scale exhibition of Diana's wardrobe is organized in several halls.

Open for visits: 10.00-17.00 (Mon-Fri).

Borough Market

As you know, the British, being disciplined in everything, take a very responsible attitude to nutrition, attaching great importance to the quality of products. Therefore, in London, the oldest Borough food market (Boro Market), which has existed since the 12th century, is so in demand. Successfully developing enterprise in the 15th century. received a letter of trust from King Edward the 6th and subjugated all nearby markets. It is in Boro, on the street. Londoners rushed to Dorouqh Hiqh Street for fresh meat, cheese, vegetables, milk, creating huge traffic jams.

Therefore, the market was moved to Southwark Street, where it is still located. Buyers move along the bright stalls in a continuous stream, especially on the weekend – Saturday (on Sunday the market is closed). Perfect cleanliness reigns everywhere, all showcases are decorated with taste. Fruit and vegetable ruins – a picturesque still life, pleasing to the eye.

The choice of high-quality meat products is unusually wide: you can buy sausages of the most exotic type: from venison, wild boar, zebra, etc. The selection of seafood, cheeses, dairy products controlled by expert commissions is impressive. Borough Market has been the subject of several feature films.

Opening days: daily, except Sun.

london dungeon

Not far from Westminster Bridge, opposite Big Ben, there is a unique museum or, as it is also called, a “horror theater” with acting actors. A vast underground room under County Hall in 1975 was turned into a museum of medieval torture, which has become extremely popular with Londoners and tourists. Fans of horror films and thrillers especially like it here, and indeed lovers of tickling their nerves.

The rather gloomy interiors, the possibilities of modern lighting made it possible to create an oppressive atmosphere of the real Middle Ages here. Against this background, a performance is “played out” under the motto “Fear is a funny thing” with the participation of actors and visitors involved in the performance. First, everyone ends up in the “Labyrinth of Lost Souls” (a room with mirrored walls), when visitors wander among their reflections, frightened by suddenly appearing here and there unexpectedly appearing characters of the Middle Ages.

Here you can meet with Henry the 8th, Jack the Ripper, the barber Todd, who kills his clients, etc. You will be “sentenced” to hang (Descent into the Underworld attraction), declaring state criminals.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri – 10.00-17.00 (Thu – from 11.00); Sat, Sun – 10.00-18.00.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

The famous London detective is considered by many to be a real person, and not the fruit of the literary fiction of Conan Doyle – the image of Sherlock Holmes is so believable. Therefore, in 1990, it was on the street. Baker Street (the hero lived on it) in a 4-storey mansion N 239, a museum of a popular literary character was opened. The creators of the museum tried to recreate the situation here, exactly repeating the description of K. Doyle.

The entrance is guarded by a real policeman in 19th century outfit, the guides are dressed as Victorian maids. On the 1st floor there are ticket offices and a shop selling souvenirs of the corresponding theme. On the 2nd floor, the furnishings of Holmes' study and bedroom are reproduced with objects familiar to readers: laboratory flasks and test tubes, a detective's violin, Watson's revolver, letters and the famous pipe on the mantelpiece, etc.

Here you can sit in Sherlock's chair in front of a burning fireplace. 3rd floor – “Mrs. Hudson's” property. An exhibition of literary heroes of K.-Doyle made of wax, including the head of the notorious Baskerville dog, can be seen on the 4th floor.

Open for visits – every day 09.30-18.00, except Christmas.

golden doe

Such a beautiful name is given to a small ship – the galleon of the famous pirate and admiral, who played an important role in the development of England, Francis Drake. On the ship “Pelican” he made an expedition around the globe (1577-80), and before entering the Strait of Magellan he gave the ship the name “Golden Doe” (the coat of arms of Halton's sponsor of the voyage). Today, a modern exact copy of the galleon (1973) stands on the pier in Southwark, being a kind of museum since 1996.

Until that time, the galleon, just like its legendary predecessor, conquered many ocean expanses (225 thousand km), passed Drake's route around the world. The ship “Golden Doe” was filmed in 3 feature films, it is used as an educational object in the organization of school excursions. Teenagers are thrilled to “become sailors” in interactive lessons about the history of English navigation.

Wellington Arch

A magnificent structure located near Green Park, the triumphal Arch of Wellington or Constitution, was erected at the direction of George VI to commemorate the British victories in the war against Napoleon. In its original form, the Arch was crowned with an 8.5-meter statue of the 1st Duke of Wellington, which was removed when the structure was moved to its current location. Now its top is decorated with a bronze quadriga, controlled by the “angel of peace”.

Until 1992, a tiny police station was located inside the arch cavity, and since 1999, the premises of the arch have become a museum and an object of cultural and historical heritage. Expositions of 3 floors of the 1st half introduce a detailed “biography” of an architectural monument. The 2nd part began to serve as the ventilation shaft of the London Underground after its opening. Against the background of the surrounding greenery, the Wellington Arch looks very impressive.

Greenwich Observatory

The English village of Greenwich (now the district of London) is famous for the fact that the zero meridian passes through it, from which the time of the planet's geographical zones is counted. The Greenwich meridian is the starting point of reference for geographical longitudes, adopted in 1884. A stream of tourists rises here to visit the Greenwich Observatory, founded in 1675 under Charles II. It is located on the banks of the Thames, on a hill in Greenwich Park, from where you can see all of London.

Today, the old buildings of the observatory have been turned into the Museum of Astronomical and Navigational Devices and Instruments. The exhibits of the museum clearly reflect the history of the development of methods and means of measuring time, determining the location of objects using coordinates. The expositions “tell” about the ships that disappeared in the seas and oceans, when there was no temporal calculation and coordinate system. Modern achievements in this area are also reflected.

Opening hours: daily, 10.00-17.00, admission is allowed until 16.30.