Tourist attractions London

With Big Ben soaring above it, the Palace of Westminster bewitched Monet, who was inspired to paint one of his most famous series of paintings by the combination of monumental stonework, river and sky. Cradle of British democracy, it is composed of t..

Built at Henry VII’s behest in the early 16C, this magnificent chapel is a fine example of the Perpendicular style. The pillars support magnificent fan vaulting on projecting keystones separated by a network of slender ribs. The entrance has bronze g..

Necropolis of sovereigns, pantheon of national glories, masterpiece of Gothic art, Westminster Abbey's twin towers push up into the London sky and have looked down for centuries on the setting of great royal ceremonies. Its dimensions are impressive ..

An essential part of any first visit to London, Westminster lies at the heart of the nation’s history and political life. It is the site of two principal state institutions: Westminster Abbey, where coronations and royal marriages take place; and the..

The focal point of Trafalgar Square, the perennially popular National Gallery is one of the capital’s main attractions. Its collection of European painting is world class. From its portico, there is a splendid view of the square and Whitehall. With m..

Tate Britain’s imposing building is exclusively dedicated to British art from 1500 to the present day. Starting with 16C court artists, it culminates with David Hockney’s Pop Art and conceptual art, taking in among others Turner, to whom the Clore Ga..

The Tower of London’s romantic silhouette, so emblematic of British history, has been the backdrop for some horrific episodes as well as moments of royal splendour. A visit is a must in order to see the Crown Jewels , and to admire the Yeomen of the..

The British Museum is one of the most remarkable institutions of its kind and its collections encompass a vast span of historical civilisation. At its heart lies Lord Foster’s architectural wonder, the Great Court . Visitors will be uplifted by the ..

The dome of St Paul’s is one of London’s most iconic sights. The building’s harmonious proportions, huge dimensions and majestic demeanour are breathtaking. Climb up to the Whispering Gallery to admire the dome’s painted decorative scheme and get a..

The largest private art collection, bequeathed to the nation in 1900, can be found in Hertford House, a beautiful private mansion in Marylebone. Brought together by the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford , from the beginning of the 18C onwards, ..

Bordered to the north by Regent’s Canal, fine terraces and splendid villas, this is a delighful landscape feature where natural beauty blends with refined artistic tastes. The attractions of its zoo will appeal to young and old alike. The rose garden..

The City of London is situated on the north side of the River Thames, and lies within the old London Wall (vestiges remain) which delineated the Roman and medieval settlement. Its old streets, hidden garden spaces and churches retain a tranquil ambie..

Dedicated to decorative arts, this museum has some world-class treasures – drawn from all epochs, all corners of the world and all stylistic movements – making it a joy to wander around its labyrinthine corridors and galleries. Connoisseurs will have..

This temple to the sciences – 5 floors covering 5ha in all – is remarkable for the richness of its collections, and for the methods it employs to engage visitors, through its exhibits, interactive displays and experiments. If pushed for time – and re..

Kept at the Tower of London since the 17C, the Crown Jewels have since 1971 been displayed in the imposing 19C Waterloo Barracks. Most of the pieces are used in the coronation ceremony. The earliest date from Charles II’s coronation at the time of th..

The Tower of London owes its name to its oldest building, the White Tower, which stands in the centre. This keep has been much modified since it was first built in the 11C. It acquired its name during the reign of Henry III when its walls were whitew..

Greenwich’s name is synonymous with the Meridian, and its famously iconic observatory b. The area is also very appealing on account of its huge park and museums, most notably the National Maritime Museum . A pleasant walk past historic pubs along t..

The residential district of Kew retains a village atmosphere; in 2003 it acquired global recognition when its Royal Botanical Gardens were granted Unesco World Heritage Site status, on account of their historical significance and the richness of th..

The finest botanical gardens in the country were begun by Sir William Chambers in 1756 at the request of Augusta, Princess of Wales. On 120ha bordering the Thames, they make up a wonderful tableau of woodland and green lawns with colourful parterres ..

South of the Green is a famous row of houses set behind railings and embellished with pilasters and friezes, built in 1724 to “house the maids of honour of the Princess of Wales”. Their brickwork has acquired a fine patina with time and their proport..