If you are considering taking a trip from the historic walled city of Chester, then few destinations offer quite as much history, intrigue and splendour as London. The streets of the city are crammed with cultural attractions, some well publicised, others less so, that are perfect attractions to visit as part of a trip away. Listed below are 10 of the best historic London attractions you can visit on any trip to the capital.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic landmark is one of the most recognisable features of the London skyline. A highlight of any trip to the cathedral is sampling the acoustics in the famous Whispering Gallery, visiting the tombs and memorials of a large number of British dignitaries, while a trip up to the Golden Gallery offers outstanding views across London.
The Tower of London
One of the most popular attractions in the city, the Tower of London has played a central part in the city’s history for hundreds of years, serving at various times as a royal palace, prison, armoury and even a zoo. Now the tower is famous for its ravens, the colourful Yeoman Warders (popularly known as Beefeaters) and as home to the fabulous Crown Jewels.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is over 900-years-old and features many iconic landmarks including St. George’s Chapel, the tomb of Henry VIII and the opulent State Apartments. The castle is the Queen’s official residence and was extensively renovated and repaired after a fire that damaged the Upper Ward in November 1992.
Westminster Abbey
A magnificent gothic church and the resting place of many eminent British luminaries, Westminster Abbey is best known for being the home of Royal Weddings, Funerals and Coronations. Poets’ and Scientists’ Corners are especially worth visiting for those with an abiding interest in British history and literature.
Hampton Court Palace
The former home of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace was constructed by Cardinal Wolsey in circa 1514. After Wolsey fell from favour in the late 1520s the palace passed to Henry VIII and the king was quick to make significant alterations. Hampton Court remained Henry’s favourite palace until his death, seeing him spend a vast sum refurbishing it (more than £62,000 over the course of 10 years, the equivalent of approximately £18 million in today’s money). Consequently Hampton Court was the most opulent, sophisticated palace in Europe, with tennis courts, bowling alleys and pleasure gardens.
The palace is set in 60 acres of magnificent gardens, which feature the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze and the Great Vine. During a visit to the castle you can gain an insight into what life was like at the palace throughout history.
Tower Bridge Exhibition
Tower Bridge has stood astride the River Thames in all its majesty since 1894; this fabulous exhibition outlines the history of the bridge (including how Victorian engineers built it) and explains the important role this iconic landmark has played in the recent history of London.
Southwark Cathedral
A somewhat under-appreciated gem in London is Southwark Cathedral. This magnificent edifice is London’s oldest gothic building and took over 200 years to build. It also has close links with Elizabethan theatre: the Globe Theatre is close by and the cathedral is home to a memorial to Shakespeare.
Benjamin Franklin’s House
The esteemed American lived at this residence between 1757 and 1775, during which he played a pivotal role in fostering good relations between American and Britain, as well as conducting several important scientific experiments.
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is considered by many to be London’s premier entertainment venue. A historic building, where the greats of entertainment throughout the ages have performed, guided tours are available to explain in detail about life on stage, and behind it.
Churchill War Rooms
Detailed exhibits pertaining to recent British history can be found at the Churchill War Rooms; a tribute to Britain’s wartime leader and the secret rooms hidden deep below London that served as his headquarters during the turbulent times of World War II.
London is a city steeped in history and with a host of top quality attractions that will delight, educate and inform any visitor. You can save money on your trip by buying a pre-paid pass that will allow you free entry to all the top attractions listed above, allowing you to see more of this historic city for less.
