If you have some annual leave left to use or a free weekend, it is definitely time that you plan a vacation in London. The capital city is a gorgeous place with many exciting things to see and do, no matter what your age or hobbies, so you will always find something you find interesting to do. London is also known to be a cultural melting pot, it is home to people from many different backgrounds and places, and this is what makes it such a wonderful and welcoming place to be. If this hasn’t convinced you enough to pack a suitcase, then I have compiled a list of the ten most famous landmarks in London:
1. The Saatchi Gallery
Located in Chelsea, the Saatchi Gallery is the home of contemporary art. It has held many different exhibitions and presents the work of unseen young artists or international artists, such as the world-famous Andy Warhol. Most of their exhibitions are free to the public and there are donation boxes available. This makes it an affordable, yet fun day out allowing you to have a wander afterwards in a quintessentially British part of London.
2. The London Eye
Attracting nearly four million visitors a year, the London Eye has become one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in the world! The enormous wheel is just under 135 meters and presents spectacular and unchallengeable views of London. You will not be disappointed after visiting the London Eye, so make sure you put it on top priority – as no vacation to London is complete without visiting this monument.
3. St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral’s dedication to Paul the Apostle dates back 1,400 years ago and has been built and rebuilt 5 times. One of the rebuilds took place after the great fire of London. It has also been famous for hosting events such as: royal birthdays, peace services and weddings. There is a fee for entering the cathedral and you can get a discounted rate, if you purchase your tickets online. If you also would like to grab a drink afterwards, there is a restaurant Madison nearby which has a rooftop bar overlooking the cathedral and London’s skyline.
4. The National Gallery
Situated in the heart of London, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is home to some of the most exceptional pieces of European art. A beautiful piece recently purchased by the gallery is Artemisia Gentileschi’s self-portrait which they bought for £3.6m. There is no fee to enter the gallery and they also offer free guided tours and family workshops. It is one of the most visited galleries in the world, so it should definitely be on your list of things to do in London.
5. The London Zoo
The London Zoo, in Regents Park, is one of the most popular zoos in the world and is home to 755 different species of animals. They also have many animal exhibits, including: Penguin Beach, Tiger Territory, Gorilla Kingdom and Land of the Lions. It is also possible to stay overnight at the zoo, in a lodge and they are designed to sleep a maximum of two adults and two children. This can be booked online and it is also recommended to book your entry tickets online so that you can get a discounted rate.
6. The London Dungeon
Situated along London’s South Bank, The London Dungeon is one of the capital’s most gory attractions. It aims to recreate dark moments of England’s history, such as Guy Fawkes’ gunpowder plot and Sweeney Todd’s murders. It is definitely suited to those who like a little scare and thrill and will be a day you won’t forget.
7. The Tower of London
A visit to this castle will have you in awe of 1000s of years of history. It is a secure fortress, royal palace, and an infamous prison. It also holds the dazzling Crown Jewels and there are up to 6 black ravens who protect them and the tower. There is a fee to visit the tower, but it is worth every penny!
8. The Natural History Museum
One of the most breathtaking buildings in London, the Natural History Museum exhibits natural historical specimens. It is particularly famous for holding some of the largest collections of dinosaurs in the world! But if you are more interested in marine mammals they also have a 25-metre blue whale Skelton hanging from their ceiling. Every room is captivating and is sure to leave you feeling excited by new discoveries.
9. Madame Tussauds
The Madame Tussauds is a museum created to exhibit wax replicas of famous celebrities and historical figures. The likelihood of meeting your favourite celebrities are slim, so the museum makes it all possible! It’s a fun and lighthearted day out, which people of all age groups will enjoy.
10. The Shard
This 95 storey building is the tallest building in the United Kingdom. The building was modelled on a shard of glass and its exterior is made up of 11,000 glass panels. This beautifully constructed building is also home to London’s highest viewing platform where you can see 360-degree views of London for up to 40 miles. There are also many restaurants and bars inside the shard, so you can also consider booking a meal for afterwards.
So don’t forget to consider these 10 fun-filled places, when you’re deciding where to visit in London. And who knows, they might make you fall in love with the capital and never want to leave!
