Sightseeing

Sightseeing in Central London

Tower of London

Built in 1066-7, the Tower of London stands as the most impressive and best preserved medieval castle in any European capital. Here you can journey back through the 900-year history of the royal castle and fortress; Marvel at the crown jewels and visit the execution site of 3 English Queens. www.toweroflondontour.com

Tower Bridge (London Bridge)

The stately bascule Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. Crossing the River Thames since 1894 with its twin towers and high level walkways, the Tower Bridge Experience is an exhibition revealing the history of the bride and how it was built. The Tower Bridge is often mistakenly called London Bridge, but this is the name of the next bridge upstream. The popular site is located close to the Tower of London and takes its name from there. www.towerbridge.org.uk

London Eye

The British Airways London Eye, also known as the Millenium Wheel is the largest observation wheel in the world. Standing at 135 meters, on a clear day you can see 25 miles outside the city limits all the way to Windsor Castle. Book online in advance to avoid the massive tourist queues. www.londoneye.co.uk

Westminster Abbey

An architectural masterpiece from the 13^th to 16^th century, the Westminster Abbey is the traditional place of coronation and burial for the English monarchs. This mostly Gothic style cathedral holds a shrine to St. Edward the Confessor and is a place of daily worship. The Abbey is closed to tourists on Sundays. www.westminster-abbey.org

Buildings of Parliament and Big Ben

The Building of Parliament and the clock tower which houses the famous bell Big Ben are both a part of the Palace of Westminster on the bank of the River Thames in the heart of London. This is where the House of Lords and the House of Commons sit during parliamentary session. Overseas visitors can apply to their Embassy or High Commission for entry into the Chambers of Lords or Commons. Many non-commonwealth countries don’t have entry tickets but you can still gain access by joining the queue outside St. Stephen’s entrance. www.parliament.uk

Buckingham Palace

The official London residence of the British monarchy and a rallying place for British people during times of rejoicing, crisis or grief, Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Many parts of the palace are open to the public year round. However it is only in August and September that visitors are able to tour the lavishly furnished state rooms with paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude. www.royal.gov.uk

National Gallery

Housing the greatest collection of European paintings the National Gallery in London’s Trafalgar Square is free to all visitors. The paintings you’ll see are a representation of the history, religion and myths of Europe throughout the ages. Some of the highlights of the permanent collection include Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Botticelli’s Venus and Mars. www.nationalgallery.org.uk

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral and its world famous dome has been the centre of worship for the nation since its first service in 1697. Marvel at the mosaics of prophets and saints or climb the 387 steps past the Whispering Gallery to the Stone Gallery, which encircles the outside of the dome. www.stpauls.co.uk

Sightseeing near Greenwich

Greenwich Royal Observatory

The home of Prime Meridian, most people come to straddle the east and west hemisphere. But stick around for a while for  the study of astronomy and the time ball on the roof which drops at exactly 1PM every day. At five minutes to one the ball rises half way up the pole, reaching the top at two minutes to one and drops exactly at 13:00 hours. People crowd around to set their watch according to the most precise devise in the world.

The Cutty Sark

The only surviving extreme clipper and the only tea clipper still in existence, the Cutty Sark is the most famous ship in the world to visit. People of all ages find themselves getting lost in the fantasy of captaining this old, beautiful ship. Now a museum for the whole family to explore you can learn what it takes to be a seaman as well as the importance of the tea trade to the history of the British Empire. www.cuttysark.org.uk

Greenwich Park

The oldest of the Royal Parks. Amongst the shady trees and fragrant flowers you’ll find the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House and the Maritime Museum. Entrance to the park and all its attractions is free. www.royalparks.gov.uk

Trafalgar Tavern

A top attraction for lovers of literature Trafalgar Tavern was made famous by its whitebait suppers and kept famous by its most prestigious patron, Charles Dickens. People come now to dine where the master novelist once frequented in hopes of picking up some of his genius inspiration. www.trafalgartavern.co.uk

Sightseeing near London Bridge

London Dungeon

A thrill ride into London’s gory past. Walk the streets of Jack the Ripper’s London, and take your chances with the Black Plague. A mix of fun, fear, history and adventure as you take a journey into the past you’ll be plenty glad you lived through. Not for the faint of heart. www.thedungeons.com

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

A reconstruction of the 1599 open-air theatre where Shakespeare worked and for which he wrote many of his greatest plays. Today the theatre is a year round exhibition centre that brings the life and times of William Shakespeare into the present day. However, from May to October each year the theatre season starts up again with modern reproductions of Shakespeare’s favourites where the audience can sit in a gallery or stand informally as they would have done more than 400 years ago. www.shakespeares-globe.org

Tate Modern Museum

London’s museum of international modern art, the Tate Modern houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art from Fauvism on. Located in an abandoned power station on the River Thames in the heart of London, the exterior is nearly as interesting as what’s inside. But it can’t quite compare with important masterpieces from the likes of Picasso, Matisse, Dali and Warhol. Admission to the permanent collection is free. www.tate.org.uk/modern

River Thames

This is the world famous river that cuts through London, connecting South London with Westminster. The boardwalk along the south bank of the river provides a source of relaxation, exercise, entertainment, culture and wonder to Londoners and visitors alike. No trip to London is complete without a stroll along the river from London Bridge to the London Eye. www.riverthames.co.uk

Borough Market

What was once a wholesale fruits and vegetables market the Borough Market has transformed itself into so much more. A tourist attraction and a fine food retailer here you will find vegan burgers and wheatgrass shots to wild game, cider, fine cheeses, olives, wines and so much more. It’s not just a market, this is an experience. www.boroughmarket.org.uk

Sightseeing near Camden

Camden Markets

The Camden markets are comprised of 5 separate sprawling markets stretching out from Camden Town tube station to Chalk Farm Station. Between the markets you’ll find the shops, bars, cafes, nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and boutiques which complete the whole appeal of the area. www.camdenlock.net

Camden Stables

There’s something for everyone here with vintage clothes, alternative fashion and piercing mixed in seamlessly with antiques, collectables, jewellery, crafts and furniture. There’s also a huge selection of international foods to sample as you browse.

Camden Lock

This is the one that started it all. A craft market from the start this is where you’ll find the perfect original souvenirs to bring home with you. Including home furnishings, unique fabrics, paintings, prints hand crafted traditional and contemporary jewellery designer clothes and handcrafted mirrors. www.camdenlock.net

Camden Canal

The hidden market, this is the one that people generally pass right by, not knowing it’s there. But should you be so unlucky to do so you’ll be missing out on a treasure trove of the unusual. From fashion accessories, jewellery and clothing to recorder music, computer games and collectables.

Camden Buck Street

With a big green sign proclaiming the Camden Markets this is a mass of 200 stalls crammed together in a chaotic order. Here you’ll find a few proprietors selling their originally designers clothes and jewellery, defiantly worth seeking them out.

Inverness Street

A little of the old but more of the new here. Once operating solely as a fruit and veggie market, you’ll now find discount clothing jewellery and footware thrown in the mix. Great deals to be had.

Sightseeing near Shepherd's Bush

London's West End

The Bush and London’s West End has so must to see and do that it’s hard to know where to start. Oxford Street and Regent Street are an absolute paradise for the shop-aholic with everything from the big name department stores to independent designers. The West End is also home to the theatre district. Take a walk around and you’ll swear every other building you pass is a theatre showing a musical or drama you’ve been dying to see. Staying in Shepherd’s Bush will have you absolutely tripping over things to do.

Chinatown

London’s Chinatown can be traced back to 1666 and the Great Fire of London. Today, as then, this is still the best place to explore Chinese culture with its many shops and restaurants. If you’re lucky enough to be in town in late January, you’ll see Chinatown lit up with paper lanterns and red banners proclaiming the arrival of the new year. Celebrations last for weeks. www.chinatown-online.co.uk

Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

Hyde Park is one of the largest of London’s Royal Parks, a continuation from Kensington Gardens. This is where Londoners go when they need a bit of green space to stretch out and relax on. Within Hyde Park you’ll find Speaker’s Corner, the one section of the park where free speech is allowed. An area frequented by Karl Marx, William Morris, Vladmir and George Orwell in their day, today it’s anyone’s podium. Carry on to Kensington Gardens for the Peter Pan statue, Kensington Palace and magnificent trees and ornamental flower beds. www.royalparks.gov.uk

Shepherd’s Bush Empire

One of London’s premiere entertainment venues since 1903, the list of amazing acts that have been through this place is endless. Check the venues website for upcoming international and local acts. Not to be missed if you’re staying in the Bush. www.shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk