The capital of the United Kingdom and the business part of the population of Great Britain is London, which occupies a border of 1,572 sq. km. It is the most populous city in the British Isles, with the oldest metro system and the largest airport in the world, Heathrow.

Foggy and rainy London is not only cultural and historical attractions, but also the modernity of glass skyscrapers, youth movements and the mannerism of true Englishmen.

Famous temples

From 43 BC NS. in London, many temples were erected, which have survived to this day.

Westminster Abbey

"Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster", as the abbey was informally nicknamed, since the XI century has been carrying religious significance associated with the coronation, wedding and burial of monarchs of England. It was within the walls of this complex that the bulk of the Bible was translated. The building of early Gothic architecture rises next to the Parliament and Big Ben.

You can get to the abbey:

The temple is not always open, services are periodically held there, and in other cases, you can visit the attraction from 9:30 to 18:00 on Wednesdays. On other days of the week, tourists can visit the attraction from 9.30 to 15.30, paying 23.2 € per adult and 10.44 € per child. There is a system of preferential tariffs.

Westminster Cathedral

For 8 years, the main Catholic church of the capital of Great Britain was under construction, in the style of neo-Byzantine architecture with a bell tower. Due to the characteristics of red brick and white Portland limestone, the building has acquired a striped appearance.

A characteristic feature of the cathedral is its amazing acoustics, which is different from other English churches. The temple can be visited daily from 8:00 to 19:00 for free, and on Sundays it is worth enjoying the free concerts.

Southwark Cathedral

The largest example of English Gothic, built in the shape of a cross, with a towering spire and a clock on the tower. Historians around the world are at a loss as to when the first church building appeared on this site. The cathedral is famous for its bell set, organ and church choir.

The doors of the temple are open daily from 9:00 to 18:00, except on weekends when it opens at 10:00. The nearest tube station, London Bridge, is a 5-minute walk from the Southwark attraction.

Church of St. Margaret (St Margaret's, Westminster)

The abbey was not allowed, to the choir, no one except the monks. Therefore, in the XII century, it was decided to build an accessible church in honor of Saint Margaret of Antioch.

The late Gothic building is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Many representatives of the English aristocracy are married within the walls of the church of St. Margaritas. The attraction is located on the territory of Westminster Abbey and is famous for its organ, which is offered to be heard as part of evening concerts, having specified the schedule in advance. Those wishing to get acquainted with the interior decoration are available from 9:30 to 15:30, and on Wednesdays until 18:00.

Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God

In London, Orthodoxy increased, in terms of the number of religious movements, to third place, which in 1956 forced the lease of the church, and later to buy it out.

Now, the cathedral, which conducts services in English and Church Slavonic, is the center of the Orthodoxy community for people of any national origin. In terms of its architecture, the church is made in the style of a classical English temple. But the interior decoration has been altered for Slavic traditions.

Famous museums

London, whose sights are unique for their museum collection, is famous for being able to satisfy the interest of even those who do not like to waste time at endless exhibitions.

British Museum

The largest museum of historical and archaeological subjects, founded with the permission of the parliament in 1753.

4 km long, containing 94 galleries with various departments:

The doors of the museum are open from 10:00 to 17:30. Admission is free, except for guest exhibitions. You can get to the historical and archaeological site using the underground, getting off at Holborn, Russell Square or Tottenham Court Road.

Madame Tussauds museum

The largest museum of wax figures, where more than 1000 exhibits from different eras are presented. Most notable is the London Spirit, an exhibition that reproduces scenes of London life since Elizabeth's time.

You can get to know the celebrities cast from wax by taking the bus to the Baker Street stop. Due to the floating schedule, please check the museum's opening hours on the official website. The ticket price is 32 € for online purchases and 39 € at the box office.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

The world famous detective, created by the writer Arthur Conan-Doyle, has its own museum located on Baker Street. The Victorian building, built in 1815, is a protected site of historical and architectural importance.

The spirit of a detective has been recreated within the walls of the museum, with an accurate reproduction of the rooms described by the author. You can get acquainted with the detective every day from 9:30 to 18:00, getting off at the bus stop or at the Baker Street metro station. A ticket for one adult will cost € 16.50.

National Gallery

The largest art gallery in London, which houses more than 2000 masterpieces from Western Europe, dating back to the 12th century.

Having decided to visit the exhibition on Trafalgar Square, it is worth deciding on the choice of painters of interest, because the gallery contains a huge number of canvases, which will not be enough to get acquainted with one visit. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, and provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the masterpieces of art for free.

Saatchi Gallery

Famed collector art dealer Charles Saatchi has created a controversial gallery featuring contemporary conceptual art artists. The museum is astonishing and thought-provoking, and for young artists it is a springboard in their careers.

The Former Barracks, which houses the gallery, is a 4-minute walk from Sloane Square Tube Station and 12 minutes from Victoria Station. You can also get to the museum by bus, getting off at the Duke of York Square stop. The entrance to the gallery is free from 10:00 to 18:00 daily.

Charles Dickens Museum

In Holborn, for 6 €, you can visit the house where Charles Dickens lived. The specialty of the museum is the feeling of the presence of an English writer. The original St. George's style has been restored in the interiors of the premises. The exhibition runs daily from 10:00 to 17:00, and you can get to Doughty Street by metro or buses.

Westminster Abbey Museums

The underground sacristy of Westminster Abbey houses a museum that houses various objects of prominent people, as well as celebrity figures cast from wax. You can visit the museum by driving to Westminster or St James's Park station, from Monday to Saturday 10:30 - 16:00, opening hours may vary. The entrance ticket for one adult costs 24 €, and for children it is necessary to pay 10 € at the box office.

Victoria and Albert Museum

The museum, which contains the best collection of decorative and applied art, covering a huge time span, about 5000 years. The building consists of 145 galleries, divided into 6 levels, and more than 4,000,000 items, which puts the museum on a par with the world's most outstanding exhibition complexes.

Admission is free, like most of London's museums, and the nearby tube station is South Kensington. The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:45 daily, and on Friday until 22:00.

Popular theaters

In the royal capital, it is difficult to choose which theater to visit. Without some knowledge of theatrical life, you can miss the best performance or simply overpay.

Royal Opera House

London, the sights of which are famous for their theatrical art, invites you to visit the largest opera house in the capital of the United Kingdom. Covent Garden has a significant place in theater history. A ticket for the performance can be purchased at the box office or on the official website of the opera house, from 4 € to 250 €.

On the south bank of the River Thames, next to the Millennium Bridge, is the oldest theater in England - Shakespeare's Globe. Today, comedies and tragedies of the great English poet and playwright are heard from the stage of the platform.
A feature of the building is the absence of a roof near the building, which allows performances to be held only in the warm season. You can visit Globus every day, pay 19 € per person.

Dominion

At the intersection of Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road is the prominent cultural institution of the West End. Its walls are never empty, they host rock concerts, festivals and show popular films and musicals based on legendary songs.

Piccadilly

A rounded four-story building, built in 1928, hiding interiors in a luxurious Art Deco style behind its facade, shows the audience various pieces of music and revues. The average ticket price depends on the duration of the performance and its nature (from 22 € to 100 €).
You can get to the theater by any transport passing through Piccadilly Circus.

Lyceum

For 15 years, in the Rococo style theater, only one musical is shown - "The Lion King". Despite this, the performance always attracts a full audience of spectators. You can visit the show twice a day, paying 46 € - 155 €.

You can get to the theater from three metro stations:

• Leicester Square;
• Temple;
• Covent-Garden.

Albert Hall (Royal Albert Hall)

In South Kensington, the cylindrical building of the Royal Albert Hall attracts tourists. The walls are decorated with mosaics depicting stylized female figures: sculpture, painting, science, astronomy, and more.

The Royal Hall of Arts is the most prestigious concert hall in the entire British Isles, showcasing a variety of cultural events, from movies to charity opera concerts. The ticket price depends on the importance of the event.

Popular parks

Despite the countless development of streets, London is rich in park attractions, where you can not only take a break from the bustle of the city, but also breathe in the fresh air.

Hyde Park

Closing their eyes to the crowds, a huge number of people, both locals and tourists, flock to Hyde Park. The park has a special feature - the right to freedom of speech or Speakers' Corner, where anyone can pour out a stream of speech on any topic, except calls to violence.

A variety of plants are planted on the territory of Hyde Park and there is a Serpentine Lake. The park is located in the center of London, which can be easily reached by metro, numerous buses with a stop near the park, taxi or bicycle.

Regent's Park

Thanks to Henry VIII, in the central part of London, on an area of ​​188 hectares, a picturesque park complex appeared, part of which is set aside for special sectors for growing flowers. Among the alleys, flower beds and evenly trimmed bushes, you can find ancient trees and a beautiful lake. Not far from Regents Park is Marylebone, Baker Street and the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Victoria Park

In 1845, instead of the estate of Bishop Stepney, Victoria Park was located. It covers 80 hectares in East London and invites visitors to enjoy music concerts, festivals, rides or take a dip in the public pool. Near the park is the Mile End metro station.

St. James's Park

Near Buckingham Palace, the green strip of St. James Park runs in a semicircle with mighty ancient trees and large-billed pelicans in a pond. The park fell in love with the opportunity to enjoy the virtuoso playing of the orchestra, as well as take a break from the hustle and bustle on the soft lawn. In addition to pelicans, among the green spaces, you can find more than 30 species of birds.

Popular monuments

London, the sights of which are embodied not only in architecture, but also in various monuments that deserve special attention, is an old city.

Monument to Admiral Nelson (Nelson's Column)

In the very center of Trafalgar Square, rushing upward, there is a 5-meter statue dedicated to Admiral Horace Nelson, at a height of 46 m. ​​The peculiarity of the monument is its location, the admiral looks to the south, where the ship of the British Navy is stationed.

It is impossible to walk past the monument while exploring the city. The square on which the monument was erected is located at the intersection of the famous streets: Whitehall, Mall and Strand. Using the bus as a transport, you can choose an excursion double-decker.

Prince Albert Memorial

Love reigns always and everywhere, in honor of her a monument to Prince Albert was erected in Kensington Park. The neo-Gothic memorial was inaugurated in 1872 by Queen Victoria in honor of the beloved Duke Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who died of typhus. The monument is located on the South side of Kensington Gardens, near the Albert Hall.

Victoria Memorial

Symbolizing the greatness and power of the country, the Queen Victoria Memorial impresses travelers by towering in front of the façade of Buckingham Palace. The main element of the memorial is the six-meter statue of Queen Victoria, carved out of Portland stone.

The queen's gaze is fixed on Trafalgar Square, and in her hands she holds a scepter and orb. Because of its multi-tiered nature, Londoners jokingly call the memorial “wedding cake”.

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Memorial

The two-piece monument, which is located in Carlton Gardens, was created in two different time periods. The first statue dedicated to George VI was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in 1955.

And in 2009, a monument to the wife of George VI, the Queen Mother, was unveiled to her, under the skill of the sculptors Philip Jackson and Poda Day. The couple is facing towards Buckingham Palace, and the memorial itself is located on Mell Alley.

Popular streets

London, the sights of which are famous for the possibility of aimless walks, without control over time, contemplating ancient architecture and textured signs. All this is possible by exploring the most significant streets of the city.

Whitehall

From Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square, Whitehall is a wide street that has existed for several centuries. In addition to official buildings, there are monuments of world military leaders along the street.

And the most visited attraction is the Banquet House, which survived the fire in the Whitehall Palace. To walk along the street, it is enough to follow it, heading towards Big Ben.

Oxford Street

One of the most famous streets in the world for shopping, which is accessible to any tourist, for its democratic prices. The area for shops was given away due to the reluctance to purchase housing at the site of public executions.

The length of the street reaches 2.5 km, where more than 300 shops are located. Expensive boutiques on Oxford Street are impossible to find, as well as luxury goods. During the sale period, clothing costs only 5 €.

You can get to Oxford Street from three metro stations:

• Oxford Serx;
• Bond Street;
• Marble Arch.

Piccadilly Street

The street, which is more often than others, can be found in the works of famous writers, musicians and directors. This is the busiest street in the historic center of Westminster. The English aristocracy has been building up Piccadilly mansions since the 17th century.

And today, on this street, you can find many clubs with limited access. It is a favorite place for meetings and dates, in particular due to its convenient location in relation to the main attractions.

Abbey Rd

Along Abbey Road is the world-hit recording studio. The Beatles used the photo of the intersection for the cover of their album, which was recorded in the studio mentioned above in 1969.

All traveling Beatles fans strive to visit a famous place. The street, 2.1 km long, is located in the west of central London, accessible by public transport, focusing on the central cricket ground.

Squares

There is no city of this size that does not have a place for demonstration protests, parades, rallies and celebrations. Where residents of the metropolis can relax on a bench under the cool spray of the fountain.

Trafalgar Square

One of the main attractions of the entire United Kingdom is the historic center, at the intersection of the three main streets of Westminster - Trafalgar Square. It is a favorite place for celebrations and various processions.

And the main Christmas tree of the country rises annually in the center of the square. A feature of the attraction is its purpose - "zero kilometer"- from here comes the countdown of all the main roads in London. Trafalgar Square contains significant monuments, galleries and churches. You can get to the center of the capital by metro, getting off at Charing Cross station, which is located a few meters from the square.

Piccadilly Circus

Often, tourists notice that, being in the center, wherever they go, they still end up in Piccadilly Circus. The place is constantly overcrowded with people, the British believe that when they are on the square for a long time, it is imperative to meet an acquaintance.

However, that is why the square received such a name, because it means - a large gathering of people. Nearby there is a metro station and a stop "Piccadilly Circus".

Palaces

London, the sights of which differ from other cities in Europe, are numerous palaces that give the capital a certain charm.

Buckingham Palace

The residence of Queen Elizabeth II is located behind the Queen Victoria monument, opposite the Grand Park and the Mall. During the absence of the Queen, tourists are allowed to enter Buckingham Palace, paying 25 € per person. But the royal stables are available for visiting all year round.

The rest of the time, tourists flock to the palace to witness the whole show - the changing of the guard ceremony, with musical accompaniment performing marches and modern songs by English performers. You can find the residence of the monarchs in the center of London in the Westminster area, a 15-minute walk from Big Ben and 20 minutes from Trafalgar Square.

Palace of Westminster

The government of the country sits on the banks of the River Thames, in one of the main symbols of London - in Palace of Westminster, which has been included in the UNESCO heritage list since 1987. It is not difficult to get into the building, it is enough to go through security control, stand in line and get into the gallery for visitors.

In August and September, tourists can book an optional guided tour that will allow them to explore the entire building. The nearest metro station has the same name as the palace itself.

Tower of London

The oldest building in England, the London Fortress, is located by the River Thames. Initially, the Tower was built as a defensive structure, after which the fortress turned into a mint, arsenal, prison and observatory. In 1190 the first prisoner was imprisoned in the fortress.

And for all its existence, within the walls of the prison, 7 executions were carried out. Now, the fortress houses a museum displaying a collection of weapons and treasures of the British crown. The ticket price for one adult is 23 €. The London Fortress entrance is a 5-minute walk from Tower Hill Tube Station.

Bridges

In the capital of Great Britain, there are more than 30 bridges that are known to the whole world and bridges, hard workers, not used by the British themselves. But there are two main ones that are included in the main list of the main attractions of the country.

Tower Bridge

The suspension drawbridge over the Thames, opened since 1894, is equipped with an observation deck and a museum. The bridge was built, on which more than 400 workers worked, for about 8 years.
The Gothic style gallery offers breathtaking views to the west and east. The length of the bridge is 244 m, and the height of the supporting towers is 65 m. To visit the Tower Bridge Museum you need to pay 11 €.

The London Millenium Footbridge

You can cross the River Thames using the Millenium pedestrian bridge, which was nicknamed shaky because of an incident during its opening in 2000. On this day, a flimsy structure was noticed, which was finalized in 2002 with the help of an additional 89 shock absorbers. The grandiose architectural structure has become popular with tourists. The bridge overlooks the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral.

What else to see

Having examined all the palaces and parks, it is worth paying attention to the remaining sights, which are no less important in importance.

Big Ben

Often, Big Ben is confused with a clock mounted on a tower. But this is the 13-ton bell of the Palace of Westminster. The height of Big Ben can be compared to the length of a 16-storey building, while, there are no lifting mechanisms in the tower, which makes it closed to public access.
Sometimes there are exceptions, and then, visitors are allowed to inspect the interior of the tower, passing 344 steps. Interestingly, the official beginning of the New Year on the entire planet begins with the very first bell of Big Ben.

Wembley Stadium

In 2007, the largest stadium in the world was erected, striking with a high level of equipment.

The grandest part of the structure is the huge arch that supports the base of the roof and moves in three directions to control the shadow. The stadium hosts concerts of a worldwide scale. And for football fans, a special tour is organized for 17 €, with access to the press conference room. The nearest metro station to the stadium is called Wembley Park.

Red telephone booth

Although, for the majority, the red English telephone booth is considered the main symbol of the country, in 1920 this telephone booth was painted yellowish-white.

Due to the difficulties in finding a white booth, it was decided to repaint the attribute in a color that is more noticeable in the dense fog of the capital. You can see the main symbol of the country near the Royal Academy of Arts on the banks of the Thames River in Kingston.

Skyscraper Mary Ax

The famous cucumber in the High-Tech architectural style is a 40-storey building in the center of the capital. The skyscraper with a support base and a mesh shell offers a delightful panoramic view of the central part of the capital.

Interestingly, Mary ex is the first high-rise building in the world that claims to be an ecological skyscraper.

To visit the upper floors, you must book a table at one of the many restaurants. The tower is a short stroll from the London Underground with Liverpool Street station.

London Eye

In honor of the millennium celebration, a Ferris wheel was built in London. At that time, the "London Eye" had the fame of the largest wheel in the world, with a height of 135 m. For visitors, 32 transparent cabins with a capacity of up to 25 people are provided.

In some capsules, you can order a romantic meeting with champagne and strawberries. The cost of a 30 minute circle on the Ferris wheel costs 31 € per person. You can find the "London Eye" on the south side of the River Thames in the Lambeth area.

Thames river

The most beautiful place is a landmark of natural origin - the famous River Thames, which flows through the capital of Great Britain. The river gained its popularity due to its location. And England itself owes its development to this particular water resource.

Thanks to the developed shipping, London was actively developing due to the prosperity of trade. Various representatives of birds and fish can be found along the banks of the river. Traveling around England, you should pay attention to a tourist excursion along the river or witness the annual boat competition.

London is a unique city that has survived many cataclysms and has not lost its spirit, living in ancient back streets, Gothic temples and in the water ripples of the Thames River. The capital does not stand still in development, but continues to change and improve. The best attraction is not museums and castles, but the very appearance of foggy Albion, the city of rains.

Article design: Mila Friedan

London Attractions Videos

Overview of the city of London and its attractions:

London draws people from all over the world. Some come on business, some come to study, to work or on holiday. London is naturally a very English city and it is very cosmopolitan, containing goods, food and entertainment, as well as people, from many countries of the world.

London spreads its influence over much of the southern areas of England; it gives work to millions of people who live not only in the inner city areas but in surrounding districts.

There is much in London which fascinates visitors and inspires the affection of Londoners: the splendor of the royal palaces and the Houses of Parliament, the dignity of St. Paul "s Cathedral and many monuments and beautiful parks.

London shows examples of buildings that express all the different areas of its history.

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the Sovereign. The daily ceremony of the Changing of the Guards takes place in its courtyard. The palace was built in 1703 by the Duke of Buckingham.

Piccadilly Circus has become an important meeting point - for as well as sightseers. At its heart is a bronze fountain topped by a figure of a winded archer, known as Eros, the pagan god of love.

This area is now famous for its theaters, clubs and shops.

Whitehall is a street in central London running from Trafalgar Square to the Houses of Parliament and containing many important buildings and government offices, such as the Treasury, Admiralty and others. In the center of the roadway stands the Cenotaph, the memorial to the fallen of both world wars. The Prime Minister "s residence at No. 10 Downing Street is directly connected to Whitehall.

London is always full of life. The streets are crowded with traffic. High "double-decker" buses rise above the smaller cars and vans.

The city of London today is the financial powerhouse of the country and one of the chief commercial centers of the western world.

The city has its own Lord Major, its own Government and its own police force. Here the medieval buildings stand side by side with modern glass high-rise offices.

The parks of London provide a welcome contrast to the great built-up areas. St. James "s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens are linked together. They form 313 hectares of open parkland in the heart of London.

Translation:

London attracts people from all over the world. Some come on business, some to study, work, or on vacation. London is naturally a typical English city, very cosmopolitan, containing goods, food and entertainment, as well as people from many countries of the world.

London spreads its influence over most of the southern regions of England, it employs millions of people who live not only in urban areas, but also in the surrounding areas.

There are many things in London that enchant visitors and inspire the love of Londoners: the splendor of the Royal Palace and the Houses of Parliament, the grandeur of St. Paul's Cathedral and many monuments, beautiful parks.

London shows examples of buildings that reflect different areas of its history.

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the monarch. Daily changing of the guard ceremonies take place in its courtyard. The palace was built in 1703 by the Duke of Buckingham.

The Piccadilly Circus has become an important meeting point as well as a landmark. It is based on a bronze fountain crowned with the figure of an archer known as Eros, the pagan god of love.

This area is now known for its theaters, clubs and shops.

Whitehall is a street in central London that runs from Trafalgar Square to the Houses of Parliament and contains many important buildings and government offices such as the Treasury, the Admiralty and others. In the center of the roadway stands the Cenotaph - a memorial to those who fell in both world wars. The Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street is directly linked to Whitehall.

London is always full of life. The streets are full of traffic. Spiritual decker buses rise above small cars and minibuses. The city of London is today the country's financial center and one of the major shopping centers in the Western world.

The city has its own head - the mayor, its own government and its own police service.

Here, medieval buildings stand side by side with the modern glass of high-rise offices. London's parks contrast perfectly with the vast built-up areas. St James's Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens are all linked together. They comprise 313 hectares of open parkland in central London.

Sightseeing in London

London is one of the most interesting cities in Europe. You can start your sightseeing tour from the City where some famous ancient buildings are situated. Perhaps the most striking of them is St. Paul "s Cathedral, the greatest of English churches. It is Sir Christopher Wren" s masterpiece. It stands at the top of Ludgate Hill on a site where a Christian church had stood since the 7th century. The construction of the Cathedral started in 1675 and was not finished until 1709. The magnificent classical structure is crowned by the dome. The dome is painted with scenes from the life of St. Paul. Here also is the famous Whispering Gallery. There are many memorials in the Cathedral including those to heroes such as Wellington and Nelson.
The Tower of London is also situated in the City. It has been closely associated with many important events in English history. It served as citadel, palace, prison, mint and menagerie. The White Tower was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror to protect the city. The Tower is famous for its illustrious prisoners, such as Sir Thomas More and Guy Fawkes. Many notable people lost their heads on the executioner "s block. The Tower is guarded by the Yeoman Warders popularly known as Beefeaters.
Westminster is the historic and governmental center of London. Until the 11th century it was a sacred place. King Edward the Confessor decided to build a great abbey church here. It was consecrated in 1065, but a week later the King died and was buried in the abbey. His tomb became a popular place of pilgrimage. It can still be found at the heart of the present Westminster Abbey. William the Conqueror was crowned in the Abbey and since then all the Coronations have taken place here. The Abbey contains many royal tombs, memorials to eminent men and women. But the most popular ones are those to writers, actors and musicians in Poet "s corner.
Alongside the Abbey Edward the Confessor had a palace built. The Palace of Westminster was the royal residence and also the country "s main court of law. Parliament met here from the 16th century until the 19th century. The present Houses of Parliament were built after the old palace was burnt down in 1834. The building contains the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two chambers where parliamentary business is debated.
On the corner next to Westminster Bridge stands the Clock Tower, which houses the famous bell Big Ben.
Buckingham Palace is the Queen "s official London residence. Built in 1702-1705 for the Duke of Buckingham, it was sold in 1761 to George III. The Palace was little used by royalty until Victoria" s accession to the throne in 1837. London "s most popular spectacle is Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It takes place in the forecourt and lasts about 30 minutes.
Going down Oxford Street you come to Trafalgar Square which is yet another symbol of London. This square received its name from Trafalgar, the cape off which Lord Nelson defeated a Franco-Spanish fleet in 1805. Admiral Nelson, cast in bronze, stands on top of a tall column in the middle of the square.
On the north side of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Not far away is the British Museum - the biggest museum in London. It contains a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures etc., and is famous for its library.

London Attractions

London is one of the most interesting cities in Europe. You can start your sightseeing in the City, where some of the famous old buildings are located. Perhaps the most striking of these is St. Paul's Cathedral, the greatest of all English churches. This is a masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren. It stands at the top of Ludgate Hill, where a Christian church has stood since the 7th century. The construction of the cathedral began in 1675 and was completed only in 1709. The magnificent classical structure is crowned with a dome. Inside, the dome is painted with scenes from the life of St. Paul. It also houses the famous Whisper Gallery. There are many monuments in the cathedral, including heroes such as Wellington and Nelson.
The Tower of London is also located in the City. It is closely associated with many important events in English history. The Tower was a fortress, palace, prison, mint and menagerie. The White Tower (White Tower) was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror to defend the city. The Tower is known for its famous prisoners such as Sir Thomas More and Guy Fawkes. Many outstanding people laid their heads here on the chopping block. The Tower is guarded by the Life Guards (iomen guards), who are usually called beefeaters (meat eaters).
Westminster is the historical and governmental part of London. Until the 11th century, it was a sacred place. King Edward the Confessor decided to build a large abbey with a church here. It was consecrated in 1065, but a week later the king died and was buried in the abbey. His grave became a popular pilgrimage site. It can still be found in the center of what is now Westminster Abbey. William the Conqueror was crowned at the abbey, and since then all coronations have taken place here. The abbey contains the tombs of many kings and monuments to outstanding people. But the most popular are the monuments to writers, actors and musicians in the Poet's Corner.
Edward the Confessor built a palace near the abbey. Westminster Palace was the royal residence as well as the main court of the country. From the 16th to the 19th century, the parliament gathered here. The current parliament building was built after the old palace burned down in 1834. The building houses the House of Commons and the House of Lords, two chambers that discuss parliamentary affairs.
At the corner of Westminster Bridge is the Clock Tower, which houses the famous Big Ben Bell.
Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official residence in London. It was built in 1702-1705 for the Duke of Buckingham, and in 1764 it was sold to George III. The royal family made little use of the palace until Victoria's accession to the throne in 1837. The most popular sight in London is the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. It takes place in front of the palace and lasts about 30 minutes.
Walking along Oxford Street, you find yourself in Trafalgar Square, another symbol of London. The area was named after Cape Trafalgar, where Lord Nelson defeated the Franco-Spanish fleet in 1805. Bronze Admiral Nelson stands atop a tall column in the center of the square.
On the north side of Trafalgar Square are the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Not far from here is the British Museum, the largest museum in London. It contains an invaluable collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, sculptures, etc., and is famous for its library.

Vocabulary:

Changing of the Guard - changing of the guard
the City - City, downtown London
coin - coin
to be consecrated - to be consecrated
to crown - to crown
defeat - win
dome - dome
Edward the Confessor - Edward the Confessor, King of England (1042- |
fleet - fleet
in memory of- in memory of
luxury - luxury
medieval - medieval
menagerie - menagerie
mint - mint
pilgrimage - pilgrimage
priceless - priceless
sacred - sacred
splendid - great
the Stock Exchange - London Stock Exchange
striking - striking, wonderful
the Stuarts - Stuarts
Thomas More - Thomas More (English thinker, writer)
tomb - grave
the Tudors - Tudors
Whispering Gallery - Whisper Gallery
William the Conqueror - William the Conqueror, William I (1066-1087) (first Norman king in England)
to win the right - get the right, get the right
workshop - workshop
Yeoman Warder - Tower Guard, Life Guard

Answer the questions
1. What famous buildings do you know within the city?
2. What places of interest are there in St. Paul "s Cathedral?
3. What was the Tower used for?
4. Who built the abbey and the palace in Westminster?
5. Where does the Parliament meet?
6. What is Buckingham Palace famous for?
7. Where is London "s most famous shopping area situated?
8. Why did Trafalgar Square receive this name?
9. What London museums do you know? What are they famous for?
10. Explain how these dates are connected to the city history: 1078,1675, 1805, 1761, 1834, 1709?

London is a modern thriving metropolis with all its advantages and disadvantages, where traditional London attractions in English with translation coexist with entire Pakistani and Chinatowns. Globalization had a clear impact on the capital of Foggy Albion, but did not change its appearance, and most importantly, did not break its spirit. The spirit of imperial grandeur and true aristocracy.

To see all the sights of London, a day, a week or even a month is not enough, since they are here literally at every step, in every building. Therefore, even before a trip to the British capital, it is advisable to make a list of those places where you would definitely like to visit, not forgetting to include in it architectural monuments (Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace), natural (Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens), as well as museums (Madame Tussauds, British Museum), many of which are free to visit.

London Eye

One of the largest Ferris wheels in Europe with a height of 135 meters and includes 32 capsule cabins, each of which can accommodate up to 25 passengers. The number 32 was not chosen by chance - this is how many suburbs the English capital has. Interestingly, the 13th booth does not exist due to the superstition of the creators.

The opening of this attraction was timed to coincide with the beginning of the new millennium and took place on the last day of 1999. The London Eye was originally planned to be a temporary structure, which will be dismantled in 2005, however, this Ferris wheel, from which almost the entire city is visible, quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists, entering London's top attractions. Therefore, it was decided to leave him.

The wheel is located opposite the Parliament building on the south bank of the Thames. The attraction is open all year round, with the exception of December 25. Ticket prices range from 17 to 38 euros.

“We were here with my family on an excursion - we really liked it. Thanks to the transparent capsule, it was possible to see everything around. In addition to visual impressions and indescribable delight, we also received a lot of interesting information during the 30-minute excursion. "

Trafalgar Square

The largest and busiest square in the capital of Foggy Albion, located in its very center. This is where the three main Westminster streets converge: Mahe, The Strand and Whitehall.

Since the thirteenth century, there have been premises in which the royal hawks were kept, later the royal stables were built. In the first half of the nineteenth century, the square was redeveloped, and the National Gallery was built. The central architectural element is the 56-meter column of Nelson, erected in honor of the famous admiral and crowned with his monument. There are also four different sculptures in the corners of the square.

Trafalgar Square was originally named after William the Fourth, and the honor of England's victory in 1805 over the Franco-Spanish flotilla in the landmark Battle of Trafalgar.

“This is a rather small area when compared, for example, with Red Square in Moscow. However, this is an incredibly beautiful place with many sculptures and fountains, with its own unique atmosphere. It is definitely worth a visit here. "

Madame Tussaud's London

The largest and most famous museum of wax sculptures, founded in 1835 by the Frenchwoman Marie Tussauds, who moved to London in the early nineteenth century. It contains over a thousand wax copies of a wide variety of people: from maniacs and serial killers to royalty and show business stars.

This is one of the most popular attractions in London, which no tourist who comes to the city passes by. During the existence of the museum, more than 500 million people have visited it.

The museum is located on Marylebone Road, near the Baker Street subway station. Visitors are received daily. Tickets start at £ 15.

“In the daytime, getting here is unrealistic - you have to queue for several hours. Having postponed the trip to the museum until the evening, I was right, as I waited only about five minutes. Nevertheless, even before closing it is full of people, and in order to photograph some exhibit, one had to wait patiently for the people to disperse. I liked the museum itself very much: the sculptures are really masterful, they look incredibly realistic. "

Tower of London

One of the main symbols and attractions not only of London, but of the whole of Britain. During its existence (since 1066), this structure has been used as a defensive fortress, prison, mint, royal treasury, armory, observatory and zoo.

To this day, the Tower of London has managed to survive almost in its original form, and its main buildings are a museum with an armory, where the famous treasures of the British Empire are located. In addition to ancient buildings and artifacts, this London attraction attracts tourists with its inhabitants - the crows who stayed here after the transfer of the zoo to Regent's Park in 1831. There is a legend that the foundations of Britain will remain unshakable as long as the crows remain in the Tower. The castle is guarded by 37 yeomen - royal guards.

The fortress is located in the historic center of London, on the north bank of the Thames. Tickets cost £ 10-25.

“We bought tickets to the Tower in advance via the Internet - that way it is cheaper and there is no need to stand in queues. The most vivid impressions of the excursion are, of course, a visit to the treasury, especially for girls. Crowns, rings and other symbols of the power of monarchs are an amazing combination of beauty and greatness! When leaving the treasury, there is a souvenir shop, as well as a shop for children, where you can buy interesting things as a keepsake. "

Buckingham Palace

The building was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, and 59 years later it was acquired by King George III and began to be used as a private residence. The palace received the status of the official residence of the monarchs only in 1837, when Queen Victoria was crowned, whose monument now stands in front of the palace entrance. During the reign of Victoria, Buckingham Palace was put in order and acquired the look familiar to everyone today. Also, with her, many traditions appeared that continue to be observed to this day. One of them is the mandatory raising of the royal standard if the monarch is in residence. But visitors from all over the world are attracted here primarily by another ritual - a solemn changing of the guard, which takes place every day half an hour before noon in the summer.

The palace itself, located opposite Pall Mall and Green Park, can only be reached during August-September, when the monarchs are resting. The ticket price is £ 12-37.

“The scope and luxury of this palace is striking. Just think: 775 rooms! And all of them are finished with the rarest materials, decorated with paintings, tapestries and sculptures. The changing of the guard is a fascinating sight, but the crowds of tourists with whom you have to fight for the right to see the action spoil the impression somewhat. "

The British Museum

The main British museum of historical and architectural orientation, in terms of the number of visitors, second only to the Louvre in the world. It was founded by George II in 1753 at the behest of naturalist and physician Hans Sloan, who collected over 71 thousand various exhibits during his life. Today, the collection of the British Museum includes more than 13 million items brought from all over the world and representing human history from the Paleolithic to the present.

The museum is located in Bloomsbury, along Great Russell Street. The entrance is free for visitors.

“A large, nice and conveniently located building. But most of the exposition is occupied by all kinds of plates, vases and jugs - a kind of museum for girls. Perhaps, only the Egyptian halls with mummies and sarcophagi were really interesting to me. "

Tower Bridge

An iconic landmark in London, without visiting which it is impossible to imagine a visit to the British capital. A drawbridge over the Thames was built in 1894 east of London Bridge due to increased traffic. The metal structure with stone cladding is made in the form of a 244-meter ferry itself with two gothic-style towers. The designers envisaged the possibility of pedestrians crossing the bridge along special galleries between the towers, located at a height of 44 meters, however, now they serve as a museum and an observation deck.

“One of the main London attractions, which we simply had no right not to visit, and in the end did not regret the time spent. There is an interesting museum inside, there is an opportunity to see how the lifting mechanism functions. Well, and, of course, the view from the bridge - it's magnificent. "

London National Gallery (The National Gallery)

One of the most famous art museums in the world, whose history began in 1824 with the acquisition of a collection of 38 paintings that belonged to a native of Russia - John Julius Agerstein. The gallery itself was opened later, in 1839. To date, it has collected over two thousand works of art painted by Western European painters in the XII-XX centuries. All masterpieces are presented in the exhibition in accordance with the chronology.

The National Gallery has several cafes where you can drink coffee and relax, souvenir shops and art shops, which offer a variety of souvenirs, books and copies of paintings from the gallery.

The museum is located in Trafalgar Square. Admission is free, but you can leave a small donation.

“A really worthwhile place, a must-see even for those who do not consider themselves to be great admirers of painting. In one day, I could not get around the entire exposition, so I returned to the second and did not regret the time spent. I was also pleased with the free admission. "

Westminster Abbey

A majestic temple in the Gothic style, erected with some interruptions from 1245 to 1745 in London's Westminster district. It is traditionally used as a place for coronation and wedding ceremonies, as well as for their burial.

Representatives of royal dynasties, clergy, noble people and writers found their peace in the abbey. It also houses the relics of Edward the Confessor in a hotel chapel named after him.

One of the places of attraction for tourists is the majestic throne located between the chapels of Henry the Seventh and St. Edward, on which British kings are crowned. A special niche is provided under the seat, into which the so-called stone of fate, which is stored in the castle of Edinburgh, is embedded.

The abbey is located in central London, close to the Thames waterfront and next to Westminster Palace. The ticket costs £ 9–20.

“Undoubtedly, it’s worth being here once for a general understanding of English culture and history, but I didn’t get excited about this place. In fact, this abbey is one big cemetery. "

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Hyde Park is one of the royal parks, united with each other and forming a large-scale green space in the center of the British capital. The status of the Royal Park was assigned to him in 1536 after the acquisition of these lands by Henry VIII in order to conduct hunting here. The park became accessible to the townspeople in 1637 after the construction of a kind of ring that separated the park itself from the gardens in the north. The park serves as a place for gathering and discussing various topics of the townspeople. In the very center there is a large lake Serpentine, in which swimming is allowed.

Kensington Gardens is another royal park located next to Hyde Park and until 1728 was part of the latter. The main attraction is the modest Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria was born. Also of interest is the large 180-foot memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert the First, and the statue of Peter Pan. In addition, there is the Serpentine Museum of Contemporary Art, which occupies the premises of a former tea pavilion.

“A great place for walks and outdoor recreation away from the bustle of the city. I was struck by the number of paths for walking, running, cycling and horse riding. If you have free time, then you should definitely look here. "

London is a universal tourist city, which will be interesting to any person, regardless of his interests, preferences and temperament. Simply because it has everything - from ancient castles with a thousand-year history to ultra-modern discos, where the world's best DJs play. The best time to visit the British capital is from April to September.

London is home to many beautiful sights that are of great importance to the culture and arts not only of Great Britain, but of the whole world. Most of them are related to history. These are monuments, squares, majestic buildings. Anyone who learns the language should be able to describe the sights of London in English.

London landmarks in English

Big Ben

- one of the sights of London, which is considered the symbol of this city. This is not only what many associate with, but also the world's largest watch.

The following words can be used to describe this London landmark:

How to describe London landmark Big Ben in English: