Buckingham Palace
Think London, think Buckingham Palace. There really is no icon more
British than the Queen, so it’s no surprise we’re all so interested in
visiting her gaff. London’s Buckingham Palace is more than 300 years old
and has 775 rooms, although only 19 of these are available for the public
to explore (it is still the working headquarters of the monarchy, after
all). When the State Rooms are closed to the public, there’s still a photo
(or three) to be taken in front of its impressive façade and stony-faced
guards.
The View from The Shard
In 2012, Italian architect Renzo Piano transformed London’s skyline with a
strange but striking structure that’s now the capital’s tallest tower.
Measuring 310 metres, The Shard was built with everything in mind:
offices, homes, hotels, bars, restaurants and, of course, the alluring
viewing platform. From the highest point the public are allowed access
(floors 69-72) you get stunning 360-degree views of the city. There’s a
silent disco on selected Saturday nights and other events, such as gigs
and gin tastings throughout the year.
Borough Market
Borough Market is a wholesale and retail market hall in Southwark. It is
one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, with a market on the
site dating back to at least the 12th century. The present buildings were
built in the 1850s, and today the market mainly sells speciality foods to
the general public.
St Paul's Cathedral
Iconic though St Paul’s may be, the cathedral as we know it today is in
fact version six, at least. Mark five was razed to the ground by the Great
Fire of London in 1666, mark three was also destroyed by fire, in 1087,
and mark four fell to ruins under Henry VIII’s leadership. Thankfully Sir
Christopher Wren’s design, which was completed in 1708, survived 12
monarchs and two world wars. If you’ve paid for main admission you’ll be
treated to an introductory talk before being taken on a 90-minute tour.
Tower of London
Take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around the Tower of London, one
of the world's most famous buildings. Discover its 900-year history as a
royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house and zoo!
Gaze up at the White Tower, tiptoe through a medieval king's bedchamber
and marvel at the Crown Jewels.
