WorldBest Places landmarks London England
A city is often defined by its most iconic landmarks – and London has plenty of them. From locations that helped shape the course of history to triumphs of modern architecture, here are the places not to miss on your next trip to the Big Smoke.
London Historic Landmarks
1. Tower of London
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The Tower of London is one of those iconic landmarks that doesn’t just exist in the background, but is at the forefront of some of England’s most historic events over the past 1,000 years. Originally built in 1078 by William the Conqueror as part of England’s Norman Conquest, it has served as a royal residence, a strategic defensive fortress, a national treasury, and the nation’s most notorious prison.
TheTower of London is where Queen Elizabeth I witnessed some of her darkest days, imprisoned by her arch rivals before becoming one of the most famous monarchs in history.
It’s where two young princes (the only obstacle to Richard III becoming king) mysteriously vanished. It’s where Guy Fawkes was tortured until he confessed to the Gunpowder Plot. In other words, this is where some of the most defining moments in British history over the centuries took place.
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Today, the Tower’s distinct lack of imprisonment and torture is great news for visitors. But some of the ancient traditions remain.
The legendary Yeoman Wardens are still popular with visitors, and the Tower’s famous ravens travel freely around the grounds (and skies), answering only to the man with the highest office in the world: the Master of Ravens. The main attraction for most visitors, however, will be the Crown Jewels. The strongest emblem of the British monarchy.
2. Buckingham Palace
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Buckingham Palace is an iconic landmark in London and one of the world’s most renowned buildings. Since 1837, it has been closely associated with the royal family, serving as the official residence of the British monarch in the city.
The palace’s imposing and ornate gates attract millions of visitors every year, all hoping to get a glimpse into royal life. The royal family often receives foreign dignitaries here, and the palace’s ballroom has hosted chivalric ceremonies for nearly two centuries.
One of the most impressive visual icons that makes Buckingham Palace one of London’s top landmarks is the Victoria Memorial, which is located just outside the palace gates. This massive marble and bronze sculpture commemorates the first member of the royal family to make Buckingham Palace their official residence and is one of the most impressive sculptures in all of London.
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Visitors to Buckingham Palace can enjoy the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, a colorful spectacle where the red and black Queen’s Guards change their positions. Seeing these legendary guards in action is a tourist attraction in itself, even though they remain completely motionless while on duty.
And, while you may not be able to meet your favorite royals, you can visit the State House, which houses some of the finest art in the royal collection. You can also visit the Royal Mews, which is unfortunately not a sanctuary for kittens (it’s hard to find them), but it does house some beautiful carriages – including the elaborate Gold State Coach.
3. Palace of Westminster
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The Palace of Westminster is the political hub of the United Kingdom, home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords. For this reason it is often referred to as the Houses of Parliament, but its official name comes from the nearby Westminster Abbey (more on this later). Royal palaces have been built on this site since the 11th century, with Westminster Abbey serving as the main residence of the King of England until 1512.
Its Gothic Revival-style architecture has become part of the international concept of what London looks like, and the Elizabeth Tower (part of the palace) can itself be considered a London landmark.
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Commonly known as Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster is a visually striking landmark and a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Its significance in British politics over the centuries is immense. It is the site where Sir Walter Raleigh was executed, where the infamous Gunpowder Plot was thwarted, and where crucial political decisions have been made since the time of Canute the Great (1016-1035).
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Guided tours of the palace are offered year-round and are open to both overseas and local visitors. UK residents have the opportunity to attend sessions at the House of Commons for free by applying through their local MP, while international visitors can join the queue for entry whenever the House of Commons is in session.
Along with touring the historic site, a favorite activity is taking in the stunning views of this magnificent palace from all angles!
4. Westminster Abbey
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Undisputedly one of London’s most famous landmarks, Westminster Abbey dates back to 960-970 AD. Famous for its spectacular Gothic architecture (similar to the adjacent Palace of Westminster), it’s the resting place of some of the most famous and influential figures of the past ten centuries.
Most of Britain’s monarchs, including Elizabeth I, are buried here. In the truest sense of the word, it’s the closest place to these iconic figures who shaped the course of world history.
It’s not just monarchs, though. Literary figures such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Alfred Tennyson, and Jane Austen are all buried or memorialized here. Beyond its remarkable architecture, the abbey’s deep connection to British history makes it one of London’s premier landmarks for those captivated by historical figures and stunning design.
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There are a variety of reasons to visit this UNESCO World Heritage-listed abbey. Many come to pay tribute to their favorite poets, explorers, artists, while others simply want to admire one of London’s most visually impressive architectural landmarks. It is also a pilgrimage site for royal enthusiasts from around the world and has been used as the venue for many royal weddings, including that of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William.
5. Big Ben
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If you ask someone to sketch London, it won’t be long before the familiar outline of this iconic clock tower appears. This neo-Gothic masterpiece is not only one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks but also serves as a powerful symbol for the entire UK. 2008 , it was actually voted Britain’s favourite landmark, beating out the much-disappointed Stonehenge.
Designed by renowned architect Augustus Pugin and completed in 1859, London’s skyline wouldn’t be the same without this four-sided behemoth. Though Big Ben is technically part of the Palace of Westminster, it stands out for its significant influence on global culture and its striking physical presence. Whether it’s under scaffolding or not, this landmark remains a must-see in London.
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At the moment, there isn’t much to see and do in the building, which is undergoing renovations that are expected to be completed in 2021. However, there is a lot to see and do in the Westminster area. Big Ben is just a short walk away from other famous London attractions, including Westminster Abbey,
the London Eye, 10 Downing Street, and more. James’ Park, Buckingham Palace, and many more. There is also a Tesco Express across the street if you want to try some fine British cuisine.
6. St. Paul’s Cathedral
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One of London’s most recognisable landmarks, St Paul’s Cathedral, is located on a site that dates back to 604 AD. The cathedral’s history has been characterized by fire and conflict. The original cathedral, known as Old St Paul’s, was first constructed by the Normans after a fire in 1087.
Construction was further postponed by another fire in 1135, and it wasn’t until 1240 that the original St Paul’s Cathedral was finished. It stood tall until 1666, when, you guessed it, the Great Fire of London destroyed the building.
After the cathedral was destroyed by fire, destroying the homes of 80,000 of the city’s then 70,000 inhabitants, the task of designing a new building fell to the renowned architect and scientist Sir Christopher Wren.
Conveniently, Wren had been involved in repairs on the old cathedral for about five years, and had already prepared his designs for the new dome. In other words, he was well prepared. Wren’s final design was an ornate example of English Baroque architecture that came to define the London skyline for centuries, holding the title of the tallest building in London from 1710 until 1963.
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The most popular thing to do at St Paul’s is to stand there with your mouth wide open and take in the magnificence of it all. It is truly a spectacular building. Devoted monarchists and history enthusiasts often draw numerous visitors. St Paul’s has been the venue for various occasions, including royal weddings and funerals of nobles such as Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.
Christian visitors will be able to fully enjoy the purpose of the cathedral, which offers daily services and hourly prayer meetings.
7. Shakespeare’s Globe
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Although Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, it remains one of London’s most cherished landmarks. Shakespeare’s deep connection to English culture and language is vividly reflected in the Globe, highlighting the enduring link between the playwright and the city.
Located on the bustling South Bank, the Globe is a realistic representation of what a playhouse would have looked like in Shakespeare’s time. The main difference is the number of visitors allowed in – health and safety standards have improved dramatically over the past four centuries. Presumably, it smells a lot better these days, too.
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Shakespeare’s renowned plays, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, and As You Like It, are frequently performed at the Globe. Theater enthusiasts will be captivated by contemporary renditions of these classics and can also enjoy guided tours of this iconic London venue. Just don’t do the “Hamlet” soliloquy – it’s the theater equivalent of playing Smoke on the Water in a guitar shop.
8. Trafalgar Square
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In the early 1800s, England was caught in the middle of the Napoleonic Wars. In the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar, a total of 27 British warships successfully defeated 33 French and Spanish ships, establishing Britain’s naval superiority for centuries to come.
This monumental battle is commemorated in this square, which features Nelson’s Column – named after Admiral Horatii Nelson, who died in the battle, successfully leading the British army to victory.
The history of the square as a London landmark goes back much further. Formerly known as Charing Cross, the area nearby was used as a guide point for measuring distances across the city.
In other words, it’s one of London’s most authentic landmarks throughout history. It’s also served as a battlefield itself – it was the site of the final battle of the Wyatt Rebellion in 1554, an attempt to overthrow Queen Mary I (who would later become Queen Elizabeth I, possibly at the behest of political plotters).
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Today, Trafalgar Square is a favored gathering spot for locals, an excellent place to enjoy a lunch break, and a picturesque destination for visitors to London, thanks to its numerous statues and water features. It is also a popular venue for New Year’s Eve celebrations, a sought-after location during Christmas, and one of the few public squares globally that has actively taken steps to manage its pigeon population.
London’s natural landmarks
9. Thames
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Without a doubt, the Thames River tops the list of London’s natural landmarks, having been the city’s lifeblood for centuries. Its history dates back to prehistory, with early civilizations settling along the river, building mills, bridges, and eventually burial mounds.
Influential British politician John Elliot Burns referred to the Thames as “flowing history” due to its central role in some of the most significant historical events in British history.
The river was of huge strategic importance even in Roman times, and proved to be an obstacle for Julius Caesar in 54 BC, when he met strong resistance along the Thames. When the Romans finally succeeded in conquering Britain, they built fortifications along the river in recognition of its vital position.
The ancient city of Longin (you can see what it eventually became) developed on the north bank of this strategic area, gradually growing into the city we know today.
Over the years, the Thames has seen invasions by Romans, Vikings and Normans (with varying degrees of success), and remains one of the few constants that flow along its banks in a rapidly changing society.
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The Thames is a tourist attraction in its own right, and offers a unique perspective on some of London’s other top landmarks. Sightseeing boats frequently cruise along this historic waterway, passing by sites such as the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament,
The Eye, and more. It’s also a popular destination for fans of art, literature, poetry, film, and television, as London is so ubiquitous in any form of media or art.
The Thames served as the backdrop for The Wind in the Willows in the writings of T.S. Eliot and William Wordsworth, featured prominently in Charles Dickens’s The Wind in the Willows (including Oliver Twist), and has been the subject of paintings by painters such as Claude Monet and J.M.W. Turner. In other words, simply looking at the Thames can bring people closer to their favorite artists and writers.
10. Hyde Park
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It has been the scene of duels, grand concerts, the Crystal Palace, political demonstrations and countless squirrel love affairs. Hyde Park is one of the undisputed London landmarks for locals and tourists alike. Next to Buckingham Palace, the park’s vast grounds feature two scenic lakes, statues and sculptures commemorating major historical events and plenty of botanical delights.
The park was first created in 1536 when King Henry VIII, a regent and hunting enthusiast, seized the land from Westminster Abbey in order to use it as a hunting ground. About a century later (once there were no more megalomaniacal kings to hoot and holler at for foxes), the park opened to the public and quickly became one of the city’s most popular venues. Let it sink in – locals have been coming here to relax and unwind for four centuries!
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Hyde Park is a must-visit destination in London, and taking a walk through this iconic park is the most picturesque route to Buckingham Palace. You can admire Marble Arch, Kensington Gardens, the lake (and the diverse wildlife that gathers in and around it),
or just settle in and relax after a long day of walking around and exploring. It’s a great place to people watch during the week, but winter is when the park really shines – the annual Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the best Christmas markets in the world.
