Offering a distinctive silhouette against London's skyline, 20 Fenchurch Street is a sight to behold. Known humorously as "walkie scorchie," this skyscraper, designed by Rafael Vinoly, made headlines due to its unique design and unexpected consequences. When the building was first completed, the curved glass facade reflected the sun's heat onto the street below, creating "death rays" that famously melted car tires and even cooked an egg!
High above the bustling city, the Sky Garden provides an expansive view, serving as a serene oasis. It's a unique spot where you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the City and beyond, making it the only place where the tower itself is out of sight. If you're planning a daytime visit, make sure to book online in advance as it's essential for entry.
For a more leisurely experience, consider dining at one of the building's restaurants in the evening. This allows visitors to enjoy a meal with a spectacular backdrop, adding a memorable touch to any visit to this iconic tower.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20_Fenchurch_Street
The eastern half of the twin parks. Of the two, Hyde Park is open for longer and has more open, unwooded land; it is often host to concerts, fun fairs and events. More of an artificial stream than a fountain, flowing in an oval through an open grassy area which, in normal summers, is a popular paddling spot for children and grown-ups alike.
Completed in 1823, this attractive church near Broadcasting House is one of John Nash's masterpieces, with a prominent spire and circular vestibule. As of May 2025, it accessible only for worship.
After visiting the two Houses, visitors pass back through St. Stephen's Hall, and through Westminster Hall. Westminster Hall is one of the few areas of Parliament in which photography is permitted, and it is a very impressive place, dating back to the 9th century. Plaques on the floor mark where the bodies of deceased members of the royal family and other distinguished individuals granted the privilege by the British government lay in state (most recently Queen Elizabeth II in 2022), and significant events which took place in the hall (such as the trial of King Charles I).
Equestrian statue of the Iron Duke, with four soldiers at each corner of the pedestal, representing regiments that fought under him: a Grenadier, Scottish Highlander, Irish Dragoon, and Welsh Fusilier. The bronze came from melting down captured French cannons.
Islamic Cultural Centre and the main mosque in London. Visitors are welcome but must be suitably attired. The Mosque runs classes, prayers, talks and events.
Built of Portland stone and dedicated to the aircrews of Allied nations under Bomber Command during World War II.
Admission by guided tour only, which must be booked in advance. The museum is housed in part of a Victorian fire station and its collections include fire engines and historical equipment.
London Stone is a historic landmark housed in a public display case at 111 Cannon Street in the City of London. It is an irregular block of oolitic limestone measuring 53 × 43 × 30 cm (21″ × 17″ × 12″), the remnant of a once much larger object that had stood for many centuries on the south side of the street.
A 900-year-old tree stump carved and painted to feature elves and small animals.
A neoclassical triumphal arch, designed by Decimus Burton and first erected in 1826 as a grand entrance to Buckingham Palace. From 1846 onwards, the arch was topped with a massive equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington - a major road widening of Piccadilly in 1882 was the opportunity to finally remove the over sized statue to Aldershot. The present magnificent statue Peace Descending on the Quadriga of War was placed on top of the Arch in 1912, and remains today the largest bronze sculpture in the United Kingdom, spectacularly lit at night. During the 1950s, the arch served as the smallest police station in the city, when it was occupied by ten constables, two sergeants and a cat! The arch was opened to the public for the first time in 2001 after a £1.5 million restoration by English Heritage. (Wellington Arch is also available for corporate and private events, with dramatic views down Constitution Hill and across central London from the Arch's spacious balconies, Wellington Arch is a novel and unique place to impress your guests).
Park overlooking the river, with the local war memorial. Be careful at high tide, as it may flood.
Home to the baroque composer George Frideric Handel from 1723 until his death in 1759. Some of the greatest classical music ever composed was done so at this address. The museum charts Handel's life and works and offers recitals of music in the magnificent setting of the period rooms. By contrast, next door was home to Jimi Hendrix when he lived in London in 1969, and entry to this top-floor flat is included.