St Paul's Cathedral is a marvel of architecture and history in London. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this iconic building replaced a Gothic medieval cathedral that was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The new cathedral was constructed between 1675 and 1710 and stands as one of London's most famous landmarks, conveniently located near the Barbican.
St Paul's holds a significant place in British history. It has been the site of the funerals of prominent military leaders like Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Sir Winston Churchill. The cathedral also hosted peace services marking the end of both World Wars, making it a symbol of resilience and hope.
The cathedral is renowned for its architectural features, including the famous Whispering Gallery. Visitors can experience the unique acoustics where a whisper against the wall can be heard clearly from the other side of the dome. St Paul's also offers breathtaking views over the city, although reaching the top requires a ticket.
The crypt of St Paul's is open to the public and houses the tombs of notable figures such as Nelson, Wellington, and the architect himself, Christopher Wren. It's a solemn space where history enthusiasts can pay their respects to these influential personalities.
While there's an admission charge for exploring the cathedral, visitors can enter for free during certain times. Attending one of the midday services or the daily choral evensong in the late afternoon allows entry without a fee, though participating in these services is not necessary. Note that photography is not permitted inside the cathedral.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Paul%27s_Cathedral
Cleopatra's Needle originated in the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis, in the Temple of Atum, but the Romans moved it to Alexandria in 12 BC. In 1819, viceroy Mehemet Ali presented Cleopatra's Needle to the British, commemorating military victories in Egypt, but it remained in Alexandria until 1877 when transportation was arranged to bring it to London. On the voyage, the ship capsized in a storm, killing six crewmembers. Cleopatra's Needle was thought to be lost, but Spanish trawlers found it afloat a few days later, and after some repairs, it arrived in London on 21 Jan 1878. The obelisk is flanked by two faux-sphinxes, which show the effects of bombings of London during World War II. Today, Cleopatra's Needle shows some wear from exposure to London's damp weather.
The restoration of the nave was completed in September 2004, and this church is still a striking building designed by Sir Nicholas Hawksmoor with a particularly tall, pointed spire. Hawksmoor's design was significantly altered in the 19th century, and present continuing restoration is intended to restore it to Hawksmoor's original vision. Christ Church was built as part of the 50 Churches for London project.
Official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, completed in 1753.
A small museum is set in a Victorian house near the infamous Battle of Cable Street. There are 5 floors including the basement, each dedicated to several aspects of famous murders starting with a recreation of Mitre Square on the first floor, Jack the Ripper's sitting room on the second floor, the police station on the third, a victim's bedroom on the fourth and the mortuary in the basement. There is also a walking tour. Book tickets online to save money, there is also a Halloween special deal.
One of the oldest churches in Battersea, this church is where Christians have worshiped at the same site since 800 AD. It is protected as a Grade I listed building with its combination of heritage and architectural merit.
Now permanently closed, will be replaced by new museum at the former Smithfield market site in 2026. The Museum of London Docklands remains open.
There are three notable outdoor bathing ponds on the heath. The Men's Pond and Women's Pond are both part of the line of small lakes on the eastern edge of the heath known as Highgate Ponds, and the Mixed Pond is part of Hampstead Ponds on the opposite side. Swimming hours are seasonal, complicated, age-dependent and change frequently, so it is worth checking before making a special trip.
Another Richard Rogers creation, nicknamed the Cheesegrater. Completed in 2014. Also opposite Lloyd's.
Medieval Grade I listed church. This church played a key role in the English Revolution and was the parish church of some of the most decisive Puritans: Oliver Cromwell was married and this is where John Milton was buried. It was the home of the Morning Exercises. The tower remains from the original building; the rest was destroyed in the Blitz but rebuilt based on the original plans.
Formerly the teaching collection of Sir Flinders Petrie, one of Britain's greatest archaeologists, now preserved by University College London. Exhibits include beaded dresses, sculpture and wall reliefs, items of everyday use, papyri, cartonnage and pottery. Fascinating!
Museum at the former home of Dickens exhibiting writings, paintings, furniture and other items relating to the writer.
Includes a small but beautiful quad and an interesting Neo-Classical facade. The core buildings of UCL were built after the university's foundation in 1826.