A small realm of serenity exists amidst the typical turmoil of the city. This place once served as the court of the Knights Templar. Visitors can explore the beautiful Romanesque church, one of the oldest in London, which opened its doors in 1185 and has historical ties to the order of Templars.
The chancel of the church was constructed by Henry III, adding to its rich historical significance. Today, Temple Church continues to serve the members of Gray's Inn and Lincoln's Inn, offering frequent services that remain open to the public.
Fans of Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" may recognize Temple Church from both the novel and its film adaptation, adding a layer of modern cultural relevance to its ancient walls.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Church
Another Richard Rogers creation, nicknamed the Cheesegrater. Completed in 2014. Also opposite Lloyd's.
An intersection of seven streets in the northern part of the Covent Garden district. Lots of mid-range designer clothing and shoe stores
A private residence which can only be seen from the street. Designed and built in a French neo-Gothic style by William Burges, it features a handsome cone-roofed tower. Legendary guitarist Jimmy Page has been the house's proud owner since he bought it from actor Richard Harris in 1972.
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.
A 900-year-old tree stump carved and painted to feature elves and small animals.
Properly St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall, it is the official church of the Lord Mayor of London.
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.
The remains of the once-magnificent palace, home to English kings since Edward I, adjoin Richmond Green, a pleasant open green space and historic cricket ground. Only the Gate House and Wardrobe, now converted into flats, remain.
At the junction of five major roads, Piccadilly Circus is the home of the famous aluminum statue of Eros, which sits atop a fountain. The monument is officially known as Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and initially wasn't supposed to depict Eros, but different god Anteros. The north side of Piccadilly Circus holds an enormous display board of electric advertisements, including Britain's biggest illuminated display (the widest in the world), advertising Coca-Cola.
The second largest of the London Royal Parks, covering an area of 450 hectares (1,099 acres). Lying north of Hampton Court Palace, the history of the park is inextricably linked to the palace, yet it has always had its own distinct rural character. There are herds of both Red Deer and Fallow Deer, they are wild but usually safe, just don't go too close or get between a hind and its calf. The D-Day linked bits are easiest found from the Teddington side. Go through SHAEF gate and there is an information board. You should be able to spot a flagpole a hundred yards into the park, this marks the spot where General Eisenhower had his office, if you have time, or children who are up for a challenge, there are bronze markers with combined British and Canadian and US flags at the corners where the main buildings of Camp Griffiss were. The partially restored early 18th-century baroque water gardens are a short walk from the Hampton Hill gate. The park is subdivided by Chestnut Avenue, Christopher Wren's grand approach to Hampton Court Palace which runs from Teddington Gate to Hampton Court Gate and with the gilded Diana fountain closer to the Palace end (you may have seen it as location for the finish line of some of the cycling events at the 2012 Olympics).
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this tall column (which can be ascended to get a great view) marks the alleged site where the Great Fire of London broke out in September 1666.
This church on the bank of the Thames was built in 1157. It is the only church in London with chained books. A statue of Thomas More sits in front of the church.
The Royal Academy no longer has a permanent exhibition space, instead hosting art exhibitions. Notable exhibitions have included the paintings of Monet, contemporary art associated with the theme of apocalypse, and Aztec art. Each Summer, the Royal Academy plays host to a Summer Exhibition, displaying 1,200 new works by established and new artists selected by the academy, most of which are available for visitors to buy. Each member has to donate a work of art, so over the years, the academy has built a sizable collection. Exhibitions are invariably excellent, and it is worth paying for audio guides, if they are not included. Visitors should book tickets in advance, as exhibitions are often very popular – particularly shortly after opening.
The Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale's elegant 17th-century manor house, a mile or so upriver from Richmond riverside.