Trafalgar Square is a central hub in London, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance. It's often the stage for both celebrations and demonstrations. In 2003, it witnessed the jubilant return of the British Rugby team after their World Cup victory, and it has frequently been a focal point for protests, including those against Britain's involvement in the Iraq War.
For years, the square was overrun with pigeons, but a 2003 bylaw made feeding them illegal. Today, visitors can admire Nelson's Column, guarded by four bronze lions, on the south side of the square. The northwest plinth, which lay bare since 1841 due to lack of funds for a planned statue, now showcases contemporary sculptures, often stirring debate.
This grand gallery is home to an extensive collection of Western European art from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Masterpieces by artists like Hans Holbein, with his exquisite "The Ambassadors", Van Gogh's vibrant "Sunflowers", and Constable's serene "The Haywain" are just a few highlights.
While most of the art on display can be viewed for free, special exhibitions come with a fee but are known for their depth and quality. Comprehensive audioguides provide insights into most paintings and are available without charge, though donations are appreciated. The gallery also offers daily free talks and tours, alongside workshops and lectures.
Just a short stroll from the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery offers a fascinating look at British history through portraits. Visitors journey through time, starting with Tudor portraits like those of Henry VII by Hans Holbein, and progressing to modern figures such as the band Blur, depicted by Julian Opie. It's an engaging way to explore history through the faces of those who shaped it.
Opposite Trafalgar Square, Canada House stands as a cultural beacon, regularly hosting art exhibitions by Canadian artists. This adds a touch of international flair to the already diverse cultural offerings in the area.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trafalgar_Square
Fine stone bridge linking Twickenham/St Margarets with Richmond. It is the oldest surviving Thames bridge in London, dating from 1777.
Discover mementoes of the famous fictional detective. In reality, this was a lodging house used in the late 1800s and has three floors. The first floor contains Sherlock Holmes' study with Watson's desk, and has bullet holes spelling the initials VR (for Victoria Regina, Latin for Queen Victoria) much to the chagrin of the landlady Mrs. Hudson. Next to that is Holmes' bedroom with a rogues' gallery containing photographs of several notable Victorian-era murderers including Lizzy Bourdain. The remaining rooms upstairs have waxwork figures and artefacts referencing the novels, as well as their adaptations to stage and screen. Photography allowed, though filming requires permission. Prebooking is recommended to circumvent long queues.
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).
Su Catholic Church of England with bells and smells (incense). There is an impressive model of the old London Bridge.
One of the "Magnificent Seven" old cemeteries in London. Graves range from plain to ornate and the site can be a tranquil place to walk amid the bustle of the city. It was opened in 1840 and is still a working cemetery, although it was closed for some time in the late 20th century. Can be nice, if morbid, for an afternoon stroll, especially as a route (and cycle route) between Old Brompton Road and Fulham Road.
London's main zoo is in the northern reaches of Regent's Park. Takes a very conservation-driven approach these days and always has great exhibits aimed at children. Opened in 1828 for scientific study, then to the public in 1847.
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.
Official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, completed in 1753.
The Abbey charges tourists for entry, but not for worshippers. Attend a church service for free and enjoy some of the finest choral music in London from the choir. Choral Evensong at 3pm (Sa Su) or 5pm (weekdays), depending on time of year, is an especially good bet. The Abbey is the traditional scene for the coronation of British monarchs and the burial place of many past kings and queens. The Abbey contains a good gift shop and the Cellarium Café, which traces its history to the 14th century, is a good place to buy a noontime meal. Westminster Abbey is usually open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. On Sundays and religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas, the Abbey is open for worship only. All are welcome and it is free to attend services. Visitor access to the Abbey is via the West Gate of the North Green.
Built of Portland stone and dedicated to the aircrews of Allied nations under Bomber Command during World War II.
Houses the British national collection of western European art dating from the 13th to 19th centuries. A truly awe-inspiring collection, notable works include Hans Holbein's The Ambassadors, Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Constable's The Haywain. The vast majority of art is free of charge to visit. Temporary exhibitions are generally fairly costly, but invariably well researched and presented. The audioguides are very comprehensive, have comments on most of the paintings in the museum, and are free though this fact is not advertised. A donation is suggested. In addition to courses, workshops, lectures and other events, the National Gallery has free talks and tours every day.
A splendid Regency house with enormous gardens and woodlands. The gardens alone are worth the visit and are a superb example of 18th-century landscaping. On show at the house is art by masters such as Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds and Vermeer, and the gardens have a very notable sculpture by Henry Moore. A regular program of outdoor opera takes place here every summer. Movie buffs will recognise Kenwood from Mansfield Park among other famous films. Administered by English Heritage, separately from the rest of Hampstead Heath.
Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower is today one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house. In the winter you can skate on the dry moat. The Tower contains enough buildings and exhibits to keep a family busy for a full day, with plenty of both warlike and domestic contents. Some areas, such as the St John's Chapel in the White Tower, do not allow photography, but these are clearly signposted. Beefeaters, who are all retired sergeant majors from the British Army, provide guided tours for free as well as ceremonial security. See history come alive – go to the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. This ceremony, the locking up of the Tower, has been performed every night at 10PM for 800 years. Tickets for the ceremony are £5 and must be prebooked.
Dedicated to scientific exhibitions and collections bar those related to the life sciences. A number of famous historical machines and inventions are housed here, from steam locomotives to the Apollo 10 command module. The space exhibits are especially popular. Exhibitions tend to concentrate on explaining scientific principles with working models and there is a strong emphasis on education and attracting children. The Science Museum opened a "Children's Gallery" in the 1930s and it continues to lead the way in this area; now, there are three separate galleries aimed at all ages of younger visitor, from 5 to 16. The museum also runs "Science Nights" whereby children spend an evening learning principles and participating in experiments before spending the night sleeping in the museum with the exhibits. Also houses a vast library of scientific and medical books and journals.
A memorial made out of 52 stainless steel columns representing each of the 52 victims who died in a series of terrorist attacks in the London bombings on July 7th, 2005.