Westminster Abbey, a historical gem in the heart of London, welcomes visitors with its remarkable history and architectural grandeur. While the Abbey charges an entry fee for tourists, those attending church services can enter for free. These services offer a chance to experience some of London's finest choral music, performed by the Abbey choir. Choral Evensong is held at 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays and at 5 PM on weekdays, depending on the time of year, making it a popular time to visit.
Deeply rooted in British history, Westminster Abbey is the traditional site for the coronation of British monarchs. It also serves as the final resting place for many past kings and queens, providing a fascinating exploration of the country's royal heritage.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities during their visit. The Abbey houses a well-stocked gift shop, perfect for picking up a souvenir. The Cellarium Cafe, dating back to the 14th century, offers a delightful spot for a noontime meal.
Westminster Abbey is generally open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. On Sundays and religious holidays, such as Easter and Christmas, the Abbey opens only for worship. All are welcome to attend these services free of charge. Visitor access is through the West Gate of the North Green, ensuring a smooth and organized entry for all.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Abbey
The second biggest greenhouse in London, containing over 2,000 species of tropical plants as well as birds and fish.
Remains of the wall that surrounded the City of London for almost two thousand years. The parts around the Barbican are mostly Tudor due to maintenance (Roman remains can be seen in and around the Tower of London). Other local remains are the 51.5169-0.095833 Noble St wall fragment and the 51.5177-0.092234 St Alphage Gdns wall fragment.
Another Richard Rogers creation, nicknamed the Cheesegrater. Completed in 2014. Also opposite Lloyd's.
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.
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.
Constructed 1672-9 to a design by Sir Christopher Wren and regarded as one of the finest Wren churches. The 63 feet (19 m) high dome is based on Wren's original design for St Paul's Cathedral. The circular altar is by the British sculptor Henry Moore, and the kneelers are designed by Patrick Heron. Free lunchtime concerts at 1PM on Tuesdays (except August). Free Organ recitals at 12:30PM on Fridays. Occasional art exhibitions on Christian themes and other events.
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.
Now preserved by the National Trust, this 18th-century house was the home of the historian Thomas Carlyle from 1834 and now houses a museum dedicated to his life and work.
Worth a quick visit if you are passing. The brick and stone neo-Byzantine Catholic Cathedral (not to be confused with the much more famous Westminster Abbey) is near Victoria Station, just off Victoria Street. Construction started in 1895, and some of the interior is still unfinished. The Treasures of Westminster Cathedral exhibition is inexpensive and worthwhile for learning the history of the cathedral, there are interesting exhibits including a 1:28 wooden scale model uses by the architects. Has a café and gift shop.
A retirement home for soldiers created by King Charles II. Tours around the listed building and grounds are regular and include the museum (which can be visited separately) whose exhibits contain military memorabilia donated by Chelsea Pensioners over the years.
Museum at the former home of Dickens exhibiting writings, paintings, furniture and other items relating to the writer.
Park overlooking the river, with the local war memorial. Be careful at high tide, as it may flood.
This enormous arch was built in front of Buckingham Palace. In 1851 the expansion of the palace meant the arch could no longer remain where it was, so it was moved to this point on Hyde Park. It now stands rather sadly on a large traffic island, but the subway beneath the roads means you can stop off at the Marble Arch on your way from Oxford St to Hyde Park.