London Attractions

London Attractions

02 April, 2009
by: Spoonfed Team

London has many attractions for tourists to experience and enjoy, as well as plenty of things to do that all London locals should try at least once. London attractions come in all shapes and sizes and sightseeing is an easy task for tourists as many attractions in London are close together.

Here’s Spoonfed’s guide to London’s Top Ten Attractions

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
This magnificent tribute to England’s greatest playwright is a truly stunning building. While Shakespeare fans will revel in loyal recreations of the Bard’s work, the sheer detail of the production’s authentic costumes command attention from all spectators. A cheap ‘groundling’ ticket which stands you directly in front of the stage is a great way to recreate the Elizabethan experience for yourself, but be warned that this thatched roof venue is open to the elements so best wrap up warm if you go there in stormy weather.

Somerset House
On most days this palatial central London venue acts as a haven of tranquillity in amongst the rabble of the city. The same peaceful courtyard also hosts a range of year round attractions, with a popular ice rink in winter and a myriad of live music concerts in the summer. More recently, Somerset House’s grand neoclassical grounds have served as the venue for Film 4’s outdoor film festival and when the weather is less than perfect the indoor spaces feature art galleries, exhibitions and fairs.

British Museum
Recently voted the world’s second most popular museum after the Lourve, the British Museum has more than enough entrancing artefacts and historical memorabilia to rival its French counterpart. A very reasonably priced guided tour will help you get to grips with the key collections but it is equally enjoyable to saunter through this ion of cultural antiquity and discover its wonders for yourself.

Madame Tussauds
This slightly haunting London attraction seems to have enduring appeal. The wax works are spookily life-like and which celebrities garner a place in the exhibitions is a good measure of current popular opinion. The permanent collection is also an invaluable testament to the icons of British culture and is probably the nearest you’ll ever get to Cameron Diaz or Tom Cruise.

The Tower of London
The Tower of London is perhaps Medieval England’s most enduring legacy with nearly 1000 years of history crammed into its fortified walls. Nestled on the banks of the Thames, the Tower of London was previously a Royal palace but swiftly became known as a venue for imprisonment and frequent executions. Nowadays visitors scour the Tower for sightings of famous ghosts and to visit the home of the Crown jewels.

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament (also known as the Palace of Westminster) is the seat of the UK government and comprises the House of Lords and the House of Commons. These stunning buildings contain over 1,000 rooms and 100 staircases and applying for entry inside the palace is well worth the forward planning. Arguably the Palace’s most famous feature is Big Ben, which this year celebrates its 150th birthday and has become a national symbol of Great Britain.

Tower Bridge
London’s iconic bridge has long been a popular tourist attraction and is noted as a suspension bridge with a duel moveable mechanism to boat access. Although river traffic has been reduced recently the bridge is still raised around 1000 times a year, and is currently the only London heritage building to have its own dedicated Twitter feed.

Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square’s focal monument is the iconic Nelson’s column and is a hub for capital’s art scene as home to both the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Trafalgar Square is a frequent host to political demonstrations and always features a Christmas tree during the festive season, which has been donated to London by Oslo, Norway each year since 1947.

St Paul’s Cathedral
There have been four known cathedrals on this site since the 10th century and the current beautiful structure has been in place for nearly 500 years. St Paul’s is home to over 200 memorials celebrating famous British figures such as Lord Nelson and Florence Nightingale. Most visitors clamber up the 530 steps to the golden gallery to view London’s glorious skyline but the chapel still operates as an important place of worship and continues to hold significant memorial services.

Westminster Abbey
For almost 900 years, this World Heritage Site has welcomed thousands of Britain’s historical and cultural icons through its arches, and many of those have yet to leave. Renowned as the final resting place of all but a handful of British monarchs, Westminster Abbey also draws tourists to Poet’s Corner where many of our greatest writers are buried.

Looking for more London attractions? Why not check out things to do in London for tourists.
Click here for things to do in London.

Spoonfed Team