London is a city rich in tourist attractions. Year round tourists from all over the world as well as the United Kingdom flock in to the vibrant city to sample its life and culture. For Londoners the city is home to their favorite meeting joint that just so happens to be a world renowned tourist attraction.
Top 5 London sight include: Big Ben, London Eye, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and The British Museum.
Big Ben: The name “Big Ben” is used to describe the huge 13 ton bell housed in the tower at the north end palace of Westminster. The tower is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and a visit culminates to a tour of the Big Ben.
- History of Big Ben: After the destruction of Westminster Palace by fire, it was decided that the new parliament building should include a tower and a clock. The original bell disastrously cracked on its first chime and bell “Big Ben” is actually a recast of the original bell made by John Warner & Sons.
- Big Ben has a spectacular sight during the night when the four faces are illuminated. For its iconic British heritage the clock has served as the backdrop to many tourist pictures and British as well as Hollywood films.
London Eye: London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located at the south bonk of river Thames. Though recent, it is a very popular tourist attraction site. The wheel is 135 meters tall and has a diameter of 122 meters and was built to commemorate London millennium celebrations.
- Design: The capsules are 32 in total and are egg shaped. They are sealed and air conditioned. Each capsule is 8 meters long weighs 500 kg and carries 25 people. The capsules are made of glass giving a spectacular 360 degree view. The giant wheel turns slow enough to allow passengers to board and makes a complete rotation in approximately 30 minutes. At night the views are even more spectacular.
Tower of London: The Tower of London was renown during the medieval period as a place of death and torture. Today it serves as the fortress housing the British Royal crown jewels.
- History: The historical castle was built in 1066 by William the conqueror as part of the Norman conquest of England. The castle was used as a prison from 100 to 1952. Within its walls heads rolled and prisoners cried in pain and misery. Tour: Tower of London offers tourist tours inside its walls. People get to know of its rich history culminating with the Royal crown jewels.
Tower Bridge: Perhaps no bridge is as famous in London as the Tower Bridge. Built in 1866 to 1894, the bridge is a combination of bascule and suspension support. It is 240 meters long as it crosses the river Thames with two towers at each end giving panoramic views on the 45 meter walkway. The towers are 65 meters high and the mid-section is split in two bascules that rise at an angle of 86 degrees to give passage to river traffic. The bridge was featured in publicity of the 2012 London Olympics with the Olympic rings suspended on it.
The British Museum: British Museum is dedicated to human history and culture. Its artifacts collection numbers 8 million and is among the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Its collection comes from all continents.
- History: It was established in 1753 by Sir Hans Sloane and his collection. It opened in 1759. The museum has a vast online database of artifacts on its website. It has richly equipped departments giving visitors a unique appreciation to culture and knowledge.
For the British citizen travelling by car the UK drivers licence is must.
I’m Alice, a travel blogger and a writer from London who loves to travel and share my experiences with people around the world. Travelling is my ultimate passion.