By Ashlee Simmons
London is the capital of England and home to the monarchy. Steeped in tradition and culture, this vibrant city is host to a wealth of attractions for visitors. Historic and royal sites, restaurants, museums, galleries, sports and music venues, shopping, pubs and bars, a zoo, and a theme park are just some of the activities for residents and tourists.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace's 19 state rooms are available for tourists to view each summer. The palace serves as the queen's residence and place of royal business, and it is "one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today," according to VisitLondon.com, the city's official travel site. Artifacts, paintings and jewelry can be seen while touring Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace Road, London
London
SW1A 1AA
011 (+44) 0 20 7766 7300
www.royalcollection.org.uk
Big Ben
Also known as St. Stephen's Tower, Big Ben has kept time for London since 1859. Big Ben is part of the Houses of Parliament and is a historic icon. According to VisitLondon.com, the origin of the clock's name is "not known, although two ... theories exist." Only UK residents may apply to visit; others are not allowed inside Big Ben.
House of Commons
Westminster
London
SW1A 0AA
www.parliament.uk
Florence Nightingale Museum
Florence Nightingale is the founder of modern nursing. Her museum includes a re-creation of the Crimean ward, where she tirelessly cared for the sick. Visitors have the choice of viewing Nightingale's personal effects and a presentation on their own or with a guide.
Florence Nightingale Museum
St. Thomas Hospital
2 Lambeth Palace Road
London
SE1 7EW
011 (+44) 0 20 7620 0374
ZSL London Zoo
Where will you encounter "the hairiest, scariest, tallest and smallest animals on the planet?" According to VisitLondon.com, the ZSL London Zoo gives you that and more. With about 12,000 animals inside, this zoo is great for families.
ZSL London Zoo
Regent's Park, London
London
NW1 4RY
011 (+44) 0 20 7722 3333
www.zsl.org
Tower of London
The Tower of London was built in 1066 by William the Conquerer, and it is said to "reverberate with dark secrets, (and) priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults," according to VisitLondon.com. Throughout the years, this famous tower has been used as a fortress, royal palace, armory and zoo.
Tower of London
London
London
EC3N 4AB
011 (+44) 0 84 4482 7777
www.hrp.org.uk
Resources
About the Author:
Ashlee Simmons has written professionally for more than 10 years. Her writing focus is travel, equestrian and health and medical articles, but she enjoys writing human interest stories as well. Simmons graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a liberal arts degree.
