By Megan Mattingly-Arthur
10 Things to Do in London
London is considered one of the world's premiere tourist destinations. With its rich history and modern marvels, visitors to London could spend months in England's thriving capital city without seeing all of its exciting attractions. If you are planning a trip to London, here are ten things to do to kick off your London adventure!
Tower of London/Tower Bridge Exhibition
Steeped in 900 years of history and tradition, the Tower of London is a history buff's dream. Visitors can gawk at the crown jewels, see the dreaded "Traitor's Gate" and stand at the exact location where Anne Boleyn was beheaded on Tower Green. Add to that colorful Yeoman Warders and unusually large ravens, and you have an experience that will not soon be forgotten. Just outside the entrance to the Tower of London is the Tower Bridge Exhibition where visitors can learn about the history of London's most-famous bridge and the mechanics that made it possible.
Tower of London
Tower Hill, EC3
London, England
(0)20 3166-6000
www.hrp.org.uk
Tower Bridge Experience
Tower Bridge Road
London, SE1 2UP
(0) 20 7403-3761
www.towerbridge.org.uk
British Museum
According to the British Museum's official charter, the museum is free for "all studious and curious persons" and contains 7 million objects and artifacts from around the world, some of which are more than 10,000 years old. Notable artifacts that can be viewed at the British Museum include the Parthenon Sculptures, which are also known as the Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone and a collection of Egyptian mummies.
Great Russell Street
London, WC1B 3DG
(0)20 7323-8000
www.britishmuseum.org
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey has been the site for nearly every royal coronation since 1066. It is also the resting place for some of history's most notable figures, including Elizabeth I, Charles Dickens, Chaucer, Sir Isaac Newton and others. Westminster Abbey's rich history, along with its stunning Gothic architecture, make it one of London's most popular attractions for visitors.
Parliament Square
London, SW1P 3PA
(0)20 7222-5152
www.westminster-abbey.org
National Gallery
London's National Gallery is a free art gallery that houses some of the most important paintings from as far back as the 13th century. Built between 1832 and 1833, the National Gallery houses art works from such notable artists as Van Gogh, Renoir, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet and more. Art lovers should give themselves plenty of time to explore the National Gallery. You could spend weeks wandering the halls and still not see everything this great gallery has to offer.
Trafalgar Square
London, WC2N
(0)20 7747-2885
www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Tate Modern
Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern has been called one of Europe's most popular art galleries. Since its opening in 2000, the Tate Modern has wowed adults, teens and children alike with its uncommon and fanciful exhibitions of modern art from artists such as Picasso, Dali and others.
Bankside
London SE1 9TG
(0)20 7887-8888
www.tate.org.uk/modern
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has served as the official residence of England's kings and queens since 1837. Visitors to Buckingham Palace enjoy seeing the art that makes up the Royal Collection, arguably one of the most important art collections in the world. When visiting Buckingham Palace, be sure to time your visit to coincide with the palace's famous Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Buckingham Palace Road
(Pall Mall), London, SW1V
(0)20 7930-4832
www.royal.gov.uk
St Paul's Cathedral
Built by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666, St. Paul's Cathedral has been the site of such events as Sir Winston Churchill's funeral and Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer's wedding in 1981. The cathedral is noted for its impressive architecture and gorgeous Victorian mosaics.
The Chapter House
St. Paul's Churchyard
London, EC4M 8AD
(0)20 7236-4128
www.stpauls.co.uk
London Aquarium
The London Aquarium is an interactive aquarium that is one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life. Visitors to the London Aquarium learn about the different types of marine life found in each of the different major oceans. Children especially love this attraction with its touchpools that allow you to get up close and personal with the colorful marine wildlife.
London Aquarium
County Hall
Westminster Bridge Road
London, SE9
(0)20 7967-8000
www.sealife.co.uk/london
London Zoo
Featuring over 750 species of animals, the London Zoo is one England's oldest and most popular zoos. The extensive zoo also houses a movie star in the form of the Burmese Python that was featured in the film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Visitors can even take photos next to an informative plaque that commemorates the reptile's stardom.
Regent's Park
London, NW1 4RY
(0)20 7722-3333
www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo
London Walks' Jack the Ripper Tour
Not all walking tours in London are created equally, and the London Walks' Jack the Ripper Tour is by far the best. Hailed as the best walking tour by Frommer's, The New York Times and Time Out Magazine, the tour takes you through each and every grizzly murder committed by the elusive killer. On certain nights the walking tour is even led by the world's premiere Jack the Ripper expert, Donald Rumbelow.
Tower Hill Tube
London, NW6 4LW
(020) 7624-3978
www.walks.com
www.jacktheripperwalk.com
Resources
About the Author:
Megan Mattingly-Arthur has been writing professionally since 1998. She has contributed to various publications, including "Teen Voices" and "Positive Teens" magazines, as well as a book, "The Young Writer's Guide to Getting Published." Mattingly-Arthur is studying travel and tourism through Penn Foster Career School.
Photo Credits:
Megan Mattingly-Arthur
