Tower Bridge and other London, United Kingdom Things to Do Tips

Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognisable bridges in the World.

Not only an excellent photo stop Tower Bridge also hosts the Tower Bridge Experience which details the bridges history and provides a detailed insight into the workings of this remarkable construction.

If you are visiting this attraction be sure to take time to visit nearby St Katherines Dock which is only a short walk away.

Tip : Nearest Tube Station - Tower Hill

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Phone: 0 20 7626 3065
Address: Tower Bridge Road, EC3/SE1
Directions: Take the District or Circle line to Tower Hill
Website: http://www.towerbridge.org.uk

St Katherines Dock is located a short walk from Tower Bridge.

Once a working dock this location is now home to an attractive waterside marina development with small shops and excellent restaurants.

Recommended : The Dickens Public House.
In the summer months sit out on the balconys and enjoy your meal watching the world pass by.

Nearest Tube : Tower Hill.

Tip : Catch one of the Thames river boats to St Katherines Dock. Most river boat companies allow you to stop off and then rejoin another boat.

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Address: St Katherines Dock
Directions: Five Minutes Walk from Tower Bridge
Website: http://www.skdocks.co.uk/

The latest addition to London's top tourist attractions is the British Airways London Eye.

London's famous streets, churches, palaces and monuments spread out below in a panoramic scene grown up from Roman times - and, on a clear day - views that stretch 25 miles to Windsor Castle.

As the whole experience takes around 30 minutes be sure to take the 'flight' around dusk as you will be able benefit from seeing London during daylight and night.

Tip : Nearest Tube Station - Westminster. A short walk across Westminster Bridge will get you to the London Eye

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Phone: 0870 5000 600
Address: South Bank of The River Thames
Directions: Next to Westminster Bridge & Adjacent to County Hall / London Aquarium
Website: www.ba-londoneye.com

The UK's Parliament is situated on the bank of the River Thames adjacent to Westminster Bridge.

Steeped in history and tradition The Houses of Parliament are a must to be visited by anyone visiting London.

Parliament tours are not available but it is possible to watch debates in the House from the Public Galleries.

Visit the link below to find out how to gain access to parliamentary debates

Tip : Nearest Tube - Westminster. Best photo shots are from the nearby London Eye

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Address: Westminster
Directions: Next to Westminster Tube Station
Website: http://www.parliament.uk

Built in 1599 by Cuthbert Burbage in Southwark, a district of London, the Globe Theatre became the location where many of Shakespeare's most renowned plays were first performed. In 1613, three years before the Bard's death, the firing of a canon during a production of Henry VIII set the dry thatched roof of the theatre on fire, completely destroying the original building.

In recent years The Globe has been beautifully restored to its former glory.

Shakespeare’s Globe is being developed for the enjoyment and exploration of Shakespeare and his contemporaries in performance. It is a world-class facility on the south bank of the River Thames, opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral, in London.

Tip : Nearest Tube - Mansion House and then a 10 minute walk to The Globe Theatre.
Alternatively a taxi cab from Mansion House tube station will not cost too much.

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Website: http://www.shakespeares-globe.org

The Changing of the Guard takes place inside the railings of the forecourt to Buckingham Palace. The Foot Guards provide a colourful display in their red tunics and bearskins and are accompanied by a band throughout. During the 45 minute ceremony the New Guard replaces the Old Guard and a detachment is left at Buckingham Palace with the remaining New Guard marching on to St James Palace. For a good view, get there early and position yourself near the railings or the Victoria Memorial.

Tip : Nearest Tube - Charing Cross

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Address: Buckingham Palace
Directions: Take the Tube to Charing Cross and walk across Trafalgar Square / through Admiralty Arch / and then down The Mall for an impressive approach to Buckingham Palace

Total walking time 20 minutes
Website: http://www.changing-the-guard.com

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of Her Majesty The Queen and serves as both home and office.

Today the State Rooms are used extensively by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. During August and September when The Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland, the Palace's nineteen state rooms are open to visitors.

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Address: The Mall, SW1
Directions: Green Park Tube or Charing Cross Tube
Website: http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page570.asp

A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604AD, a constant reminder to this great commercial centre of the importance of the spiritual side of life.

The current Cathedral – the fourth to occupy this site – was designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Its architectural and artistic importance reflect the determination of the five monarchs who oversaw its building that London’s leading church should be as beautiful and imposing as their private palaces.

As the Cathedral of the capital city, St Paul’s is the spiritual focus for the Nation. This is where people and events of overwhelming importance to the country have been celebrated, mourned and commemorated since the first Service took place in 1697.

Tip : Nearest Tube - St Pauls

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Website: http://www.stpauls.co.uk

Deep in the heart of London, buried beneath the paving stones of historic Southwark, lies the world's most chillingly famous horror attraction.
The London Dungeon brings more than 2,000 years of gruesomely authentic history vividly back to life....and death.

As you delve into the darkest chapters of our grim and bloody past, recreated in all its dreadful detail, remember: everything you experience really happened.

A warning - in the Dungeon's dark catacombs it always pays to keep your wits about you... some of the 'exhibits' have an unnerving habit of coming back to life...

Tip : Nearest Tube - London Bridge

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Address: Tooley Street
Directions: A five minute walk from London Bridge Tube Station
Website: http://www.thedungeons.com/

As the River Thames weaves its way through London there is history around every bend and the best way to see the sights and splendour of this great capital city is from the deck of one of the numerous luxury Riverliners.

Tip : There are many pick up points and Riverliner companies. The two most popular pickup points can be found nearby Wesminster and Embankment Tube Stations

Be sure to take a river trip to historic Greenwich (featured in our 'Off The Beaten Track' section).

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Website: http://www.citycruises.com/index.htm