London Things to Do Tips by doug48

located in central london westminster abbey is one of the most beautiful churches in england. westminster abbey was commissioned by edward the confessor in 1050 AD. the abbey has been expanded over the years and it's most recent addition is the west front towers built in 1745. the abbey houses the tombs of english monarchs and famous notables. edward the confessor and queen elizabeth I are entombed here. near edward the confessor's tomb is the coronation chair, constructed in 1301 it is where english monarchs have been crowned since 1308. the poet's corner contains the tombs and memorials of england's literary greats. the charter house built in the 13th century contains very interesting medieval tiles and stained glass. the abbey is a must see sight when visiting london.

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Phone: 0 20 7654 4900
Address: Deans Yard, SW1
Directions: St James's Park tube
Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org

the houses of parliament are located on the site of the palace of westminster. this interesting neo-gothic building was built in 1834. the only surviving part of the palace is westminster hall built in 1097. on one corner of the building is one of london's most famous landmarks, big ben. this clock tower is named after sir benjamin hall, commissioner of works when the bell was hung in the tower in 1858. the clocks on the tower have kept time continuously since 1859. the houses of parliament are open year round to british citizens but closed to foreign visitors certain parts of the year. check out their web site for opening times.

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Phone: 020 7219 3000
Address: Parliament Square, SW1
Directions: Westminster tube
Website: http://www.parliament.uk

the tower of london is one of england's most famous historical sites. the tower has served as both a fortress and prison since the middle ages. some famous people who were executed here include thomas more, anne boleyn, lady jane grey, and boy princes, the sons of edward IV. the last prisoner held in the tower was the nazi, rudolph hess. the main sites to see at the tower are the crown jewels, the chapel of st. john, the wakefield and the bloody towers, traitor's gate and the white tower. a must see site when visiting london.

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Phone: 0 20 7709 0765
Address: Tower Hill, EC3
Directions: Tower Hill tube
Website: http://www.armouries.org.uk/tower/
Other Contact: www.hrp.org.uk

built in 1894 tower bridge is an interesting example of victorian architecture. you can go up to a catwalk on the top of the bridge for a view of the city.

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Phone: 0 20 7626 3065
Address: Tower Bridge Road, EC3/SE1
Directions: Tower Hill or London Bridge tubes
Website: http://www.towerbridge.org.uk

temple church was home to the english knights templar. pictured are templar effigies in the floor of the church from the 13 th century. this is a beautiful and historical place to visit in central london. open monday-friday, 10:am to 11:30am, and 3:00pm to 4:00 pm.

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Phone: 020 7797 8250
Address: king's bench walk
Directions: central london, tube: temple

the royal courts are england's main civil courts. located in a beautiful victorian gothic building at the entrance to the city of london. pictured is the griffon, the symbol of the city of london. open 9:30am to 4:30pm monday-friday.

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Phone: 020 7947 6000
Address: strand street
Directions: the city, tube: holborn or temple

st. paul's cathedral is a prominent landmark in central london. the original cathedral was destroyed in the great fire of london in 1666. the current cathedral was designed by christopher wren and rebuilt in 1675. the dome of the cathedral is second largest in the world after st. peters in rome. open 8:30 am to 4pm, monday-saturday.

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Phone: 0 20 7236 4128
Address: St Pauls Churchyard, EC4
Directions: tube: st. pauls
Website: http://www.stpauls.co.uk

buckingham palace is the home to the queen of england. each day the impressive ceremony of the changing of the guard takes place in the mall in front of the palace. the palace is only open to the public in august and september.

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Phone: 020 7321 2233
Address: The Mall, SW1
Directions: tube: st. james park or victoria station
Website: www.royal.gov.uk

kensington palace was commissioned by william III in 1689. the palace was designed by christopher wren. queen anne and queen victoria once lived here. before her divorce from prince charles, princess diana also lived here. the palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens which are open to the public. open 10:00am to 6:00pm daily.

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Phone: 020 7937 9561
Address: kensington palace gardens
Directions: kensington, tube: high street, kensington, or notting hill gate
Website: www.hrp.org.uk

the british museum is one of the best museums in the world. to take in all the collections it would probably take several days. the first exibit you will see when you enter the museum is the famous rosetta stone. the high lights of the british museum are the greek, roman, near east, and egyptian collections. some must see exibits are the elgin marbles, the lindow man, and the sutton hoo treasure. open 10:00am to 5:30pm daily. admission is free.

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Phone: 0 20 7323 8299
Address: Great Russell Street, WC1
Directions: Holborn tube
Website: http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk