From Buckingham to Big Ben: Discovering London’s Iconic Landmarks

Ahoy there, fellow travel enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a city with more history than a library and more charm than a Disney movie, then London is the place for you. In this article, we’ll take a journey through the most iconic landmarks in the city, from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, and everything in between. You’ll learn about the fascinating history and quirks of these world-renowned sites, and hopefully, come away with a newfound appreciation for the city’s rich heritage. So put on your walking shoes, grab a cup of tea, and get ready to explore London like never before! But beware, we cannot guarantee you won’t fall in love with this city and never want to leave. Oh well, there are worse things that could happen, right?

I. Buckingham Palace

Ah, Buckingham Palace! It’s the kind of place where you’d half expect to bump into Her Majesty the Queen doing a spot of gardening or walking her Corgis. But don’t let the grandeur of this place fool you – it’s more than just a fancy house with some guards standing outside.

First, let me give you a quick history lesson. The palace was originally built for the Duke of Buckingham in the early 18th century but was eventually acquired by the British monarchs in 1761. Since then, it’s been the official residence of the royals and has seen everything from lavish state banquets to some less-than-glamorous plumbing disasters.

But let’s focus on the good stuff. When you visit Buckingham Palace, you’ll be treated to some truly unique features that you won’t find anywhere else in London. For starters, you’ll get to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony – a spectacle that involves a whole lot of marching, music, and red uniforms. It’s like watching a really fancy game of Red Rover.

And don’t forget to check out the State Rooms, which are only open to visitors during the summer months. These rooms are where the royals entertain their guests and feature some seriously impressive artwork and furniture. I’m talking about chandeliers the size of small cars and chairs that look like they belong in a museum.

But wait, there’s more! If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some royals going about their business. I once saw Prince Harry sneaking out the back entrance with a pizza box – who knew he was a fan of takeaway? And rumor has it that the Queen herself loves to do some late-night window shopping at the nearby Harrods department store.

All in all, Buckingham Palace is an essential stop on any London itinerary. Where else can you see guards in tall hats marching to a beat and potentially spot a royal grabbing a quick bite to eat?

Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and you don’t want to end up with blisters the size of Big Ben.

II. The London Eye

It’s like a giant Ferris wheel, but without the rickety wooden carts and screaming children. This marvel of modern engineering stands tall on the banks of the Thames, offering panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline.

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room: Yes, it’s called the London Eye, but it’s not actually an eye. I know, I was disappointed too. But don’t let the misnomer deter you from experiencing this iconic attraction.

Did you know that the London Eye was once the tallest Ferris wheel in the world? It has since been surpassed, but it still holds its ground as one of London’s most popular tourist spots. And with good reason. The view from the top is simply breathtaking. You can see everything from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, and even catch a glimpse of the Queen’s corgis frolicking in the palace gardens. Okay, maybe not that last part, but a girl can dream.

Now, if you’re planning a visit, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the queues can be long, so be prepared to wait. And if you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to give this one a miss. The London Eye moves at a leisurely pace, but it’s still a bit of a ride.

But don’t let that put you off. The London Eye is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting London. Just remember to hold onto your hat, and enjoy the ride.

Pro tip: Dress for success…in the rain. It’s no secret that London can be a bit damp, so make sure to pack some waterproof gear. And don’t worry about looking like a drowned rat, because we all know that’s just part of the London experience.

III. Tower Bridge

Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Tower Bridge, the most famous bridge in London since sliced bread! This masterpiece has been around for over 125 years, and let me tell you, it’s still standing strong and proud as ever. So, let’s dive into what makes this bridge so iconic, shall we?

Firstly, did you know that the Tower Bridge is actually a combination of two bridges? That’s right, there are two towers connected by a walkway and a suspended roadway that can be raised to let large ships pass through. I bet you didn’t know that!

Now, the Tower Bridge isn’t just a bridge, it’s a piece of history. It was built in 1894 and has withstood the test of time, including the bombings during World War II. So, you can rest assured that this bridge is as sturdy as they come.

If you want to experience the best views of the Tower Bridge, then you’re in luck because there are plenty of options. You can take a boat tour on the River Thames, stroll along the South Bank, or even take a helicopter ride (if you’re feeling fancy). But my personal favorite is walking across the bridge itself. It’s the perfect spot to snap some photos and take in the stunning views of the city.

In conclusion, the Tower Bridge is a must-see attraction when visiting London. Not only is it a feat of engineering and design, but it also holds a special place in London’s history. So, go ahead and add it to your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed!

IV. Westminster Abbey

Well, well, well, if it isn’t Westminster Abbey, the Abbey of all Abbeys! This place has been around since the 11th century and has seen more royal coronations and weddings than I’ve seen hot dinners.

Now, if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering who the heck is buried in Westminster Abbey. Well, let me tell you, my dear reader, it’s not just any old Tom, Dick, or Harry. We’ve got some real VIPs buried here like Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, and even Geoffrey Chaucer. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who tied the knot here in 2011.

Now, if you’re going to visit, I highly recommend taking a guided tour. Trust me, you don’t want to be wandering around aimlessly and missing out on all the juicy tidbits of history. Plus, with a tour guide, you’ll learn all about the Poet’s Corner and get to see the Coronation Chair up close and personal. And who knows, you might even bump into a royal or two.

So don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Westminster Abbey is a must-see for any history buff or fan of British royalty.

V. Big Ben

Ah, Big Ben! The most famous clock tower in the world, and probably the only one you can name without looking it up on Google. This magnificent landmark has been around since the 19th century and has been the symbol of London ever since.

Legend has it that the tower was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the guy who oversaw the construction of the tower. But let’s face it, “Benjamin” isn’t exactly the coolest name, so people started calling it “Big Ben” instead. And the name stuck!

One of the most amusing stories about Big Ben is that there was once a resident ghost named “Major Bong” who haunted the tower. Apparently, he was a former clockmaker who was so devoted to his work that he just couldn’t leave the tower after he died.

If you’re looking to tour the tower and hear the famous chimes, you’re in luck! You can book a tour that takes you all the way to the top of the tower and gives you a front-row seat to the bell-ringing action. Just be warned, the climb up those stairs can be a bit of a workout. But hey, think of it as a warm-up for all the fish and chips you’ll be eating later.

VI. What to eat in London after sightseeing

After a long day of sightseeing in London, you might be feeling a bit peckish. Fear not, my fellow travelers, for London has some delicious eats that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.

First up, let’s talk about fish and chips. This classic British dish consists of fried fish and thick-cut chips (fries to my American friends). You can find this tasty treat all over London, but some of the best spots are the local pubs. Speaking of pubs, let me share a funny story with you.

Once, I was in a pub and ordered a pint and a plate of fish and chips. The bartender asked if I wanted mushy peas with that, and I thought to myself, “What in tarnation are mushy peas?” I said yes anyway, and to my surprise, they were actually quite delicious.

But back to the food. Another must-try dish in London is the classic English breakfast. This hearty meal typically consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding (made from blood, trust me, it’s tasty), mushrooms, baked beans, and toast. It’s the perfect way to start your day of sightseeing, or to indulge in after a long day of walking around.

Now, when it comes to ordering food in London, you’ll want to make sure you don’t overpay. A common mistake tourists make is not understanding the difference between “eat-in” and “takeaway.” If you’re eating in, you’ll be charged a service charge on top of the cost of the food. If you’re taking away, you won’t be charged the service charge, but you may have to pay extra for packaging.

So, there you have it, folks. Some tasty dishes to try after a day of sightseeing in London, and a few tips on how to order without breaking the bank. Happy eating!

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to try new foods. London is known for its diverse cuisine, and you never know what delicious dishes you might discover. Just be prepared to ask for a translation of the menu if you find yourself in a pub where the accents are thicker than the fog.

VII. Conclusion

Well folks, we’ve come to the end of our journey from Buckingham to Big Ben. We hope you’ve enjoyed this little adventure through London’s iconic landmarks and have added a few new destinations to your travel bucket list.

London truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff or a foodie looking for your next delicious meal. And who knows, maybe you’ll even stumble upon a royal sighting or two!

We encourage you to share your own experiences and recommendations for London. After all, there’s nothing like a good travel tip from a fellow adventurer.

So until next time, keep calm and travel on. And remember, if you hear someone say “cheers”, don’t forget to raise a pint in true London fashion!

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to wander. Sure, the famous landmarks are a must-see, but some of the best parts of London are found off the beaten path. So take a stroll through a quaint neighborhood, pop into a local pub, and soak up the charming atmosphere that makes London so special

FAQs

What’s the best time to visit London?

Anytime you’re in dire need of a good soaking! Kidding aside, the best time to visit London is from June to September when the weather is a bit warmer and drier.

Do I need to bring an umbrella to London?

Well, unless you want to spend your day drenched, then yes, you should definitely bring an umbrella. But don’t worry, London’s got you covered, literally.

Can I take a photo with a Beefeater at the Tower of London?

Of course you can, but be warned, they’re not the chattiest of folks. So don’t be surprised if you get a blank stare or two.

How do I get around London?

London’s got a fantastic public transportation system that’s easy to use and will take you just about anywhere you want to go. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always try hailing a horse-drawn carriage!

Is it true that Londoners love their tea?

Is the Pope Catholic? Yes, it’s true, Londoners love their tea almost as much as they love their pubs. So make sure to take a tea break during your sightseeing adventures!

“Why did the tourist visit Big Ben twice? Because he missed it the first time!”

Remember, the key to a great trip is to have fun, be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. And if all else fails, just head to the nearest pub and enjoy a pint while admiring the city’s iconic landmarks.

Cheers!