Coronation Church

Westminster Abbey, that is the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, was begun by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 13th century.

William the Conqueror was crowned here on Christmas Day in 1066, and since then all English sovereigns, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, have been crowned here, and most were buried here until the early 19th century.

Here you can find the Coronation Chair as well. The chair has been used for all the coronations in the Abbey since 1308.

Entry to the Abbey is through the North Door, which leads into the North Transept, known as Statemen’s Aisle, because of its many monuments to 18th and 19th century politicians.

There’s also Poets’ Corner with many tombs and memorials to great writers, musicians, actors and scientists, including Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dickens Newton and Darwin.

Leaving the church by the west door, you can find 10 statues of 20th century Christian martyrs in niches above the entrance. One of them is Martin Luther King.

Opening times:
Mon-Fri: 09.00-16.45
Sat: 09.00-14.45
Museum Daily: 10.30-16.00

Admission: £6.00 (discount)

Address: Deans Yard, SW1

Directions: St James's Park tube

Buses: 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77A, 88, 109, 159, 211

Phone: 0 20 7654 4900

Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org

St Paul's

Saint Paul's Cathedral is a universally known landmark of the city.

It was designed by English architect Sir Christopher Wren to replace the original church, which was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. The building was completed in 1710.

The interior of Saint Paul’s Cathedral contains many sculptures, paintings, murals, and other artworks executed by various artists.

A large dome rises 108.7 m over the building’s central crossing point. At the top is the Golden Gallery with panoramic views of Central London.

Sir Christopher Wren, British naval commander Horatio Nelson and the poet Milton are buried in the cathedral. 

Open: Mon-Sat: 08.30-16.00
Galleries Mon-Sat: 09.30-16.15
Admission £8.00 (discount)

Address: St Paul's Churchyard, EC4

Directions: St Paul's tube

Buses: 4, 8, 11, 15, 17, 22B, 23, 25, 26, 172, 501, 521

Phone: 0 20 7236 4128

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

The Waterloo Baracks

To the north of the White Tower are the Waterloo Barracks, where the Crown Jewels are displayed. Most of the regalia was dispersed during the Commonwealth, so most of the present collection dates from after the Restoration. The oldest crown is St. Edward's Crown and the oldest piece in the regalia is the Spoon used at the coronation of King John in 1199.


Address: Tower Hill, EC3

Directions: Tower Hill tube

Phone: 0 20 7709 0765

Beefeaters

The Yeoman Warders, who are also known as Beefeaters, are guards of the Tower. They're clad in their traditional Tudor uniforms.

They give daily tours of this popular tourist attraction.

Address: Tower Hill, EC3

Directions: Tower Hill tube

Phone: 0 20 7709 0765

The White Tower

The complex of walls, towers and other buildings are grouped around the White Tower, built by William I.

It got its name from the white stone, but it was later whitewashed to maintain its colour.

Here you can find out more on the history of the Tower.

Open Sun-Mon 10am
Tues-Sat 9am
Last admission 5pm

Address: Tower Hill, EC3

Directions: Tower Hill tube

Phone: 0 20 7709 0765

The Tower of London

The Tower of London, located on the northern bank of the Thames River, was built about 1078 by the Norman invader, William the Conqueror.


It was used alternately as a fortress, royal residence, prison and even a zoo in its early years.

Today, it is maintained as an arsenal with a garrison, and is open to the public, as you all know.

The well–preserved Norman and medieval structures cover nearly 7.2 hectares.

Opening hours:

Mar-Oct: Mon-Sat 09.00-17.00 Sun 10.00-17.00
Nov-Feb: Tues-Sat 09.00-16.00 Sun-Mon 10.00-16.00
Closed at Christmas and on New Year’s Day

Admission £12.00 (discount) - since it's valid all day, you can always share it with/ lend it to somebody else.

Address: Tower Hill, EC3

Directions: Tower Hill tube
Buses: 15, 25, 42, 78, 100

Phone: 0 20 7709 0765

London Calling

London Eye and the Statue of Boadicea

Why London?

With its numerous museums, galleries, theatres and beautiful parks near the River Thames, restaurants and pubs, London is 1 of the most exciting, attractive, interesting and fastest cities. It’s also one of the most expensive and noisiest.

The Houses of Parliament

London History

London is a big, busy city, with a history that goes back to ancient times.

It was founded in 43 AD, when the Romans built a trading port on the River Thames near where London Bridge is today. They called it Londinium, and made it the capital of the region of the Roman Empire called Britannia.

From 1500 onwards, London’s growth was rapid.