Must-see historic sites in London, England.
The most daunting task when planning European travel is deciding what are the most important sites to see, because, as we all know, you can't pack centuries of history into one two week excursion"¦nor would you want to. Taking this into consideration, the best approach is to get your hands on a quality guidebook specific to the area you are planning to visit. Let's Go or Rick Steeves are both good choices and available through any bookseller. That having been said, whatever book you work with, there are 5 must see historic sites in London.
St. Paul's Cathedral:
Designed by Christopher Wren, the cathedral that you see today was rebuilt after the great fire of London destroyed the original structure in 1666. Construction of the cathedral ran from 1675-1710 and proved controversial in many ways. Wren's design underwent many modifications, ultimately resulting in a magnificent Brogue structure that boasts the shape of a Latin cross. Upon entering the building from the main doors, visitors stand at the bottom of the cross which extends forward past the famous dome, from which point the arms of the cross extend outward, to the high alter at the opposite end of the cathedral. Visitors are also permitted in the whispering gallery, between the floor and the dome and, although the stairs are a hike, the unique view and acoustics are worth the walk. Because of the 360-foot dome's acoustic arrangement, a word whispered on one side of the gallery can be heard by visitors on the opposite side.
Far below the magnificent dome, many of England's most famous citizens have been laid to rest. A quick trip down stairs will lead visitors to the graves and memorials of Lord Nelson and Christopher Wren himself.
St. Paul's is open from 8:30 - 4:30 (last admission at 4:00) Monday - Saturday, Even Song services are open to the public from 5-6 daily and is accessible from the St. Paul Mansion tube stop.
The Tower of London:
Many heads have rolled from the famous Tower of London. Built in 1066 by William the Conqueror, the tower was intended as a fortress to guard the city, but since that time has served as an armory, a royal residence, and, most famously, a prison for those who dared stand against The Crown. The Tower is home to the magnificent Crown Jewels, on display to the public, and the beautifully austere Chapel of St. John, as well as the White Tower - the tallest building in London.
The Tower of London is open from 9-6 Monday - Saturday and is accessible from the Tower Hill tube stop.
Westminster Abbey:
Looking for a dead monarch? Chances are, they reside in Westminster Abby. The Abbey has long been the burial spot for England's ruling class, and the building boasts some of the most interesting and ornate tombs in Europe. The Abbey also serves as the site of coronations and weddings, among other royal celebrations. Interesting sites within the Abby walls include the coronation chair, Chapter House, and the cloisters where rubbings can be taken from the knight's tombs. If you are a literary buff, don't miss Poet's Corner in which rest memorials to such poetic giants as William Shakespeare, T.S. Elliot, and Geoffrey Chaucer.
Westminster Abbey is open 8-6 daily and is accessible from the St. James Park Westminster tube stop.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament:
The laws of the land have been handed down from behind the bell tower for centuries. The houses of Lords and Commons reside in the magnificent buildings that line the River Thames, faithful guarded by the infamous clock tower. Although most people think the clock's name is Big Ben, the truth is that the name Big Ben actually refers to the 14-ton bell inside the clock that chimes the hour to the entire city, and broadcast of BBC, to the entire world.
Big Ben and the Houses are Parliament can be seen from most areas of the city, but are particularly breathtaking at night and are immediately accessible from the St. James Park Westminster tube stop.
Cabinet War Rooms:
While the bombs fell night after night, destroying most of London, Winston Churchill devised the plans that would save the world in these Cabinet War Rooms. This underground cluster of rooms served as Churchill's strategic center as he planned the attacks that would end WWII. The rooms include living quarters that were used by key members of Churchill's group, a sound proof cabinet room, and 3 foot thick walls that shielded the ministers from the nightmare of the London Blitz. The rooms, still as they were at the end of the war in 1945, boast Churchill's desk, maps and plans for various offensives.
The Cabinet Rooms are open from 10:15 - 5:00 and are accessible from the Westminster tube stop.
While these 5 spots are among the biggies, the city is teaming with rich and interesting history. So, hit the big 5, take some time to see whatever else may be of historical interest to you, and save some time to visit the lively cultural spots of London - don't miss Convent Garden and Piccadilly Circus, and, if time allows, a day trip to Hampton Court Palace (the home of Henry VII) is a must.
