900 years of history is enshrined within the thick, turreted walls of the Tower of London. Originally built as a stronghold by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Tower of London was expanded over the years by various monarchs. Its most distinctive feature is also its oldest, the White Tower which dates back to 1078 by William the Conqueror as a symbol of the Norman supremacy. Although variously used as a royal residence, armory and mint, the Tower of London is best known for its stint as a prison and the site of numerous executions, most notably of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Raleigh and Prince Edward V are a few of the other famous personalities who were imprisoned here. Stories of treason, conspiracy and espionage are rife amid these historic walls, with countless secrets just waiting to be uncovered. Another curious feature is the ravens here, that are said to safeguard the British Crown. Today, the Tower of London is a museum and the home of the fabulous Crown Jewels. Tours of the castle are led by the Yeomen Warders, also famously dubbed as the Beefeaters.
To the west of the Palace of Westminster, this superbly striking piece of Early English Gothic architecture enthralls one and all with its 700-year-old history and its immediate association with British Royalty. First built by King Edward the Confessor between 1042 and 1052 as St Peter's Abbey, the church was meant to serve as a royal burial site for himself and all regal heirs that followed. Quickly, this originally Romanesque church also became the site where coronations and royal weddings took place, thus going on to become one of the most significant religious buildings for British monarchs. While the abbey held the status of a cathedral for several years in the 16th Century, it was soon designated the title of a 'royal peculiar' or a church that is directly governed by the crown, in the later years. The abbey, with its majestic ivory turrets that aim for the sky, dramatic buttresses that line the southern facade and the Norman-style nave that sits between the two towers stands as one of London's most astonishing royal landmarks today.
The grand and stately Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837. Although the origins of the palace go back to the 18th Century when the Duke of Buckingham built his townhouse at the site, the palace as it stands today is principally the work of architects John Nash and Edward Blore. The palace holds 775 rooms, lavishly decorated with Sevres Porcelain and fine art by the likes of Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Dyck. From the cream and gold palette of the Belle Epoque to the intricacies of the Chinese Regency, each room is a showcase of extravagant yet tasteful interior design. The Grand Staircase is perhaps one of the world's finest examples of bronze casting, illuminated by an etched glass dome and the focal point of the palace, while the forecourt is the setting for one of London's most popular tourist events - the Changing of the Guard. The Royal Mews and the Queen's Gallery are other popular features of this royal residence that are also open to visitors. All of this is surrounded by manicured lawns and lush gardens alive with myriad blooms in summer, painting a picture of grandeur befitting Britain's royal family.
The Globe Theatre is universally known as the place where the great plays of Shakespeare came alive. Today, Shakespeare’s Globe, located on the banks of the River Thames is a reproduction of the original Globe, which burned down in 1613 after a cannon shot set fire to its roof. The theater was built near the site of the original using nearly identical methods and materials, and is believed by historians and architects alike to be very realistic. Since it opened in 1997, The New Globe has been a popular and iconic addition to London theater, and has turned from hosting only open-air summer productions into a vibrant center of Shakespearean drama, education, exhibitions, and tours. The ‘groundling’ tradition is still alive at the Globe, whereby visitors can watch world-class theater from the yard for a low price.
See over 300,000 different types of plants at Kew Gardens. The gardens were started in 1759 by Princess Augusta and are located on a 121 hectare (300 acre) site. The greenhouses here are architectural marvels, and are a must-visit attraction. They include the Japanese Pagoda, the Palm House and Queen Charlotte's Cottage. Throughout the year, themed gardens keep things fresh.
Regent's Park offers a variety of facilities and amenities for the public to enjoy, including outdoor ping pong tables, a bandstand, an open air theater, elegant gardens and tennis courts. London Zoo is just next-door. A short walk away is Primrose Hill, a neighborhood that's popular with young and trendy families, actors, artists and other media folk. It is particularly steep and offers a superb panorama of the London skyline. Queen Mary's Gardens is located within the park, and St. John's Wood Church Gardens is also nearby, offering an additional tranquil retreat off of Wellington Road.
Named after the patron saint of seamen, St Clements was destroyed in the Great Fire of London of 1666. Since the 11th century, there have been three churches on this site -the second being engulfed by flames. It was rebuilt, like other churches destroyed in the fire, by Sir Christopher Wren in 1686.
Ascot Baptist Church was built in 1878 under the auspices of W. J. Bishop. Soon after it's establishment, the church became an important and integral part of the community. Various activities like quiz nights, barbecues, skittles, picnics and other events are organized to further unity and feeling of brotherhood among the community. The church also houses a toddlers group and a youth club. You too can become a part of this church. For more details, check the website.
For some peaceful and tranquil time, Redhill Holy Trinity is just the place to be at. They conduct funerals, baptisms, weddings and thanksgiving ceremonies too. The garden with a lake view is calming and many events take place there too. Check out their website for more information.
Fun London Tours is just that - fun! Take a walking tour based around a theme and learn all about this exciting piece of London. Fun London Tours provides a lot of great tour options. Book a spot on the Changing the Guard Tour where you can see the entire changing of the guard and even walk along with the band. If you enjoy interactive tours perfect for the whole family go on the Liar Liar London tour where at each spot your guide will tell you two truths and one lie, proving that sometimes the truth is stranger then fiction. You can also book a private tour with them.
Harrow school, located in the town of Harrow in north-west London, is considered to be one of Britain's and Europe's finest boarding school for boys. The past alumni include many famous personalities like British prime Ministers, members of the royal family, members of the parliament, two kings and numerous notable figures in the fields of arts and science. The school has 400 acres of playing fields, tennis courts, golf courses, woodlands and gardens but is also integrated with public grounds as there are many private shops, bus routes and other establishments on the campus. The school has twelve "houses" which also serve as boarding facilities for all its pupils and each house has a legacy of its own. Education at Harrow school is arguably considered to be a ticket to top universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
The Francis Skaryna Belarusian Library and Museum located in London features an extensive and comprehensive collection of literature from Belarus. With over 30,000 volumes the library is said to the best source of Belarusian literature in Europe outside Belarus. The books found in the library include works on history, literature, language, religion, folklore, local lore, bibliography, music and art. There is also an extensive collection of music records from Belarus on rock, folk and classical music. The museum section of the library showcases books from before the 1800s, the 19th century and archives from the Belarus Democratic Republic dating 1918. There are new publications purchased from Belarus regularly to keep the collection up to date. The library is an independent institution and depends on donations and funds from well wishers.