London is one of the most famous cities in the world, in part because of its abundance of incredible landmarks. From glittering skyscrapers to historic churches, the old and new intertwine into a collage of culture, all of which are easy to reach from the Central London hotels near Hyde Park.
This run down of the best landmarks in London will provide guests of the Signature Townhouse London Hyde Park with plenty of options for their city sightseeing.
Buckingham Palace
The official royal headquarters for the Royal Family of England, Buckingham Palace is one of the most glamorous royal households in the city, and is much visited by tourists. The beautiful palace dates back to the year 1703, Buckingham palace was initially owned by the Duke of Buckingham, but was bought and expanded by King George III and Queen Charlotte in 1761. The interiors were designed by famous architect John Nash, and though it is still a functioning royal residence, visitors can still visit it for tours on selected days of the week.
Hyde Park
The crowning jewel of London’s royal park octet, Hyde Park is 350 acres in size and dates all the way back to the reign of King Henry VIII. Once a royal hunting ground, the park was opened to the public in the 19th century and became a gathering site for protest movements, and more recently, a music festival and fair venue. Landmarks within this beautiful park include the Diana Memorial Fountain, in memory of the late Princess Diana, as well as the boat rentable Serpentine Lake.
London Eye
Situated on the South Bank – a must-visit area of London in and of itself, the London Eye is a 32 capsuled observation wheel that was opened as the Millennium Wheel at the turn of the 21st century. The London Eye has become one of the easiest for first time London visitors to orient themselves in the city, offering incredible views that can span over 40 kilometres on a clear day.
St Paul’s Cathedral
There Have been at least four previous places of worship built on the site of St Paul’s current iteration, dating back almost two thousand years. The cathedral that stands today was built by Sir Chistropher Wren in the late 17th century after Old St Paul’s was burnt down in the 1666 Great Fire of London. St Paul’s Cathedral’s hallowed halls can be visited on a daily basis, and the views from its spire on Ludgate Hill are breathtaking.
The Tower of London
One of the oldest still-running royal palaces in the world, the Tower of London was built upon William the Conqueror’s usurping of the English throne in the 1060s, and was originally a symbol of the oppressive Norman rule over the country. Nowadays, though, the Tower of London has surpassed its terrifying roots as a prison, armoury and execution site, and is now a thriving tourist attraction. With tours hosted by traditionally dressed Tower Guards included in the ticket price, visitors can explore museums dedicated to the Royal Fusiliers, the tower’s exotic animal menagerie past and can even marvel over the Crown Jewels of England.
