1 – St. Paul’s Cathedral in St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom, is rightly considered as being the English version of St. Peter’s Basilica located in Rome courtesy of its massive dome. However, the majestic architectural wonder that has successfully captured everyone’s awe and admiration worldwide is only a contemporary creation and one that is far removed from its original version. Some of the primary reasons for visiting this venue are tombs of famous personalities, its rich heritage and the panoramic view of the city.
2 – Largest, oldest and still operating at a full swing is the gigantic Windsor Castle, Windsor, West Berkshire SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom and apart from the ceremonial functions that it is famous for, a noteworthy aspect is that it showcases the artistic streak of the Royal family. While you appreciate the various regal treasures and experience its aura, do take a peek into the Great Kitchen to realize all that it takes to maintain its stature.
3 –Take a tour of the Hampton Court Palace, the grand royal residence of Henry VIII, and the feeling would be nothing short of traveling through an expansive labyrinth. Some of the highlights would be the magnificent rooms, always-busy Base Courts, creepy and haunted Baroque Palace and lush green gardens stretching till the eye can see. Make things even more exciting by opting for a costume tour and scheduling your visit as per a seasonal event.
4 – Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London, Greater London W8 4PX, United Kingdom, came into being when William III who ascended the throne in the 17th century decided to shift the royal residence to a brick house in the country for the sake of his health. Since then, this building has had many ups’ and downs’ but has never been deserted by the Royal family. While a part of it has been transformed into a museum, some of the rooms serve as residential accommodation for Prince William and his family.
5 – Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom, is the modern version of the original that belonged to Shakespeare and was burned down whilst one of his renowned plays was being performed. Located at about 200 yards from where its predecessor stood, this building is slightly more spacious and equipped with latest amenities although there is no compromise in upholding the spirit of theater.
6 – National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, Royal Borough of Greenwich, SE10 9NF, United Kingdom, holds the honor of being the most spacious of its kind in the world and offers within its premises every aspect from personal accounts to interactive and simulation games. Being an island country, Britain boasts of a rich maritime legacy and what could be a better way of appreciating it than reliving the experience at this museum?
7 – Enter through the doors of Madame Tussauds at Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5LR, United Kingdom, and check if your favorite characters have been emulated in a wax sculpture that this museum specializes in. Along the way you might recognize many well known personalities who have acquired unfathomable fame in their respective fields but be prepared to be terrified too for even death has found fair representation here in the Chamber of Horrors. A truly pleasant and educational ride occurs in a cab as you will be driven through lanes depicting the history of the nation.
8 – Housed within Smirke Building, British Museum located at Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom, boasts of more than 7 million artifacts all of which receive frequent exposure to curious and inquisitive eyes of visitors through a pre-determined rota system. During your visit, be prepared to gasp at the virgin beauty of Eigin marbles, intrigued by Egyptian relics, impressed by ancient civilizations and awed by Assyrian collection.
9 – If you consider Tower of London/ Tower Bridge Exhibition, Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom, to be an amazing creation then look forward to being even more amazed at the sweeping sights that the walkway built 45 meters above Thames provides. For a bridge that opens up at least a 1000 times in the course of a single year, it is aptly regarded as a masterpiece of medieval engineering. To learn more about the marvel as also the marvelous city that it is located in, plan your visit to coincide with an ongoing exhibition.
10 – With its displays of contemporary art and an interior echoing Chinese expertise in handling porcelain replicas of sunflower seeds, Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom, is a fitting ode to modernism and its unpredictability. You might feel emotionally compelled to wander through what was once an abandoned power station but taking a break and exploring its surroundings along the bank of River Thames is definitely a good idea.