The Queen Of City Breaks: What To See In London And Around

Post Contributed by Hayley Jones

If someone told you Sherlock, The Thick of It, and the MI 6, would you know what the common point between the three is? Here’s a little help: They are all in London! When it comes to visiting London, a lifetime is not enough to see everything the town and its surroundings have to offer! But this little guide is there to make sure that you don’t miss the essential sightseeing spots of UK’s most populous town.

London Eye at night

Go To The Town Of The Shard

… And order a sophisticated cocktail from the GONG, the bar on the 52nd floor of the Shard. Inaugurated only in 2012, this inventive skyscraper, also called the Vertical City, has already become emblematic of London. The Shard provides visitors with the highest and the best view from the top, on floors 68, 69 and 72, which are open to visits. You will also find on the lowest floors luxury bars, restaurants and hotel rooms, which are all available for the wealthiest visitors who want to enjoy something special during their time in London. From the top of the Shard, you will get a 360-degree view of London and up to 40 miles around, so pick you best zoom gear if you want to take unforgettable pictures!

Take A Ride On The London Eye

Interestingly enough, the London eye has already made it on this blog, as the favorite man’s man site of a professional travel blogger. You will find it on the South Bank of the River Thames, and it has many names: The London Eye, the Millennium Wheel, and also the Coca-Cola London Eye. So make sure to remember all those when you look at a map! When it was built in 1999, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, but this is not true anymore now as the High Roller in Las Vegas surpassed it. This is a great spot to see across London if you have no fear of height.

 

Dive Into The Past: Stonehenge

While Stonehenge isn’t in London, it would be a pity to be in the UK and still miss this mystical stone creation that continues to surprise and attract tourists from all over the world. Originally thought to be an ancient ritual monument to celebrate to solstice days, there is still no evidence about its function. You can easily find a london to stonehenge tour that will take you back to London within the day, or even combine the visit with other historical sites that are located around the capital. There are many legends and myths about Stonehenge, one claiming that the stones came all the way from Ireland, and another saying that it was in fact built by Danish kings. While the story of the site is still a mystery, you can certainly enjoy a walk in the middle of this mystically-loaded place.

 

Watch The Changing Guard Ceremony In Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is open to visitors every day, and you may even see some of the Queen’s horses that draw the royal coaches and carriages. It is still the residence and administrative headquarters of the Queen, so remember to give her a wave as you arrive. You never know: She might be in! Although, if you want to be sure: Look at the flag on the roof. It is up when Her Majesty is in the palace.

Picture source

Of course, there is so much more to see in London, but this is enough to get your toes wet in the massive, ever-popular capital of the UK!