It is possible to spend a month in this city and only just scratch the surface – as I found out last time I was here. This time around my visit time is much shorter, but I know I will return again in the coming months to explore more of what London has to offer. And hopefully by then, the weather will be more conducive to doing so!
Two worthwhile sights I have visited in the last few days include the Tower of London and the Monument. Although I saw both sights on my previous visit, they have certainly been worth another look.
The Lonely Planet London states:
“if you pay only one admission fee while you’re in London,
make it the Tower”.
An integral part of London’s history over the past 1000 years, the Tower of London has been a royal castle; an observatory; a mint; and even a zoo. But it is most famous for being a prison and the site of royal executions, including the second and fifth wives of Henry VIII.
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A highlight of the visit is partaking in a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders (“Beefeaters”; included in the admission price). Entertaining and informative, it is a good condensed introduction to the vast history of the Tower. The other must-see is, of course, the Crown Jewels. There are over 23,000 gems on display on an assortment of crowns, sceptres and swords. The most impressive would be the 530-carat Cullinan diamond, until 1985 the largest diamond ever discovered. Very sparkly!
Other famous residents in the Tower include the population of ravens. It is said if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will collapse!
There is much else to see at this attraction, including the great views of Tower Bridge from a number of vantage points. Allow at least half a day to do it justice.
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Monument, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke, is a memorial to the Great Fire of London (1666). It stands at 60.6m tall – the exact distance it is located from Pudding Lane where the fire reportedly started. Not for those who easily experience vertigo, 311 steps take you up the spiral staircase to the 360-degree viewing platform. A tight squeeze, but fabulous views, and certainly one of the best value sights in the city at only £3. But wear a good jacket – it’s breezy up there!
And no visit to London is complete without a wander along the Thames and crossing one or two of its numerous bridges. If you can chance a good sunset, you’ll be rewarded with great photo opportunities of some of the iconic sights that line the River.
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There are many more districts, sights, and attractions to see in this great city that I haven’t managed on this trip. The list remains long to carry over into my next visit – which of course adds to the incentive to come back!
Follow Your Dream 