London Escorts
Escorts in London
London Landmarks
- The British Airways London Eye, located on the South Bank, opposite the Houses of Parliament, is one of London’s most instantly recognisable icons, despite being only seven years old. Built for the Millennium the rotating wheel was supposed to stay in place only temporarily on the South Bank, before being moved around the country to different locations. However, the London Eye proved so popular with Londoners that it was never taken down, and continues to be one of the city’s top tourist attractions. This rotating piece of steel is an astounding piece of engineering, and is the tallest observation wheel in the world. Offering fantastic views over the whole of London this is the best place to come to see London in all its glory. It has 32 enclosed capsules, which can each hold up to 25 people, with views in every direction. The movement of the wheel is so slight that you don’t feel you are actually moving. A ‘flight’ takes approximately thirty minutes and on a clear day you can see for up to 25 miles.
Buckingham Palace, is probably the most famous landmark associated with London, and is instantly recognisable throughout the world; however the famous edifice is in fact only a façade, hiding a courtyard and then the main palace entrance behind it. One of the most famous residences in the world, home to the Queen of England, the flag above Buckingham Palace will fly if the monarch is in residence. The Palace was first built as a town house for the first Duke of Buckingham in 1705. Between 1824 and 1831 George IV charged John Nash with the task of extending the building into a sumptuous palace, and in 1837 Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live in this new palace. The huge façade of the building was designed by Sir Aston Webb in 1913, with the famous balcony which members of the Royal Family wave from to the throngs below on special occasions, like weddings or state events. The most memorable appearances on this balcony by a monarch were after Britain’s victory in both World Wars. One of the highlights of a visit to the Palace is the Changing of the Guard, which happens every day at 11am. The guards, in their distinctive red jackets and bearskin hats, march from the nearby Wellington Barracks to the Palace, watched by crowds of people.
The State Rooms in the Palace are open to visitors every summer, with highlights including the Queen’s Gallery, which contains masterpieces by those such as Da Vinci and Vermeer; the Grand Staircase, with its ornate golden balustrades, where many a sweeping entrance has been made; and the Throne Room by John Nash which features an intricately-designed ceiling and sumptuous chandeliers, and houses the thrones used for the present monarch’s coronation. The largest room in the Palace is the Picture Gallery, with its curved glass ceiling adding to its impressiveness, and holds a large amount of the Royal Collection. World-renowned pieces by masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck can be found here. One of the most dazzling rooms in the Palace is the State Ballroom, where banquets for visiting heads of state are held. The Royal Mews adjoining the Palace is one of the best working stables in England. They look after the 34 horses, including the Windsor Greys who pull the royal coach on state occasions. The collection of coaches and carriages here is absolutely fantastic, with the dazzling Gold State Coach, which dates from around 1760, an unmissable sight. The Palace Garden is also not to be missed; these beautiful gardens include a huge lake and a plethora of wildlife, and are the setting for the three annual Royal Garden Parties to which 27 000 guests are invited.
Westminster Abbey, located in the Broad Sanctuary, on the south side of Parliament Square, is another of London’s famous landmarks. The Abbey has been the site of many state occasions, including Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 and Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997. The Abbey is one of the oldest structures in the city, dating back to Medieval times, and is of absolutely gargantuan proportions. Many famous writers, statesmen and Royals are buried here. The exquisiteness of the building is absolutely breathtaking, with its spires that punctuate the London skyline, and luxurious interior. The all-boys, Westminster Abbey Choir School sing at services every weekday at 5pm, which is a wonderful and mesmerising experience in angelic singing. Highlights of the Abbey include St Edward’s Chapel, where Edward the Confessor is buried, who established the Abbey in the 11th century; Poet’s Corner, which contains memorials to numerous English literary masters such as Shakespeare and Dickens; and the spectacular Nave, which standing at 32m high is the tallest Gothic Nave in the country. Other highlights are the Coronation Chair, placed in front of the altar screen during coronations, which was built for Edward I’s coronation in 1301; and the tomb of the great Queen Elizabeth I.
The Houses of Parliament situated in Parliament Square, with their spectacular Gothic design, are otherwise known as the Palace of Westminster, and were rebuilt in 1834 following a fire that destroyed the old palace. The site has held the seat of government for over a thousand years, but originally was used to house the royal family and the abbey. Standing magnificently on the banks of the Thames, the Palace today holds the House of Commons, where the elected government sit, and the House of Lords, whose members are unelected and have lesser powers. Covering an area of eight acres, the Houses have 1100 rooms, and 11 courtyards. One of the most recognisable features of the Houses of Parliament, and indeed of London itself, is Big Ben, the huge clock tower which adjoins the Palace. In contrast to public belief, the name Big Ben does not actually refer to the tower itself, but to the 14-tonne bell inside it. The bell is named after Sir Benjamin Hall who was Chief Commissioner of Works when it was put in place in 1858. Westminster Hall is all that remains of the original palace, the impressive vaulted ceiling presided over many a high court that sat here through the centuries. Visitors can sit in on debates at the Houses at certain times, by booking their seat in the Strangers’ Galleries in the Chambers. Impressive statues of Winston Churchill and Oliver Cromwell grace the square in front of the Houses, as do those of Benjamin Disraeli and Abraham Lincoln.
Tower Bridge is another of the archetypal symbols of London, with its famous twin towers and drawbridge in neo-gothic style. This magnificent bridge was a huge feat of engineering when it was built in 1894, especially with its steam pumps that are used to raise the two halves of the bridge. This extravagant bridge, with its white turrets and gold finishing, has always been central to London life, especially in the past when the Pool of London beneath it was the gateway to the city. In those days the bridge was always being raised so ships could pass beneath it, although today it is a rarer occurrence. The ornate walkway between the towers was used in the past by pedestrians who wanted to cross the bridge when it was open, who had to climb the 300 steps to the top of the towers to reach it. Today it is not open to the public, but visitors on the 90-minute Tower Bridge Exhibition Tour, whose entrance is on the north pier, have the opportunity to see the city from this 40m high vantage point.
The Tower of London, the city’s impressive riverside fortress located on Tower Hill, is synonymous with the Crown Jewels, its guarding Beefeaters, and the ravens which grace its grounds. Legend has it that the day the ravens leave the Tower’s grounds the Tower and the monarchy will fall. There are seven ravens living here, all cared for by the Ravenmaster. Built in 1097, the Tower has been added to many times over the centuries, but began life as the White Tower built for William the Conqueror as a moated fort. The Tower Green, surrounding the Tower, has been the site of many an execution, including those of Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn and Katharine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey. Renowned as a place of imprisonment, this tower has actually been used for more magnificent uses as well; as defender of the city, as the city arsenal, the monarch’s residence, and as home of the Royal Mint. The tower actually has thirteen towers, which were added by Henry III, the monarch who also brought the Crown Jewels here. The Jewel House is one of the most popular attractions here, and holds a magnificent array of ceremonial treasures, dating from 1661. The collection includes crowns, jewellery such as the Sovereign’s Ring, the gold, jewel-encrusted Sovereign’s orb and the magnificent Sovereign’s Sceptre, which contains the 530-carat Star of Africa, the largest cut diamond in the world. However, the most dazzling piece held here has to be the Imperial State Crown, which has over 2800 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 5 rubies, over 200 pearls, and a sapphire topping it which dates from the reign of Edward the Confessor. The crown was created for the coronation of George VI in 1937. The other popular attractions of the Tower are Traitors’ Gate, the famous oak and iron water gate where prisoners were brought to the Tower through; the Royal Armouries which contain the magnificent national collection of arms and armoury; the Bloody Tower, where displays chart the murky history of the Tower, in which murders were carried out; and the Beauchamp Tower, whose exhibits display the experience of prisoner’s lives in the Tower, such as Lady Jane Grey, the Kray Twins and the tower’s namesake Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick.
St Paul’s Cathedral, located on Ludgate Hill is one of London’s great masterpieces by the rebuilder of the city after the Great Fire of London, Sir Christopher Wren. Finished in 1708, it was England’s first specially-built Protestant Cathedral, and has witnessed some of the most memorable events in history, such as the Duke of Wellington’s funeral, Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, and Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding in 1981. Many great figures are also buried here, such as Admiral Lord Nelson, J M W Turner and John Donne. Its main feature is the huge, elaborate dome atop the building, which is one of the biggest in the world, at 111m high and 65 000 tonnes, although the gargantuan towers either side of it on the West Front, are equally as impressive. Views from the summit of both are fantastic. The towers are topped by pineapples, emblems of peace and prosperity, whilst the extraordinary Great West Door, which is used only for state occasions, stands beneath them at 9m high. The dome, viewed from beneath is even more spectacular, with its stained glass windows are gilding. The Cathedral houses the largest swinging bell in Europe, the Great Paul, which sounds daily at 1pm. The Great Tom sounds the hour and the death of royalty or senior clergymen. The semi-circular South Porch is another distinctive feature of St Paul’s, as are the beautiful mosaic ceilings, made with unusually shaped pieces of glass, angled so they sparkle. Highlights of the Cathedral include the famous Whispering Gallery, located inside the dome, where speech whispered against the wall can be heard on the other side of the gallery; the spectacular High Altar made from Italian marble, featuring a golden canopy and huge candlesticks; and the Treasury located in the crypt, featuring ceremonial items and miniatures of the cathedral.
Number 10 Downing Street is one of the most recognisable addresses in the world, as the residence of the British Prime Minister. This abode is one of four remaining houses built in 1680 for Sir George Downing who fought for the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War. The house is a lot larger than it looks from the outside, and contains a State Dining Room and the Cabinet Room, where a group of twenty senior government ministers meet to discuss policy. Number 11 Downing Street is the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The public has not been allowed into this street since 1989, due to security threats, and has iron gates placed at its entrance to keep them out.
Shakespeare’s Globe, located on New Globe Walk, Bankside, is a replica of the original amphitheatre that stood near this site in Shakespeare’s day, but burnt down in 1613. The modern replica is made of thatch, oak and 36 000 handmade bricks, and is a unique theatrical experience. Viewing a Shakespearian play in its authentic setting, with the three tiers open to the sky and the atmosphere of heckling and shouting, is an unforgettable experience. There is an exhibition centre next door and guided tours are given from there of the theatre.
London has many famous squares, each with a specific character and charm. Trafalgar Square is the central focus of the West End, and the site of many a public rally and events. Nelson’s Column is the focal point of this square standing 50m tall; Admiral Lord Nelson’s stone statue looks down over the square from its plinth, and four stone lions guard it at its base. Nelson famously beat Napoleon’s fleet in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, from which the Square takes its name. The famous wide street, Whitehall, links the square to Parliament Square, whilst Admiralty Arch to the southwest leads to Buckingham Palace. Piccadilly Circus, London’s version of New York’s Times Square, with its flashing neon signs and huge billboards, is an archetypal symbol of London’s thriving atmosphere, and marks the entrance to London’s entertainment district. The Eros statue which graces its centre is also a well-known city landmark. Leicester Square was originally laid out in 1670, and in the 17th and 18th centuries it was a highly popular place to live, with famous names such as Sir Isaac Newton and Joshua Reynolds all taking up residence here. Today the Square is at the heart of London’s theatre district, the West End, and also houses the ornately Art Deco Odeon cinema, the site of many a London film premiere. This is also the place to come to get cut-price theatre tickets from the booths at the side of the square.
To the south of the city centre lies the area of Greenwich, a World Heritage Site, whose features include Sir Christopher Wren’s Old Royal Naval College; the magnificent Queen’s House, which was home to he wife of Charles I; and Greenwich Park, from which you can get great views over London, and which also contains the Royal Observatory Greenwich, where the Prime Meridian Longitude 0° was established, from which all time zones are calculated, hence by standing with a leg either side of the line, you can in fact be in two time zones at once!
Canary Wharf, in the heart of the Docklands development, is the East London business and finance centre. Its focal point is Canada Tower, which stands at 240m tall and fifty stories high, making it London’s tallest building, and is indicative of the contemporary architecture which typifies the area. The other great attraction of this area is the Canary Wharf DLR (Light Railway) station, with its vaulted glass roof and red metal work.
There are many great royal palaces in London such as St James’ Palace with its familiar redbrick Tudor gatehouse, the home and offices to Prince Charles’; and Hampton Court Palace, the grandest piece of Tudor design in Britain and home to Henry VIII, with its maze almost as famous as the Palace. Clarence House, the former home of the late Queen Mother is another wonderful piece of architecture, as is Alexandra Palace, situated in a stunning park, which is renowned for being the site of the world’s first television broadcast, transmitted by the BBC from here in 1936, and for its wonderful ice rink. Kensington Palace, is perhaps most famous of them all as the residence of Princess Diana, and due to the image of the sea of flowers left by its gates following her death. This palace was also the birthplace of Queen Victoria and the home of King William III and Queen Mary.
Almost as famous as its Palaces, London’s Royal Parks are just as spectacular. These include Regent’s Park, the home to the famous London Zoo, which houses more than 600 species in award-winning enclosures and focuses highly on conservation work. The park also contains the Cumberland Terrace, the beautiful Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, and the Open Air Theatre. You are also able to hire rowing boats and tennis courts at this park. The sprawling Hyde Park, London’s largest park, is absolutely phenomenal, where the primary attraction is the beautiful Serpentine Lake in its midst, where visitors can rent boats and swim. Visitors can also hire horses and take in the beautiful park with its sumptuous flower gardens, fountains and pretty walkways. One of the most famous areas of the park is Speakers’ Corner, near Marble Arch, which has historically been the place where you can get up on a soapbox and address the crowds about your cause. The park also hosts an annual music concert in its grounds every year.
Covent Garden is one of the most bustling, thriving and animated areas of London, popular with tourists from around the world who come to see the street performers who are icons of the area. The heart of the area is the Piazza, built in the 17th century as London’s first planned public square. The other focal point is the Central Market located in the square, with its wonderful iron and glass roof. This was the former market area which for 300 years sold fruit, vegetables and flowers as pictured in the beginning scenes of the musical My Fair Lady. Today the building is a modern market place having been overhauled in 1980 into an area surrounded by boutiques, shops, cafés and bars. The shops here are some of the most exclusive in London, with many offering alternative products. Covent Garden is also home to the magnificent Royal Opera House, the stately Somerset House, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and many fantastic museums and galleries.
The British Telecom Tower was built for the Post Office in 1965 as a television, radio and telecommunications tower. Standing 190 metres tall, it is one of the tallest structures in London, and its size and the many satellite dishes attached to it make it one of the most distinctive features of the London skyline.
