General Sightseeing and Orientation in London

Encompassing over 600 square miles of land, Greater London is a vast area with lots of landmarks to offer.

Leicester Square is visited by over 22 million people a year and is mainly comprised of cinemas and restaurants. Leicester Square is in the heart of the West End and regularly plays host to film premieres and awards ceremonies. The centre of the square offers welcome shade in the summer and is also home to a copy of the Shakespeare memorial in Westminster Abbey.

Covent Garden is located a short walk from Leicester Square and is famous for its street entertainers and buzzing atmosphere. This is an essential place to experience whilst visiting London and is home to many interesting shops, restaurants, theatres and the famous Covent Garden market.

Trafalgar Square is the home of Nelson's Column, the famous monument completed in 1840, commemorating Admiral Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the square is also home to the National Gallery.

Places to Visit in London

National Gallery
Trafalgar Square
London
WC2
Nearest tube: Charing Cross, Embankment, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

A must see for all visitors to London is the National Gallery, which offers an outstanding collection of Western Art. The majority of the collection is dedicated to European artists such as Leonardo, Goya, Monet and Renoir. The gallery also displays a number of 18th century British masterpieces by British artists such as Gainsborough, Turner and Constable.
Guided tours of the gallery run daily between 11:30 and 2:30pm. Admission is free of charge however charitable donations are greatly appreciated.

St Pauls Cathedral
St Pauls Churchyard
London
EC4
Nearest tube: St Pauls.

The famous dome of St Pauls dominates the City's skyline, the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren built between 1675 and 1710. The interior of the dome is home to the Whispering Gallery in which the faintest whisper can be heard clearly on the opposite side of the dome. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome to the Inner Golden Gallery, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Tower of London
Tower Hill
London
EC3
Nearest tube: Tower Hill.

The Tower of London is an ancient fortress with more ghosts per square foot than in any other building in Britain. Until the reign of James 1, the tower was one of the royal residences but primarily it was a prison for renowned captives. Sir Walter Raleigh spent 13 years in the Bloody tower before his execution and on the walls of some of the towers you can still read the last messages of some of the prisoners. But perhaps the greatest attraction of the Tower is the Jewel House, which is home to the Crown Jewels including the Imperial State Crown. The Tower is also home to the Ravens, according to legend the Tower will stand as long as they remain.
Guided tours are available and are given by Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) every half-hour.

London Eye
Nearest tube: Waterloo, Westminster.

The London Eye, which was opened to commemorate the Millennium, has become one of the most popular attractions in the world. The Eye is the world's highest observation wheel offering amazing views of the city. On a clear day it is possible to see Windsor Castle, 25 miles away. Your 'flight' lasts 30 minutes and takes you some 135 metres above the River Thames. Advanced booking for this attraction is recommended and you will need to allow 30 minutes before your flight time to collect your tickets.

Buckingham Palace
Nearest tube: St James's Park, Green Park and Victoria.

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen. Set in a 40-acre garden the Palace contains 600 rooms. Since 1993 much of the Palace is open for tours during August and September, Elizabeth II has allowed visitors to tour the State Room, Throne Room, Picture Gallery, Grand Staircase and the family garden. The Palace is also home to the Changing of the Guard, which takes place at 11:30am daily between April and July and every other day during the rest of the year.