London’s 32 boroughs and 1500 square kilometer area offers a wealth of incredible attractions and landmarks. Indeed, it is probably one of the most iconic cities in Europe and one with a high concentration of well known landmarks and buildings. Whether it be a square, bridge or street, guests of West End hotel special offers will undoubtedly recognize a few from school, fiction or even the news.
London’s attractions are deep rooted in the history of the city, and there are plenty of stories behind them that shed light on the development and growth of not only the English capital, but the country as well. Guests of the Piccadilly London West End are well placed to explore and learn about many of these landmarks, buildings and streets, many of which being just a short walk, drive or tube journey away from them. In fact, some of them are just across the street from their accommodation.
This blog will outline some of the best attractions in London and outline how they became integral parts of the London skyline. Whether you’re staying at corporate accommodation in London’s West End or are taking a family trip, make sure to check out at least some of these iconic London features.
Buckingham Palace
Built in the early 1700s, this beautiful and iconic townhouse has long been the headquarters of the Royal Family. Originally sold to George III for use by his wife Queen Charlotte in 1761, the “Queen’s House” was enlarged and redeveloped into a palace proper after the destruction of Westminster Palace. By the time of Queen Victoria’s reign, Buckingham Palace was the focal point for the monarchy and has remained so into the 21st century.
Nowadays visitors to this beautiful palace can watch the royal guards from behind the gilded gates and may even get a glimpse of a royal entering or leaving the palace itself. Buckingham Palace is ideally situated for guests of hotels in West End London, between St James’s Park and Green Park in the heart of London’s Westminster.
Hyde Park
A short walk from Buckingham Palace is the most popular of the royal parks, Hyde Park. Kitted out with plenty of greenery, Hyde Park is regularly used as a music and christmas festival site as well as being a rallying point for protest movements. On top of this, Hyde Park is home to many works of art in the forms of sculptures and installations, as well as a playground dedicated to Princess Diana and several cafes.
Kensington Gardens
Once part of Hyde Park and kept private for hundreds of years first by Henry VIII and then by Queen Caroline of Brunswick, Kensington Gardens was separated from its big brother park when the Serpentine Lake was developed through it. Nowadays, Kensington Gardens is open to the public and acts as an antidote to the hustle and bustle of Hyde Park. The contrasts between what was once one large park are striking, Kensington Gardens are more formal in their design and incorporate manicured fields, beautiful sculptures and the grand sight of Kensington Palace, home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Visitors can enjoy tours of Kensington Palace through four different routes and exhibitions that explore Queen Elizabeth’s mid 20th century wardrobe, the palace life of George I and II and the childhood of Queen Victoria among others. The palace itself overlooks Kensington Gardens and both come together to build a beautiful picture of royal England.
The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is part of a trio of South Kensington museums that are free to visit and are established historic landmarks in their own rights. Easy to reach from Kensington Gardens, the Natural History Museum is top of our list of Exhibition Row museums due to its focus on natural history and showcasing the world changing work of Charles Darwin. Originally developed as a way to showcase the taxidermy he’d collected from his travels on the HMS Beagle, the Natural History Museum’s gothic spires now hold collections of fossils, space rocks and much much more.
The Royal Albert Hall
First conceived by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, the Royal Albert Hall was built from leftover material from the Great Exhibition. Sadly, the beloved husband of Queen Victoria never saw the great music hall come to life as he died before it was finished. Nowadays, the Royal Albert Hall stands as the bastion of music venues in London, programming esteemed international pop artists as well as classical music and ballets. With a capacity of over 5000, the Royal Albert Hall has seen the likes of David Bowie and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra play over its 151 years of life.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is an integral part of London’s centre and a focal point for two of the most popular art museums in London – the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Named after the Battle of Trafalgar, its central monument is Nelson’s Column, celebrating the victory of Horatio Nelson against Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1803. The large plinth and bronze lions surrounding it are iconic landmarks in London that are now focal points for tourists, buskers and photographers.
Westminster Abbey
Though it was rebuilt in the 13th century, Westminster Abbey actually has a longer history that potentially dates back to the 10th century. Nowadays, it stands as a royal wedding, funeral and coronation site and is the resting place of many kings and queens. Of note in this Gothic spired cathedral is Poet’s Corner, a part of the Abbey dedicated to influential artists and writers from throughout the centuries. Make sure to get a look at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament that are adjacent to the Abbey.
St Paul’s Cathedral
With four different cathedrals having been built on the site, the history of St Paul’s Cathedral dates back to the 7th century . Its most recent incarnation was built after the Great Fire Of London burnt down the previous cathedral and is a well known landmark from atop its hill in the City of London area.
