Three Major Tourist Attractions in London

Tower of London (Photo: Tower of London image by Elzbieta Sekowska from Fotolia.com )

London is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that proudly shows off its history. It offers visitors fascinating architecture, art, natural attractions and shopping. While wading through your sightseeing options, don't forget to visit these three major tourist attractions.

Tower of London

The Tower of London has a fascinating and sordid past unlike any other historical monument in the world. Over 900 years the tower and its surrounding buildings have served numerous functions, serving as a fortress, palace, armory, observatory, public record office and zoo, and to this day the Tower houses the Crown Jewels. One of the Tower?s most infamous periods came when it was prison to the only two sons of Edward IV, who were declared illegitimate and imprisoned in the tower by their uncle. Historically referred to as the Princes in the Tower, the young boys reportedly disappeared from the tower in 1483, never to be seen again. Take an independent or guided tour and discover other dark secrets held within the Tower?s walls. Tower of London Tower Hill EC3N 4 London United Kingdom 011 (+44) 20 3166 6000 (substitute 00 for 011 if calling from outside the United States or Canada) http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/

London Eye

What began with a quest to win a contest is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. When the city of London sponsored a design competition for a new landmark to celebrate the millennium, two architects (who were also husband and wife) submitted plans for what seemed like an enormous Ferris wheel. Although they didn't win the contest, eventually the large observation wheel was built, providing riders with unprecedented views of over 45 of the city's landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. The futuristic clear-glass capsules hold 25 passengers each. It takes 30 minutes to complete a full revolution, giving passengers plenty of time to enjoy the 360-degree views. Celebrate a special occasion on the Eye while drinking champagne and eating chocolate truffles. London Eye Minster Court Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7JB United Kingdom 011 (+44) 871 781 3000 (substitute 00 for 011 if calling from outside the United States and Canada) londoneye.com

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the Queen, as well as the royal administrative headquarters. One of a handful of working palaces in the world today, Buckingham Palace opens its doors each summer when the Queen is away, and visitors can tour the 19 splendidly decorated staterooms that form the core of the palace, where the Queen has entertained leaders from all over the world. Many treasures from the Royal Collection are housed here, including art from Rubens and Rembrandt. The grounds of the palace are no less stunning, with gardens growing over 375 varieties of flowers. An added treat for visitors is the Changing of the Guard, when an ornately dressed procession of the Queen?s New Guard parades in front of the Palace to replace the Old Guard. This ceremony is full of pomp and circumstance, providing visitors with an exciting and memorable spectacle. Buckingham Palace Marlborough Road London SW1A 1, United Kingdom 011 (+44) 20 7766 7300 (substitute 00 for 011 if calling from outside the United States and Canada) http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidences/BuckinghamPalace/BuckinghamPalace.aspx

About the Author

Lisa Brei is a freelance writer who has written for "Los Angeles Family" magazine, "L.A. Parenting" magazine and various nonprofit newsletters and blogs. She frequently covers education, family travel, gardening, children's health and infertility. Brei holds a Master of Arts in education from University of California, Los Angeles.

Source: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/three-major-tourist-attractions-london-3515.html

pro bowl 2012 roster yamaguchi road house occupy oakland occupy oakland morgellons disease arik armstead