Maggie Tulliver
As a globally recognized cultural epicentre, the city of London is home to some of the planet's most iconic and celebrated landmarks. Here are some of the must-visit heritage sites in the city.
Often regarded as London's grandest religious edifice and catholic institution Westminster Abbey is no ordinary cultural landmark in the capital of Britain. Having served as the venue for many a royal wedding including the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton the monolithic church also hosted the funeral of Princess Diana. As one of the most televised religious sites in the world let alone the world no visit to London would be complete without a stopover at this iconic cathedral reconstructed by King Henry III as early as the 13th century. Tours of Westminster Abbey are increasingly popular in London as the Gothic building is also the final resting place of many an English statesman and poet. From scientists in the likes of Sir Isaac Newton to Darwin and writers such as Dickens, Robert Burns and Chaucer, the church's other attributes include a coronation chair that dates back 709 years.
Designed by none other than Sir Joseph Banks who famously travelled alongside Captain James Cook on many a voyage of discovery, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is another heritage site worthy of exploration on a visit to London. Having served as the head of the Kew Gardens since 1773 the gardens were known for its rare collections of plant species from China, India, Australia and Africa. The gardens maintain this proud tradition to this day with several endangered plant species occupying its climate controlled green houses. As a World Heritage listed site the garden's most popular attribute is of course the two larger than life glasshouses contained within its landscaped grounds while the Temperate House and the Palm House are other points of interest.
Having been built by William the Conqueror as early as the 11th century the Tower of London is a landmark with a tumultuous past and a chequered history deeply connected with the British monarchy. The Tower of London served as a prison for royals as well as commoners in its heyday. Offering visitors spectacular views across The Tower Bridge the famed ravens that occupy the Tower Bridge will also feature prominently in a tour conducted by a yeoman. Other highlights include interactive exhibits and other relics from the tower's armour division.
As the venue where the Greenwich Mean Time is allotted Maritime Greenwich is a truly unique attraction in London. Contained within a stunning Baroque style structure which include St.Peter's Chapel and St. Paul's Chapel as well as the Painted Hall's twin domes the towering observatory of Maritime Greenwich is located next to the Thames.
As the home of the British Parliament the Palace of Westminster also houses the most expansive spanning medieval roof in all of Britain. Other hotspots within the palatial structure include the Queen's Robing Room while the Royal Gallery in the Palace of Westminster has hosted the likes of Bill Gates, Michelle Obama and Michael Jackson. Visitors based in a London luxury hotel such as the Metropolitan by COMO, London will be within close range of the palace and other heritage attractions.
