London is one of the most renowned cities in the world and its fame encompasses multiple points, including West End musicals, shopping and fine dining. The capital is far more than modern luxuries, though, and is steeped in a rich and varied history that locals and tourists alike can marvel over and enjoy to this day.
One thing London is not known for, however, is cheap prices, and aside from the free museums and galleries, most points of attraction will cost. That’s where London Pass comes in: a sightseeing card that offers free entry to over 55 of London’s top attractions and huge savings on others, while jumping the queue at many of them. As if that isn’t enough, the pass also gives purchasers discounts at a wide array of shops and restaurants. With this gem in your pocket you have no reason not to explore the various London attractions dotted around the city.
The first stop on any tourist’s itinerary should be Windsor Castle, which is the largest occupied castle to be found anywhere on Earth. As if that wasn’t interesting enough, it also happens to be the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II, not Buckingham Palace as many assume.
Within the 13-acre grounds you can find outstanding apartments, complete with Royal Collection items, and St George’s Chapel; resting place of 10 monarchs and one of the most outstanding pieces of architecture to be found in England. If you do manage to make it to Windsor Castle, try to go at the time of the changing of the guard; this small event does not cut any corners and it remains one of the most exciting, interesting and unforgettable experiences for anyone, and it is especially alluring for tourists who have not seen the splendour of a royal family before. It is important to bear in mind however that the castle is still a working royal palace, and as such the opening hours can change at short notice; so always ensure you check before turning up.
For something a little different, take the Tube to London Bridge, where you can walk over the famous landmark and across to the Tower of London, which open seven days a week. The Tower needs no introduction, but it does really need to be explored. If you want to learn as much as possible on the trip then you can have a guided tour by a Yeoman Warder, who will inform you of all the grisly stories that took place within the tower walls, or you can wander around at your own pace and soak up the information from the historical and interactive displays.
The White Tower is worth a visit and at present it is housing Power House, an exhibition showcasing the national institutions that were founded at the Tower of London. For monarchy buffs, there is 500 years’ worth of royal armour on display, which shows the different physical size of England’s previous kings, and admission to this section is included in the ticket price.
Aside from the White Tower, Bloody Tower, ravens, Yeoman Warders and exhibitions about captive animals and prisoners, there is one exhibition that truly stands out at the Tower of London: the Crown Jewels. Without doubt, this is one of the most impressive displays to be found in the world, and where else could you see 23,578 gems in one place? Among them are the world’s most famous diamonds and the Imperial State Crown, which boasts a staggering 2,868 diamonds, along with 273 pearls, 11 emeralds, 17 sapphires and five rubies, making it a true sight to behold.
London is definitely not just a modern wonder; inside its city limits is a rich and varied history that can still be lived today. No matter how long your visit to the English capital, make sure you visit at least one attraction; you owe it to yourself.