One of the most remarkable parts of the complex and unmistakable emblem of all London is Tower “St. Stephen” or the Clock Tower. It is part of the architectural complex of the Palace of Westminster. The impressive architecture quickly earned its reputation as one of the most popular symbols of Britain.

Big Ben is actually the name of the bell, which is located in the tower. It is also considered the largest bell, which is inserted into a clockwork.

Quite often we can see Big Ben as a key player in many tourist brochures, ads, in movies, etc. The name comes from the name of its creator – Sir Benjamin Hall. Benjamin himself was very tall man, and since the tower was never been named, by the time it began to be called Big Ben.

Buckingham House officially has become royal palace with the assumption to power of Queen Victoria in 1873. Its most recent expansion is in the late 19th, early 20th century. It includes the eastern wing of the well-known balcony from which the royal families welcome people from outside.

During World War II, the chapel of the palace was destroyed by German bombs. In its place was built the Royal Gallery, which opened its doors to visitors in 1962.

Buckingham Palace is situated in a huge green park, within which there are lakes, wild birds, squirrels and lots of people. A straight boulevard leads to the palace crossing the park, and at every 50 meters on both sides are placed flags of Great Britain.

The palace is situated in the most attractive part of London – Westminster. The most famous landmarks are there – the House of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square (considered to be the center of London), St. James Park.

There are 188 rooms and 78 bathrooms, 52 bedrooms, 19 reception rooms in the palace. At the time of King George IV the palace did not have large room for entertainment. But Queen Victoria corrected this and in the period 1853-1855 built the largest room for those days in London. The ballroom is 41 meters long, 20 meters wide and 15 meters height. It still remains the largest room in the palace. Opened in 1856 with a ball in honor of the end of the Crimean War. The garden of the palace is situated on 16 acres. In the spring there are beautiful yellow daffodils blooming.

Years ago the entry into Buckingham Palace was absolutely forbidden. Now it is open to visitors from August to early October. Furthermore the queen gives admission once a year. No confirmation is waited from the invited because it is believed invitations from the Queen can not be denied.

The most interesting for young visitors are the guards guarding the entrance of the residency. The rumors say that they never smile. But besides the change of the guards in front of Buckingham Palace it is necessary to take a look at flag over it. If there is a flag of Great Britain, then the queen is gone. But if she’s there, over the building, her personal flag is waving.

In addition the official residence of the British Queen , the Buckingham Palace is an administrative building of the monarchy. Besides Elizabeth II and Prince Philip the building is inhabited by their entouragethat serve the members of the royal family.

In Buckingham are greeted other royal personages who come on official visits to Britain. Buckingham is furnished with masterpieces from the unique collection of the British royal family.

The Royal Collection includes exceptional works of art, including thousands of drawings, 9,000 paintings, watercolors and prints, enamels and miniatures, furniture, as well as thousands of books, glass, sculpture, arms and armor, porcelain, textiles, gold, jewelry (including the world famous Diamonds of the crown), silver. There are masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, Pusen, Canaletto, Vermeer.

The first thing that makes a good impression is that at the entrance there are people who are extremely polite. Their job is to direct visitors and answer their questions. The entrance fee may seem high for some – 18 pounds for adults, but there are discounts – if you are two, you can get a single ticket for the same price.

The London Zoo is one of the best attractions in the UK and is the oldest in the world scientific zoo. It opened on April 27, 1828 and in 1847 became a public attraction. It can be found in the heart of London in Regent’s Park and is managed by the Zoological Society of London. Today its the territory of 36 acres is home to more than 15,000 representatives of over 750 species.

The London Zoo hosts the first opened terrarium (1849) Aquarium (1859), insects room (1881) and children’s zoo. Its territory is divided into themed areas, including “Aquarium”. “Tropical Paradise”, “African Bird Safari,” “Butterflies’ paradise,” “Giants of the Galapagos” (turtles from the Galapagos Islands), African, Gorillas, snow playground and countless more small and large spots. Penguin colony exhibition is stunning, also.

In the Aquarium you will see many beautiful fish. In this section you will find lots of information for the species, which is worth reading. The Gorillas section is one that deserves to be seen. The gorillas are so friendly to visitors that surely will show how close they are to humans.

It would be great if you can visit the zoo, in some of the special day such as “Meet the Monkeys” day. You may have the chance to play with the monkeys, because in this day the cells are open and they can walk around.

The zoo is very well suited for people with disabilities.

There are many restaurants and cafes in the area, but the prices are inflated because of the large number of attractions around, and the influx of tourists.

Address: Outer Circle Regent’s Park London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
Website: http://www.zsl.org/london-zoo/
Phone: 020 3514 1778

Many monarchs are related to the Tower of London and one of the is William the Conqueror.
With so many important places in England it is believed that the Tower of London is the new hot spot. It is easily located, raises great curiosity and anybody may even slightly relax here enjoying the beautiful views of the River Thames.

Something else – where you will see palace, prison, old weapons and treasures of kings and queens in one place?

Very important people for the world history have spent time in prison here and then sentenced to death. For example, for the last time there was even sentences performed by the fanatic Hitler.

Take a walk and pictures with the local guards, which are quite attractive and competent. Prepare if you’re lucky to see one of the most valuable diamonds and jewelry in the world. It is possible someone of the exhibits not to be there or to be closed for security reasons. In Tower of London you can see the furniture and even the beds of the royals.

The palace is filled with many towers, the White Tower, the Tower of Jail and many others. Briefly, there are many things that you can see. Before entering read the important sights just to be sure not to miss something.

Pet cemetery

Pet cemetery grave

Just out from Lancaster gate tube station and inside High Park is this hidden example of eccentricity.

It is not opened to the public but you can take a peek through the railing. With over 300 little graves complete with miniature grave stones this is the final resting place for some of societies upper class dogs. Burials took place in the Victorian period and the cemetery was closed in 1915.

Erected on the south bank of the River Thames,  the Ferris wheel quickly became a popular attraction. It is considered one of the highest attraction in Europe and London. London Eye was built by British Airways, and today it is owned by the owners of the famous Madame Tussauds – Marilyn Entertainments.

London Eye was originally meant to work only five years. But later on it was decided to become a permanent attraction. From January 1, 2005 it became a tradition Londoners to meet the new year here, accompanied by a 10-minute fireworks.

London Eye will give you an outstanding panorama of the city of London. When you’re at the top position you’ll be able to see up to twenty-five miles! A complete tour of the wheel will continue around half-hour.

Close to the cathedral is the “Whispering gallery”. So be careful what you say, they can hear your quietest whisper, from the other end of the long gallery.