London, the capital and largest city of England, stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a 50-mile estuary down to the North Sea and has been a significant settlement for two millennia. This city is known for its vibrant, and genuinely multicultural megalopolis of people. Tourists can explore around 170 museums, many iconic buildings and palaces, and royal parks. Moreover, you can even indulge in award-winning cuisines in Chinatown, Brick Lane, and Little Venice or appreciate world-renowned cultural venues like the Natural History Museum.
Explore top attractions, world-class museums, and much more in vibrant London. You'll never run out of things to do in London. But some of our favorite London things are here for your next cruise stop.
Buckingham Palace is the royal residence and the administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom, located in central London. It is situated within the borough of Westminster. During summer time and on selected dates from November to December, tourists can tour the 19 staterooms, which form the heart of the palace. Within the palace, there are the Royal Mews and a Queen's Gallery that exhibits works from the royal art collection, including Faberge eggs and drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. Both the venues are open for most of the year, including when the palace is closed.
Tower Bridge is an iconic landmark that houses an exhibition in its Victorian engine rooms and a high-level glass walkway for views of London. It is named after the Tower of London, located on one side of the Bridge. The Tower of London also influenced the final design. Tower Bridge was built in 1894 and is one of the world's most delicate and most recognizable Bridges. It stood over the River Thames and is the only Bridge that can be raised to permit large vessels to pass. It used to lift over 50 times a day, but nowadays it is only raised 4 to 5 times a week.
In old age, Traitors Gate was an entrance through which many prisoners of the Tudors arrived at the Tower of London. It was initially called Water Gate. It was built to provide a water gate entrance to the St. Thomas's Tower by water.
This place is a London church that is the site of coronations and other ceremonies of national significance. It stands just west of the Houses of Parliament in the Greater London borough of Westminster. It is a world heritage site with over a thousand years of history. It was built in Gothic style and has vaulted ceilings, pointed arches, and stone carvings decorating the abbey. In this building, you will find monuments, statues, gravestones, and floor slabs bearing the names of the dead. Despite its great age, it is still part of British religious life. Moreover, people also host concerts and lecturers and offer exceptional services throughout the year.
Windsor Castle is less than 25 miles away from Central London. This castle is the royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It was home to British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. It is also the most significant and oldest-occupied castle globally and is open for visitors year-round. When you visit the Windsor Castle, don't forget to visit the Queen Mary's Doll's House – the largest dollhouse in the world and St. George's Chapel, where many royal occasions take place.
The best time to visit London is March through May, when the temperature is mild, and the city's parks are green and blooming. Another good time is during fall, from mid-September to November. If you want to avoid overcrowding, the Shoulder season of late winter/early spring is the best time to visit. If you're traveling from October to December, be ready to experience the rainy season and the wet weather.
