The area of Westminster in London is jam-packed with some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. The River Thames, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament can all be found in this part of London and, what’s more, there are lots of other tourist attractions to keep you busy when visiting this area of the capital.
The London Eye is located on the south bank of the River Thames and stands an impressive 135 meters high. This is the world’s biggest observation wheel with 32 capsules that hold up to 25 people each. On a clear day from the very top, it is possible to see views of anything up to 25 miles in every direction. You can spot lots of famous London landmarks from the top and during your ascent, including Big Ben, Windsor Castle, and St Paul’s Cathedral to name just a few.
The London Aquarium is another excellent destination for tourists in the Westminster area. There are up to 3000 different types of marine life here including huge rays and even sharks, with shark feeding time being a popular part of the daily schedule. The aquarium sprawls over 3 floors and daily talks about marine life are given throughout the day.
Originally part of St Thomas’ Hospital, the Florence Nightingale Museum is a treasure trove of unique artifacts relating to the famous Lady of the Lamp. Here you will find fascinating items such as Athena, her pet owl that was stuffed by a taxidermist after it died, the medical chest she took with her to Turkey, and of course the famous Turkish Lantern she carried when doing her rounds during the Crimean War.
The historical landmark, Westminster Abbey has been the location since 1066 for every coronation in England. The building that you see today was completed sometime after 1245 and draws on a few architectural styles. The Abbey’s ornate organ is particularly notable and has been there since 1937. The nave is famous for being the final resting place of some well-known names. The Poet’s Corner holds the graves of Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and Rudyard Kipling and the graves of scientist Sir Isaac Newton and naturalist Charles Darwin.
One of London’s best-loved art galleries can also be found in Westminster – The Tate Britain. The museum opened in 1897 and is home to iconic works of art by British artists such as Blake, Turner, Francis Bacon, and David Hockney. A program of regular exhibitions at the Tate Britain means there is always something new to discover here.
If you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle of London’s busy streets then St James Park is a good place for a bit of tranquility. The park has a café and a children’s play area, peaceful gardens, and the lake is home to birds including pelicans, black swans, and geese.
