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 Most famous clock in the world |
Parliament Square London SW1A 2NE United Kingdom http://www.whitechapelbellfoun... |
"Big Ben" is the name of the clock inside the famous tower that also forms part of the Houses of Parliament. Its impressive mechanism weighs in at over 13.5 tons, and the pendulum, which beats once every two seconds, is 13 feet long and weighs 690 pounds. The clock was named "Big Ben" after the First Commissioner of Works, and since 1885 a light above it has been lit while the House of Commons is in session. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lior Schejter |
 Photo: emphasis |
 Photo: Sam Javanrouh  |
 Photo: taichi_UK |
 Photo: Elisabeth Howson |
 Photo: Mark Menzies |
 Photo: Jason Steelman |
 Photo: Véronique Aunis-Vial |
 Photo: Gary A. Klein |
 Photo: Steve G |
 Photo: Sophia Huda |
 Photo: DeViajes |
 Photo: Tim Collins |
 Photo: Chris Carlson |
 Photo: alyandkris |
 Photo: jennemmer |
 Photo: philgthompson |
 Photo: Donatella Crucitti |
 Photo: Andrew Conn |
 30,000 Runners Take To The London Streets |
Starts on Blackheath, Greenwich Park Finishes on the Mall, Central London London, London SE3 United Kingdom +44 20 7902 0200 http://www.london-marathon.co.uk/ |
The London Marathon's reputation as world leader in big city marathons has grown immeasurably since the first event in 1981. Each year, an estimated 30,000 runners invade the streets of London to participate in this increasingly popular event, which is sponsored by margarine company Flora. Participants are of mixed ability and age (up to age 89), ranging from the world's elite athletes to those simply running for a personal challenge, and even celebrities raising money for charity. Entries for the Marathon open the August before the event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chrys Campos |
 Photo: Action Medical Research |
 Photo: orpingtonroadrunners |
 Photo: Tracey Scarlett |
 Photo: Michael Winning |
 Photo: Daniella R-Glenn |
 Photo: Chris Ransome |
 Art on the South Bank |
Belvedere Road (South Bank, Concert Hall Avenue) London, London SE1 8XZ United Kingdom +44 20 7960 4242 http://www.hayward-gallery.org.uk |
Opened in 1968, the Hayward Gallery is housed in a rather grim concrete building - an architectural style that could be described as brutal. Despite outward appearances, the Hayward boasts one of the largest and most versatile temporary art exhibition spaces in Britain and is also responsible for the Arts Council collection. Educational activities, including tours, lectures and workshops are available to accompany each of the exhibitions. A gift shop and the Hayward Cafe are on site. Admission adults GBP78 and child is GBP5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marius Watz |
 Photo: Neil Blazey |
 Photo: Mark Barkaway |
 Photo: myrtlemount |
 Photo: Jon Cartwright |
 Photo: John Shoesmith |
 Photo: Matt Hart, London |
 Photo: JONTY WILDE |
 Photo: Andreas Engström |
 Photo: Robin Jaffray |
 Photo: Simon Heys |
 Photo: sacrary |
 Photo: Z.Patwa aka Zolabud |
 Photo: EmilySue |
 Photo: tom carrington |
 Photo: Darren Richards |
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Seat of Power |
Parliament Street London SW1A 2AN United Kingdom +44 20 7219 4272 http://www.parliament.uk |
For over 900 years this impressive assemblage of Gothic buildings has been the home of British government. The building covers an area of eight acres and consists of 1100 rooms, 100 staircases and 11 courtyards. The House of Lords occupies the southern end of the building while the House of Commons occupies the area to the north. The best view of this massive expanse can be seen from nearby Parliament Square. Within the Houses of Parliament there is Westminster Hall, the Crypt Church, Members' Lobbies, the Commons Library and the Peers Library. The tower containing Big Ben looms just outside. To attend PMQ (Prime Minister's Question Time) in the House of Commons, UK citizens need to contact their local MP in advance. Otherwise, there is a queue at St Stephen's entrance. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: juliebee |
 Photo: Robin Riley |
 Photo: Clarissa |
 Photo: Gareth Potter |
 Photo: Aristide Guidotti |
 Photo: Dave Bushe |
 Photo: Jamie |
 Photo: yellowscientist |
 Photo: andrew wales |
 Photo: Lasse Havelund |
 Photo: hddod |
 Photo: Craig Richardson |
 Photo: Cornelius |
 Photo: M Langford Photography |
 Photo: Daniel Pettinger |
 Photo: Bright Meadow |
 Photo: Linda O'Keefe |
 Photo: Jack Sheehan |
 Photo: Steve Leather |
 Photo: joorgebs |
 Photo: Christian Meermann |
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Underwater Wonders |
Westminster Bridge Road Westminster Bridge Road London, London SE1 7PB United Kingdom +44 20 7967 8000 http://www.londonaquarium.co.uk info@londonaquarium.co.uk |
This ultra-modern aquarium is one of the largest in Europe, containing over one million litres of water. Three hundred and fifty species are displayed within the three large tanks - everything from brown sharks, sand tigers and piranhas to jellyfish and tropical fish that swim right before your eyes. A "touch pool", otherwise known as the Beach Pier, allows for the assisted handling of starfish, hermit crabs and friendly rays. But the main attraction is the Atlantic Tank, where you can view divers, protected from sharks and other scary creatures, during feeding times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gina Cheng |
 Photo: Mark Skeet |
 Photo: Emma Line |
 Photo: Chan, Yuen Ching |
 Photo: Noodlefish |
 Photo: sql_hacker_steve |
 Photo: Gina Cheng |
 Photo: Tammy Loh |
 Photo: Ian Haskins |
 Photo: N P Lima |
 Photo: Jamie Gladden |
 Photo: Plamen Stoev |
 Photo: Joe Bassi |
 Photo: sheila fitzgerald |
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21st Century Landmark |
Westminster Bridge Road (Riverside Building County Hall) London SE1 9TA United Kingdom +44 870 500 0600 http://www.londoneye.com customer.services@ba-londoneye.com |
Known as both the London Eye and the Millennium Wheel, this huge 450-foot ferris wheel on the South Bank gives a fabulous bird's eye view of London, if your stomach is strong enough. Its inception in the beginning of 2000 honoured the Millenium; and the spectacular views stretch for 25 miles on a clear day to include views of Windsor and Tunbridge Wells. Up to 25 people can fit in each of the wheel's "capsules." The wheel turns surprisingly slowly-it takes thirty minutes to go round, so there's plenty of time to spot landmarks and take photos. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrey Smirnov |
 Photo: Lane Schneier |
 Photo: seb agudelo |
 Photo: Michael James |
 Photo: Daska |
 Photo: Megan Walton |
 Photo: wxvivian |
 Photo: martin allen |
 Photo: Chris Walsh |
 Photo: Iain Buchanan |
 Photo: Ndjana |
 Photo: Jules Marshall |
 Photo: Dongyi Liu |
 Photo: Sofia Gkiousou |
 Photo: Chris Hudson |
 Photo: Clare Hatfield |
 Photo: Sean Hawkey |
 Photo: Winston Lee |
 Photo: mark |
 Photo: Jeff Barr |
 Photo: Tom Thorpe |
 Photo: schwana |
 Photo: Eolo Parusel |
 Cinephiles unite |
Belvedere Road Southbank, Waterloo London, London SE1 8XT United Kingdom +44 20 7928 3535 http://www.bfi.org.uk |
The NFT is a large complex that houses cinema screens, a museum, cafes and a shop. Although people often think that this cinema screens only arty, foreign and indie films, the repertoire can really only be described as comprehensive. Each month introduces themes focusing on specific actors, directors or writers, second-run films, classics, children's films and desert-island films - the last of which is chosen by NFT members for a birthday or other occasion. This is a wonderful theatre with loads of surprises every month. Become an NFT member and receive a free monthly program, discounts and special offers (annual membership costs £15.95, £11 for concessions). The NFT is also the host for numerous film festivals, including the London Film Festival and the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pierre VAL |
 Photo: ho-ling |
 Photo: page94 |
 Photo: Paul Fillingham |
 Photo: Ian |
 Photo: Mel Grocock |
 Photo: Maartje De Meulder |
 Photo: Eugenio G. Scalise |
 Photo: Zing Tsjeng |
 Photo: famapa |
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Art treasures overlooked by Newson |
Pall Mall East (Trafalgar Square) London WC2N 5DN United Kingdom +44 20 7747 2885 http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk |
This magnificent Georgian edifice, on the northern side of Trafalgar Square, houses a massive collection of Western European art. Works such as Master Leonardo Da Vinci can be found in the Sainsbury Gallery, alongside Botticelli and Bellini. Titian, Michaelangelo and Raphael can be found in the West Wing. In the North Wing, Rubens, Rembrandt and Caravaggio are located, and Seurat, Canaletto, Degas and Monet are in the East Wing. A portable CD guide is available in six different languages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: explode |
 Photo: chakchouka |
 Photo: myorange Taipei |
 Photo: Jason |
 Photo: kjemem |
 Photo: Daniel Baxter |
 Photo: Brent Solem |
 Photo: prpl_kitten |
 Photo: abovethegalaxy |
 Photo: Snörf |
 Photo: Sergio Zazo |
 Photo: scoobygirl |
 Photo: Thejas |
 Photo: Manuel |
 Photo: Tom Farmer |
 Photo: Peter.K.Lloyd |
 Photo: Rob Walpole |
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Portraits of the famous |
Saint Martin's Place (Trafalgar Square) London, London WC2H 0HE United Kingdom +44 20 7306 0055 http://www.npg.org.uk |
The National Portrait Gallery houses portraits of movers and shakers in British history from the Tudors to the present day making it a must for lovers of art. Founded in 1856, the collection on display is amongst the most comprehensive in the world and no restrictions are placed on the mediums used. As well as the traditional oil paintings and watercolours there are drawings, miniatures, sculptures, silhouettes, caricatures and photographs. The subjects on show range from Oliver Cromwell to Jarvis Cocker. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Max Warren |
 Photo: PinkQuokka |
 Photo: jonanamary |
 Photo: Max Warren |
 Photo: Caroline O'Reilly |
 Photo: Martin Lissmyr |
 Photo: Robert Curtis |
 Photo: luchoprieto |
 Photo: augfw |
 Photo: Rosa Gutiérrez |
 Part of the revered National Theatre |
South Bank London, London SE1 9PX United Kingdom +44 20 7452 3000 / +44 20 7452 3400 http://www.nationaltheatre.org... info@nationaltheatre.org.uk |
The National Theatre Cottesloe is part of the South Bank Centre, home to several cultural venues showcasing the best in theatre, music, film and art. The Cottesloe holds around 300 people, but capacity can vary depending on the production. The seats in the Cottesloe are portable, so seating arrangements will always be specially designed for a specific production, but this does sacrifice some comfort. The National Theatre has dining facilities with two restaurants, buffet bars and espresso bars. The Royal National Theatre's three theatres - see listings for the Lyttelton and the Olivier - put on a variety of shows ranging from classics to musicals, but the emphasis is put on quality. This is arguably London's most respected theatre venue, although tourists tend to stick to the flashier West End. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nick Houfek |
 Photo: jfjnyc |
 Photo: Holowlegs |
 Photo: Harriet Green |
 Photo: krystina stimakovits |
 Photo: Anu Laitila |
 Photo: Pamela Hutchinson |
 Photo: Grace Christy |
 Photo: Jeroen Dommisse (NL) |
 Photo: Daniel Mudford |
 Photo: I Knit London |
 Photo: Iain Gilfillan |
 Photo: Kathryn Corrick |
 Photo: martinm |
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High-quality productions |
South Bank Waterloo London, London SE1 9PX United Kingdom +44 20 7452 3000 / +44 20 7452 3400 http://www.nationaltheatre.org... info@nationaltheatre.org.uk |
The National Theatre Lyttelton is part of the Royal National Theatre based in the South Bank centre, a cultural centre showcasing the best in theatre, music, film and art. The building holds approximately 900 seats, depending on the size of the production and also has seats reserved for wheelchairs. The Lyttelton puts on a range of productions, with the emphasis on quality works so it's a good place to visit if you want to see something a little different to the West End musical hits. The RNTs other two theatres are the Cottesloe and the Olivier. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rashed Seoud |
 Photo: Liam Helm |
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Large contemporary theatre |
South Bank Waterloo London, London SE1 9PX United Kingdom +44 20 7452 3000 / +44 20 7452 3400 http://www.nationaltheatre.org... info@nationaltheatre.org.uk |
The National Theatre Olivier is the largest of the three theatres in the Royal National Theatre, based at the South Bank centre - a cultural centre showcasing the best in music, theatre, film and art. The theatre holds around 1,150 people, depending on the production, and was named after actor Laurence Olivier. The fan-shaped layout of the seating is reminiscent of that in the Barbican's theatre, and ensures that you'll have a good view of the stage wherever you're seated. The building has dining facilities, which are shared between the three theatres. These include two restaurants, three buffet bars and espresso bars. A range of productions are staged, with emphasis on high-quality and high-brow performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nick Fraser |
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The Prime Minister's official residence |
10 Downing Street Whitehall London, London SW1A 2AA United Kingdom http://www.number-10.gov.uk |
Ever since Sir Robert Walpole took up residence here in 1721, this rather ordinary, dark brick townhouse has been the official residence for Britain's prime ministers. Behind the world-famous front entrance, with its black door guarded vigilantly by a good old British "bobby," lies a network of formal rooms, offices, private apartments, kitchens and cellars. While access to the general public is strictly forbidden, several hundred school children, selected by visiting MP's, are permitted to visit each year. Not bad, considering the residents of this house don't even have their own key. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Cheng |
 Photo: Dan Dempsey |
 Photo: Lindsey Walsh |
 Photo: Dan Empsey |
 Photo: Jordan Wall |
 Photo: Noble Marshall |
 Photo: Rhiannon Worgess-Carveth |
 Photo: Juan Pellicer |
 Photo: Chris Graham |
 Photo: Whitney R. Sides |
 Photo: Amit Narwekar |
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Multi-arts venue on the South Bank |
Belvedere Road South Bank Centre London, London SE1 8XX United Kingdom +44 (0)870 380 4300 http://www.rfh.org.uk/ |
The Royal Festival Hall is part of the South Bank Centre, and puts on an array of musical and dance performances of all styles and a lot of pop concerts are held here. From June to August there is a series of summer events always worth checking out, and an orchestral season runs from September to June. Each November sees the London Jazz Festival. The large hall holds around 3,000 people, but this can vary depending on the size of the performance. There are dining facilities that range from smaller cafes and snack bars to renowned eatery The People's Palace. Aside from the concerts themselves, the Royal Festival Hall often has several small photographic or contemporary art exhibitions on the go. They're often unpublicized, but if you happen to be on the South Bank, it's worth popping in to the hall to see if anything interesting is on show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Simon Rigglesworth |
 Photo: Olivier Bruchez |
 Photo: Andrew Drake |
 Photo: Cesar Aponte |
 Photo: Megan Barrow |
 Photo: Andy McCulloch |
 Photo: Jim |
 Photo: Olga Schlyter |
 Photo: Jonathan Godsell |
 Photo: Ben D Gedig |
 Photo: Michael Chik |
 Photo: Kyrill Poole |
 Photo: Jason Lennick |
 Photo: coffeepot |
 Photo: Yuanyuan Zhang |
 Photo: www.bruciebonus.com |
 Photo: M. Lucking |
 Photo: G Mair |
 Photo: Phil McElhinney |
 Photo: Pete Warner |
 Photo: sarah r beck |
 Photo: Ben Gallivan |
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Three auditoria |
South Bank Centre Waterloo London, London SE1 9QA United Kingdom +44 20 7452 3000 http://www.nationaltheatre.org... |
One of Britain's most important theatres, the Royal National Theatre is made up of three auditoria: the Olivier, the Lyttelton and the Cottesloe. Many a cutting-edge play has been performed alongside classics like Shakespeare, Ibsen, Gorky and Chekov and more modern playwrights are often in the repertoire. It forms part of the South Bank Centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anyhoo |
 Photo: rich watts |
 Photo: rich watts |
 Photo: Jacob |
 Photo: golfgal1994 |
 Photo: Mauricio Giannini |
 Photo: Saul Valverde |
 Photo: Lara Lori |
 |
London United Kingdom |
Watch Shakespearean actors pace the boards at the marvellous reconstructed Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Billy Abbott |
 Photo: dan taylor |
 Photo: David Thair |
 Photo: Andrew Warran |
 Photo: lewishamdreamer |
 Photo: Sarah |
 Photo: jim crossley |
 Photo: malias |
 Photo: Tom |
 Church in the Heart of the West End |
Trafalgar Square London WC2N 4JJ United Kingdom +44 20 7766 1100 http://www.stmartin-in-the-fie... info@smitf.org |
One of London's many noteworthy churches, you'll no doubt stumble across St Martin-in-the-Fields when you visit the neighbouring National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. Along with having Buckingham Palace in its parish, this church holds many events, such as the free lunchtime concerts on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:05p. The ever-popular crypt contains the lovely Cafe-in-the-Crypt as well as the London Brass Rubbing Centre. Although St Martin-in-the-Fields is located right on the busy Trafalgar Square, it is one of the best places in the city to go for a little peace and quiet. Designed in 1726 by James Gibbs, the church is also home to some of the most beautiful woodwork and Italian plasterwork in all of London. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Wilson |
 Photo: Richard White |
 Photo: Orest Kinasevych |
 Photo: Anthony M. |
 Photo: Ya-Bing Chu |
 Photo: Frank Da Silva |
 Photo: Gonzalo San Martin |
 Photo: alex de jong |
 Photo: Joshua Albers |
 Photo: Stacy L. Smith |
 Photo: Justin Victor |
 Photo: Ryan F |
 Photo: Thomas Reijonen |
 Photo: Christine Seebach |
 Photo: Lisa Day |
 Photo: Minna Gurney |
 Photo: Wayne Harrison |
 Photo: Kate M. Saldanha |
 Photo: simpat28 |
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Home of Nelson's Column |
Trafalgar Square London, London United Kingdom http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor... |
Trafalgar Square was built following the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The man responsible for this famous naval victory, which finally destroyed French naval power and secured Britain from invasion, was Admiral Horatio Nelson. A column, with an 18ft statue of Nelson at the summit is the centrepiece of the Square. At the base of the column are the renowned Landseer lions. Renovations in 2003 removed traffic lanes to make room for a sizable staircase, connecting the National Portrait Gallery to the square. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery border one side of the Square, and it's a good place to sit and soak up the atmosphere on a sunny day. The Square is also famous for the large number of pigeons that congregate there. It's one of the main places that visitors come to take pictures. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Hepburn |
 Photo: Karen Pritchett |
 Photo: Luke Seemann |
 Photo: genvessel |
 Photo: Sarah |
 Photo: Ian Littlewood |
 Photo: Mike Pollack |
 Photo: Aaron |
 Photo: Isaac Sánchez Fàbrega |
 Photo: Peter Hinchley |
 Photo: grimsb |
 Photo: Ian Howells |
 Photo: Bahi Para |
 Photo: Josiane |
 Photo: Cindy Khoo |
 Photo: Nadine Spizzirri-Phillips |
 Photo: Tony Nunn |
 Photo: Shahbaz Majeed |
 Photo: www.erase.co.uk |
 Photo: Spencer Jarvis |
 Britain's national shrine |
20 Dean's Yard The Chapter Office London, London SW1P 3PA United Kingdom +44 20 7222 5152 http://www.westminster-abbey.org/ info@westminster-abbey.org |
Westminster Abbey is regarded as a Medieval architectural masterpiece. It has been the venue for most of the country's coronations since 1066 and for numerous other Royal occasions. At present, it is still a church dedicated to regular worship and to the celebration of great events in the British nation. Admission: Adults £10, concessions £7, children under 11 are admitted free of charge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy |
 Photo: Pankaj Bansal |
 Photo: Tiago Pereira |
 Photo: Kendrick Arnett |
 Photo: Tim |
 Photo: Jochen Bihn |
 Photo: Shannon & Geoff |
 Photo: Atul Sabnis |
 Photo: Gerry Cole |
 Photo: Lacey Diane Krause |
 Photo: Ben Noz Urbina |
 Photo: Red Kit |
 Photo: Faith Drazga |
 Photo: Rick Zajac |
 Photo: Peter Mattera |
 Photo: ves_heill (Lindsay Stadler) |
 Photo: Gerald Yuen |
 Photo: Matthew Blank |
 Photo: Adam Berey |
 Photo: Sarah Sung |
 Photo: havnap |
 Photo: Terry |