London is a charming destination, granted. But it’s also a very old city rich in history, architecture, immense natural beauty, and many modern attractions. You can spend weeks exploring London and there’ll still be more to see and enjoy. Begin with the city’s rich and sometimes bloody history, and move on to its creepier attractions like Madame Tussauds, and then fun stuff like cruising the Thames and the London Eye.
London’s Transport Museum
200 years ago, people used to travel mostly on horse-ridden buggies, carts and carriages. The Transport Museum chronicles London’s journey through the past two centuries, in detail. There 500,000 vehicular artefacts, and also examples of future transport technologies. Take note of the only surviving steam engine from the 1860s, an Underground pocket map, and a double deck electric tram
The View from the Shard
Take in the breathtaking view of London, for 40 miles (25km) all the way, 360 degrees. The Shard is one of the tallest buildings in Europe, at over 1,000ft (300 meters) tall. Situated on the London Bridge, the Shard has viewing platforms on level 68 and 69 plus a Skydeck on level 72. You can see the whole of the twisting Thames, the Tower Bridge and so much more from there.
Shrek’s Adventure
Want some fun time after all the history and the views? Head to Shrek’s Adventure at County Hall, which is a delightfully animated world of Shrek, built by DreamWorks Animation and Merlin entertainment. Become a part of Shrek’s hilarious world, with 10 truly funny live shows, Shrek film sets, storytelling, an incredible 4D ride, tech special effects and DreamWorks animation that’ll blow your mind.
Madame Tussauds
Name any famous star or achiever’s name and you’ll find their very life-like wax figure at Madame Tussauds. Dwayne Johnson from The Rock? Check. Tom Cruise? Check. Benedict Cumberbatch, Kate Winslet, Indira Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, and Aishwarya Rai – they’ll all stare at you, unbelievably life-like, side by side with sports stars like Usain Bolt and David Beckham. All the members of the royal family are also rendered in wax, to give you an once-in-a-lifetime audience with them.
The London Dungeon
You’ll step into bloody London’s history in the London Dungeon, watching scary scenes recreated from the past. As you go down in the medieval lift into the dungeons’ depths, you’ll come across Fleet Street barber Sweeney Todd and be almost beheaded by him. Apart from the very believable scares, there are live shows, interactive special effects, many shows and rides. Then there’s Jack the Ripper, the torture chamber where thousands were killed, and so much more.
Epping Forest
The Epping Forest is a combination of grassland and wetland, and an extensive forest. Under Special Conservation, this area contains many rare insects and plants. It’s an ancient forest, since it’s been around for thousands of years. You can enjoy what a real old-time forest was like, before all the urbanization began.
Windsor Castle
The beautiful town of Windsor is old and picturesque. The streets are beautifully cobbled, and the castle with its St George’s Chapel, stunning artwork, State Rooms and more is simply enchanting. Windsor Town also contains the famous Eton College, the Holy Trinity Church and the Theatre Royal. The best way to see all of Windsor Town is boat along the Thames or take a hop-on hop-off bus tour, worth that UK Visa!
The Dare Skywalk
The Dare Skywalk is an open skywalk from where you can enjoy sweeping views of London. It’s located right on top of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. You’ll have to climb up, scaling the stadium, all the way to the weather cock on top, the famous golden cockerel. The glass walkway with its viewing platform are over 150 feet above the stadium pitch. You’ll have to lock into safety belts that allow you to step close to the edge but not beyond.
British Museum
The best place in the world to explore human history, world culture and art, right from prehistoric times to modern times. This museum has been around since 1753, and contains the history of over two million years of human history. Feast your eyes on objects such as Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, famous Parthenon sculptures and hundreds of other objects that’ll keep you enchanted.
Conclusion
London’s countryside is simply magnificent. You’ll find many Bed & Breakfasts all over the countryside plus plenty of farmhouses that’ll be willing to put you up. Make a list of all the museums and galleries at London, such as the Serpentine Galleries, and enjoy a look at world history that you’ll never get anywhere else.
