The residence of the Queen of England, Buckingham Palace originally served as a country house for the Duke of Buckingham. Today it houses UK government administration offices and is the site of official events and receptions hosted by the Queen. The palace contains more than 700 rooms. State rooms, used to host guests, are extravagantly decorated with treasures from the Royal Collection, famous works of art, and fine English and French furniture. One of the most popular things to do at the palace is to witness the Changing of the Guard, a 30-minute ceremony where a new guard exchanges duty with the old guard. The trade-off is done as a Guards band plays traditional marching songs or even popular music. Visitors won't want to miss a walk through the palace garden, which is located behind the building. According to the Daily Mail, the garden is home to oak trees planted to commemorate the birth of each of the Queen's children; a rose garden and more than 25 varieties of mulberries. Guided tours of the palace are available.
One of the city's most popular attractions, the London Eye observation wheel, similar to a Ferris wheel, gives visitors a view of the historic city from more than 400 feet off the ground. Made from more than 1,700 tons of steel, the wheel is located on the South Bank of the Thames River and opened in 2000 as part of London's millennium festivities. According to its website, the London Eye hosts more than 3 million visitors annually. Since its opening, the wheel has won more than 70 honors for tourism, architecture and engineering success. On a clear day, guests can see for more than 40 miles, and view such landmarks as Buckingham Palace and St. Paul's Cathedral from a unique perspective. An entire revolution of the wheel takes a half hour.
The Tower of London, located along the Thames River, dates to 1066, when it was established by William the Conqueror. The tower once was a royal palace, but it's most noted for serving as a prison and for hosting public executions. Sir Walter Raleigh was held prisoner here, and two of Henry VIII's wives were beheaded on the site. The fortress is also home to the Crown Jewels. The Tower of London comprises several building, including the White Tower, which stands 90 feet tall and houses weapons and armory. The tower is open year round.
One would need weeks, possibly months, to see all the objects housed at the British Museum on Great Russell Street. The museum, which dates to the 1750s, contains seven million artifacts representing human culture. Its famous items include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, Samurai armor and the mummy of Katebet. The museum continues to expand: Four permanent galleries opened in 2008 and 2009: Chinese ceramics, clocks and watches, Europe AD 1050-1540, and the Tomb-chapel of Nebamun: Ancient Egyptian life and death. The museum is open daily and admission is free. Tours are available.
A well-known landmark, Westminster Abbey is more than 700 years old, and is still an active church. In the 13th century, Henry III decided to have the building rebuilt in its current Gothic style. The abbey hosts such ceremonies as royal weddings, coronations and funeral services. Within it are the tombs of many English monarchs, including Edward the Confessor and Queen Elizabeth I. The abbey's Poet's Corner houses the tombs and memorials of English literary figures, including Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare. Guided tours and audio tours are available.
