Finished in 1894, Tower Bridge is an lasting symbol of London. The world famous attraction has appeared in television documentaries, movies, and London canvas prints. While river traffic is much less than a 100 years ago the 2 bascules are even now parted for river traffic quite often. The London Bridge Experience gives a chance to get to the top of the towers, then observe the river from the glass sided walkways, approximately forty metres above the Thames, not to mention observing the vintage steam engines driving the mechanisms for lifting the bascules.
The bridge gives exceptional views across to Butlers Wharf, plus on the alternative bank the Tower of London and St Katherine's Dock. During the early nineteenth century the wharf would've been jam-packed with various vessels from all over the world, dropping off their goods. Today the dock is a prevalent visitor venue in it's own right along with retail outlets, and the parade of assorted barges in the dock.
The London Eye, at over four hundred feet high undoubtedly the world's greatest observation wheel. Giving great views of London, looking down on the nearby Houses of Parliament, across to Buckingham Palace and Canary Wharf in the East. On a especially cloudless day Windsor Castle - about 25 miles away - can even be seen. Despite the fact that it opened to the public a few years ago the Eye has already demonstrated itself to be a mainstream London traveller attraction.
The Houses Of Parliament is officially referred to as the Palace of Westminster. The first palace was burnt down in 1834, leaving only Westminster Hall and the Jewel tower remaining. Westminster Hall is a particularly first-rate example of a medieval hall, more than 70 metres long, and a remarkable wood beam ceiling, solely available to the public on escorted excursions. North of the palace is Westminster Abbey, constructed in the thirteenth century, burial place of Edward The Confessor. The abbey contains the tombs of almost all the leaders of England.
No review of London’s attractions could be concluded without Big Ben. The 320 foot high clock tower takes it's name from the historic bell, weighing in at over thirteen tons. It was forged in 1858 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in East London and it is one of the largest bells they have ever produced. At night a light within the clock tower shines over Big Ben, as found in countless examples of London canvas art. To this day old-fashioned pennies perform as counterweights to make certain Big Ben stays accurate to the nearest second.