Our Top Ten Places to Visit in London

These are the top ten places we want to see in London!

Buckingham Palace The official residence of the Queen of England. It is also where you see the changing of the guard, which happens daily at 11:30 May through July and at 11:30 every other day August through April. Admission: The cost to see the palace starts at $25 per person and luckily it is free for our kid who is under 5. Hours: The palace is open only August through September from 9:30 to 18:30 and offers private tours at other times throughout the year. More information can be found on the website on the different tour options. Address: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK
Houses of Parliament You can learn about the British parliamentary democracy. The complex also includes the Clock Tower now called Elizabeth Tower in honor of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It is commonly know for Big Ben, the 13-ton bell at the top. Admission: Attending debates are free. Audio tours have different prices. Hours: Open Monday and Tuesday from 14:30 to 22:00, Wednesday from 11:30 to 22:00, Thursday from 10:30 to 19:00 and Saturday by guided tour only. It is closed Friday and Sunday most of Aug. through Sept. Big Ben is closed to non-UK residents until 2021 for reconstruction. Address: Palace of Westminster, Westminster, London SW1A 0PW, UK
Westminster Abbey It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for British monarchs. Prince William married Kate Middleton here in 2011. I like the fact there is Poet’s corner and history goes back to the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066. Admission: $20 and free for kids five and under. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 to 16:30, Wednesday from 9:30 to 19:00, Saturday from 9:30 to 14:30. On Sunday it is only open to worshippers. Address: 20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA, UK
10 Downing Street This is London’s equivalent of the White House. It is the official residence of the prime minister. I can still hear Winston Churchill speaking from it in my mind from an audio program in my history class. You can’t visit unless you have an appointment with the prime minister but you can walk by imagine all the history that has happened here. Address: 10 Downing St, Westminster, London SW1A 2AA, UK
British Library This collection of books includes 18 million volumes, and one can see the Magna Carta, Gutenberg Library and along with Shakespeare’s works. Admission: It is free, but they do charge for special exhibitions. Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 18:00, Tuesday from 9:30 to 20:00, Saturday from 9:30 to 17:00 and Sunday from 11 to 17:00. Address: 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB, UK
British Museum This museum’s collection includes many world wonders such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures along with Egyptian mummies and much more. This is place to explore many fascinating relics of the world. It is free but donations are encouraged. Hours: Daily Monday through Friday from 10 to 17:30 and it is open until 20:30 on Fridays, not all galleries open after 17:30. Address: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
St. Paul’s Cathedral The seat of the Bishop of London is found here. Its huge dome has been part of the skyline for over 300 years. An iconic photo of the dome surrounded by smoke showed its miraculous survival during World War II. Admission: The tour costs $15. Hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:30 to 16:30, with the dome open at 9:30. It is closed on Sundays except for worshippers. Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK
Tower of London This is one of London’s most popular site so you might one to buy a ticket in advance. One can find the Crown Jewels but most come to know it as the place where many powerful aristocrats lost their life. Including Anne Bolyen and Lady Jane Grey. Admission: $22.70 and free for kids four and under. Hours: March through October, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 to 17:30, and Sunday and Monday from 10 to 17:30 then November through February, Tuesday through Saturday 9 to 16:30, Sunday through Monday 10 to 1630. Address: St Katharine’s & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB, UK
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre The theatre is a reproduction of the original. Admission: The cost for a tour is $17. One can also see performances here. I had trouble finding the cost for kids, so not sure about that. Hours: Tours daily from 9 to 17:00 and in the summer there are only morning theater tours. Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, UK
Windsor Castle Only because this where Prince William was married! You can see a smaller version of the changing of the guard, lavish staterooms, and impressive royal art collect. Admission: Cost is $17. Hours: March through October 9:45 to 17:15, November through February 9:45 to 16:15, last entry is 1.25 hours before closing. The castle also may close for special events. Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK

Other Sites in London

Churchill War Rooms: Found underneath the streets of Westminster and was the headquarters of the World War II effort to win the war led by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Admission: Tickets are $18.90 online and $21 on the day. Children five to 15 are $9.45 and on the day $10.50. Children five and under are free. Go to the Imperial War Museum site for discounts and more information on pricing. Hours: 9:30 to 6 with last admission at 5 pm. Closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26. Address: Clive Steps, King Charles St, Westminster, London SW1A 2AQ, UK

London Transport Museum The history of London transportation including many vehicles along with a Tube-train simulation, horse-drawn vehicles and posters. Admission: Cost is $13.50 and it is located in Covent Garden. Hours: 10 am to 6 pm daily. Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB, UK