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Monuments in London
The multitude of monuments in London lures tourists from all around the world. It's hard to imagine a visit to London without seeing the famous Tower Bridge featuring two bascules that can be lifted in order to enable the passage of tall ships, the Tower of London – a Medieval complex on the bank of the Thames or the one and only Big Ben – London's clock tower situated in the north-eastern end of the Houses of Parliament. Other visitors may be interested in going to the Wembley Stadium, to see a football match, a concert or simply to sightsee. Sailing fans will enjoy the sight of Cutty Sark – the world's last tea clipper. Even though you can't get on board as it is still under ongoing restoration , it's an impressive attraction. Wherever you go in London, you'll find something that will catch your eye!
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Battle of Britain Monument
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Address: Victoria Embankment
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Website: http://www.bbm.org.uk/
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 see map
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The Monument of the Battle of Britain rises on the Victoria Embankment facing the River Thames. Commemorating all those fallen in the Battle of Britain during World War II, it was officially inaugurated on September 18, 2005, the 65th anniversary of the Battle. The memorial was designed by Donald Insall Associates and sculpted by Paul Day. It’s based on a 25-metre structure of panelled granite, originally constructed as a smoke outlet for the underground, back in the times when the underground trains were steam-powered. Through the middle of this structure runs a walkway, decorated with bronze high reliefs depicting scenes from the battle. In the centre, there’s a life-sized sculpture featuring figures of airmen running for their machines during the battle. The outside walls of the monument are covered with bronze plaques with names of all participants of the battle on the Allied side.
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Brompton Cemetery
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Address: Fulham Road
Phone: +44 20 7352 1201
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Website: http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/parks/brompton_cemet
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see map
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Brompton Cemetery was established in 1840. It holds over 200,000 graves, most of them elaborate Victorian catacombs. Among those who found their final resting place in the cemetery are Sir Henry Cole, the chief initiator of the World Exhibition in 1851 and the Victoria and Albert Museum, the writer George Borrow, and the famous suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. Poetry readings and artistic picnic are often organised in the summer by the foundation of Friends of Brompton Cemetery.
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Camden Lock
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Address: Regent’s Canal
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see map
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Camden Lock is a manually-operated double lock picturesquely situated on the Regent’s Canal, between Chalk Farm Road and Camden High Street. It bridges an exceptionally large difference in the water level. A popular tourist attraction and a charming addition to the topography of the area, it’s situated in close proximity to the Camden Street market and the Stables market, in an area famous for its many excellent alternative music venues.
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Canary Wharf Tower
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Address: 1 Canada Square
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Website: http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/data/business/data/
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see map
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Canary Wharf Tower, also known as One Canada Square, is the Great Britain’s tallest habitable building and the sixth tallest in the European Union. The nearly 245-metre high structure with a characteristic pyramid-shaped top was completed in 1991 following a design by Cesar Pelli. Its flashing pinnacle can be seen from many kilometres away. The first skyscraper in the world to be entirely covered in stainless steel today serves as the general office of numerous newspapers, such as ‘Daily Mirror,’ ‘Independent,’ and ‘Daily Telegraph.’ While the interior of the building is inaccessible to the general public, visitors can enter the marble atrium at the base, filled with shops and restaurants.
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Dr. Johnson's House
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Address: 17 Gough Square
Phone: +44 20 7353 3745
e-mail: curator@drjohnsonshouse.org
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Website: http://www.drjh.dircon.co.uk/
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Dr. Samuel Johnson went down in history as the author of the first dictionary of the English language in history. The great linguist occupied the house from 1748 to 1759. Located in the area of Covent Garden and Fleet Street, the neat residence is surrounded by a labyrinthine maze of narrow streets and courtyards, radiating the authentic spirit of historic London. Dr Johnson’s House was opened as a museum in 1912. During World War II, it narrowly escaped serious destruction, when bombs completely destroyed adjacent buildings. Recently restored, it can be seen in its original splendour, with a collection of period furniture and paintings, panelled rooms, and a fine pinewood staircase.
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Kenwood House
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Address: Hampstead Lane
Phone: +44 20 8348 1286
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Website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
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see map
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Kenwood House is a lovely 18th–century residence built in the neo-Classical style. It stands facing the beautiful wild grassland of Hampstead Heath. Extensive renovation works carried out in the last decades of the 20th Century restored the mansion’s original splendour and elegance. The interior holds a rather small but still impressive collection of fine art, including excellent pieces by Rembrandt, Turner, and Gainsborough. In the summer, the house often hosts concerts of classical music and sing-along ‘Sound of Music’ nights. The ground around the Kenwood House are a popular venue for magnificent fireworks displays.
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Lambeth Bridge
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Address: River Thames
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see map
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Lambeth Bridge is a traffic and pedestrian river crossing located in central London. Painted in bright red, it stands in stark contrast to the dark green Westminster Bridge in the background. Designed by Sir George Humphreys and Sir Reginald Blomfield, it was inaugurated in 1932 by king George V. The structure is a spectacular five-span steel arch, with each end featuring an obelisk topped with a stone pine cone, a reference to the ancient Roman symbol of hospitality.
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Lincoln's Inn (Inns of Court)
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Address: Lincoln's Inn Fields
Phone: +44 20 7405 1393
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Website: http://www.lincolnsinn.org.uk/
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see map
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Lincoln’s Inn is the oldest surviving Inn of Court in the British capital. Institutions such as this were the traditional academies and residences of law students. The complex of Lincoln’s Inn features a number of architectural gems, such as a 17th -Century chapel, an impressive gatehouse, and a charming garden with a curious tool shed built in the shape of a castle. Famous graduates of the school include John Donne, Oliver Cromwell, and Margaret Thatcher. As Lincoln’s Inn is still an active educational centre, visitors can access only the garden and the chapel. Access to the 15th-Century Old Hall, featured prominently in Dickens’ ‘Bleak House’ is available by appointment only.
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