3 Unmissable Historic Attractions to Visit in London
London's streets are teeming with history, and when you visit the city for a few days or longer you will be able to discover at least some of it for yourself. Once you've arrived at your accommodation on the Gatwick airport transfers, there are countless historic attractions to visit, but here are three of the very best.
1. The Tower of London
There are few buildings in the world as famous as the Tower of London; if you have an opportunity to visit it after you've settled in from your Gatwick airport transfers, don't miss out.
The Tower of London is a fortress that dates back almost a thousand years. It has been used as a prison and a palace, and it has been the scene of some very famous events in British history. Now it is home to the Crown Jewels, one of the most majestic collections in the world, which are kept inside a huge vault on display to the public. (The jewels are guarded by the Beefeaters, who also run tours.)
The tower is also famous for its ravens, several of which patrol the grounds, so keep an eye out for them during your visit. You can also go on a tour of the White Tower, one of the world's most famous keeps, which houses the Royal Armouries collections.
2. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a very important building in the history of the country. Not only is it a beautiful piece of architecture, but it is also the burial ground of many famous people from the country's history - including Charles Darwin, Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens, as well as the grave of the unknown warrior.
It has been the setting for every royal coronation since the 14th century, and it was recently the setting for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The College Garden is another highlight, and is renowned as the oldest garden in the country. You can listen to a sermon and to the choir on certain days, and you may even hear the ringing of the bells. Visit by travelling to Westminster Underground Station.
3. Hampton Court Palace
The home of King Henry VIII is another top attraction to visit once you've arrived in London on the Gatwick airport transfers. This huge palace can take a whole day to explore, however, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time. Highlights of the palace include the huge Tudor kitchen, the Great Hall and the beautiful gardens and grounds, which cover 60 acres. The maze is also famous (and fun) so make sure you have a go - try not to get too lost! Other things to see include the Great Vine, a vineyard dating back to the 18th century, and the Chapel Royal, where services are still held. Reach it by taking the train from Waterloo to Hampton Court.
Discover Historic London
The capital is a city rich in heritage and you will be able to see many more historic attractions besides these. However, these three should be high on your hit list as soon as you've settled in from your Gatwick airport transfers.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for Gatwick airport transfers, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.