4 More Places To See In London
London is one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations, and this site has covered it before. Just in February of this year we wrote about four buildings that are living examples of Victorian architecture in town, and they’re all parts of what make the city wonderful for sightseeing. In fact, that’s how I most enjoy London! It’s really something to just walk about and enjoy the sights, and while it’s a bit of a sprawling city there are areas in which you can pack quite a lot into an afternoon walk.
Going beyond the idea of simply meandering about, I wanted to point out a variety of London attractions worth your time. These aren’t quite the postcard highlights—like the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament—but they’re a lot of fun to see and experience up close, and they can help you to get to know the city.
The Shard
We often think of London solely as a historical destination. In a lot of ways, that’s understandable. Walking around the city you’ll see a lot of beautiful old architecture, and some of the buildings, from Westminster Abbey to the Tower of London, are just oozing with history. Throw in one of the world’s greatest museums (the British Museum) and there’s certainly a focus on the past. But other parts of London are decidedly modern. That includes The Shard, a 95-story skyscraper that’s effectively a gleaming monument to modern urban architecture. It’s striking to look at even from the ground, but you can also book a tour to what’s become London’s highest viewing platform and enjoy an unparalleled view of the city and its surrounding area.
Regent’s Park
Hyde Park gets most of the attention in London, but Regent’s Park is a true gem as well. It’s has a little bit of everything from beautifully maintained gardens to large open spaces. There are fountains, outdoor theaters, views of the city, and playgrounds for children. That’s to say nothing of the intimate corners you’re sure to find if you wander off through the grounds. There’s always something magical about a big city park, and Regent’s Park is one of the best you’ll ever come across.
Stamford Bridge
There are numerous soccer (or football) stadiums in London, and any one of them can be a treat to see on a match day. Tens of thousands of excited supporters come out to see some of the best teams in the world play, making these some of the better cultural excursions you can manage in the city. Any stadium will do, but for now we’ll mention Stamford Bridge. It’s home to Chelsea FC, which is listed as a favorite for this year’s Premier League, meaning there should be excellent play there for the next eight months or so. But if you get the opportunity, a match at Emirates Stadium (where Arsenal plays) or Wembley Stadium (a temporary home for Tottenham Hotspur) can also be excellent.
Chelsea Physic Garden
It’s reasonable to argue that London is better known for its gardens than for its parks, though the two serve similar purposes. Accordingly there are several great gardens to visit around the city. But it’s hard to beat the Chelsea Physic Garden, which was first founded in the 17th century and is still the picture of beauty today. Covering four acres and home to more than 5,000 types of plants, it’s excellent for an afternoon or morning walk—particularly if you’d like to get away from the bustle of the city for a few hours!