Historic Sites in New Beckenham

"A splendid mixture of architectural styles, Westminster Abbey is considered the finest example of Early English Gothic. It's not merely a beautiful place of worship – the Abbey is still a working church and the stage on which history unfolds. For centuries, the country's greatest have been interred here, including 17 monarchs from King Henry III (died 1272) to King George II (1760). Much of the Abbey's architecture is from the 13th century, but it was founded much earlier, in 960 AD."

"It's been the coronation church since 1066, where William the Conqueror was crowned King of England. It is, of course, a hub for tourists these days and sightseeing passes are £22 when purchased in person on the day. If you’re planning to attend it’s definitely worth booking online too — tickets bought online are £2 cheaper and entitle the holder to fast track access."

"Formerly called the Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster, Westminster Abbey is visited by more than one million people a year and it’s easy to see why. A marvellous gothic abbey, construction began on the present church under Henry III, who selected the site to be the place of his burial."

"From classic sights like the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace to visiting the Tower of London, through to afternoon teas and shopping at iconic stores like Harrods – truly, everyone will find something they love to do in London. We have visited London a number of times, and have put together a number of guides to the city to help you out. Our first tip for inspiration would be to check out our guide to spending two days in London, which should give you some ideas, and if you have more time to spend in London check out our detailed six day London itinerary."

"While visiting the historically important Tower of London does require a paid entrance ticket, the daily Ceremony of the Keys – the traditional ‘locking up’ of the Tower – is completely free to watch. At exactly 21:53 each evening, the Chief Yeoman Warder (or ‘Beefeater’) marches through the Tower carrying the Queen’s Keys. Escorted by four armed guards, he performs a series of specific rituals as he locks the gates to the Tower for the night before returning the keys to the Queen’s House at 10pm."

"Discover the unique history of this medieval fortress, royal palace and infamous prison. 🏰 The Tower of London is home to the dazzling Crown Jewels 👑 and legendary Beefeaters 💂‍♀️ and ravens."

"A ride on the London Eye is another ultra-touristy thing to do in London, but if this is your first time in the city, it’s thrilling to look down on the River Thames, Parliament, and out at the London skyline. Cost (online): £25.20; Fast-track £34.20Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00pm, although hours change frequently depending on the season. Visit the London Eye website for more information.Getting here: Use the bus tour to get here, hop off and ride the London Eye, and then hop back on the bus to complete the loop back to your hotel (or your starting destination)."

"Like Rome’s Colosseum, Paris’s Eiffel Tower, or New York’s Empire State Building, London’s Houses of Parliament & Big Ben are, as they stand sentinel over the River Thames, inextricable symbols of their city. Make sure you get the chance to visit soon, however, as major renovations that will see Parliament temporarily relocate to Whitehall are expected to begin sometime in the next few years."

"» The building of Westminster Palace, called The Parliament, is one of the largest buildings in the world. That’s the palace of 1200 rooms, 5 kilometers of corridors, and 100 stairways. » The most famous among palace’s towers is often referred to as Big Ben."

"Set in a beautiful mansion where the wealthy Seymour family once lived, the Wallace Collection is lovely to walk around and the artworks on display are simply divine. The ensemble of lavish rooms, rich paintings, and stately statues are breathtaking, and you really do feel like you have stepped back in time. Also including fantastic pieces of china, furniture, armor, and ivory, the Wallace Collection is wonderfully presented and conveniently located in the center of London."

"Held in the Marquesses of Hertford’s former townhouse, the Wallace Collection is one of the world’s finest collections of French 18th century paintings and decorative art. Once owned by Edward Seymour, nephew of Queen Jane Seymour, the noble 17th century townhouse is a thing of beauty in itself. However, it’s the paintings, sculptures, furniture, medieval objects, and armour that undoubtedly take centre stage."

"One of London's best small galleries, hidden away just north of Oxford Street, the Wallace Collection is an enthralling glimpse into 18th-century aristocratic life, set up in a lavishly restored Italianate mansion stuffed with 17th and 18th century art."

"Completed in 1729 by the 3rd earl of Burlington (also known for Burlington House—home of the Royal Academy—and Burlington Arcade…"

"Take a day trip to Winchester, where you can visit Winchester Cathedral (the site of Jane Austen’s grave) and Winchester Castle. You can also tour the City Mill or one of the numerous museums and science centres. Return to London for the night."

"The gable and rose window is all that’s left of the medieval palace of the powerful Bishop of Winchester who once ruled south of the river 1"

"1 Townsend Parade Hith Street, Kingston upon Thames SW20 9AZ EnglandItalian, Pizza, MediterraneanLunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late NightDelivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music[email protected]+44 20 8439 7555http://alfornokingston.co.uk/"

"Head to The Grill and tuck into classic German Bratwurst, Currywurst and Rib Burgers. You’ll also find a fan Thorpe favourite - curly fries!"

"Located just off Aldgate East Station, Grounded gives you rustic New York-style brunch vibes. You order at the counter, which saves you from any awkward moments searching for a waiter's attention. It's the perfect place for when you just want a hearty meal and great coffee without having to dress up for the occasion."

"While everywhere claims to serve the best ice cream in town – and Bears do too – they do at least have a sense of humour about what they do. Ice cream here is fun: all sorts of flavours (with the owners clearly having a sweet tooth), often piled high with hundreds and thousands, brownie bites, Lotus biscuits, Smarties, and sauces galore. The little bears – designed to look like, you guessed it, baby bears – are particularly adorable."

"Made from Jersey milk, the ice creams at Bears Ice Cream are rich and luxurious without being overwhelmingly sweet. They’re the sort of scoops you want to ease yourself into after a hard day; the dairy equivalent of a Tempur mattress. Flavours like rhubarb crumble and custard – a personal fave that's given a slightly savoury edge by the presence of Maldon salt – and the Golden Syrup sponge ice cream exemplify what Bears is all about."

"The Goldhawk Road shop specialises in Icelandic style soft serve ice cream, with flavours like golden syrup sponge; peanut butter, banana & chocolate shard; and rhubarb crumble & custard, which can be topped with all manner of fruit, sauces and chocolate."

"That’s what baker Sammie Le does at her Chinatown dessert shop Yolkin – so named after her realisation that making ice cream was the perfect way to use up the egg yolks she had leftover from making macarons. The ice cream sandwiches here come in a wide-ranging collection of flavours including watermelon candy, lemon meringue and a bright blue Cookie Monster. 24 Rupert Street, W1D 6DQ, yolkin.co.uk"

"And although Yolkin’ isn’t in a market, this cute stand offers macaron ice cream sandwiches that will satisfy your sweet tooth and your Instagram alike. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of hot cross buns, but if you’re feeling British, go try that unique flavour out. If not, check out the pandan and coconut, rose stracciatella, almond brittle, or Skittles flavours."

"You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Macarons & Ice Creams (@yolkinmacice)"

"Restaurants Ice-cream parlours Stratford. If putting a smile on people’s faces was an Olympic sport, La Gelatiera would definitely go home with a gold. Their spot in East Village, E20 in Stratford, is more sociable than the Covent Garden original, with a ‘theatre’ where you can watch the gelato being made."

"They make traditional gelato that tastes evert bit as good as anything you’d have in Italy. Walking down the streets of London on a sunny day with one of their cones is one of life’s great pleasures. They also do great waffles and other tasty sweet treats but keep your eye on the prize and focus in on the gelato."

"Savoury scoops like basil and chilli, honey and rosemary or fresh watercress and lime, these flavours are bold but award-winning. That being said, the less adventurous milk chocolate is silky and super rich, simple but so perfect."

"Franzè & Evans, in Shoreditch, East London, anchors one end of trendy Redchurch Street just before it flows into Bethnal Green Road. They serve interesting breakfasts and modern Italian lunches, but it’s also the best place I know for a breather after a day of hipster shopping. It’s perfectly located, an oasis at the end of this street of expensive, avant garde boutiques and underground designer shops too cool for signs."