Must See Sights and Landmarks in Archway Area

"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."

"This Gothic architectural masterpiece has hosted almost every coronation of English monarchs since 1066, when William the Conqueror was crowned on Christmas Day. Over 3,300 people are buried here, including at least sixteen monarchs, eight Prime Ministers, and the Unknown Warrior."

"Westminster Abbey is definitely one of the UK’s most impressive churches. It’s here that key events in the life of the British Royal Family take place including Royal Weddings (17 to date) and Coronations (the majority of British rulers since 1066!)."

"The Shard is one of the masterpieces of the architect Renzo Piano. Ever since the Shard opened in February 2013, the beautiful skyscraper has been a site that many visitors travelling to London want to see. The Shard stands at the height of 309.6 metres, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the sixth-tallest building in all of Europe."

"Designed by Architect Renzo Piano and based in Southwark, London, The Shard stands tall at 309.6 metres. Designed in neo-futuristic and modern style, it houses some of the world’s best offices, restaurants and hotel rooms. It has been open to the public since 2013."

"For a truly spectacular view of London, you’re going to want to head up London’s tallest building, the Shard. This 95 storey skyscraper was opened in 2012, with the viewing deck opened in 2013."

"Over 900 years old, this great castle is located in the centre of the city. It has been used for a wide range of purposes over the years including holding the crown jewels and housing various prisoners. It is for this reason that tourists hardly ever miss a chance to take a trip back in time and explore this medieval masterpiece."

"Another of London’s most famous landmarks, the Tower of London dates from medieval times. This former royal residence and prison houses the Crown Jewels and the six resident ravens which must never leave or legend has it that the kingdom will fall. Best shot: from inside the Tower of London you can capture Tower Bridge as well."

"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."

"Despite its medieval, fairy-tale appearance, Britain's most iconic bridge was actually built at the tail end of the Victorian age, first…"

"You’ll have to pay to take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, but there are other ways to get in if you just want to look around. Debates in the Commons or Lords have public viewing galleries, which you can queue up for on the day, and you can stay for as long as you like. You can also request tours or a free ticket from your MP but these are very limited."

"Home to the world’s most famous clock, Big Ben (officially the Queen Elizabeth Tower, but no one calls it that), the Houses of Parliament is a neo-Gothic wonder built in the mid-19th century. All tours are currently suspended, so for now would-be visitors will have to make do with a 360º virtual tour."

"Whether you’re looking for local crafts or designer duds, you’re bound to find something that strikes your fancy at this quirky shopping arcade located opposite Windsor castle. Housed in a fromer Victorian Railway Station, architecture lovers will get a kick out of spotting the building’s original remaining features including Jubilee arch, the cobbled stones, and Queen Victoria's Royal Waiting Room."

"Windsor Royal Shopping, in the heart of the town, boasts top retail brands in a cafe culture setting. Names like Links, Pandora, Phase Eight and Whistles rub shoulders with Carluccio's, All Bar One, Bill's and La Tasca providing a welcome break from serious shopping. This is the place to meet and be seen."

"The famous Diana Memorial Playground is important for London’ culture for two distinct reasons: it is a real children’s wonderland on one hand and a wonderful tribute for the People’s Princess, who was always characterized by her immense love for children and the innocent period of childhood in general. The free playground is situated near her Kensington Palace home, on the site of Peter Pan’s playground. Perfect for a day out in nature, Diana Memorial Playground attracts children of all ages with the wooden pirate ship, which can be explored by the most adventurous kids, and with all the other facilities: swings, slides, sculptures, and sand pits."

"When in London, the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is easily one of the best things to do in London with kids. Located next to Kensington Palace, the playground is in a central location and is easy to get to by the Tube. Peter Pan was the inspiration for the design and a large wooden pirate ship sits centre stage."

"The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground boasts a pirate ship and a teepee camp and is perfect for unleashing a bit of imagination."

"A small island on the River Thames, Eel Pie Island has a splendid landscape, wildlife scenery and cordial inhabitants (only around 120). Only reachable by boat, Eel Pie Island is popular among sport fans due to two important English clubs: Twickenham Rowing Club and Richmond Yacht Club. The island is also famous for the Eel Pie Island Hotel, which hosted many musical and dancing events where important figures made their name known."

"Spread across two floors, Kitty Hawk is a hot spot for lunch near Liverpool Street. Join the swanky bar and restaurant as they serve hearty steaks in their downstairs venue, and if you're looking for a spot of liquid lunch head upstairs to the swish and buzzing bar."

"Authentic Vietnamese fare served in a sleek, stream-lined setting makes this Shoreditch restaurant as popular as it is. Whenever the door opens, the aroma of fresh coriander makes its way street-side, beckoning to hungry patrons. Indeed, folks show up from all over town to enjoy traditional fare like spring rolls, tamarind chicken, and rice-steamed rolls. Friendly service and terrific prices only ensure that repeat visits will be in order."

"Fronted by a pair of intimidating 15in naval guns and a piece of the Berlin Wall, this riveting museum is housed in what was the Bethlem Royal Hospital, a psychiatric hospital also known as Bedlam. Although the museum’s focus is on military action involving British or Commonwealth troops largely during the 20th century, it covers war in the wider sense. Must-see exhibits include the state-of-the-art First World War Galleries and Witnesses to War in the forecourt and atrium above."

"This historic warship, operated today by Imperial War Museums, will definitely be of interest to military buffs, or anyone with even a slight interest in boats. Launched just before the outbreak of World War 2, this Royal Navy Light Cruiser saw action in both World War 2 and the Korean War, before being decommissioned in 1963."

"Despite its name, the cultural venue formerly known as the Imperial War Museum (one of five IWM branches around the country) does not…"

"While certainly known within London’s gallery scene, the Saatchi Gallery, located in London’s posh Chelsea neighborhood, is not usually featured among London’s top gallery recommendations. However, I absolutely loved this place when I visited on my most recent trip to London. The building itself is gorgeous, and I appreciate that the Saatchi Gallery takes special pride in jump-starting the careers of otherwise little-known modern artists."

"The Saatchi Gallery is best known for its Young British Artists exhibit, which focuses on undiscovered talent. The exhibit was first held in the late 1980s, when owner Charles Saatchi sold his original collection of US art and replaced it with work from completely unknown artists. These artists included Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, both of whom are now world-renowned."

"The Saatchi Gallery is a London museum for contemporary art. The museum's displays have gone through different eras and artists, to include Young British Artists and American-based contemporary artists. Saatchi Gallery has a tendency to showcase unknown artists, and has often been seen as a launching pad for many careers."

"Philippe Conticini is a legend of pâtisserie and both of his eponymous Londoncafés are home to some of the finest gourmet pastries on this side of the channel. Paying a visit to Phillipe Conticini is like paying your respects to the butter gods. His Paris Brest is a thing of delicate, complicated beauty; his vanilla flan a reminder of what heights custard can achieve; and his pain au chocolat, a pastry so layered and flaky that it makes all pretenders seem a sham."

"This dog-friendly east London café is certainly one to add to your London vegan food roster. Not only is there a full vegan English breakfast, complete with crispy hash browns, roasted plum tomatoes and grilled sourdough dripping in creamy vegan butter, they also serve seriously generous portions, leaving even the hungriest of customers full. There’s far more than fry ups on offer, though: the spicy coconut ramen is a delightful winter warmer, served with silky tofu, shiitake mushrooms and thick udon noodles deliciously slurped up when drizzled in hot chilli oil."