Must See Sights and Landmarks in Great Gaddesden Area

"If unparalleled views are what you’re after, you’ll find them at the Shard’s Shangri-La hotel. Stretching 306 metres into the sky, the Shard is London’s tallest building and the Shangri-La occupies floors 34 to 52. With Borough Market, the Globe, Tate Modern and the Tower Bride close by, your days will easily fill with sightseeing but the hotel's rooms, with views across the city, will easily lure you back come nightfall – as will the hotel’s restaurant, Ting, which offers tasting menus starting from £55."

"Have a luxurious stay at London’s very first elevated deluxe hotel with sweeping views of the city. It sprawls over the 34th to 52nd floor of the iconic Shard building – a masterpiece by architect Renzo Piano. With a closeness to the Tower of London and London Bridge railway and tube station, you can easily get around the city and enjoy the best attractions."

"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."

"This is one of the oldest fortresses in London, built after the Norman Conquest of England, to house the new royalty who had just moved into the country and needed a nice secure palace to live in. As such, it’s a highly defensible castle, with two defensive walls and a moat, so it feels very castle-like. It’s also the home to the English Crown Jewels and has played host to notable historical events, in particular, the executions of 112 people, including Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey."

"The Tower of London, which is officially known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle in London that sits on the River Thames. The Tower of London has stood since 1066. Beginning in 1100 and lasting through 1952, the Tower of London was used as a prison, though it was intended to be a royal home."

"From prison to palace, treasure vault to private zoo, the magnificent Tower of London has fulfilled many different roles down the centuries. One of Britain's most iconic structures, this spectacular World Heritage Site offers hours of fascination for visitors curious about the country's rich history - after all, so much of it happened here. Inside the massive White Tower, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, is the 17th-century Line of Kings with its remarkable displays of royal armaments and armor."

"Inside Tower Bridge, there’s also a spectacular Glass Floor Walkway from which to admire the views. Take a break at one of the great places to eat near Tower Bridge afterwards. Best shot: from the South side of the river just past the bridge – or on the bridge itself whilst there’s no road traffic."

"For a lunch date to remember, 155 meters high at the top of the famous ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building, the Sky Garden offers spectacular views of the city. But it’s the incredible tropical garden which makes this iconic London landmark a must-see. There are multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, but for informal yet stylish lunchtime dining, we highly recommend Darwin’s Brasserie to take in some of the best views of the city."

"Located on floor 36 of the iconic Walkie Talkie, the views from the Darwin Brasserie are pretty striking. Although Fenchurch Restaurant – one of Sky Garden’s other offerings – is higher, the Darwin Brasserie has better views thanks to its position further back from the Sky Garden’s atrium roof. A good option if you want to enjoy the sights without the flocks of camera totting tourists."

"Set atop 20 Fenchurch Street (aka the Walkie Talkie building), Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London. Amidst a lush urban jungle, it offers stunning 360° panoramic views of the city. The unique setting and spectacular views easily make this one of the most Instagrammable places in London."

"One of the most iconic landmarks in London is at Trafalgar Square, where Nelson’s Column was erected to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars of 1805 between France and Spain. The square is in the center of London in the Charing Cross area, and has become a central point for visitors to London. As you walk around the square, you’ll notice many sculptures, statues and monuments that were erected at various points in history."

"Trafalgar Square is a popular public square in central London known for its monuments, architecture, street artists, and surrounding museums. The square itself is home to Nelson’s Column (a monument commemorating Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805), the famous stone lion statues, and the featured contemporary art on the Fourth Plinth."

"Trafalgar Square is a large city square commemorating Lord Horatio Nelson’s victory against Napoleon’s navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The central monument within the square is a single tall column on which the figure of Nelson stands gazing over London. His monument is surrounded by four colossal lions and a series of large fountains."

"The absolute best that the West End has to offer, in terms of shopping, is located on Regent Street. Brands like Anthropologie, Liberty, Hamleys (the legendary toy store) or Apple are available, as well as many other internationally-renowned shops. You can also find the finest restaurants, hotels, art galleries and even spas."

"Just round the corner from Oxford Street you will find Regent Street. With a very similar layout and architecture Regent Street is also a perfect spot to snap pictures of the busy London street life. It’s also the perfect location to do some shopping in between photos."

"The spot is well-located for an easy walk to the West End theaters and Regent Street, one of London’s major shopping streets."

"The Harry Potter fans reading this will recognise Millennium Bridge as a key Harry Potter London spot; it’s the bridge that the Death Eaters knock down at the start of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. For everybody else, it’s just a cool metal structure that connects the north and south banks of the river. The view of the metallic architecture of the bridge, combined to the rooftops of London and the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance make for the perfect Instagram shot."

"Another very famous location for photography is Millennium Bridge, but taking pictures from here isn’t as easy as you’d think. It gets very busy so make sure you come early before the crowds, or when taking photos at night with a tripod try increasing your ISO, as this will hopefully reduce the chance of camera shake from the flow of people on the bridge. Best time for pics: Sunrise and nightCost: FreeLocation: Millennium Bridge, Thames Embankment, London SE1"

"Cross the Millennium Bridge made famous in the Harry Potter films and make your way to the Borough Market!. Enjoy a variety of produce, dairy, and meat stands, unique fusions of flavor like lavender lemonade, and stop into Hotel Chocolat’s restaurant for some incredible mac ‘n’ cheese overlooking where Bridget Jones called home in the three films. Borough Market offers such a variety and is a must-visit place to eat lunch during your 4 day London itinerary."

"Gardens emerge in the unlikeliest of places, including this tropical beauty atop a railway station. Crossrail hasn’t quite reached Canary Wharf yet, but this stunning spot is open for business—as is the adjacent street food hall!. COVID-19 UPDATE: Crossrail Place Roof Garden is open 8am-9pm daily."

"Before Renzo Piano’s “The Shard” was built, the tallest skyscraper in London was One Canada Square, also known as Canary Wharf. Inaugurated in 1991, with a total height of 771 feet divided into 50 floors, the skyscraper is famous for its pyramidal top, which makes it highly recognisable. The design was the work of the architects Cesar Pelli & Associates, Adamson Associates and Frederick Gibberd Coombes & Partners"

"Famous for its pyramid-shaped roof, unlike the rest of the skyscrapers in this list, One Canada Square is not located in the City of London. Constructed in London’s other renowned financial district, Canary Wharf. It was once the tallest building in London from 1990 until it was surpassed by The Shard."

"Tucked away in a cosy cafe near the Camden Passage, Brew Box Bubble Tea offers a warm atmosphere to spend the afternoon in. They have milk teas, fruity teas, and even different types of flowering teas like the whimsically named Lily Fairy or the Oriental Beauty. Toppings for the bubble teas include coconut jellies and strawberry boba, and they have some snacks on offer as well for when you want some food with your drink."

"If you’re a big fan of croissants, then the Pasty Parlour is a must for your Little Black Book. One of London’s best bakeries, everything is baked fresh on-site daily and their pastries are said to rival the originals from across the channel. 8 Piazza Walk, London E1 8FU; thepastryparlour.co.uk"

"Directly next door to Victoria Miro is this treasure of a gallery. Established by art biographer and collector Ziba Ardalan in 2007 this not for profit corporation is run for the public and the entry is free. They have been accountable for introducing global artists to the London art scene and starting the careers of Yang Fudong, Charles Avery and Michael Borremans."

"From Armani Jeans and DKNY Men to Clarks and the Disney store, there's a variety of shops in the centre. If you want to grab some food, options for lunch include Nando's, The Real Greek, YO!. Sushi, Chicago Rib Shack and Franco Manca."

"54-62 Meadow Garth, London NW10 8HD, EnglandTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair AccessibleIndian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night020-8965-3365"