Must See Sights and Landmarks in Hampton Area

"Another location with a long association with British royalty, Westminster Abbey stands on a site that's been associated with Christianity since the early 7th century. Officially known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster, Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor in 1065 as his place of interment. From his burial in 1066 until that of George II almost 700 years later, most sovereigns were not only crowned here but were buried here, too."

"» The main purpose of Westminster Abbey is coronation and burial vault of ruling monarchs. The building features a special cross shape. » Westminster Abbey is a huge necropolis, where the most famous people of England were buried."

"The Shard is London’s tallest building|© Tim Ayers / Alamy Stock Photo. Daring, awe-inspiring and momentous, Renzo Piano’s spire-like building commands the capital as it soars to a height of 309.6 metres (1,016 feet), containing its own vertical city within. Inaugurated in 2012, the Shard is a relative newcomer to London’s cityscape, but has already become a symbol of the city, something that Piano says is down to its accessibility and transparency."

"The Shard may not seem like a top romantic spot for Valentine’s Day, but with all it has to offer, it may be a one-stop shop. Stay at the Shangri-La hotel, dine in the restaurants, and even take in the tallest view of the city from the building’s observation floors. Even if you don’t opt to spend more than an hour or two of your Valentine’s Day here, it can still be your base of operations for anywhere you visit in London."

"The Shard is one of the tallest buildings in Europe and it is a popular tourist attraction as it offers a restaurant, bars and a viewing platform. So, many visitors head there to get one of best views in the city. When The Shard was completed in 2012 it was the tallest building in Europe, but it has now been knocked off the top spot by new skyscrapers built in Moscow."

"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."

"This well-preserved medieval castle is one of London’s premier attractions for families – adults and children love it. Interior exhibits are interactive and informative. The castle was eventually converted to a prison and the site of many executions."

"Topping our list of must-see London attractions is the iconic Tower Bridge. Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge is one of the world’s most famous bascule (a French term for “see-saw”) bridges: It opens in the middle to allow tall boats on the Thames to pass through. Catch a glimpse of the bridge opening (lift times are posted on the Tower Bridge website), and walk across its high-level glass floor walkways 42 metres above the Thames!"

"Tower Bridge has to be THE most Instagrammable place in London. It is possibly the most defining landmark in London, and as such demands a place on your Instagram feed. Tower Bridge is photogenic from each and every angle, so go crazy and get creative here!"

"At present it’s a hotch-potch of scaffolding and sheets holding the magnificent old building together like a set of sticking-plasters. And then there’s Big Ben, the famous clock-tower shorn of all its slender grace by a mass of scaffolding. Big Ben is perennially near the top of any London must see list, especially in the age of digital photography and Instagram."

"The Houses of Parliament—also known as the Palace of Westminster—is the seat of Britain’s political power. Completed in 1870, the Gothic-style building, and its Elizabeth Tower (housing the 13-ton bell, Big Ben) is one of the most iconic London attractions. Book a tour and get the political scoop on the House of Commons and House of Lords."

"The Palace of Westminster is perhaps best recognised as the hub or perhaps the heart of British politics, housing both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Located on the River Thames, this landmark is famous on an international level. The original palace was destroyed in 1834, but the current palace was built back up."

"The Honourable Artillery Company Museum opened in 1987; it then closed and underwent a complete rebuild. The Duke of Edinburgh reopened the museum in 2011. The collection is dedicated to the Honourable Artillery Company and includes uniforms, silver, medals, weapons, equipment, art, and armour dating back to the 1530s with a special emphasis on the 1600s and 1700s militia."

"You can also rent a boat to row across its lake (seasonal), climb Primrose Hill for a nice view of London, or enjoy the roses at Queen Mary Gardens. There are also homes located in Regent’s Park, including Winfeld House, which has been the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the UK since after World War 2. A great place to have a break or enjoy a picnic (there is a restaurant located in the center of the park or bring your own food)."

"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."

"Cha Chaan Teng in Holborn is a regular lunch spot for everyone here at Secret London HQ, because it just so happens to be right around the corner from our office… It also happens to be home to a very roomy round table, which conveniently seats 14. But that’s not the only reason we make the trip, because Cha Chaan Teng has never let us down when it comes to food quality or service. This Chinese fusion restaurant serves up a selection of ‘reimagined’ Chinese classics as well as offering a fantastic selection of filled, cushiony bao buns."

"Restaurants Chinese Chinatown. At a glance, Café TPT’s menu looks longer than the complete musings of Confucius, with offerings from across mainland China and beyond. Best bets are Cantonese staples such as succulent roast duck on rice or garlicky prawn-stuffed tofu in a hot stone pot, although we crave the Hong Kong-style Tai pai tong hawker dishes too."

"Café TPT is a cosy, unassuming sort of place, great for those on a budget, offering all sorts of Cantonese and Malaysian food. More a street kitchen than a restaurant, its popular dishes include bak kut teh, Malaysian meat broth, deep fried crispy oyster, and fried pork dumplings."

"A Halal Chinese chippy tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac road where they sling fish and chips alongside takeaway classics with some added fusion curveballs. A smaller menu than most, but Kar Woo has nailed certain items such as salt pepper king prawns which are light, crisp and golden with just the right amount of seasoning, fluffy chicken fried rice and tangy Singapore noodles — all dishes come with the bonus option to pick and mix extra options such as chilli oil, naga sauce and fresh spring onions. What Kar Woo really excels in here is in sacrilegious but wonderful offerings not normally seen on a Chinese chip shop menu."

"Not content with doing the food at new Dalston aparthotel Kingsland Locke, the Le Bab team has also opened a second East London spot. The new Old Street joint is a late-night kebab shop that’s open until 5am – take that curfew!. The 20-cover restaurant features hot pink leather stools, a graffitied ceiling and stainless steel counter where you can watch the chefs at work, and there’s be a big focus on sustainabilty with zero plastic, zero waste and 100% compostable packaging used on site."

"Le Bab have opened a new restaurant in Shoreditch - but this time they're going for a pint-sized classic kebab shop vibe. It'll be open late night too - if you fancy a kebab at 5am."

"About: Enjoy a fun, relaxed dinner at Alto Lounge where 'Little Loungers' can choose dishes from the kids' menu. From morning to night Alto Lounge pretty much has every base covered - so even the fussuiest of eaters are sure to find something they like. Each Kid's meal includes a 'Feel Good’ Juice Drink - 1 of your 5 a day."

"Alto Lounge is always ready to welcome its Littleloungers, with board games for families to play. Options include chicken lollipops, pesto pasta and sausage and chips. All mains are also served with a pot of breadsticks, crunchy carrot, cucumber and red pepper sticks."

"Where: Church Street in Caversham or Crockhamwell Road in Woodley. Full menu: thelounges.co.uk/menus/. Laura recommended the black bean burrito, saying: "Bosco Lounge in Woodley and Alto Lounge in Caversham have a separate vegan menu that you can request at the bar."

"A family-owned diamond in the rough on the main strip of Green Street around the corner from Upton Park station. Shanghai Chinese has the look of that typical old-school neighbourhood Chinese takeaway joint, and has actually been around for over 30 years. Open for day and evening service takeaway."

"Fulham Palace is a site dedicated to tracing its own history. Items found on the palace's grounds date all the way back to prehistoric times; the archaeological finds are part of the museum's impressive collection of artifacts and objects. The site has been a residence of the Bishops of London since 704 and played a major role as a hospital during World War I and a refugee spot during World War II."

"A beautiful open garden, glasshouses, flowers in bloom, and brick walls, all in a place less visited by tourists which make for one great location for a photo shoot or a private event. And if you’re looking for some diversity, just walk a few steps out of Fulham Palaceand you’re right on the shore of river Thames."

"Alexandra Park is an award-winning park in north London, and is best known as the home of Alexandra Palace. The winding paths and views over the city mean this place is guaranteed to be beautiful, whatever the weather—particularly if you’re lucky enough to catch the sun rising or setting. COVID-19 UPDATE: Alexandra Palace is currently closed, but the park remains open to the public, with limited support services."

"This is a wonderful hillside public park set in the grounds of the spectacular and historic Alexandra Palace. Located near Muswell Hill in North London, the 80–hectare park dates from 1863 and has a Green Heritage status and a Green Flag Award. The wonderful London park offers locals a place to relax and escape from city life."

"Alexandra Park can be found on London's Musgrove Hill, a short distance from Wood Green Underground Station. The sloping park has its own nature reserve. Parkland Walk is picturesque walk along a disused railway."