Must See Sights and Landmarks in Tooting Area

"A world-famous abbey, often used for Royal ceremonies and weddings. Since 1066 and the ascent to the throne of William the Conqueror, Westminster Abbey has been used for every single coronation of an English King and/or Queen. There are many famed figures from history buried within the abbey, including royalty such as Elizabeth I, the author Charles Dickens, and scientists Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin."

"Westminster Abbey is often mistaken as one of the cathedrals of London. It’s an easy mistake to make, but it’s an Abbey which has served as the Coronation Church for Kings and Queens of England for almost a thousand years. Westminster Abbey is one of the big-ticket top three or four things to do in London, and it’s something we suggest you make time for, even if you only have a 1-day London itinerary."

"» 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."

"Another building that took no time establishing itself as a London icon is the Shard, aka the United Kingdom’s tallest building. At over 309 metres tall, it towers over the rest of London with its unique pyramid shape and sharp point. Its unique and imposing design means there are endless options for capturing dramatic and beautiful shots featuring the Shard."

"Given that it’s the tallest building in the United Kingdom, it’s only natural that the Shard is also one of the most incredible viewpoints in London. There are the viewing decks of the View from The Shard where you can go and take epic photos from. However I always personally recommend having drinks at the bar in the Shard instead."

"For a building still significant but just a bit (okay, a lot!) older, walk right across the River Thames to the Tower of London, which, having been founded in 1066, is nearly 1,000 years old!. Tours include exploring several different parts of the property – my favorite part of the tour during my visit was checking out the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom!"

"Take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around the Tower of London, one of the world's most famous buildings. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house and zoo!. Gaze up at the White Tower, tiptoe through a medieval king's bedchamber and marvel at the Crown Jewels."

"The London Pass is a pre-paid sightseeing card which gives you FREE fast-track entry to the city’s top tourist attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and a Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. The view from the Shard"

"Walking through one of London’s numerous parks is also an option, and so is admiring the architecture of Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, or St. Paul’s Cathedral. In the evenings, have some fish and chips in a pub or enjoy London’s multicultural dining options. You will stay in the city until the morning of Day 3."

"Tower Bridge is one of the tourist attractions you can't afford to miss because it is one of the famous monuments in London. It was built between 1886 and 1894. The Bridge is one of the most-visited landmarks globally with more than 40,000 people using it daily."

"Crossing over the River Thames, the Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London. It was built between 1886 and 1894 in the Victorian gothic style. It sits in the heart of the city, near the Tower of London."

"A view of the Elizabeth Tower and the Houses of Parliament through a pedestrian tunnel on London’s South Bank|© Beatrice Preve / Alamy Stock Photo. One of the finest examples of Gothic Revivalist architecture in the world, the Palace of Westminster was built by 19th-century architect Sir Charles Barry, but the real brains behind it was the incredibly talented Augustus Pugin. He was just 23 when Barry enlisted him to help with the design of the building and was instrumental in its Gothic detailing (his superior was more of a Classicist)."

"The Palace of Westminster (more widely known as the Houses of Parliament) is the seat of Parliament in the United Kingdom. The present building largely dates from the 19th century when it was rebuilt following a fire in a splendid example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture. The House of Commons (elected Members of Parliament) is located to the north of the building and is decorated with green leather upholstery, and the House of Lords is located to the south and decorated with red leather upholstery."

"Another impressive building that we briefly mentioned above is the Houses of Parliament. The Houses of Parliament is also known as the ‘Palace of Westminster’ which is located on the left bank of River Thames. The building was built for Edward the Confessor in the 11th century and was enlarged by William I (the conqueror)."

"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."

"A pretty walk across Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens will bring you to the gorgeous Kensington Palace, most famous as the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria, for whom the whole Victorian era was named. One of the longest reigning British monarchs, she oversaw the huge expansion of the British Empire, as well as great leaps in science, technology, and industry. Currently, Kensington Palace is the official residence of a number of members of the Royal Family, including the Princes William and Harry."

"On your second day in London you’re going to head a little to the West, and take in some of the sights in this area, starting with Kensington Palace. Inextricably linked with Queen Victoria, who was born here, Kensington Palace is a Royal Residence, and has been since the 17th century. Today it’s occupied by both Princes William and Harry, and whilst you can’t visit the private Royal Residence, you can tour the State Rooms."

"Climbing the O2 is an easy, fun outdoor challenge without the need for ice axe or crampons says Kirstie Pelling from The Family Adventure Project. The action takes place on a bouncy walkway at the 02 dome in Greenwich. You clip and unclip yourself all the way up so there’s lots to keep the children entertained."

"Certainly one of the most unique ways to see London, this thrilling urban expedition takes you on a journey across the giant dome of…"

"Although the red brick exterior is unassuming and neat, the golden mosaic interior of Fitzrovia chapel is a jewel of the Gothic Revival. Once part of Middlesex Hospital, the chapel was built as a memorial to Major Ross MP, a former Chairman of the Board of Governors."

"A Gothic wonderland of shrouded urns, obelisks, broken columns, sleeping angels, Egyptian-style tombs and overgrown graves, Highgate is a Victorian Valhalla spread over 20 wonderfully wild and atmospheric hectares. On the eastern side, you can pay your respects to the graves of Karl Marx and Mary Ann Evans (better known as novelist George Eliot). The real highlight, however, is the overgrown West Cemetery, which can only be visited on a guided tour."

"Escape the hustle and bustle of London for somewhere altogether more serene – Highgate Cemetery. The final resting place of Karl Marx, Malcolm McLaren and George Eliot is a Victorian gem. Smiling selfies aren’t really appropriate, given that it’s a burial ground but it’s an atmospheric place to pause for reflection."

"Most people come to see Karl Marx’s tomb in the eastern half of the cemetery, but it’s the huge monuments in the west that are really worth seeing 6"

"This Southeast-Asian restaurant comes from two of the founders of Icebar. The walls here are adorned with the trippy works of Hong Kong-based artist Lunatic, while head chef Jon de Villa (previously Nobu Mayfair), turns out an array of sharing dishes. Our sticky, juicy chicken wings were followed by scallop, prawn and chive dumplings, with a kick of chilli and ginger."

"Locals love this neighbourhood Indian restaurant, which is often fully booked at weekends. Chef Patron, Sudden Alberts, describes the Swagat style of cooking as having a “lightness of touch", meaning the emphasis is on enhancing and not overwhelming the delicate flavours used here. Swagat boasts a fantastic selection of dishes from across India, including plenty of vegetarian options, and top-notch service."

"We’ve never been that impressed by Richmond’s curry houses, but if you’re hankering after a decent ruby in the borough, swish Swagat is the pick of the bunch. Co-run by the wonderfully named Sudden Alberts, it promises modish interiors (bare floors, flattering lighting, Indian artwork) plus a menu that runs all the way from samosas, kormas and rogan josh to grilled sea bass on a bed of cumin-spiced potato."

"Opened in 1926 by the grandson of an English army general and an Indian princess, Veerswarmy — now London’s oldest Indian restaurant — was an instant hit with the upper classes. After being sold in 1997 to Ranjit Mathrani and Namitha Panjabi (who also own Masala Zone), much of the maharaja-inspired palatial opulence, which first attracted the likes of Winston Churchill to the restaurant, was restored. The traditional recipes from Punjab, Goa, Lucknow, and Kashmir, earned Veeraswamy a Michelin star in 2016."

"Dating to 1926, Veeraswamy is as iconic as they come, being England’s oldest Indian restaurant. We love a curry in Blighty and Veeraswamy serves the best of traditional Indian dishes but with modern flair. VeeraswamyVictory House99-101 Regent StreetMayfairLondonW1B 4RSVisit website: Veeraswamy"

"Cuisine: IndianHalal Options: All Chicken and Lamb is HalalAddress: Victory House, 99-101 Regent St, Mayfair, London W1B 4RS Website: http://www.veeraswamy.com/Nearest Tube Stop: Piccadilly Circus"

"Of all the restaurants in the list, it’s possible that Casse Croûte is the most French. A small wine bar turned restaurant on Bermondsey Street, the successful formula here is to keep things simple and do them well, with a short daily-changing menu of home-cooked French classics on hand as if only really to accompany a notably good value all-French wine list. But the dishes are much better than that would suggest: well-sourced, well-cooked and utterly, effortlessly delicious in the way that only truly foodie countries can manage."

"Despite being in Bermondsey, this place is so determinedly French that they don’t translate the menus here. They also change said menus every day, so your chances of ending up with the same thing twice are rather slim."

"Restaurants French Bermondsey"

"Showcasing seasonal ingredients and robust French dishes with a fresh Mediterranean twist, Michelin-starred The Ninth has introduced a delivery service. Alongside a choice of seasonal menus available for delivery via Supper (within 3.5 miles of the restaurant), The Ninth has also launched a DIY kit to make chef Jun Tanaka’s conchiglie truffle pasta at home. Further information can be found at theninthlondon.com."

"Chef Jun Tanaka’s French Mediterranean-style restaurant in buzzy Fitzrovia has quietly impressed in the five years it’s been open. The ninth restaurant Tanaka has worked in, hence the name (previous includes Le Gavroche and a stint with Marco Pierre White), is big on raw and cured dishes, and vegetables, and is one of the most affordable Michelin-star restaurants in London."

"Featuring a covered cosy 8 seater, The Ninth offers one of the best outdoor terraces for the perfect al fresco meal. Awarded a Michelin Star, the Mediterranean style restaurant offers specialities including a variety of house cured meats and vegetarian dishes made from the best seasonal produce. The Orecchiette with egg and truffle is a must!"

"This rustic bistro in Tooting is a firm favourite in the area thanks to its simple and classic French cuisine. It’s clear that the team at Bordelaise are dedicated to high-quality rich flavours. After all, they even named their restaurant after Bourdeux’s famous bordelaise sauce – a tangy mix of dry red wine, bone marrow, butter, shallots and demi-glace."