Must See Sights and Landmarks in Wembley Area

"Moving down to the City of Westminster now, and London’s most famous church, home to Royal Weddings, Coronations (all of them since 1066!) and a whole host of famous dead people – Westminster Abbey. You’re not actually allowed to take photographs inside the Abbey, but that’s ok, because the outside is very photogenic. Unfortunately, the folks in charge of civil planning tend to ignore the needs of photographers, because there’s a rather inconveniently placed road right in front of the Abbey’s two stunning towers."

"The Westminster Abbey Museum, or The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, sits 52 feet above the abbey floor in the 13th century triforium. Guests will take in incredible views of the abbey as they climb the Weston Tower to the museum. The secret space that houses the galleries was hidden for more than 700 years."

"In June 2018, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries opened. The galleries, which are reached by the newly build Weston Tower, house historical exhibit and treasures owned by the Abbey. Admission to the Galleries is currently an extra £5.00 and requires a timed ticket as space is limited."

"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."

"This is an example of modern luxury, being part of the famous Shard building that towers above London. The building was completed in 2012 and was the tallest structure in Europe at the time. The multi-award-winning hotel takes up floors 34-52."

"Part of London’s new modern skyline, this skyscraper is the highest in the European Union at the time of writing. It rises to 309 metres. The building is a popular tourist destination, with great views of London."

"With magnificent exhibits including the Crown Jewels and ravens around the grounds, the Tower of London is a showcase of British history and culture. During a visit to the tower, you can see where prisoners were kept before they were hung, drawn and quartered as well as walk around rooms which used to be the royal palaces. Dating back to 1075, the Tower of London brings six palaces together into a historical landmark right in the centre of London, which continues to attract those who want to learn all about British history."

"The Tower of London – Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, the Tower of London was turned into a prison in 1100. Some of its most famous prisoners included King Henry VI, the wives of King Henry VII, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard and Sir Thomas More. These days the Tower is a museum rather than a prison. A great way to see some of the grounds is with an entertaining tour hosted by the Yeoman Warders who will frighten and dazzle you with tales of the Towers past."

"Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this uncompromising slab of a building has been many things—including the site where Henry VIII ordered the execution of two of his wives. Now the Tower is most famous as the home of the Crown Jewels. Come, take a tour from one of the Beefeaters (offered every half hour), and gawp at the sparkling and the frightening alike."

"It’s one of the most iconic London tourist attractions, and certainly unmissable during your visit to the capital. This 19th century bridge across the Thames is an instantly recognisable symbol of London, so be sure to take a tour (you can book online) and get some great photos."

"After the houses of Parliament, this bridge is London’s most well known site. There are several excellent angles to photograph this bridge from. – A very popular photo to take is traffic light trails going through the archways of the bridge."

"The Bascule suspension bridge was built in the mid to late 1800s. It stands more than 200 feet tall and runs more than 800 feet long. The Tower Bridge Exhibition is in the bridge towers."

"More than 1000 years of history can be discovered at London’s magnificent Houses of Parliament, stretching beautifully around the corners of Westminster and housing Big Ben. View it from the bank of the Thames and admire a building that continues to remain one of the capital’s biggest attractions, or head inside to delve into its past and present on a Houses of Parliament audio tour. You can also learn more about Big Ben with a free Elizabeth Tower talk."

"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."

"One of the best free attractions in London for lovers of the weird and wonderful is Gods Own Junkyard. Located in a large warehouse in the North London neighbourhood of Walthamstow, Gods Own Junkyard is a ‘neon wonderland‘ full of bright neon signs and artwork, old movie props and colourful retro displays that you can visit for free to take a wander around and snap some cool photos. Built from a 40-year collection of old salvaged signs, the unique space is now without a doubt the capital’s coolest art store and one of the most popular free places to visit in London."

"God’s Own Junkyard is an art store that’s anything but ordinary. It’s packed full of bright neon signs and displays, including plenty of vintage items. It’s all very vibrant and fun to see, and it makes for very unique and eclectic Instagram photos."

"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."

"Westminster Cathedral, or to give it it’s snappier full name 'the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ', is the second largest church building in London behind St Paul’s. It’s the largest catholic church building in England and Wales and former popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI both celebrated mass here, making it a hugely significant religious setting. Neo-byzantine in design, it’s also one of the prettiest churches in the capital and one of the most awe-inspiring to visit."

"There are many beautiful churches in London and Westminster Cathedral is certainly one of them. Located in proximity to Victoria Station, this is the mother church of Roman Catholics in England and Wales. The exterior is made of red and white brick, showcasing the neo-Byzantine style architecture while the interior, made with 120 different types of marbles, is equally fascinating."

"Often overlooked in favour of Westminster Abbey is Westminster Cathedral. The mother church of Roman Catholics in England and Wales, this cathedral is situated next to Victoria Tube station on the District and Circle lines. Over 360ft long and 284ft tall the incredible construction that is Westminster Cathedral was built in the early 1900s."

"Looking for some eclectic offering of fashion while you catch your favorite movie and sip a hot coffee?. Brunswick Shopping mall offers all this and more. Set in the most culturally exciting area of London, in Bloomsbury, Brunswick lets you indulge in some serious retail therapy."

"Cardinal Place is a state of the art shopping heaven located in Central London. The central location of the mall attracts several tourists. It is situated next to Victoria station and very close to the famous Westminister Cathedral."

"The Royal Exchange building opposite the Bank of England is the third building on the site. It’s one of the most familiar and famous sites in London because of its position at such a busy junction, on several major bus routes. The present building dates from the 1840s, and its highlight is its graceful Classical Greek portico."

"Sitting snugly between Bank and Monument Tube stations, the Royal Exchange building used to be the centre of commerce for the City of London. It has twice been burnt down and rebuilt, most recently in the 1840s. Royal Proclamations were traditionally read out on its lavish steps by the town crier."

"As Jonathan Nunn puts it: “A good fish and chip shop has to understand what fish and chips is about. There is no point trying to gussy it up...Fladda in Camberwell gets this, but isn’t shy to make improvements and alterations. Anonymous ‘chip shop’ sausages and pert, scarlet saveloys sit alongside battered sausages from The Butchery; homemade steak and ale pies alongside Pukka; whole fish fillets alongside a £5 fish bites..."

"It doesn’t matter that your grandma’s apple pie won last year’s village bake-off; this one is better. It’s stuffed full of fruit that is soft but still chunky, sharp but definitely sweet, juicy but not wet, and encased in buttery, magically crisp shortcrust pastry. Choose a drizzle of cream or a melty scoop of vanilla to go alongside; either way you’re going to want a second serving."

"Amazing Kew Gardens in the southwest neighbourhood of Kew is one of London’s most picturesque parks; 132 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses that that house the world’s most diverse collection of living plants. Kew Gardens was founded in 1840 and is today London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with beautiful glasshouses, including the iconic Palm House and its exotic rainforest. There’s a magical children’s garden, the fantastic Treetop Walkway that soars into the tree canopy at a height of 18 metres, and Kew Palace, the former summer residence of King George III."

"According to Wikipedia, “Kew Gardens is the world’s largest collection of living plants”. From the exotic glasshouse gardens filled with succulents and tropical blooms to a stroll down to the Chinese Pagoda, there’s much to see and photograph. A great perk, if you’re a member, you can get to visit Kew before any of the tourists, which means you could almost have the place for yourself, to enjoy as you please."

"Lose yourself amongst the stone pines, olive trees, and cypresses of this typical Mediterranean landscape. The King William's Temple stands in the middle of the garden, lending a sense of grandeur to the vibrant landscape."