With a 2000 year history, the 1500 square kilometre city of London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, drawing in more than 30 million visitors a year to its multitude of museums, entertainment districts and over 32 distinct boroughs. Whether old or young and regardless of your travelling party, there are some key landmarks that all guests of hotels near Bayswater Station should make sure to tick off their list when first visiting.
Though you may not get through all of them during your stay at the Grand Royale London Hyde Park, these landmarks offer context, history and beauty to the English capital and all have their own unique stories to tell.
The Houses Of Parliament
Dating back to 1837 when the first stone was laid, the Houses of Parliament is probably best known for being the home of Big Ben, recently renamed Elizabeth Tower, the 96 metre high clock tower that overlooks the River Thames. Built during the Victorian era, the Houses of Parliament are situated in Westminster and are located very close to Westminster Abbey, which itself dates back to the 11th century.
The Houses of Parliament – or the Palace of Westminster is where the UK’s politicians meet to debate and devise legislation. We recommend guests of Hyde Park accommodation to double up their tour of the Houses of Parliament with a visit to Westminster Abbey across the road, an almost thousand year old coronation site steeped in royal history. Through a day exploring both, you can compare and contrast the present and past of English governance.
Buckingham Palace
From former monarchs to the living, Buckingham Palace acts as the administrative headquarters for the Royal Family of England and is the official residence of King Charles III. though it’s only open on selected dates for interior tours, many tourists – and locals – like to pass the beautiful Jacobean palace on their way to nearby landmarks like Hyde Park and to their afternoon tea Hyde Park hotels. This is because Buckingham Palace is a hive activity on even the quietest days, red clad royal guards stationed at the gates adding a vivid regality to the beautiful building.
Trafalgar Square
Most famous for being the home of Nelson’s Column – a memorial to Admiral Horatio Nelson who beat Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar, there is more to Trafalgar Square, situated almost in the navigational centre of London, than just the striking war memorial. Firstly, the square itself is of importance as the ending point for the royal parade down the Mall from Buckingham Palace. The straight road provides a ceremonial junction for national events such as royal funerals and the yearly Trooping of the Colour. On top of this, Trafalgar Square is also home to the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, two free to visit museums that consist of the government’s own historic collection of artworks.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Stationed atop Ludgate Hill in the City of London ceremonial borough, St Paul’s Cathedral can be seen from many observation points in London thanks to its elevation. The cathedral holds a hallowed place in the heart of the city, having had a place of worship on its grounds since the very origins of London. Take a tour through its atmospheric halls and learn about the fascinating architecture and history of arguably one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.
