London, England - 5 Architectural Must Sees

Architectural Designs have always fascinated me from a young youth.  As far back as I can remember, Castles first got my attention, the elegant stories of Kings, Princesses, Wizards, and Dragons...yep all parts to classic Fantasy Tales.  Since then, my tastes have grown into a much larger variety ranging from Castles, to Temples, to Churches.  Other things do of course catch my eye, such as modern engineering marvels.

The UK is one of the first places that I want to go, that and Scandinavia, but we'll leave Scandinavia for another day.  Perhaps the most iconic of all places and perhaps on every travelers list, is England, unless of course you live there.  There are many things to do and see in England, but today, we're going to be focusing on London, England.

Today's list consist of the following Must See Buildings:

Big Ben
British Museum
Tower Bridge
Tower of London
The London Eye

All of these are fascinating in their own right.  I'll try to keep from making this post too long.  First up on the list is Big Ben, often referred to in London as the Four Faced Liar, because all four clocks tell a different time.  Not synchronicity here, nothing but chaos, yet it still has an elegant design and if you're lucky enough, you might be able to climb the tower and get a view of the surrounding area.

The Bell at the top of the Tower weighs over 13 tons and was cast April 10th 1858 on a Saturday.  On October 16th, 1834 a fire raged and burned down much of the Parliament Building.  Yet some of the building, including the Westminster Hall had survived and was incorporated into the new building.  For a more detailed description, visit the link above.

The British Museum has some interesting Architectural Design to it.  Not to mention that the Museum is free to enter and explore.  However, there is a Paid Membership option for those who are going to spend any length of time in England.

There is always some form of lecture going on for Members and they get access to paid exhibits as well.  There is more than just to building to see in this Museum, there are other things of different Architectural Design that may fascinate you.  These objects range through different time periods.

Towers are always fascinating Architectural Designs, let alone Bridges.  Combine the two and who can resist?  The Tower Bridge in London stretches across the River Thames.  Tower Bridge houses four unique venues; the award-winning high level Walkways, the luxurious North Tower Lounge, the majestic Victorian Engine Rooms and the charming Bridge Master’s Dining Room.

While the River itself is a site to see, you'll be able to have a great view of the city from atop this tower, not to mention grab a bite to eat.  When you're done with lunch, climb on down to the River and take a River Cruise.  No better way to see a city than by water, except for maybe by air.

The Tower of London is more or less a Fortress, rather than a Tower.  This fortified structure has been many things in the past ranging from: an armory  a zoo, and a prison.  At one point it even housed Royalty.  Now it houses the Crown Jewels and they're on display for the public to see.  Quite trusting the Queen is.

The Tower itself was built over 900 Years Ago and draws quite a crowd.  Entry to the Tower normally cost £19.50, however, by following the link above, you can get a London Pass that gains you entry to it for free.  Actually, you get the following with the London Pass...

Free entry to over 60 attractions.
Fast track entry at select attractions.
Free 120+ page guide  book.
Over 30 special offers.
Free Public Transport*

Note that free Public Transport is only offered with Passes that have purchased the Travel Option.  Regardless to say, a Pass is worth looking into if you're going to be in London for some time.  Definitely worth your effort.

The London Eye is definitely on my list of to do things while in London.  I know it's not a good idea to act like a tourist, however, some things you just can't pass up.  Champagne on top of the London Eye, peaceful setting overlooking the River Thames, and a view that only those that make a now decision will get to see.  Not to mention, that when you get a view from above, it changes your perspective.  At least that's the thought.

Despite the fact that the London Eye looks a lot like a Ferris Wheel, it's an enclosed environment.  You won't catch me going on a Ferris Wheel.  I wanted off that thing when I was little, my feet dangling over the ground, despite being able to see the St. Johns River from up top.  It just gave me a sense of...'Oh crap, I'm going to fall.'  Yet with two feet planted firmly on the ground....rather bubble...you can be certain that I'll be a lot more at ease.  Not to mention if you take a lady friend along, you'll have something else to occupy your mind.  Oh waiter...where is my Champagne?

Perhaps Christmas is a good time to see it?

Regardless of what you want to do in London or England for that matter, you can be certain that there will be plenty of buildings to see and admire.  Especially considering that many of these date back to the 18th Century and beyond.  England is a land that is as old as Time itself and there are many things to see and do.  Seeing the Past is one way to live in the moment.

How do you like to live in the moment?
What would you like to see in London?