So you want to see the very best of London’s panoramic offerings, but attractions like the EDF London Eye can be a huge expense, not to mention, popular tourist spots are typically overcrowded and very busy. Where can tourists and adventure seekers go to see the best of the city? Join show-and-stay.co.uk as we explore the top locations for the best views in and around the capital without spending any (or little) money at all.
Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park
Primrose Hill is one of the most prestigious residential areas in all of London. The planet’s rich and famous flock to reside in this village-esque little borough, strolling amongst the Victorian terraces and frequenting the trendy shops and super-chic restaurants. Not only is it a gorgeous area of the city to live in, but it also boasts some of the heftiest price tags. Fortunately the view from Primrose Hill in northern Regent’s Park is not only free, but it’s also priceless. Take pleasure in knowing that if you haven’t seen Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter or bumped into Jamie Oliver, Harry Styles or Gwen Stefani, there’s always the astounding views of the city skyline to marvel at.
Telegraph Hill, Lewisham
This district of London obtains its name from the semaphore telegraph station that was built on the summit in 1795, and then removed in 1823. Stand in its place now and you’ll see the wonderful, unbroken panoramic visuals of the London skyline, including the tallest building in Europe, The Shard.
The Monument, Near London Bridge
Admittance to The Monument is only £3 per adult for admission. Erected between 1671 and 1677 to honour the fatalities of the Great Fire of London, and also to celebrate the dawn of increasingly powerful British Empire. At 61 metres high, it stands exactly the same distance from where the fire originally started at the baker’s house on Pudding Lane. Climb the 311 steps and enjoy the views over The River Thames.
Westminster Bridge, House of Parliament and Big Ben
Standing in the middle of the bridge you can see an array of attractions and landmarks, such as the EDF London Eye, but the most impressive is the view of the Palace of Westminster and the huge clock tower that houses Big Ben. Commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, this gorgeous building is the meeting place for both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, from where the UK’s government is run. The clock tower is mistakenly referred to as Big Ben — in fact Big Ben is the name of the huge bell and the tower used to be known as simply the Clock Tower, but was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
King Henry VIII’s Mound, Richmond Park
You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re wandering around a national park somewhere in the rural Home Counties — well, parts of Richmond Park actually do cross over into a number of the Home Counties and the park is indeed protected. Amongst the beautiful forest and wild flowers, you’ll see native red squirrels, red and fallow deer and the exotic mandarin ducks. King Henry VIII’s Mound boasts an impressive view of the city, despite being over ten miles away. Look to the east and through a hole in the hedge (use the telescope if need be) you’re privy to the protected view of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Greenwich Park, Greenwich
This former hunting ground stands as one of London’s largest green areas. The Royal Borough of Greenwich is renowned for its rich maritime history. Probably one of the prettiest boroughs in the whole of London, Greenwich boasts gorgeous architectural structures such as the Royal Observatory, Queen’s House, Greenwich Hospital and of course the Old Royal Naval College. Not only that, but from Greenwich Park you get fantastic views of London’s thriving financial district including such iconic landmarks as Canary Wharf, the O2 Arena and the Shard.
These suggestions were written by Show & Stay, the UK’s providers of West End theatre breaks by rail.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
