According to recent inbound tourism statistics, approximately 32.8 million tourists visited the UK in 2013. Naturally, the majority of these tourists flocked to the nation’s capital in search of an unforgettable sightseeing experience. Therefore, in order to ensure your trip is truly memorable, listed below are five of the best ways to enjoy a spectacular view of London.
1- London Eye
The EDF Energy sponsored London Eye is hailed as the world’s highest observational wheel. Due to its prime position on the South Bank, as well as its 135m high perspective, visitors can bask in some truly breathtaking views. The Eye is situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and, for half an hour, spectators can enjoy a unique view of London from within one of the Eye’s observational capsules.
2-ArcelorMittal Orbit
Created to commemorate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 114.5m ArcelorMittal Orbit tower is the UK’s tallest sculpture. Visitors are transported 80m high to the Orbit’s viewing platform, whereupon you can discover over 20 miles of the city. Visitors can immerse themselves in a panoramic view of the city, its parklands and waterways as well as of the world-class sporting venues of London’s newest Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. These awe-inspiring views even stretch as far as Wembley Stadium! From Big Ben and the Shard, to the BT Tower, the Gherkin, Canary Wharf, the O2 Arena and even the distant Alexandra Palace, the Orbit offers visitors an extensive and unforgettable view of London.
3-Boat Tours
Discover London as you cruise along the River Thames! There are currently a variety of boat tours commencing from Tower Pier. Visitors can enjoy a 45-minute circular tour to Westminster, enabling you to experience London from a memorable perspective. What’s more, the open decks and refreshments bar mean that you can view London’s sights in style; sipping champagne whilst you gaze upon the historic HMS Belfast, and Houses of Parliament, the contemporary Tate Modern, Somerset House, the aforementioned London Eye and much, much more.
4-Bus Tour
If you prefer solid ground to the open river, why not try one of the city’s Hop-On Hop Off bus tours? These frequent sightseeing tours permit you to take in the sights from one of London’s traditional double-decker buses. There are a broad range of different bus routes which you can choose to follow; allowing you to take in famous sights such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, The London Dungeon, Tower Bridge and The Tower of London amongst others.
5-The Shard
Completed in 2012, the Shard is an 87-storey skyscraper from which visitors can enjoy one of the best views in London. The Shard is the tallest building in Europe and also features the largest public viewing gallery in London. Aptly named “The View”, this 1,400 square metre observation gallery encompasses the 68th to 72nd floors of the Shard. Subsequently, visitors can take in 360-degree views of the capital stretching for up to 40 miles!
