Westminster (London, United Kingdom)
Pack Your Bags for Exciting Westminster
The Greater London borough of Westminster is home to some of London’s most iconic buildings, many of which are accessible to the public. There’s a good chance that a visit to London will land you at one of Westminster’s top attractions, including Westminster Abbey, Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. But there’s more to Westminster than famous architecture and tourist must-sees. It’s full of atmospheric side streets, quaint pubs with otherworldly ambiance, one-of-a-kind shops and boisterous London nightlife. Add to this a vast selection of some of the best hotels that London has to offer, and Westminster is the London borough that truly has it all.
So Much to Discover in Westminster
When it comes to recognisable buildings in London, the Palace of Westminster might be at the top of the list. Featured in countless movies and on numerous postcards, the Palace of Westminster is a former royal residence that is now the meeting place of the United Kingdom’s two houses of parliament. The Victorian Gothic architecture of the Palace is striking, and despite the seriousness of what goes on inside, a guided tour is available to get an even closer look.
Two special points of interest include the Jewel Tower and Big Ben. The Jewel Tower is administered by English Heritage and houses a royal treasure chest of toys, clothing, and other items of historical significance. Big Ben refers to the hour bell that hangs within the Clock Tower (recently renamed Elizabeth Tower). The bell first rang out across London in 1859 and has been delighting locals and visitors alike ever since.
Just west of the Palace of Westminster stands ornate Westminster Abbey. Boasting over 1,000 years of history, the hallowed halls of the Abbey have been the coronation, wedding and burial site for British monarchs and esteemed British citizens, and is one of the most-visited attractions in London. Buckingham Palace is another site that many visitors to London find hard to miss, and upon arriving at the Palace’s picturesque grounds, it’s easy to see why. The magnificent State Rooms are open to the public and house an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings, portraits of past royals, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. The gardens are equally spectacular, featuring 39 acres with over 200 trees and 350 types of wildflowers.
There’s a Hotel for Everyone in Westminster
Tourists who prefer exploring London on foot will find Westminster easy to get around. While you might get lost in a side street or alley looking for the perfect fish and chips spot, many Westminster hotels are situated within a few blocks of the best that the area has to offer. If beating the crowds to Buckingham Palace is a priority, nearby hotels include The Rubens at the Palace, Comfort Inn Buckingham Palace Road, and the Grosvenor Hotel. Hotels close to Westminster Palace and Westminster Abbey are known for being ultra-luxurious, and accommodation at Conrad London St. James and St. Ermin’s Hotel, Autograph Collection will make you feel like royalty. If budget-friendly accommodations are more your cup of tea, the neighbourhoods near the University of Westminster has several reputable bed and breakfasts that provide good value when visiting exciting London.
Contact
Westminster, SW1H 0NF,