Things to do in Great Britain

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.

Home to the British Royal family since 1837, Buckingham Palace has for centuries been at the forefront of true British tradition. Having hosted countless lavish banquets, foreign dignitary receptions and state degrees, this elegant palace has withstood decades of change and stands today as the symbol of Britain’s constitutional monarchy.

Situated just outside tower hill, the colossal gothic towers straddling the River Thames are a welcoming sight for locals and visitors alike. Soaring majestically up into the London city skyline, Tower Bridge enables around 40,000 vehicles to cross the River Thames every day.

As you approach Westminster, towering Big Ben comes into view, standing majestically on the banks of the River Thames atop the glorious Houses of Parliament. Romanticised throughout the years in various films such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually”, Big Ben is the standing soul of this great city.

This rather unusual name derives from a tailor named Roger Baker, famous for making the frilled collars worn by men the 17th Century. Contrary to popular belief, the “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic that trundles around the central statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, Piccadilly Circus is an amalgamation of bright lights, lavish entertainment and bustling commuters, a scene which attracts thousands of visitors each year, day and night.

The Tower of London is among Britain’s top tourist attractions. Although it’s mainly known as a place of imprisonment and execution, this remarkable building has also served as palace, mint, archive, armory, barracks and royal menagerie over the years. See the legendary crown jewels and learn about the tower’s often brutal history.

For art buffs and history enthusiasts, the British Museum offers a staggering display of diverse material from all corners of the world. With a collection of over 8 million artefacts, visitors often find it difficult to view everything on offer in one day. So, whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare, this huge hub of information and history is definitely worth a visit.

O2 Arena was originally called the Millennium Dome. It was created to celebrate the beginning of the new millennium. Completed in 1999, The Dome initially housed the Millennium Experience, an exhibition consisting of exhibits, shows and entertainment honoring humankind’s achievements. The Dome’s vast interior has since been remodeled and today is one of London’s premier entertainment destinations.

The London Eye is a great way to view all the sights of the city from one single standpoint. As you ascend this enormous rotating wheel, watch the city unfold at your feet. On a clear day visitors can see as far as Winsor Castle, almost 40 kilometres away.