Five of London’s Most Amazing Buildings
England’s capital has an abundance of incredible architecture; from historical buildings like the Tower of London, to more modern creations like the Shard. People come from all around the world to visit London’s attractions, and the vast range of amazing buildings on offer ensures that visitors are spoilt for choice. There are many, many beautiful buildings to explore, both inside and out, but if you want to know more about just five of our favourites, see below for our handy guide.
This iconic cathedral is a Grade I listed building, and its location on Ludgate Hill is the highest point of the City of London. The cathedral's dome is one of the most recognised landmarks in London, and it’s even illegal to build any new construction that conceals its view. Many famous historical faces are buried within the cathedral, including Lord Nelson, John Donne and Christopher Wren.
Built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, the home of the Queen is arguably one of the most recognisable buildings in London. The palace has a whopping 775 rooms, including 188 staff bedrooms and 78 bathrooms, and the grounds span an impressive 39 acres. The state rooms are open to the public between July and September, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Leadenhall is one of the oldest markets in London; dating all the way back to the 14th century. The main highlight is the stunning Victorian roof structure, designed by Sir Horace Jones in 1881. It started life as a poultry, meat and game market, but now houses a number of independent traders, including boutique retailers, restaurants, cafes and an award winning pub.
One of the world’s largest museums, the V and A (as it’s known for short), houses an impressive collection of over 2.27 million objects. Items in the collection include the first commercially produced Christmas card, a desk owned by Henry VIII, the earliest photograph of London, and around 16,000 objects from China, dating back to the 4th century BC.
Built in 2012, The Shard is one of London’s most iconic buildings, and it’s also the tallest building in the UK. Designed by Renzo Piano, the tapered design is said to be inspired by railway lines, church spires and sailing ship masts. The building is home to offices, restaurants and hotel rooms; all offering breathtaking views over the city.
We love the buildings of London here at Simon Levy, so if you’re in need professional chartered surveyor services in London or Hertfordshire, get in touch. We offer a full range of professional services, including building defect diagnosis, party wall matters, insurance claims, dilapidations and much more. For more information or to book an appointment, give us a call today or visit our website.