Why London is a Must-Visit for Architect Enthusiasts?

Why London is a Must-Visit for Architect Enthusiasts?

London is known for many things. As the capital of the UK and one of the world’s most popular cities, London boasts an incredible array of history, culture and attractions. But London’s fantastic range of architecture is also a reason to visit the city, although it isn’t discussed as much as some of the other factors which draw people to London. 

If you have a passion for architecture, London is a must. Regardless of where your architectural interests lie, there’s something for everyone. But to help you navigate London and its stunning range of buildings, we’ve broken the city’s architecture down into different areas. Here’s our guide to London’s unrivalled architecture.

Famous Landmarks

London is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and they’re sure to take your breath away whether you are analysing from an architectural perspective or you want to learn more about the history behind them.

Big Ben is one of London’s most popular landmarks, and from an architect’s perspective, it’s a must. The world’s most famous clock stands at almost 100m tall and opened way back in 1859. It also stands in the heart of the city centre, located close to some of London’s other famous sights. 

Just 5 minutes from Big Ben, you’ll find Westminster Abbey. If you were impressed by Big Ben standing since 1859, Westminster Abbey opened even further back in 1269. If you’re a fan of ancient architecture and long-standing buildings, Westminster Abbey should be at the top of your list.

The list of London’s iconic landmarks is never-ending. But there are two more famous spots that are deserving of a shoutout. Located just a 10-minute walk from each other, the Tower of London and London Bridge sit to the east of central London overlooking the famous River Thames.

Religious Buildings

Among London’s famous historical buildings is an impressive collection of religious buildings. From Cathedrals to Mosques, there’s no shortage of religions represented by London’s vast architectural scene.

In terms of Cathedrals, London is home to some of the world’s most famous. St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral, and Southwark Cathedral are some of the most famous Cathedrals in London. There are also other stunning Cathedrals worth visiting outside of London. Both Ely and Canterbury Cathedral. The latter is around a one-hour train ride, while London to Ely takes under two hours by train.

If you want a multicultural tour of London’s architecture, consider The Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon has to be one of the most beautiful places to visit outside the centre of London. Closer to the centre, you also have the London Central Mosque, which is sometimes referred to as Regent’s Park Mosque. As you’d expect, this beautiful display of architecture is surrounded by greenery, making it a great option in the summer.

Of London’s huge number of Churches, it’s definitely worth mentioning the Church of St.Batholomew. Inside, the huge ceilings and 900-year-old walls will take your breath away, whether you are an architecture connoisseur or not.

Modern Buildings

For fans of more modern architecture, London has this in abundance too. The Shard, which opened in 2012, is one of the most captivating buildings in London, if not the world. It has 72 habitable floors (95 in total) with a range of businesses operating out of the building. Inside, you’ll find top dining spots including Aqua Shard, Hutong and Oblix. There’s also the Shangri-La hotel, one of London’s most luxurious hotels, where you can enjoy jaw-dropping views of the city from the comfort of your room.

Many of London’s modern-day architectural buildings are home to leading businesses. The Lloyd’s building is one of these, opening during the 80s and offering a unique design. There’s also the iconic Gherkin building (or 30 St Mary Axe to give it its proper title), which sits in London’s financial district. The building gets its nickname from its resemblance in shape to the fruit of the same name.

Houses

If you’re a fan of residential architecture, London offers many high-value properties that offer impressive design. Head to the more affluent parts of the city if you are trying to scope out London’s ultra-high-value properties. These include Mayfair, Chelsea and Kensington.

One Hyde Park, in Knightsbridge, is home to some of the city’s most expensive apartments, with its penthouses attracting some of the world’s wealthiest people. You can also head to Grafton Street to find the old headquarters of Gucci, which has now been transformed into a £50 million home.

Sport

The UK is a sport-obsessed nation, so it’s no surprise that London features some of the world’s top stadiums. In terms of football, London has a wealth of teams. Wembley Stadium is home to many leading events and is home to England’s football team. Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium is also one of the most iconic in the game, along with Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. However, if you’ve only got time to visit one, head to North London to take in a stadium that could claim to be the best in the world. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (home to Tottenham Hotspur) is a £1 billion piece of work that can accommodate over 60,000 football fans. After opening in 2019, the stadium has hosted Premier League games, NFL games and concerts for the world’s leading artists.

Outside of football, Twickenham Stadium host England’s rugby union games, and the iconic centre court at Wimbledon hosts the famous tennis tournament. While you may not associate darts with glamorous venues, the world championships are played at Alexandra Palace, which, from an architect’s perspective, is impressively designed.

Final Thoughts

It could be argued that London’s architecture is underrated, with other pulling factors much more talked about. However, don’t discount London if you want to see grand buildings and ancient architecture. The city offers everything from 11th-century constructions to modern-day skyscrapers, so there truly is something for everyone. If you are going on a sightseeing tour, the only downside is London’s vast size and busy roads. When planning your trip, consider using one of London’s many city centre car parks and travelling around by London’s Tube system, which connects the city.