The Cruise Route: Section 1-11
Please note: Attractions in blue type are not visable from the River.
From Westminster Bridge:
The original bridge completed in 1750 was the second bridge over the Thames.
The present bridge was opened in 1862.
1.
The Houses of Parliament
Designed by Charles Barry and the underlying genius of Pugin who was responsible
for all the decorative work. The buildings occupied the site of the old
Royal Palace of Westminster which had burnt down in 1834. Neither Barry
nor Pugin were to live to see the new buildings completed. The famous tower
and clock are known as Big Ben but this is in fact the name of the 16 ton
bell which rings the hour.
2. Florence Nightingale Museum at St Thomas
3. Greater London County Hall
Former council administration centre now converted into apartments and a
hotel. It also contains the new London Aquarium.
3a. The London Eye (Millenium Wheel)
4. Old Scotland Yard
Until 1967 this was the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police. The name
derives from Great Scotland, a street within Whitehall Palace.
5. Cabinet War Rooms
6.
South Bank Centre Royal Festival Hall
Opened in 1951 for the Festival of Britain, the concert hall seats up to
2,930 - has a bookshop and a number of restaurants. It is now part of the
South Bank Centre, together with (9) Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room
and (11) Hayward Gallery.
7. Cleopatras Needle
This obelisk was first erected in Egypt by Pharaoh Thotmes lll around 1500BC.
It was presented to the British people in 1819 in recognition of Nelsons
victory over the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile in 1798.
8. Savoy Hotel
Built on the site of the Savoy Palace. The hotel founded in 1889, is one
of Londons most famous and luxurious.
9. Queen Elizabeth Hall Purcell Room
10. Museum of the Moving Image and the National Film Theatre
11. Hayward Gallery
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