Guide to Westminster Attractions

A Guide to the City of Westminster

City of Westminster

The City of Westminster is located in central London near the River Thames and close to Charing Cross. Westminster is the cultural and political heart of London. All the streets, squares and buildings are famous in history in some way or another. History doesnt just lie here, it is still being made today. Political parties still gather in Westminster to decide upon the future of the country. During a visit you wont be able to miss Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey. It is a concentrated area of historically significant buildings and monuments. For anybody travelling to London wishing to explore the historical side of the city, Westminster cannot be avoided.
The Palace of Westminster is more commonly referred to as the Houses of Parliament. It is the political hub of Britain and where future political decisions are made about the United Kingdom. Above is Westminster Abbey, a Gothic-style church located close to the Palace of Westminster, another historical attraction in Westminster. The Abbey is significant as many political and historical figures have had their coronation and burial here.

Buckingham Palace
A Palace of Royalty
The name Westminster determines the area around the Abbey and the Palace. The name derives from West Minster, or monastery church, west of the City of Londons St Pauls Cathedral.
Buckingham Palace, which is located in Westminster is the permanent residence of the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II and her family. Buckingham Palace was built by the Duke of Buckingham and Normanby in 1703. The Palace was sold by a relative of Buckinghams after he died to George III. It was then sold to the royal family, where the family has resided since then. The Palace has been remodeled several times over the year, and new wings added. It was first remodeled in 1762 by George IV, then again by his younger brother, William IV. He even considered making the Palace into the new Houses of Parliament after their destruction by a fire in 1834, this was not followed through. In 1837 Queen Victoria moved into the residence and because of the couples growing family added new wings. After the sudden death of her husband she fled the public eye and moved out of the palace. The palace was left empty for a number of years.

Travelling and Accommodation in Westminster. London Victoria station is the closest train station to Westminster and there are underground stations close by. The underground is the quickest way to get around London. There are a small number of hotels in Westminster that are ideal as a business venue as well as a place to stay for tourists. A number of high street shops are a short walk through Westminster on Kings Road where you will also find cafes, restaurants and supermarkets for any amenities you might need. Central London is only a short train journey away from London Victoria.

Edward VII and his wife Queen Alexandra took over the palace in 1901. Their love of society, entertaining and friends breathed new life into the palace. The palace was often filled with people most nights. During the second world war the palace was severely damaged but brought the Queen closer to her country and the war, declaring Im glad we have been bombed. Now I can look the East End in the face.

Today not only the Queen and Prince Philip live in the palace, the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex also live there.