Westminster

The district of Westminster is regarded by many as the very pulse of London. And for tourists, many of the main sites are to be found here.

The seat of government for the United Kingdom, Westminster is an historic centre of power with all the grand buildings to prove it. It is also home to Westminster Abbey, known as a Royal Peculiar due to the fact that it is accountable directly to The Queen rather than a bishop or archbishop. Begun in 1065, the Abbey has seen every Coronation since 1066 including that of the present Queen in 1953 and is a treasure house of British and Commonwealth history. Just across the road is St. Margaret's, known as the 'parish church of the House of Commons'.

The Palace of Westminster stands on the banks of the Thames and is a stunningly intricate masterpiece containing 1,200 rooms, 100 staircases, 2 miles of corridors, the House of Commons, the House of Lords and of course the world famous Big Ben. Big Ben is actually the large bell in what is officially called St. Stephen's Tower!

Surrounding Parliament Square are the great ministries of state on Whitehall including the Home Office, Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence. Horse Guards is the spiritual home of the Household Cavalry and is permanently guarded by two troopers from a mounted regiment. The parade ground behind is the location of much ceremonial during the year. The Cenataph in the middle of Whitehall is a memorial to all who have died in the name of their country and the focus of national remembrance every November when The Queen leads the country and Commonwealth in prayer and commemoration. Just under nearby Clive Steps you will find the atmospheric and fascinating Cabinet War Rooms - the wartime bunker left almost unchanged since the day Churchill and his wartime strategists left in 1945.

Other noteable tourist attractions in Westminster include Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and the Tate Gallery.