London in May

London’s iconic clock tower, Big Ben is one of the city’s renowned landmarks known for its gigantic bell and accuracy. The bell alone weighs 13.7 metric tons, usually associated with the entire clock tower of the Houses of Parliament. Big Ben is one of London’s most sought-after attractions, which looks splendid after dusk when the clock faces of the tower are illuminated. Big Ben was formerly known as St. Stephen’s Tower until 2012 and then it was christened Elizabeth Tower on the auspicious event of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It marked the celebration of 60 years of the British throne. The clock hands measure 9 feet and 14 feet long and rise high around 320 feet, which is a sight to behold for tourists visiting London from all parts of the world. Big Ben stands proudly over 96 metres, and you need to ascend 334 steps to reach the belfry, the part of the clock tower in which the bells are installed. You will also need to climb 399 steps to the Ayrton Light right at the top of this imposing tower in London.  Ayrton Light is the lantern at the top of Big Ben, which is lit when the House of Parliament sits after dark. Sir Edmund Beckett Denison designed the iconic clock with the collaboration of Sir George Airy and Edward Dent, the clockmaker. Edmund’s prime contribution was a unique gravity escapement, which imparted unparalleled accuracy to the Big Ben.

The enthralling majesty and historical importance of the Tower of London can be felt from the moment a visitor steps inside its grounds. This iconic historic site reveals about the most momentous tales and happenings in British history. Located in Central London itself, it is officially Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Palace and Fortress. Though it is called the 'Tower of London', it is actually a castle made of many concentric towers. It has played many prominently historic roles over the years, including being a prison for infamous prisoners, housing royal documents and being the grounds where coins were minted. It even was a royal zoo for a brief period of time!Bordered by the sparkling river Thames, the Tower of London is today known worldwide for its riveting architecture and craftsmanship. Other famous aspects of this monument include the White Tower and the Tower Bridge. It is also noteworthy that the families of the Yeoman Warders live in the tower today, and that adds to the glory of this tower.

Tower Bridge is an iconic bridge located on River Thames that has become symbolic to London. During the earlier times, it was also called “Tower of London” due to a royal prison that was located inside this tower. This bridge has been built with a unique combination of bascule and suspension elements. It took eight years to construct this bridge, and it is exemplary to great engineering and design.The bridge was opened for public on 30th June 1894 by the Princess of wales. It is 240 meters in length, and it’s twin towers rise 61 meters above the River Thames. The rising bascule and the grand towers of London Bridge make it one of the most recognized bridges in the entire world.  The most striking feature of Tower Bridge is it’s two magnanimous towers that are connected through two parallel walkways.The high-level walkways offer you a chance to have a panoramic view of the city life of London, and its Victorian Gothic design takes you into the era of Victorian London. The spectacular glass floors across the walkways give you a chance to gush over the pedestrians whizzing across the Bridge.It operates through a computer control system and can be lowered down and raised remotely. The bascules are raised three times a day during which the ships need the notice to pass through the river on which this bridge has been built. It does not just serve as a medium of easy passage but has transformed into the historical and cultural landmark of London.