Yahoo News Virtual tours of London: Nine interactive experiences of the capital's landmarks and attractions
London is emptier than ever before, with the capital’s top attractions and tourist hotspots shutting up shop for the foreseeable future – but just because they’re closed, it doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy them.
Some of the city’s flagship attractions can be experienced from home, with online tours and virtual walkthroughs available online.
In some ways, it’ll be a better experience for some – seeing the crown jewels at the Tower of London or the halls of Buckingham Palace online is a good way to beat the crowds and take your time, after all. There's the chance to see spaces normally closed to the public in detail as well.
Here's where to head off on a virtual tour of London attractions during self-isolation. Make sure to check out our guide to museum and gallery tours for art lovers too.
Buckingham Palace
The luxurious halls of Buckingham Palace can be seen online, with guides to the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room and the Blue Drawing Room all on Royal.co.uk. With an art collection featuring work from the likes of Rembrandt, Vermeer and Canaletto, it’s one of the prettiest and most popular landmarks in the city, but the State Rooms only open to visitors during the summer months and precious few get to experience the Throne Room in person. Get a sneak preview by taking the virtual tour.
Houses of Parliament
Step inside the Palace of Westminster with the Parliament website, the home of a panoramic guide to the home of UK democracy. From the central lobby, head inside the House of Commons and the House of Lords chambers, as well as the Prince’s Chamber, the Royal Gallery and many other rooms and corridors inside the labyrinthian building. The many statues, murals and paintings inside the walls of the palace all depicting the history of British politics are well captured, and will keep history buffs occupied for hours
Tower of London
This audio-guided tour of the Tower of London is a great way of seeing the view from the top without taking the tour in person. Head to You Visit to see panoramic vistas of the battlements, looking out from the Beauchamp Tower and the Princes Tower towards the river. The main space where the Crown Jewels are displayed isn’t featured in the virtual tour, but there is an extensive number of shots of the jewels themselves, as well as a selection of archive photographs of them being worn and held by Queen Elizabeth II.
10 Downing Street
Before now, the closest we got to seeing inside 10 Downing Street was watching Hugh Grant dancing in Love Actually. It’s closed to the public all year round, and unless you fancy becoming the Prime Minister anytime soon, your chances of visiting in person are pretty slim – it’s one of the things that makes the virtual tour such a must-do. See the great staircase, the cabinet room, the Prime Minister’s office and the Pillared Room with this insightful online tour, and get a sense of the famous address which has helped to shape the future of the UK since 1735.
Twickenham Stadium
One for the sports fans – this selection of panoramic images shows off the stadium from all viewing angles, giving a sense of what it’s like to watch a game live from the home of rugby. There’s nothing like seeing the action in the flesh, but the images capture the enormity of the venue, and the spectacle of live sport. It might also help you choose a seat for when you’re next planning to buy tickets for the Six Nations.
Royal Albert Hall
Attending a concert here is out of the question for now, but a tour of south Kensington’s historic Royal Albert Hall is ready to take online now. Take a walk around the stunning auditorium with the 360-degree panorama, capturing the opulence of the stunning venue which has hosted the Proms every year since 1941.
The Churchill War Rooms
The Churchill War Rooms – one of the branches of the Imperial War Museum – is found under Westminster, and along with Bletchley Park marks one of the most important tactical locations for the Allied Forces during World War II. It was here, in the claustrophobic corridors and smoke-filled rooms, that the allied strategy was thrashed out and the defence of the nation was orchestrated. The tour takes the viewer around the maze of the strategic hub during the conflict, with Churchill leading government ministers and military strategists deep underground. Take a look, it’s fascinating stuff.
Hampton Court Palace
The landmark, which was built for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the early 16th century, is a must-see for history buffs, and the short but satisfying tour is well worth taking. Start in the Grand Hall with incredible stained-glass windows and venture through to the Great Watching Chamber with its walls adorned with tapestries. Then, it’s through to the two Great Kitchens, with a roaring fire and wall of stoves where royal banquets were prepared.
London's landmarks
More now than ever, it’s nice to have a reminder of just how pretty and intriguing a city London really is. Head to Visit London for a selection of 360° views of some of the capital’s more captivating landmarks. Everything from King’s Cross Station to Tower Bridge, St James’s Park and Leadenhall Market is available to see, as well as views from the top of the London Eye. Take a second to rediscover the locations that we might have taken for granted before.
