Attractions in City/ Square Mile (London)

Bank of England Museum

The Museum is housed within the Bank of England, at the heart of London. It traces the history of the Bank, also known as the Old Lady, from its foundation by Royal Charter in 1694 to its role today as the nation's central bank. Exhibits include early writing equipment, weapons once used to defend the bank against robbers, coins, photographs and archaeological finds uncovered when the Bank was rebuilt between 1925 and 1939, which, oddly enough, include four extremely rare Roman gold bars. The Bank also puts on regular exhibitions and activities for children. Admission is free.

Monument

The Monument is the tallest isolated stone column in the world. It was built by Sir Christopher Wren between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London which began on 2 September 1666. This impressive block of Portland stone rises 202 feet high into the London skyline, and is situated exactly 202 feet west of the baker's shop on Pudding Lane where the fire started. To reach the summit of the Monument you must first tackle the 312 steps of a steep spiral staircase. Once you have reached the top you will be able to enjoy the stunning views on offer. Admission: £1.50 adults; 50p under 16s.

Lloyd's of London

This ultra-modern edifice stands out among other city structures in London's financial district or Square Mile, as it is also known. It was constructed to take the place of two previous Lloyd's establishments, one from 1928 on the same site and the other from 1958 located at 51 Lime Street. Alas, there is no public access, but the exterior of the building, which is designed by Richard Rogers, gives a glimpse of modern London. At night, when the City is deserted, the famous insurance headquarters is illuminated in blue. A Corney & Barrow wine bar below the building, with access from outside, retains a good number of Lloyd's employees after 5p.

Central Criminal Court

The Central Criminal Court, more popularly known as The Old Bailey, was constructed in 1907 near the site of the once notorious Newgate which was London's main prison from the 13th century. A multitude of famous criminals met a sticky end at this court of justice. Most famously, Reggie Kray was tried here and convicted of the murder of Jack 'The Hat' McVitie. The veiled bronze figure of justice looms overhead and members of the British public are selected randomly to conduct jury service within the Old Bailey. In addition, members of the public can turn up to sit in on trials if they want to see the British Justice System first hand. Admission is free, but allowed for those above the age of 16 only; 14-16 year-olds allowed to enter with an adult.

London Underwriting Centre

The LUC's distinctive architecture - it resembles a cathedral - stands out in the Square Mile and is visible from the South Bank. It's a stone's throw from Monument, where the Great Fire began in 1666 destroying 13,200 houses in its ferocious four-day furnace. Therefore there is little original architecture left in the City. The warm-colored LUC building, however, is in another league. There's no public access to the tower, so you'll have to climb up the Monument for great views over London. However, the LUC can be appreciated from the outside. Up close, you will see big bronze sculptures of three horses in the forecourt. Sculpted by Althea Wynne, they have since been nicknamed Sterling, Dollar and Yen.

London Ducktours

Want to explore London by water? Well, this is possible now thanks to London Duck Tours Limited. It is a unique concept wherein you are a offered a tour of London by means of road and river. The tour starts from Chicheley Street, Waterloo and then drives you past all the famous landmarks like Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, to launch into the River Thames. The journey continues from there on to Vauxhall. The guide tells you stories and gives you information, while you view the beauty of the city. It is a 75-minute tour that will remain etched in your memory forever. So, hop onto this wonderful journey!

Bevis Marks Synagogue

Opened in 1701, after many Jewish people were invited into England during the 1600s this synagogue is England's oldest. Still retaining many of its original interior furnishings, many say it is awe-inspiring and breath taking. Noted, as being difficult to find in London's winding financial district Bevis Marks Synagogue is history, religion and tradition rolled into one.do check out the website for service timings on days other than Tuesday.

Millennium Bridge

As its name indicates, this bridge was built in honor of the third millennium. The steel structure was designed by architects Foster & Partners and it is London's first new bridge since 1894. The Millennium Bridge is a 370-metre long pedestrian walkway with easy access for the disabled - a scenic stroll along the teak decks between St. Paul's and the Tate Modern. Formed by a single sweeping arc, it is designed to appear as a thin ribbon of steel by day and, illuminated at night, as a shining blade of light across the river.

Ripping Yarns

Be a masochist and scare yourself with a nocturnal walk around Jack the Ripper's playground. At the end of the 19th century, a psycho left female victims (mainly prostitutes) so mutilated that people were scared to walk the streets after dusk. Walk the very streets tainted by his victim's blood and learn about the Ripper's possible identities (which to this day remains a mystery), listen to anecdotes, see gruesome photos of the scenes of crime and play a little role-playing game near the end of the tour. Meet at 6.45p at the exit of Tower Hill underground station - there is no need to book and you only pay at the end of the tour.

St Bride's Church

St. Bride's Church is called "the cathedral of Fleet Street," and "the spiritual home of printing and the media," due to its historic location next to England's first printing press with movable type. Wynkyn de Worde, the apprentice of William Caxton, was the neighbor of St. Bride's in 1500. Over the years, seven previous churches existed on the same site. St. Bride's frequently hosts concerts such as the Festival of Music and Drama (that supports the UK charity Reprieve) and the Jethro Tull Christmas Concert.

The Embankment

Labeled as a feat of the 19th Century by London architects, The Embankment is now one of the foremost photographed places in the world, offering visitors amazing views of the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. The Embankment travels from the Battersea Bridge to the West and includes most of the coastline up until Blackfriars Bridge. As well as providing an excellent day out with its various open spaces such as Whitehall and Victorian Gardens, The Embankment incorporates several sections of the Circle and District Lines of the London Underground and the London Sewer System.

College of Arms

British Coats of Arms have always been a symbol of prestige and power for families in the Isles, and this college is the official caretaker, historical library and dispenser of these symbols. They are still dispensed at the discretion of the Kings of Arms, along with a patent, of course. If you have any questions on the system, there is an extensive Inquiries page. If you have any questions about clans, however, they can not help you as clans are an explicitly Scottish system.