The Greater London metropolitan area contains the most skyscrapers in the European Union. As of 2018, there were 31 skyscrapers in London that reached a roof height of at least 150 meters (492 ft). 76 more buildings were built in 2019. Here is a view of modern architecture from across River Thames.
Modern London Skyline
The Shard in London, referred to as the Shard of Glass, is a 95-story super-tall skyscraper, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. Standing 1,016 ft high, the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom.
Shard in London
The traditional brick buildings with modern glass skyscrapers blend into the skyline of London
Blending of Architecture
Flowers, people, and the red double-decker bus add color to the area around St. Paul’s Cathedral in London
Color at St. Paul’s Cathedral
With it’s world famous dome, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic part of London’s skyline. After being destroyed four times throughout history, the current cathedral – designed by Christopher Wren – has lived through three centuries, and its dome is the second largest in the world at 366 feet high.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral Dome
One of the most recognized buildings in the world, the Palace of Westminster in London owes its stunning Gothic architecture to the 19th-century architect Sir Charles Barry. The design and layout of the building were carefully designed to serve the needs and workings of Parliament.
Palace of Westminster
Iconic landmarks of London are getting a face lift. Westminster Palace (that has the Houses of Parliament) and Big Ben undergoing renovations.
Getting a Makeover
The traditional architecture of Tower of London in the foreground blends in with the modern skyline of London
Old and New
A statue on the street seems to be framed by the London eye in the background
Framed by the London Eye
Brown, muddy waters of River Thames from the London Eye
Thames From the London Eye
Westminster Palace (with Houses of Parliament) and Big Ben under renovation as viewed from London Eye. The ever-present red double-decker bus on the bridge and tourist boats on River Thames.
Landmarks Under Construction
The shadow of the London Eye frames a tour ferry on River Thames
Inside the Shadow of the Eye
A bird’s eye view of River Thames and London from the top capsule of London Eye
A Bird’s Eye View
The London Eye holds 32 capsules. Visits last for one rotation, which takes about 30 minutes, and during that time visitors rise to a peak height of 443 ft. From there, it’s possible to see up to 25 miles away. Each of the 10-ton capsules represents one of the London Boroughs, and holds up to 25 people, who are free to walk around inside the capsule, though seating is provided.
Capsules of the London Eye
Riding in the London Eye Capsule
The London Eye is a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom with over 3.75 million visitors annually, and has made many appearances in popular culture.
London Eye on Thames
A view from the bridge at St. James Park looking at London landmarks in the distance
View from St. James Park
London Eye from St. James Park
St James’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of nearly 57 acres. St James’s Park includes The Mall and Horse Guards Parade, and is surrounded by landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall.
Here is a different, softer view of Buckingham Palace from St. James Park.
View of the Palace from St. James Park
The changing of the guard adds ceremony and a tourist attraction at Buckingham Palace in London
Colorful Guards
A Colorful Band
Will be posting over the next several weeks images from a recent trip to England.
Crowds, color and construction at an iconic London landmark – Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace