Admiralty Arch, London
The Mall鈥擫ondon鈥檚 answer to a Parisian boulevard (if Paris had fewer croissants and more royal pageantry). This grand, tree-lined stretch was laid out in the early 1900s as a grand tribute to Queen Victoria. Gliding elegantly along the top edge of St. James鈥檚 Park, it is perfect for parades, pomp, and the occasional royal wave.
At one end of the Mall, rising like a stone eyebrow over the road, stands Admiralty Arch. It鈥檚 not just one arch鈥攐h no鈥攊t鈥檚 five: two for pedestrians, two for cars, and one exclusive center arch, which is rolled out only for state occasions or when the King鈥檚 feeling particularly dramatic. Until 2012, the Arch moonlighted as a government building and even hosted the Prime Minister whenever No. 10 needed a makeover. Presently, it鈥檚 undergoing conversion into a luxury hotel, complete with a jaw-dropping 拢150-million penthouse鈥攂asically Buckingham Palace without the job.
And now, a small detour into the bizarre: look closely at the inside wall of the right-hand car arch (as you face The Mall), and you might spot... a bronze nose. Yes, the nose. Not a lost statue part or prank gone wrong, but a fully intentional nose installed by a rogue artist in 1997. No one really knows why it鈥檚 there, though some whisper it鈥檚 a tribute to the Duke of Wellington鈥檚 famously generous proboscis. What we do know is that the Royal Horse Guards still give it a lucky rub as they pass by鈥攎aybe as a sign of their admiration for the Iron Duke or maybe simply because even in a city of secrets, superstition always gets the last laugh...
At one end of the Mall, rising like a stone eyebrow over the road, stands Admiralty Arch. It鈥檚 not just one arch鈥攐h no鈥攊t鈥檚 five: two for pedestrians, two for cars, and one exclusive center arch, which is rolled out only for state occasions or when the King鈥檚 feeling particularly dramatic. Until 2012, the Arch moonlighted as a government building and even hosted the Prime Minister whenever No. 10 needed a makeover. Presently, it鈥檚 undergoing conversion into a luxury hotel, complete with a jaw-dropping 拢150-million penthouse鈥攂asically Buckingham Palace without the job.
And now, a small detour into the bizarre: look closely at the inside wall of the right-hand car arch (as you face The Mall), and you might spot... a bronze nose. Yes, the nose. Not a lost statue part or prank gone wrong, but a fully intentional nose installed by a rogue artist in 1997. No one really knows why it鈥檚 there, though some whisper it鈥檚 a tribute to the Duke of Wellington鈥檚 famously generous proboscis. What we do know is that the Royal Horse Guards still give it a lucky rub as they pass by鈥攎aybe as a sign of their admiration for the Iron Duke or maybe simply because even in a city of secrets, superstition always gets the last laugh...
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Admiralty Arch on Map
Sight Name: Admiralty Arch
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Harry Potter Walking Tour II
The Harry Potter movies and London go together like Butterbeer and a cold winter night at Hogsmeade. While much of the magical world was brought to life with computer-generated images and studio sets, quite a few iconic scenes were filmed right in the heart of the British capital, transforming ordinary city spots into wizarding landmarks. Here's a look at six more London locations where the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there鈥檚 any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
Jane Austen鈥檚 London
The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham鈥檚 elopement in 鈥淧ride & Prejudice.鈥�
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...