London is home to many iconic buildings and locations, both modern and historic. One part of the city you can’t miss when you visit is the Square Mile. This is the beating heart of London and the centre of the old City.
When you book a private tour of London, make sure that the Square Mile is on it and that your tour guide arranges exclusive access to some of the city’s most iconic sights. The Square Mile is a little more than a square mile. It is now 1.12 square miles, although that matters less than what’s located here.
So, what do you need to see during your tour of the Square Mile? The following are the highlights to include in your tour.
Mansion House
Mansion House, along with the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange are three of the most impressive buildings in the City of London. While all look impressive from the outside, Mansion House is the one worth exploring inside. Although it is typically closed to the public, it does open its doors to exclusive guided tours.
It is home to an incredible art collection: The Harold Samuel Collection of Dutch and Flemish 17th century paintings. There are 84 paintings on display in total and it is widely considered the best collection of Dutch art in Britain. Among the artists whose works adorn the walls are Frans Hals and Nicolaes Maes.
But the paintings aren’t the only artefacts worth seeing. There is also an impressive selection of sculptures in the beautiful Egyptian Hall, as well as a range of iconic historical items, including the Pearl Sword, which was said to have been used by Elizabeth I at the opening of the first Royal Exchange in the 16th century.
St Paul’s Cathedral
No tour of the Square Mile would be complete without taking in St Paul’s Cathedral. As a place of worship it’s worth seeing for the spectacular architecture, not to mention the fact that so many iconic events have taken place here over the years.
Many state funerals have been held here, including services for Winston Churchill and Admiral Lord Nelson. It has also hosted weddings, the most famous of which is probably Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s nuptials.
But away from the main part of the cathedral, there are other gems to discover. The library, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1708 is home to over 13,000 books and manuscripts, some of which date from as far back as the 12th century.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a must on any visit to the city not only because of its incredible history but because it is, of course, home to the Crown Jewels. This collection of English coronation regalia includes over 100 items that collectively feature more than 23,000 gemstones.
Among the most iconic items on display are the Imperial State Crown, which is worn by every new monarch at the end of the coronation ceremony, and the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross which is also used during coronation ceremonies.
You can also enjoy exploring the architecture and fascinating history of the castle. The Bloody Tower, the White Tower and the Medieval Palace are just some of the highlights you can visit with your private guide.
The Gherkin
The Square Mile isn’t just home to some of London’s most famous historical sites. One of the reasons why it’s so fascinating to explore is that it offers a juxtaposition of old and new. Next to buildings that have stood for centuries are much more modern additions – like the Gherkin, otherwise known as 30 St Mary Axe.
This iconic building, with its distinctive shape and glass façade, is instantly recognisable. While much of the building is dedicated to office space, on its 40th floor is the Helix by Searcys, an exclusive restaurant that’s the perfect spot to end your tour of the City of London.
Enjoy fine dining and delicious cocktails with panoramic views of the Thames and the city. You can’t beat seeing the sunset from this location, especially with all of your new knowledge about the city that surrounds you.
These are just a selection of the incredible locations within the Square Mile. There are also sections of the ancient Roman city wall and a monument to the Great Fire of London to discover during your private tour.
Take the day at your own pace, linger in the locations that take your fancy and make sure that all of your bucket-list sights are included when you arrange a private guided tour of the City.
