Eleanor Cross at Charing Cross, London
A striking Victorian Gothic monument in London commemorating Queen Eleanor of Castile’s final journey and enduring royal love.
The Eleanor Cross at Charing Cross is a Victorian Gothic revival monument in London, erected in 1865 as a faithful reproduction of the original 13th-century cross that once marked the final resting place of Queen Eleanor of Castile’s funeral procession. Located prominently in front of Charing Cross railway station, this striking stone cross commemorates the deep love of King Edward I for his queen and stands near the site where the original cross was demolished in the 17th century.
A brief summary to Eleanor Cross
- 40 Strand, London, GB
- +443457114141
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the nearby Charing Cross Station mural depicting the original cross’s construction for a unique artistic perspective.
- Explore the surrounding area to appreciate the blend of Victorian and medieval history in central London.
- Consider visiting other surviving Eleanor Crosses, such as those at Geddington or Hardingstone, for a broader historical context.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the London Underground to Charing Cross Station, served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines. The station is centrally located and offers frequent services every 2-5 minutes. The station is wheelchair accessible with lifts available. Typical journey times from central London stations range from 5 to 20 minutes. A standard Oyster or contactless fare applies, usually £2.50–£4.90 depending on time and zones.
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Bus
Several London bus routes, including routes 6, 9, 11, 15, and 24, stop near Charing Cross. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with journey times varying from 15 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Bus stops are well marked and accessible. Contactless payment or Oyster cards are accepted, with fares around £1.75 per journey.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in central London, walking to the Eleanor Cross is a pleasant option. The terrain is flat and paved, suitable for wheelchair users and strollers. Walking times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point. This allows you to experience the vibrant streets and historic surroundings of Westminster and the Strand.
Eleanor Cross location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Eleanor Cross
A Royal Memorial Born of Devotion
The Eleanor Crosses were a series of twelve grand stone monuments commissioned by King Edward I in memory of his beloved wife, Queen Eleanor of Castile, who died in 1290. Following her death, her body was transported from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey in London, with the funeral procession stopping overnight at various towns. At each stop, Edward ordered an ornate cross to be erected. The final and most magnificent of these was located at Charing, then a village just outside Westminster. This cross marked the end of the procession and was a symbol of enduring love and mourning.The Original Cross and Its Historical Significance
The original Eleanor Cross at Charing Cross was renowned for its impressive scale and intricate Gothic design, costing around £600 at the time—a considerable sum. Positioned at a key crossroads near Whitehall, it served not only as a memorial but also as a prominent public landmark. Over centuries, it witnessed royal pageantry, including coronation processions and celebrations such as Henry V’s return from Agincourt. However, the cross also became a focal point of religious and political tensions, leading to its destruction in 1647 during the English Civil War. The stones were repurposed, and the site later became home to the statue of King Charles I, London’s oldest bronze statue.Victorian Revival and Artistic Legacy
In 1865, the Eleanor Cross was reborn as a Victorian Gothic revival monument designed by architect Edward Middleton Barry and carved by master stonemason Thomas Earp. This reproduction stands in front of the Charing Cross railway station, directly referencing the original’s location and grandeur. Barry, also responsible for the nearby Charing Cross Hotel, created a monument that honors medieval craftsmanship and the romantic legacy of the crosses. The monument features detailed stonework and statues reminiscent of the original, capturing the spirit of Edward I’s tribute to Eleanor.The Cross’s Role in London’s Urban Fabric
Today, the Eleanor Cross at Charing Cross is more than a historical marker; it is a symbolic heart from which distances to London are measured. Its location at a major junction connects the City of London, Westminster, and the north, making it a central point in the capital’s geography. The nearby Charing Cross Station and the surrounding area blend Victorian architecture with the city’s medieval past, offering visitors a tangible link to London’s layered history.Commemorating Love Through Time
The story of the Eleanor Cross is one of love, loss, and remembrance that has endured for over seven centuries. Edward I’s gesture of erecting twelve crosses along his queen’s funeral route was unprecedented in scale and emotional depth. The Charing Cross monument, both original and replica, stands as a testament to this devotion, embodying the cultural and historical significance of the medieval monarchy and its lasting impact on London’s identity.Modern-Day Significance and Visitor Experience
Visitors today can admire the finely detailed stonework of the Victorian cross and reflect on the rich history it represents. The monument’s prominent placement in a bustling urban environment juxtaposes the solemnity of medieval memorial with the vibrancy of contemporary London life. Nearby, artistic tributes such as the mural on the Northern Line platform recount the original cross’s construction, further enriching the visitor’s connection to this historic landmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eleanor Cross
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A Victorian Gothic Revival monument marking the final resting place of Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession, blending medieval legacy with London’s historic heart.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
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Nelson's Column
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Obelisk Charles James Napier
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John Adam St & Adam St
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Royal Tank Regiment Memorial Statue
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16-18 Whitehall
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Admiralty Arch
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Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
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Old Admiralty Building
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Henry Fawcett Monument
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Cleopatra's Needle
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Captain James Cook
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George Duke of Cambridge statue
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A commanding bronze tribute to Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, standing proudly on Whitehall amidst London’s historic military heart.
Royal Marines Memorial
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A stirring bronze tribute on The Mall honoring Royal Marines’ sacrifice in China and South Africa, blending art and history in London’s ceremonial heart.
Unmissable attractions to see
Benjamin Franklin House
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Step inside the only surviving home of Benjamin Franklin and experience 18th-century London through immersive tours and rich history.
St Martin-in-the-Fields
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Grand Building
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Gordon's Wine Bar
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Experience the charm of London at Gordon's Wine Bar, the city's oldest wine bar, offering a delightful selection of wines and traditional British cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Edith Cavell Memorial
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A solemn tribute in central London honoring Edith Cavell’s courage, compassion, and sacrifice during World War I.
York Watergate
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Explore York Watergate, a serene historical landmark on the River Thames, rich in maritime heritage and stunning views perfect for tourists.
The Ghost Bus Tours
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Dark comedy meets London history on a theatrical double-decker bus tour through the capital's most sinister stories.
London by Night Tours
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Discover London’s iconic landmarks aglow with night lights on an engaging open-top bus tour departing from historic Trafalgar Square.
London Coliseum
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Experience grand Edwardian theatre and world-class opera and ballet at the iconic London Coliseum in the heart of London’s West End.
Trafalgar Square
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Experience the vibrant culture and rich history at Trafalgar Square, London's iconic public square and cultural hub.
Victoria Embankment Gardens
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A historic and tranquil riverside garden in central London, blending Victorian heritage with peaceful green spaces and cultural memorials.
The National Gallery
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Home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Western European paintings, this grand London gallery offers free access to masterpieces from the 13th to the early 20th century.
National Portrait Gallery
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Explore the world’s largest portrait collection showcasing British history and culture in a welcoming, accessible London landmark.
5 Trafalgar Sq
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London’s iconic Trafalgar Square: a historic public plaza celebrating naval triumphs and vibrant civic life in the city’s heart.
Embankment Pl
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A sleek postmodern complex blending riverside charm with central London’s vibrant urban pulse.
Essential places to dine
The Northall
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Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
The Garden
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A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
Ekstedt at The Yard
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Experience Nordic wood-fired cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt in the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, blending ancient fire cooking with British seasonal ingredients.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
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Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Rules
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London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
J Sheekey
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Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
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Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
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Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Clos Maggiore
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Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Palm Court Brasserie
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Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Chez Antoinette
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Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Wild Honey St James
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Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
Balthazar
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Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
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Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
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Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gifts of London
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Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Crest of London Ltd
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Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
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Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Unique Britain
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
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Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
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Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
St Martin's Courtyard
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Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cool Britania
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
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Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
London Transport Museum - Shop
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Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
M&M'S London
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Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
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House of Spells
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Henry Pordes Books Ltd
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London's legendary independent rare bookshop preserving literary treasures on historic Charing Cross Road.
Charing Cross Rd
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Charing Cross Road: London’s iconic street for book lovers, theatres, and vibrant urban culture in the heart of the West End.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Harp, Covent Garden
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Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
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Blind Spot London
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Old Shades
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Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
All Bar One Covent Garden
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Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
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Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Upstairs At Rules
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Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Mr Fogg's Tavern
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Step into a Victorian-inspired tavern in Covent Garden, where inventive cocktails meet hearty British fare in an eclectic and lively setting.
Mrs Riot
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Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
The Spy Bar
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Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
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The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
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Eve Bar Covent Garden
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American Bar
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Beaufort Bar
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Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Heaven
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London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
TSQ Club
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Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
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The Penthouse London
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A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
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London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Proud Late
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Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Tiger Tiger London
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Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Luxe Club
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Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
The Ivy Club
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Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
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London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
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Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
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Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
Sophisticats Soho
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An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Club49Soho
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Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.7 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Gothic Revival
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
