The bridge had to close within days of its opening in 2000 because of a slight wobble, which caused people to walk in step with each other, causing the wobble to become much worse!
Westminster Bridge is painted green, the same colour as the seats in the House of Commons, which it is nearer to. Likewise neighbouring Lambeth Bridge is painted red, the colour of the Lords.
This iconic London landmark even has a private venue for hire, with wonderful views over the City. Is it London’s most stylish party venue?
One of London’s lost rivers joins the Thames here. The Tyburn, which gave its name to the famous gallows, begins in Hampstead and now runs entirely underground.
Another of London’s lost rivers, the Westbourne runs through the Long Water in Hyde Park, under Knightsbridge, over Sloane Sq station and into the river near Chelsea Bridge.
These award-winning footbridges opened in 2002. The engineers had to contend with the Bakerloo Line just under the river, and the risk of unexploded WW2 bombs in the riverbed!
No.10 was given to Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first ‘prime minister’, by George II in thanks for his service. Walpole’s official title, First Lord of the Treasury, still remains on the letterbox.
Hyde Park was a favourite venue for duellists in the 18th and 19th century, including the brutal 1712 duel between the Duke of Hamilton and Lord Mohun in which they hacked each other to death.
Every year a Norway Spruce is erected here and decorated as part of the Christmas festivities. The tree is a gift of thanks from the Norwegians for Britain's support during the Second World War
