A NUMBER of iconic landmarks have closed around the country, as Brits brace for record-breaking heat.
Temperatures today have already broken June weather records, with highs of 36C seen in Surrey.
Multiple British landmarks have completely closed or restricted public access today as the Met Office’s red weather warning takes effect.
This comes after over 1,000 schools shut doors across the South of England, West Midlands and Wales due to rapidly rising temperatures.
Tower Bridge, a London landmark that attracts nearly one million visitors annually, has shut entirely today and will remain shut tomorrow.
Operators have said the decision was made for “the welfare of our staff and visitors”, and plan to reopen the bridge on Friday.
Changing of the Guard ceremonies at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are suspended for the rest of the week.
The Household Division said: “We take the wellbeing of our soldiers and military working horses very seriously.
“Whilst it may be disappointing not to experience the Ceremonial Operations in full, it is important the wellbeing of the public, our soldiers and military working horses is maintained at all times.”
The historic spectacle, taking place on alternative days at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, is a popular tourist attraction and “must see” for London visitors.
Major British landmarks closing this week
A number of British landmarks around the country have closed this week due to hot weather conditions
Full closures on Wednesday, 24 June and Thursday, 25 June:
- Tower Bridge, Southwark
- Changing of the Guard: Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle
- Young V&A, Bethnal Green
- Cutty Sark, Greenwich
- The Royal Observatory, Greenwich
- Longleat House, Wiltshire
- Severn Valley Railway, Wiltshire
- Wild Zoological Park, Wolverhampton
- Various National Trust properties and stately homes
Part closures on Wednesday, 24 June and Thursday, 25 June:
- London Zoo – closing at 4pm on both days
- Chester Zoo – closing at 2pm on Thursday
- London Wetland Centre – closing at 3pm on both days
- The Natural History Museum, Kensington – DC Atrium and West Entrance closed
- Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensington – Galleries on level 4, alongside glass and architecture rooms
- British Museum, Bloomsbury – Potential temporary closure of some galleries
- Royal Parks – Spaces and playgrounds in Bushy Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, St James’s Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Brompton Cemetary, and Victoria Tower Gardens
- Hampton Court Palace, Richmond – Magic Garden
Greenwich landmarks the Cutty Sark and The Royal Observatory have also both announced their closures, with visitors of the area recommended to view the Queen’s House and National Maritime Museum as an alternative.
Away from the capital, various National Trust properties are operating on shortened hours, such as the Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire, Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire, and Mottisfont House in Hampshire.
Longleat House and the Severn Valley Railway in Wiltshire, alongside the Wild Zoological Park in Wolverhampton, have also closed today and tomorrow.
The UK’s most visited museum, Natural History Museum, alongside the Victoria and Albert Museum have temporarily closed certain sections of the building, with the Young V&A shutting entirely.
The British Museum has further said on its website: “We may also temporarily close some galleries in the Museum to ensure the comfort and safety of staff and visitors.”
Beloved family attractions London Zoo and Chester Zoo are also shutting early on certain days, with London closing at 4pm both days, and Chester Zoo closing at 2pm on Thursday.
Outside, playgrounds in London’s Royal Parks have shut to keep staff, wildlife and visitors safe, including popular sites in Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and more.
Hampton Court Palace has also shut its Magic Garden from 1pm today, continuing until the end of tomorrow as the hot weather continues.
The Met Office red alert is in place for swathes of the country until late tomorrow night, with warm weather anticipated for the rest of the week.