Landmarks of London 2012

As the sun sets on the greatest show on Earth, BRITAIN celebrates the iconic landmarks of London 2012

London 2012 Big Ben

Millions of people from around the world flock to hear the chimes of Big Ben every year but onlookers witnessed a rare treat in 2012 when the bell chimed a total of forty times to welcome in the London 2012 Olympic Games. Special permission had to be gained for Big Ben to be allowed to toll out of its regular sequence.

London 2012 Triathalon Hyde Park

Jubilant spectators cheered the triathlon athletes in glorious fashion as they made their way through Hyde Park, seen here riding under Wellington Arch.

London 2012 Tower bridge Olympic Rings

We’ve seen a fair few heavyweights during the London 2012 Games but the 3-tonne Olympics Rings, seen here decorating Tower Bridge, certainly take some beating.

London 2012 White Cliffs of Dover

…and it wasn’t just the capital city getting into the spirit of the Games. Day 61 of the Torch Relay was Dover’s time to shine, as the Olympic Rings were projected on the famous White Cliffs. The White Cliffs form part of the iconic Kent coastline in the South of England and are of historical significance for Britain as they lay on the narrowest part of the English Channel, across from continental Europe.

London 2012 Olympic Rings Newcastle

We now travel from the south of England to the North East, where Newcastle and Gateshead’s Tyne Bridge was made all the more striking with the addition of the Olympic Rings during the London 2012 Games.

London 2012 Horse Guards Parade Spectators

The Horse Guards Parade provided a stunning backdrop for fans during the beach volleyball events. Judging from this fantastic picture, it seems that even one of Britain’s most recognised attractions was keen to keep its London Eye on the action.

London 2012 Games Orbit

Standing 115 metres high, the Orbit is the tallest art structure in Britain – offering stunning views over the Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park and the whole of London. As well as promising a unique moment and experience for visitors, the spiralling red structure – designed by internationally acclaimed artist Anish Kapoor- successfully represented both London and the UK, and was reflective of the five Olympic rings.

London 2012 Union Flag projected Houses of Parliament

In contrast to the heavy branding seen on the high street, a medley of dazzling images from bygone Olympic Games were beamed onto the Houses of Parliament in the run up the Opening Ceremony, which included Usain Bolt celebrating his victory at Beijing 2008.

London 2012 Olympic Rings St. Pauls

Here, the Olympic Rings add a splash of colour to a cloudy skyline. Not content with the Rings being the star of the show, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Gherkin take the opportunity to be apart of a London 2012 photo opportunity.

London 2012 Olympic vanues Riverbank Arena

There was certainly a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow- captured here at the Riverside Arena- with Team GB securing a staggering 29 gold medals in total at the London 2012 Games, making this their most successful Olympic haul in history.

olympic-stadium-london-2012

Following a breathtaking Opening Ceremony, 16 days of subsequent sporting triumphs and a blazing Closing Ceremony, the Olympic Stadium proved to be the hostess with the mostess. With London 2012 leaving a sense of patriotism and pride in its wake, BRITAIN looks forward to the events of Paralympics 2012…

All images courtesy of London 2012

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