The Olympic torch has begun its final journey, taking in yet more historic landmarks, ahead of the grand opening ceremony for London 2012 later on Friday.

Day 70 of the torch relay began at Hampton Court Palace in South West London, where it was carried through the famous hedge maze. It was then taken on board the royal barge Gloriana, a boat making another appearance following Queen Elizabeth the Second’s diamond jubilee celebrations last month.

After sailing down the Thames, the torch will arrive at the famous Tower Bridge, which has been decked with huge Olympic rings. It will finally end its journey at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, east London for the Opening Ceremony, which begins at 8pm GMT. During the last 70 days, the torch has been to all four corners of the UK, taking in palaces, cathedrals, villages, cities, and many British landmarks. It’s also taken to the skies.

Even to the airwaves, having been featured in an episode of popular TV soap opera "Eastenders". An estimated three million people have been out on London’s streets to see the Olympic flame, bringing the overall total to about 13 million during its 70-day tour of Britain.

Britons ushered in the final day of the build up by ringing thousands of bells, big and small, for three minutes. It included London’s Big Ben, rung for the first time outside of normal hours since the funeral of King George the sixth in 1952.

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