Historic places in London

91 historic buildings, sites and memorials in London.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 91.

SeeCovent Garden
Aldwych station
The TfL-backed Hidden London offers tours around the disused Aldwych tube station which had its own branch on the Piccadilly line. The tour explains the station's unusual history including its use for protection (for both people and historical artefacts held by the British Museum) from the Blitz during World War II. It has been used as a filming location and for testing station equipment and decor, including for filming James Bond: Die Another Day, V for Vendetta, and the Prodigy music video for Firestarter. Tours are roughly an 1 hour and 15 minutes long, wear sturdy shoes (not sandals).
Weekdays: 17:05, 19:00; weekends: 10:05, 12:00, 14:40, 16:35Tickets: £44, £39 concessions (includes 50% discount on entry to the London Transport Museum)
SeeSouth Bank
Archbishop's Park
This park used to be the grounds of Lambeth Palace but has been a public park since 1901. In addition to the green space it provides, it contains a range of sports facilities (booking required, except for the cricket nets) and a playground.
7:30AM–15 minutes before sunset
SeeCity of London
Bank of England Museum
Charts the history of the bank from 1694 to the present day. A highlight is the opportunity to handle a genuine bar of gold. Photography allowed, but no flash.
Mon–Fri 10AM–5PMFree
SeeWestminster
Banqueting House
Designed and built in 1619-1622 by the Neo-Classical architect Inigo Jones, The Banqueting House is now all that remains of Whitehall Palace, the sovereign's principal residence from 1530-1698 when most of it was destroyed by fire. Renowned for its architecture and paintings (by Rubens, among others), the building is also famous for being the scene of Charles I's execution in 1649 at the end of the English Civil War.
Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, closed Sun, Bank Holidays and 24 Dec-1 Jan (inclusive); The Banqueting House is liable to close at short notice for government functions, telephone to check before you travel£4, students (with ID) and seniors (60+) £3.00, children 5-16 £2.60, under 5 free
SeeCovent Garden
Benjamin Franklin House
The only remaining home of Benjamin Franklin in the world. The founding father of the United States lived here from 1757 to 1775. Many exhibits charting his life and achievements as well as artefacts. A special Historical Experience Show runs W-Su at noon, 1PM, 2PM, 3:15PM, and 4:15PM all year round.
£7, under 16s free.
BuySouth Bank
Borough Market
One of London's favourite wholesale working food markets, on Fridays and Saturdays offering a general retail market with specialties sold directly from the producers, organic products, delicatessen, cheese, wines, fish and imported continental fare. Around the market are other excellent food shops, for a total food experience! Pick up some food and enjoy it under Southwark Cathedral. For market shopping, go in the morning, or after 2PM, since it gets very crowded at lunchtime.
Wed Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 8AM-5PM
SeeCamden
British Library
The official book depository of the United Kingdom, holding a copy of every book ever printed here, and a wide variety of periodicals. No less than 150 million items catalogued and there is an unimaginable of shelving! Visitors may not use the library unless they have proof of identity, home address, and a genuine need to use a specific item, but there is a free "Treasures of the British Library" exhibition chronicling the history of the written and printed word and displaying some of the library's best known items, including two of the original manuscripts of the Magna Carta and Leonardo Da Vinci's notebook. Additionally there are temporary exhibitions on historical or literary subjects, which charge admission. Popular ones can be very crowded at weekends. In the central atrium stands the King's Library (the library of King George III) surrounded by a glass wall, so visitors can occasionally see librarians retrieving books for readers. Tours of the library building run M W F-Su and cost £6. Call to book. Large items of luggage are not permitted in the building and cannot be stored in the cloakroom.
Mon Wed-Fri 9:30AM-6PM, Tue 9:30AM-6PM, Sat 9:30AM-5PM, Sun 11AM-5PM
SeeBloomsbury
Brunei Gallery, SOAS University of London
An exhibition space that hosts a programme of changing contemporary and historical exhibitions from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, aiming to present and promote cultures from these regions and to be a student resource and public facility. There are live music performances every last Wednesday of every month except December and July.
Tue–Sat 10:30AM–5PM, Thu 10:30AM–8PMFree
SeeWestminster
Buckingham Palace
The main residence of His Majesty King Charles III, Her Royal Highness Queen Camilla, and latterly of HM Queen Elizabeth II. In the summer, 19 State Rooms are open to the public. Places are strictly limited, and it might not be possible to just turn up and get a ticket for a specific entry time, visitors should book in advance to ensure admission.
Summer opening: 31 Jul-29 Sep 9:45AM-3:45PM (closed rest of year)Summer opening: £8.75-15.50
DoWestminster
Changing of the Guard
Each morning between May and July at 11:30AM the guard changes outside Buckingham Palace. The rest of the year, the guard changes on alternate days, weather permitting. A board is placed outside the palace in the morning to say whether the Changing of the Guard ceremony will take place or not. There is no charge to view the Changing of the Guard—simply turn up and stand at the fence in front of the Palace, but it is worth getting there early to ensure a good view, particularly when the weather is fine.
May-Jul 11:30AM daily; for other times, see websiteFree
DrinkHolborn-Clerkenwell
Cittie of Yorke
The interior gives the impression of being a historic relic but it was only built in 1924 (although there have been other pubs on the site since 1430). Lack of authenticity aside, it really is an impressive and atmospheric pub, a grade II listed building and on CAMRA's national inventory of historic pub interiors. Food is served Monday to Saturday.
Mon–Sat noon–11PM, Sun noon-6PM
SeeCovent Garden
Cleopatra's Needle
Cleopatra's Needle originated in the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis, in the Temple of Atum, but the Romans moved it to Alexandria in 12 BC. In 1819, viceroy Mehemet Ali presented Cleopatra's Needle to the British, commemorating military victories in Egypt, but it remained in Alexandria until 1877 when transportation was arranged to bring it to London. On the voyage, the ship capsized in a storm, killing six crewmembers. Cleopatra's Needle was thought to be lost, but Spanish trawlers found it afloat a few days later, and after some repairs, it arrived in London on 21 Jan 1878. The obelisk is flanked by two faux-sphinxes, which show the effects of bombings of London during World War II. Today, Cleopatra's Needle shows some wear from exposure to London's damp weather.
DrinkHolborn-Clerkenwell
Crown Tavern
A large, traditional pub, rebuilt in 1815 but claiming a history on this site back to 1641. In good weather, outdoor tables in the square can be pleasant. London legend claims that Stalin and Lenin first met in this pub, in a back room (under the "Conspirators' Clock") in 1903.
Mon–Fri noon–11PM; Sat Sun 10AM–11PM
SeeSouthwark and Lewisham
Crystal Palace Park
While the Crystal Palace is no longer there, the 200-acre park is a lasting reminder of the grandeur of the scheme. There is a wide range of things to see and do, including a hedge maze, a sports centre with Olympic-sized pool, a boating lake, fishing, an athletics stadium and an open air concert bowl by a lake among other things. The park is a great place for a walk and also for cycling around. A significant attraction within the park is the Dinosaur Park. Large Victorian concrete and cast iron dinosaurs are scattered around widely. The dinosaurs, built by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins in the early 1850s to meet the emerging passion of wealthy Victorians for fossils and paleontology, they predated Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species by six years and were unique in the world. After falling into a state of disrepair in the 1980s and 1990s, they were splendidly renovated using a Lottery grant in the early 2000s and are now protected as a grade I listed structure. The dinosaurs were designed by the Victorians on their idea of what one would look like and differ somewhat from modern interpretations.
Free
SeeCity of London
Dr Johnson's House
Dr Samuel Johnson was the highly distinguished 18th-century "man of letters", best known for his comprehensive English Dictionary of 1755, but also for his prolific output of poems, essays and novels. Something of a "hidden gem", this small, independent museum is dedicated to him—and, with its historic interiors, paintings and prints, personal effects and other exhibits—gives an impression of what it might have been like during his occupancy from 1748 to 1759. Built in 1700, this impressive period building—a rare example of its kind in the area—survived the brutal onslaught of the Blitz during World War II and is now maintained in excellent condition.
October-April: Mon-Sat 11AM-5PM; May-September: Mon-Sat 11AM-5:30PM; closed Sundays, Bank Holidaysadult £4.50, concession £3.50 (over 60, student or registered unemployed), child £1.50 (ages 5-17), family £10 (two adults and accompanying children), under 5s free. No debit or credit cards. National Trust Partner.
DrinkCamden
Electric Ballroom
A historic ballroom turned contemporary rock music venue. As a former dancefloor, the audience stands on a flat surface so it may be difficult to see the stage further back. The Ballroom hosts several different club nights. It is a big venue with two separate dance floors and four bars. Features a rock floor, as well as a floor for the industrial/goth/rock/techno genres.
Fri 10:30PM-3AM
DrinkCity of London
Fabric
A massive club (think cathedral scale) that provides a more underground version of Ministry of Sound and hosts some of the biggest names in dance music, from Goldie to David Holmes to the Scratch Perverts. There are always big queues, so get down early if you can.
Thu–Sat times vary (check listings)Entry £12-18, discount for NUS
DrinkHolborn-Clerkenwell
Fabric
A massive club (think cathedral scale) that provides a more underground version of Ministry of Sound and hosts some of the biggest names in dance music, from Goldie to David Holmes to the Scratch Perverts. There are always big queues, so get down early if you can.
Thu-Sat times vary (check listings)Entry £12-18, discount for NUS
SeeBloomsbury
Fitzroy House
L. Ron Hubbard House
A historic house that was inhabited by playwright George Bernard Shaw, it is where writer L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, worked in the 1950s. The building is reminiscent of the time, complete with Adler typewriters, Grundig tape recorders, and Western Union telefax. Tours by appointment.
Free
DrinkSouth Bank
Founders Arms
Riverside Youngs' pub with an excellent view looking straight across the Thames at St. Paul's Cathedral and the rest of The City's iconic skyline.
Mon–Thu 9AM–11PM, Fri Sat 9AM–midnight, Sun 9AM–11PM
SeeSouth Bank
Garden Museum
The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of gardening, based in the deconsecrated Church of St Mary-at-Lambeth. The exhibits cover everything from royal gardens to allotments.
Sun–Fri 10:30AM–5PM, Sat 10:30AM–4PM£5–7.50 (£4–6.50 seniors, £3.00 concessions, children free)
EatBloomsbury
Great Court Restaurant
Housed in the British Museum, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience. For history buffs, it's the perfect setting to sit down and enjoy familiar favourites. Reservations recommended.
Sat-Thu noon-5:30PM, Fri noon-9:30PMMain courses from £16.25
SeeWestminster
Green Park
In contrast to the other Royal Parks in the area, Green Park can seem a little plain. It has no lakes or buildings and few monuments. It is still a pleasant green, lightly wooded, area in the centre of London, neighbouring two other parks and Buckingham Palace.
DoHolborn-Clerkenwell
Gresham College
Attend free public lectures, in Barnard's Inn Hall (mostly, but other venues are used as well), renowned historic Inn of Court featured in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.
SeeCity of London
Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre
The Guildhall Art Gallery houses the City Corporation's art collection, and also runs special exhibitions throughout the year. During construction of the modern gallery, workers discovered the ruins of London's Roman amphitheatre. The gallery was redesigned, and now the Amphitheatre is open to the public within the Guildhall Art Gallery itself and also free of charge.
Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM; Sun noon-4PMfree
SeeWestminster
Henry VII Lady Chapel
Described as "the wonder of the entire world", this chapel at the eastern end of Westminster Abbey is a breathtakingly beautiful masterpiece of medieval architecture.
SeeHolborn-Clerkenwell
Hunterian Museum
Inside the Royal College of Surgeons. Exhibitions on the history of surgery, including medicine, natural history and art. The museum was established by John Hunter (1728-1793), the founder of scientific surgery.
Tue-Sat 10AM-5PMFree, booking recommended
SeeCamden
Jewish Museum
In 2010, it reopened after a renovation with a modern extension. Exhibitions on the long history of the Jewish community in London. Well laid out and interesting.
Sun-Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri 10AM-2PMAdult £7.50, senior (60+) or student or unemployed or disabled £5.50, child (5-16) £3.50, free with National Art Pass or London Pass of child under 5
BuyBloomsbury
Judd Books
Large stock of used, remaindered and academic books especially in the fields of architecture, history and philosophy.
Mon-Sat 11AM-7PM
SeeSouth Bank
Lambeth Palace
The official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century and now a Grade I listed building. Tours must be booked in advance and tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
Only open to pre-booked guided tourstours £10 per person + £2.50 booking fee (children free)
SeeNotting Hill-North Kensington
Leighton House
The former Victorian home of an artist Frederic (Lord) Leighton. While regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian residential architecture, it's not the usual Neo-Gothic venue. The entrance rooms, especially the so-called Arabic Hall, look like an eclectic cross-breed between the Alhambra and Topkapı Palace. This may sound quite terrible, but surprisingly it works. While the rest of the building is less vividly decorated it's still designed rather well and displays some works by Lord Leighton himself and his fellow Pre-Raphaelites, but also a handful of works by Delacroix and Corot as well as a collection of some colourful pottery. Regular small exhibitions are held in the house's extension.
Sat Sun 10AM-5PMAdult £9, concession £7, child (under 18) free
SeeSouth Bank
London Fire Brigade Museum
Admission by guided tour only, which must be booked in advance. The museum is housed in part of a Victorian fire station and its collections include fire engines and historical equipment.
Mon–Fri 10:30AM & 2PM£5 (£3 concessions)
SeeCity of London
London Stone
London Stone is a historic landmark housed in a public display case at 111 Cannon Street in the City of London. It is an irregular block of oolitic limestone measuring 53 × 43 × 30 cm (21″ × 17″ × 12″), the remnant of a once much larger object that had stood for many centuries on the south side of the street.
SeeCovent Garden
London Transport Museum
In many cities a local transport museum would be of very narrow interest - not London, however! London's public transport is iconic, and the story of how it developed from horse and cart through early buses, Tube trains and trolleybuses to the present day is well worth coming to find out about. There is plenty of opportunity to clamber aboard the historic buses and Tube trains on display. Also, because London's transport is so well known, the museum shop contains plenty of items that make interesting and original gifts and souvenirs.
£18, concessions £17, accompanied children under 16 free
DoMayfair-Marylebone
London Underground Tours
Guided tours that cover the tube's 150-year-history in two hours, including its construction, design and social history. Meet at the Sherlock Holmes Statue.
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat (and bank holidays): 11AMAdult: £20, Child (under age 12): £12, Senior (60+): £12
SeeMayfair-Marylebone
Marble Arch
This enormous arch was built in front of Buckingham Palace. In 1851 the expansion of the palace meant the arch could no longer remain where it was, so it was moved to this point on Hyde Park. It now stands rather sadly on a large traffic island, but the subway beneath the roads means you can stop off at the Marble Arch on your way from Oxford St to Hyde Park.
SeeNotting Hill-North Kensington
Museum of Brands
A history of British consumer culture told through over 12,000 food packages, toys, advertisements, and consumer products. The centrepiece of the museum is the "time tunnel" that takes you through the decades from the Victorian era to the present day. Other exhibits cover innovations in packaging, personalised labels, the future of eco-friendly packaging, and how individual brands have changed over time, among other topics. The time tunnel takes about an hour or two, depending on how much time you spend looking at the details of all the items on display, and the other exhibits are much smaller. The gift shop has a mix of nostalgia-themed products and reusable items to reduce your use of plastic (which may be very welcome after seeing so much packaging!).
Mon–Sat 10AM–6PM, Sundays and bank holidays 11AM–5PM£9 adults, £5 children, £7 concessions
SeeHolborn-Clerkenwell
Museum of the Order of St John
Museum in the former English headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller, covering the history of the order from crusading knights to modern first aid organisation. There are paid guided tours available to see the crypt.
Mon–Sat 10AM–5PMFree - donations welcome
SeeLeicester Square
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is just around the corner from the National Gallery and is an entertaining way to learn about British history since the Tudors. Visitors walk around the gallery chronologically, viewing portraits of notable figures from British history - from Henry VII, painted by Hans Holbein, to Blur, painted by Julian Opie.
Sat-Wed 10AM-6PM, Thu Fri 10AM-9PMFree except some non-permanent exhibitions
SeeCity of London
Old Bailey
Central Criminal Court
This is probably the most famous criminal court in the world, and has been London's principal criminal court for centuries. It hears cases remitted to it from all over England and Wales as well as the Greater London area. The present building dates largely from 1907 (a new block was added from 1970 for more modern facilities) and stands on the site of the infamous medieval Newgate Gaol. The Central Criminal Court is of course best known today for its association with John Mortimer's Rumpole of the Bailey character, novels and television series. Daily case listings are available at The law pages. No bags, cameras, drinks, food or mobile phones—no facilities for safekeeping. Children under 14 are not admitted.
Mon–Fri 10AM–1PM, 2–5PM

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to London (CC BY-SA 4.0).