Sights and landmarks in London

Sights and landmarks in London

1. SeeNotting Hill-North Kensington

   18 Stafford Terrace

   The Victorian residence of satirical cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne and his household, which is now open as a museum. The "aesthetic" interior design, preserved close to how the Sambournes would have kept it in 1899, features much Chinese and Middle Eastern-style furniture, art, and decorative schemes, along with a selection of Edward's cartoons, which typically ribbed the British establishment and its colonial-driven international relations.

   Wed Sat Sun 2PM-5:30PM; guided tours: Wed Sun 11AM-12:15PM, costumed tours Sat 11AM-12:15PM·Adult £9, concession £7, child (under 18) free. Guided tours: £12 adult, £10 concession. Costumed guided tours led by an actor: £20 adult, £15 concession

2. SeeCity of London

   20 Fenchurch Street

   The Sky Garden

   The unusual "walkie scorchie" profile of this skyscraper by Rafael Vinoly has seen it grab the headlines, as did the "death rays" caused by the sun's heat reflecting off the building onto the street below when it was first completed; car tyres melted and burst, and at least one man fried an egg using only the heat from the walkie talkie. Visitors can access the sky garden to see a magnificent view over the City and beyond; it's the only place you can't see the tower from! Online booking to visit during the day is essential. Alternatively, you can eat at one of the restaurants in the evening.

   Sky garden: Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat Sun 11AM-9PM·Sky garden free

3. SeePaddington-Maida Vale

   Abbey Road Studios

   World-renowned studios where many famous musicians and groups, most notably The Beatles, recorded music. The equally famous zebra crossing, immortalized on the cover of the Beatles' album Abbey Road, is right in front. In the vicinity, in Cavendish Avenue, is a home that used to be owned by Sir Paul McCartney.

   No tours. Be warned that in 2026 there were incidents of individuals offering tours online in exchange for money, which was a scam.

4. 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, 16:35·Tickets: £44, £39 concessions (includes 50% discount on entry to the London Transport Museum)

5. SeePaddington-Maida Vale

   Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum

   The laboratory in which Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.

   Mon-Thu 10AM-1PM·free

6. SeeCity of London

   All Hallows by the Tower

   The oldest church in the City, founded by Saxon abbots in 675 AD.

7. SeeBloomsbury

   All Saints, Margaret Street

   An attractive Gothic Revival church, completed in 1859 to a design by William Butterfield.

   11AM-7PM·Free

8. SeeBloomsbury

   All Souls Church, Langham Place

   Completed in 1823, this attractive church near Broadcasting House is one of John Nash's masterpieces, with a prominent spire and circular vestibule. As of May 2025, it accessible only for worship.

   Sun worship 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 5:30PM·Free (donations advised)

9. SeeMayfair-Marylebone

   Apsley House

   The Wellington Museum

   The London residence of the Dukes of Wellington, which now acts as a museum for the inaugural and most famous holder of the title. It boasts an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, medals and swords. Perhaps the most bizarre item in Wellington's collection is a nude statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, commissioned by the emperor himself and bought by the British government following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo as a gift for the duke.

   Wed-Sun 11AM-5PM·Adult £11.30, child £6.80, concession £10.20

10. 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

11. SeeBloomsbury

    BBC Broadcasting House

    New Broadcasting House aka NBH

    The complex incorporates the Old Broad House built in 1930s. The façades of which feature the famous sculpture of Prospero and Ariel and the Ariel friezes by Eric Gill and Gilbert Bayes. BBC's The One Show is transmitted from the studio at the ground floor every weeknight starting from 7PM. The studio is quite visible from the plaza outside and some parts of the show are performed from outside of the studio – in the plaza.

    Due to security reasons the Broadcasting House is not open to visitors

12. SeeSouth Bank

    BFI IMAX Cinema

    Set back from the riverside is the BFI IMAX, the largest cinema screen in the UK at 26 m wide, 20 m high. Shows family-friendly 3D IMAX films as well as action films which work well on the huge screen. Also hosts special all-nighters such as the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

13. SeeSouth Bank

    BFI Southbank

    Tucked under Waterloo Bridge, BFI Southbank, formerly known as the National Film Theatre, pitches itself as the home of film and has three screens showing classic (including silent), foreign language and less mainstream films. It has a new entrance on Theatre Alley, a shop dedicated to film, an interactive exhibition space and an excellent bar/restaurant at the back. Visitors can also access the Mediatheque - wind your way through the BFI's extensive film and TV archive for free. Cool bar and restaurant. Tickets are generally available on the spur of the moment.

14. 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–5PM·Free

15. 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

16. SeeCity of London

    Barbican Centre

    The largest arts centre in Europe, with music and theatre venues, and changing exhibitions.

    Art Gallery: Mon-Fri 11AM–7PM 10AM–6PM, Sat–Sun 10AM–7PM; The Curve: Mon-Fri noon–7PM, Sat Sun 11AM–7PM

17. SeeCity of London

    Barbican Conservatory

    The second biggest greenhouse in London, containing over 2,000 species of tropical plants as well as birds and fish.

    11AM–5PM·Free

18. SeeCity of London

    Barts Pathology Museum

    Quirky medical museum. Only open to the public for scheduled evening events.

19. SeeWandsworth

    Battersea Park

    A lovely park on the southern banks of the Thames known or its wildlife and some splendid examples of mature trees.

20. SeeWandsworth

    Battersea Power Station

    One of the great icons of the old smog-filled London of the mid-20th century and regarded as a fine example of industrial design of the Art Deco era. This coal-fired power station generated its last electricity in 1983 and sat empty for many years before being redeveloped with flats, shops, and offices in the 2010s. In many ways best viewed from a distance on the north side of the Thames at Chelsea.

21. SeeBloomsbury

    Bedford Square

    This wonderful square was built between 1775 and 1783 as an upper middle class residential area takes its name from the Dukes of Bedford, who were the main landlords in Bloomsbury. Distinguished residents have included Lord Eldon, one of Britain's longest serving and most celebrated Lord Chancellors. This is one of the best preserved set pieces of Georgian architecture in London and the majority of the buildings are grade I listed. The gardens are private and always remain locked - there are no 'open days'.

22. 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.

23. SeeCity of London

    Blitz Plaque

    The first of tens of thousands of bombs to hit London in World War II fell here in 1940.

24. SeeBloomsbury

    Bloomsbury Square

    This garden square was established by Lord Southampton in 1665 and is the oldest square in London. It was opened to the public in the 1950s. The square is surrounded by a number of beautiful 18th- and 19th-century buildings and terraces.

    Dusk-dawn·Free

25. 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

26. SeeBloomsbury

    British Museum

    A vast repository of the world's cultures, controversially including hundreds of items that were looted from their places of origin. Entire sections are devoted to Egyptian, Greek, and Middle Eastern artifacts, as well as the piece which united them all, the Rosetta Stone. Other items on everyone's list are the largest collection of mummies outside Egypt and the Elgin Marbles. The collection also includes some of the world's finest collections of Chinese and Sub-Saharan African art; perhaps the most famous of the latter are the Benin bronzes. A definite highlight of a trip to London. Temporary exhibitions are invariably excellent and meticulously researched, but can be expensive. It has a fine store, mainly selling replicas of items in the collection.

    Sat-Wed 10AM-5:30PM, Thu Fri 10AM-8:30PM; Central Great Court remains open Sat-Wed until 6PM, Thu Fri until 11PM·Free for permanent exhibits

27. SeeBloomsbury

    British Telecom Tower

    191-m (627-ft) skyscraper can be seen from far away and is the sixth highest building in UK.

    Not open to the public

28. 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–8PM·Free

29. SeeSouthwark and Lewisham

    Brunel Museum

    A museum dedicated to the works of the great engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel including a major exhibition about the founding of the London tube system. Also a fine collection of Victorian industrial paintings on show.

    Daily 10AM-5PM·£8.00 concs £5.00

30. 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

31. SeeHolborn-Clerkenwell

    Bunhill Fields Burial Ground

    First used to bury bones to make space at St Paul's, it was designated as a burial ground during the Great Plague of 1665. Notable interments include Daniel Dafoe, John Bunyan and William Blake. This small graveyard is a rarity in central London, and seems oddly tranquil in comparison to the nearby bustling streets of the City. Some 120,000 bodies are believed to be buried here: as the inscription reads, it is a burial ground for 'nonconformists'. Notably, Bunhill Fields contains the graves of William Blake, Daniel Defoe and John Bunyan. The watchful eye will notice that the paved way across the field is actually made up of tombstones.

    Dawn-dusk·Free

32. SeeWestminster

    Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum

    A branch of the Imperial War Museum, the Cabinet War Rooms preserves the underground corridors and rooms from which Churchill and the cabinet directed the war against Hitler and the Nazis, maintained almost exactly as they were left in 1945. In 1984, IWM opened the rooms to the public for the first time. In 2005, the attached Churchill Museum was opened as the world's first permanent museum dedicated to the life and wartime achievements of Sir Winston Churchill. Audio guides are included in your admission. No cloakroom, no rucksacks, no suitcases. Café is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Hot food is served until 3pm.

    Daily 9:30AM-7PM (last admission 5:45PM), closed 24-26 Dec·Adult from £25; children 5-15 from £12.50, under 5 free; seniors and students £15.20; group concessions available

33. SeeBloomsbury

    Camera Museum

    A downstairs museum dedicated to cameras from the 1800s to present day, including a camera rifle like the one used in Licence to Kill. The museum is a quick visit and worth the stop even for someone with a moderate interest in photography.

    Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat noon-6PM, Sun closed·£3. U10 free

34. SeeCamden

    Camley Street Natural Park

    A 2-acre nature reserve amid the industrial wasteland just north of King's Cross Station. This lovely little park gives visitors interested in nature the opportunity to learn about the work of the London Wildlife Trust who administer this and 26 other reserves in London. This is the only one in the centre of the city.

    10AM-5PM daily

35. SeeBloomsbury

    Cartoon Museum

    A vast collection of cartoons and comics on display with special, often topical, exhibitions.

    Tue Wed Fri-Sun 10:30AM-5:30PM, Thu 10:30AM-8PM·£8.50, concession (60+) £5, students £3, under-18s free

36. SeeCovent Garden

    Charing Cross and Charing Cross Station

    Old train station with an enormous office and shopping complex in glass and pale stone. A lavish hotel is also on the site. The name comes from the Queen Eleanor (13th century) gothic pillar outside the station, which is actually a Victorian-era replica. Charing Cross Road was once famous for its vintage book shops, but these have now largely disappeared due to high rents and online competition; however, the road is still home to one of London's largest bookshops, Foyle's.

37. SeeBloomsbury

    Charles Dickens Museum

    Museum at the former home of Dickens exhibiting writings, paintings, furniture and other items relating to the writer.

    Mon Wed-Sat 10AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM), Tue 10AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM)·£5, students and seniors £4, children £3, families £14 (two adults and up to five children), special group rates apply

38. SeeLeicester Square

    Chinatown

    The main sights to see in London's Chinatown are the expressions of Chinese culture and Eastern ambience in Chinatown, and for a good Chinese meal. There are few souvenir shops for tourists and no museums or temples.

39. SeeWandsworth

    Clapham Common

    This large open space in densely built Wandsworth has been a source of comfort to Londoners for time immemorial. The common is roughly triangular shape with an area of 88 ha. It is mostly open grassy parkland with scattered mature trees. There are three ponds here which are notably popular with local fisherman. The Grade II listed bandstand was fully restored in 2006.

40. 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.

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