The historic sites of London range from iconic national treasures such as the nineteenth century Tower Bridge to the lesser known medieval charms of the Jewel Tower. London's historic attractions cover periods from Roman Britain to the Second World War and beyond.
Inhabited for over 2,000 years, London has seen the rise and fall of many empires, civilisations, kings and queens. This historic capital was a major Roman settlement, Anglo-Saxon stronghold and Norman city. It played host to the many famous kings and queens of England and later of Britain and her Empire. Each culture, civilisation and ruler left their mark on the city in one way or another and today the historic sites of London are both varied and numerous.
Whether you’re planning a day tour of London’s city centre or are thinking of going slightly further afield, the following are ten must see historic sites of London. To view this list as a three-day Top 10 London itinerary on screen click here or click here to print as a PDF Pocket Guide.
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TEN MUST-SEE HISTORIC SITES OF LONDON
Nelson’s Column
Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square is dedicated to the national hero, Admiral Lord Nelson. Nelson, who led the country to victory in numerous naval battles, is best known for his triumph at the Battle of Trafalgar, in which he also died. Nelson's Column is a must see historic site of London. Photo by Elliott B (cc)
The British Museum
If you’re looking for a day out filled with historic treasures and information, look no further than The British Museum. This world renowned museum has a vast collection of artifacts and pieces from throughout history and around the globe. From the Ancient Egyptian to the medieval, the Babylonian to the Samurai, the British Museum has it all. Photo by Heather K (cc)
St Paul’s Cathedral
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Not only is St Paul’s Cathedral a vital element of the London skyline, it is also an intrinsic part of the city’s history and one of the best historic sites of London. Whilst the current incarnation of St Paul’s Cathedral was completed in the eighteenth century, it is the fourth cathedral on this site, the first dating back to 604 AD. Many a British icon is buried in the crypt of this famous cathedral, including Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill. Photo by Garry K (cc)
Jewel Tower
Across the road from the Houses of Parliament sits the unassuming Jewel Tower, one of the last remaining vestiges of the original Westminster Palace. Known as the King's Privy Wardrobe, the Jewel Tower was the place where King Edward III would keep his treasures. We love this historic site because it is the very definition of a hidden gem. Photo by Paulo O (cc)
The Tower of London
An imposing Norman fortress, a royal residence and a terrifying prison, the Tower of London is truly one of its most fascinating historic sites of London. Commissioned by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this vast stronghold would go on to be both a home for soon to be monarchs and the place where royals were imprisoned, among them Henry VIII’s wife Anne Boleyn and his daughter, Elizabeth I.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey has been site of almost every British royal coronation since that of William the Conqueror. Visitors to the Abbey can see the coronation chair as well as over 600 tombs, many of them belonging to royalty, including Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I. Photo by Mark R (cc)
Cabinet War Rooms
It was from the Cabinet War Rooms that William Churchill planned his strategy during World War II and led his government. Still in almost exactly the same state they would have been in during the war, the Cabinet War Rooms offer a glimpse into the way in which the country was governed at this fractious time and is one historic site of London not to be missed. Photo by Avinash K (cc)
Buckingham Palace
The first royal resident of Buckingham Palace was Queen Victoria and it is now the official London home of Queen Elizabeth II. With 775 rooms, the Palace was built originally for the Dukes of Buckingham in the eighteenth century. Today you can tour the palace and witness timeless ceremonies such as the Changing the Guard. Photo by shining.darkness (cc)
Banqueting House
Banqueting House is the last complete building remaining of the original Palace of Whitehall, which burnt down in 1698. It is the site where King Charles I was executed and was also the home of Oliver Cromwell and Charles II. Photo by Anthony M (cc)
Temple Church
Temple Church was founded by the Knights Templar in the twelfth century and is one of the least well known historic sites of London. The Templars were a Christian order and played a vital role in the Crusades. Featured in Dan Brown’s bestseller, “The Da Vinci Code”, this hidden church contains the famous set of effigies of the Knights Templar. Photo by Steve C (cc)
To view a three-day Top 10 London itinerary on screen click here or click here to print as a PDF Pocket Guide. For more historic sites of London visit our explore page.
