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London Attractions & ActivitiesHistoric Sites
Ready to look into the past and learn about the heritage of this fascinating city? We list historic homes, plantations, battlegrounds, and churches that are rich in history and provide for an educational travel diversion.
Category: Historic Sites - London Attractions & Activities
Address: Kensington Gore, Kensington Gardens, London SW7
In 1851, Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, coordinated a Great Exhibition to highlight worldly innovation. Its success led him to propose a permanent hall for such events, but he died in 1861 before it met fruition. The inconsolable queen erected this extravagant monument in his memory. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Gothic-styled,...
Category: Historic Sites - London Attractions & Activities
Address: Parliament Sq, Houses of Parliament, London SW1A 0AA
Arguably London's most famous landmark, this clock tower rises above the Houses of Parliament, former site of the Palace of Westminster. Although the tower has long been called "Big Ben," that moniker actually belongs to the tower's largest bell, which weighs more than 13 tons. The tower itself is 320 feet high, and its four clock faces are each...
Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum
Category: Historic Sites - London Attractions & Activities
Address: King Charles St, Clive Steps, London SW1A 2AQ
Offering a glimpse of a city under siege, these underground chambers illustrate British efforts to thwart German bombs and hostilities during WWII. They're where Prime Minister Winston Churchill led the government, coordinated communications, and held out against Nazi aggressions. The rooms are laid out much as they were when the war ended,...
Category: Historic Sites - London Attractions & Activities
Address: 48 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LX
Enthusiasts of English literature find much to appreciate in this fine home, the only one of Charles Dickens' residences still remaining. "Oliver Twist" and "Nicholas Nickleby" were penned here, and visitors can examine photographs and other items left by the renowned author. Much of the house has been restored to its original appearance. TUBE:...
Category: Historic Sites - London Attractions & Activities
Address: Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4PX
This Jacobean mansion, flanked on all sides by Kensington Gardens, was purchased by William and Mary in 1689. Queen Victoria lived here until she became queen, and, more recently, it was Princess Diana's home. Inside, 17th-century paintings and furnishings make for interesting viewing, and a permanent exhibit features the Princess's dresses....
Category: Historic Sites - London Attractions & Activities
Address: Montague Close, near London Bridge, London SE1 9DA
Sited on what was originally the location of a Roman residence, this Gothic cathedral was built in the 15th century. In fact, a church has been on the site for hundreds of years. During its long history, Southwark was attended by Chaucer, Shakespeare, James I of Scotland, and John Harvard, founder of Harvard University. In the 20th century, the...
Category: Historic Sites - London Attractions & Activities
Address: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 4JJ
Built in 1726 to the specifications of designer James Gibbs, this historic church sits on Trafalgar Square's northeast corner near the National Gallery. Crafted of stone, it's distinguished by an ornate portico and a clocktower spire. Although the elegant structure is of more recent vintage, worship on the site was common as far back as the 13th...
Category: Historic Sites - London Attractions & Activities
Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1
The world's most famous bridge offers an exhibit describing its unique history and its role in London's development. The bridge, known around the world for its pale blue lines and Gothic style, first opened in 1894. The museum takes you through succeeding years with animatronics and interactive displays, which punctuate fantastic views of the...
Category: Historic Sites - London Attractions & Activities
Address: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2
London's largest, most prominent square remembers British victory over the French in a battle off the coast of Spain. Led by Lord Horatio Nelson, British forces diminished Napoleon I's military power and headed off a possible French invasion of England. Today, Nelson's statue stands atop a commemorative column in the square. Throughout the year,...
Category: Historic Sites - London Attractions & Activities
Address: Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA
An important architectural and historical stop, Westminster Abbey is where kings and queens are crowned yet today and where many famous figures are buried. The cathedral is immensely popular with tourists, so be prepared to wait. Highlights include the Gothic-style nave, built in the 13th century, and the ornate coronation chair. Memorials to...
