London is a city where centuries of history exist alongside modern life. Roman ruins, medieval fortresses, royal palaces, ancient churches, historic government buildings and Victorian landmarks can all be found across the capital.
If you are interested in history, there are many historical places to visit in London that are worth adding to your itinerary. Some are famous worldwide while others are quieter historic sites that many visitors miss.
From the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey to Hampton Court Palace and the ruins of Roman London, here are some of the best historic places to visit in London.
1. Tower of London
Best for: Medieval history, British royalty and the Crown Jewels
The Tower of London is one of the most important historical sites in London. Founded nearly 1,000 years ago by William the Conqueror, the fortress has served as a royal palace, prison, armoury and treasury.
Today, visitors can explore the White Tower, medieval fortifications, the Crown Jewels, the Bloody Tower and other historic areas. The Tower is also famous for its stories of imprisonment and execution and for the Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters.
Entry ticket
The Entry ticket of Tower of London currently starts at £37 without a donation. Children aged 5–15 start at £18.50, while children under 5 can enter free. A ticket includes the Crown Jewels, White Tower, battlements and other public areas.
Tip: Book ahead during busy periods because the Tower can become very crowded.
2. Westminster Abbey
Best for: Royal history, British monarchs and medieval architecture
Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most famous historic buildings and one of the most important religious sites in Britain. The church has been the setting for royal coronations since 1066 and is the final resting place of numerous monarchs, writers, scientists and other important figures. Inside, visitors can see the Coronation Chair, Poets’ Corner, royal tombs and centuries of Gothic architecture.
Entry ticket
Entry Ticket of Westminster Abbey is currently £31 for visits outside the temporary summer reduced-VAT period. Children aged 6–17 are £14, while children aged 0–5 are free. Prices can change depending on dates and special offers.
Tip: Check the official opening schedule before visiting because Westminster Abbey sometimes closes or changes access for religious services and special events.
3. St Paul’s Cathedral
Best for: English religious history and spectacular architecture
St Paul’s Cathedral has stood at the heart of the City of London for centuries. The present cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London destroyed the previous cathedral in 1666.
Its famous dome dominates the London skyline and has become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Inside, visitors can explore the cathedral floor, crypt and galleries and climb towards the dome for views over London.
Entry ticket
Entry Ticket of St. Paul’s Cathedral, General admission prices vary, but current visitor information lists adult tickets from around £24 and child tickets from around £9.50.
Tip: Allow around two hours if you want to explore the cathedral properly.
4. Hampton Court Palace
Best for: Tudor history and Henry VIII
Located southwest of central London, Hampton Court Palace is one of England’s most fascinating historic royal residences. The palace is strongly associated with Henry VIII and the Tudor period. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, Tudor kitchens, royal apartments and extensive gardens.
The Hampton Court Palace also includes later rooms created for William III and Mary II, making it possible to see different periods of British royal history in one visit.
Entry ticket
Entry Ticket Price of Hampton Court Palace starts at £29, while children aged 5–15 start at £14.50. Historic Royal Palaces recommends booking in advance and notes that prices can vary between peak and off-peak dates.
Tip: Hampton Court is outside central London, so allow a significant part of the day for the visit.
5. Buckingham Palace
Best for: British monarchy and royal history
Buckingham Palace is one of the world’s best known royal residences and the official London residence of the British monarch. Although visitors cannot normally explore the entire palace throughout the year, seasonal opening periods provide an opportunity to visit the State Rooms.
Even when the palace itself is closed to visitors, the exterior and the surrounding area are major London attractions. The Changing of the Guard ceremony also makes Buckingham Palace an important stop for visitors interested in royal traditions.
Entry ticket
Entry Ticket for Buckingham Palace applies when the State Rooms are open to visitors. Ticket prices and opening periods vary by season, so check the Royal Collection Trust before planning your visit.
Free to visit: The exterior and surrounding public areas can be viewed without an Entry Ticket.
6. Kensington Palace
Best for: Royal history and Queen Victoria
Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for more than 300 years and is particularly associated with Queen Victoria, who was born there. The palace allows visitors to explore historic royal apartments and exhibitions while Kensington Gardens provide a beautiful setting around the building.
Entry ticket
For visits through 8 November 2026, Entry Ticket Price for Kensington Palace is currently £24.70 for adults and child admission is £12.40. Historic Royal Palaces states that the ticket includes the Last Princesses of Punjab exhibition during this period.
Tip: Check current access information before visiting because parts of the palace can close for conservation or redevelopment.
7. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Best for: British political history
This entire place is also known as Palace of Westminster, and this is one of London’s most recognisable historic buildings. It has been the centre of British political life for centuries.
The current Gothic Revival building was largely constructed during the 19th century after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834. The famous Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben after its great bell, is one of London’s most recognisable symbols.
Entry ticket
You can view the exterior of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben from public areas for free. Tours inside the Houses of Parliament are paid and are subject to availability and scheduled visiting arrangements.
Tip: Westminster is one of the best areas in London for combining several historical attractions in a single walking route.
8. Churchill War Rooms
Best for: World War II history
Hidden beneath the streets of Westminster, the Churchill War Rooms preserve the underground headquarters used by Winston Churchill and his government during the Second World War.
The site includes the Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum and provides an insight into how Britain operated during the war. For anyone interested in modern European history, this is one of the most fascinating historical attractions in London.
Entry ticket of Churchill War Rooms
For visits from September 2026 to March 2027, the current general admission price is £34 for adults and £17 for children aged 5–15.
Tip: This is a popular attraction and timed entry is used, so booking ahead is recommended.
9. Tower Bridge
Best for: Victorian engineering and London history
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. Completed in 1894, the bridge was designed to allow road traffic to cross the Thames while still allowing tall ships to reach the busy docks upstream. Visitors who enter the Tower Bridge exhibition can walk across the high-level walkways and see the historic engine rooms.
Entry ticket for Tower Bridge
Walking across the bridge itself is free. The Tower Bridge Exhibition is a paid attraction.
Tip: Combine Tower Bridge with the Tower of London because the two attractions are within walking distance of each other.
10. London Mithraeum
Best for: Roman London
One of London’s most interesting historical sites is hidden beneath the modern streets of the City. The London Mithraeum preserves the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to Mithras, a mysterious Roman deity. The site provides a glimpse into what London was like nearly 2,000 years ago when it was the Roman settlement of Londinium.
Entry ticket for London Mithraeum
General admission London Mithraeum is free, although advance booking may be required for certain experiences or time slots.
Tip: Combine the Mithraeum with other Roman and historic sites in the City of London.
11. Roman Amphitheatre at Guildhall
Best for: Ancient Roman London and archaeology
Hidden beneath the modern City of London, the Roman Amphitheatre at Guildhall offers a fascinating glimpse into London’s Roman past. Built around the 2nd century when London was known as Londinium, it was used for public entertainment and spectacles.
The amphitheatre could accommodate thousands of people and was once an important part of Roman London. Today, visitors can see sections of the original Roman structure beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery and learn about the city’s early development.
It is one of the lesser known historical sites in London and a great choice for visitors who want to discover something beyond the city’s famous landmarks.
Entry ticket for Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman Amphitheatre is generally accessible as part of the free Guildhall Art Gallery visit.
Tip: Combine it with the London Mithraeum, St Paul’s Cathedral and other historic sites in the City of London.
12. Eltham Palace
Best for: Tudor history, medieval architecture and Art Deco
Eltham Palace is one of London’s most unusual historic attractions. It combines the remains of a medieval royal palace with a spectacular 1930s Art Deco mansion.
The site has strong royal connections and was once an important residence for English monarchs. Henry VIII spent part of his childhood here, making it an interesting destination for visitors fascinated by Tudor history.
The medieval Great Hall is one of the highlights, while the later Art Deco interiors show a completely different period of British history. Visitors can also explore the gardens surrounding the palace.
Entry ticket for Eltham Palace
Paid admission applies, Adult admission currently ranges from approximately £15.38 to £19.29, depending on the date and ticket type. English Heritage recommends booking in advance and offers discounts for advance bookings.
Tip: Eltham Palace is outside central London, so allow several hours for the visit rather than trying to combine it with too many central attractions.
13. Apsley House
Best for: Military history, the Duke of Wellington and historic interiors
Located beside Hyde Park Corner, Apsley House was the London home of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, the British commander who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. Known as Number One, London, the house contains an impressive collection of paintings, furniture, weapons and personal objects connected with Wellington and his career.
One of the highlights is the Waterloo Gallery, where Wellington hosted an annual dinner commemorating his famous victory. The elegant rooms and extensive art collection provide an insight into the life of one of Britain’s most influential military figures.
Entry ticket for Apsley House
Apsley House is a paid English Heritage attraction. Prices vary according to the date and booking type and advance booking may offer a discount.
Tip: Combine Apsley House with Wellington Arch, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, all of which are nearby.
14. Jewel Tower
Best for: Medieval history and Westminster
The Jewel Tower is one of the few surviving parts of medieval Westminster and is an excellent place to discover a less-visible side of London’s history. Built in the 14th century during the reign of Edward III, the tower originally stored valuable royal possessions and formed part of the medieval Palace of Westminster. It survived the great fire that destroyed much of the old Palace of Westminster in 1834.
Inside, visitors can see the surviving medieval structure and learn how the building was used over the centuries. Although small compared with Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, Jewel Tower is particularly interesting for travellers looking for authentic medieval architecture in central London.
Entry ticket for Jewel Tower
Jewel Tower is a paid English Heritage site, with prices varying by date. Adult admission currently starts at around £5.90 for Super Saver dates, with prices rising to approximately £7.70 for Standard dates. Concession and child tickets are also available at lower prices. Advance booking may provide a discount.
Tip: Its location near Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster makes it easy to include in a Westminster walking tour.
15. Kenwood House
Best for: Georgian architecture, art and historic London
Set within Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is an elegant 18th-century mansion and one of London’s most peaceful historic attractions.
The house was redesigned by architect Robert Adam and is known for its beautiful Georgian interiors and impressive collection of paintings. Visitors can explore the historic rooms while learning about the people who lived at Kenwood over the centuries.
Kenwood is also associated with the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, whose life has become an important part of the property’s history. Unlike many historical attractions in central London, Kenwood combines history, architecture, art and open green space, making it a particularly enjoyable visit for travellers who want a quieter experience.
Entry ticket for Kenwood House
Admission to Kenwood House is free, although English Heritage recommends booking in advance to guarantee entry. Some special exhibitions or events may have separate charges.
Tip: Allow extra time to explore Hampstead Heath after visiting the house. It is an excellent half-day historical outing away from the busiest parts of central London.
Other Historical Places to Visit in London
The 15 places above are among the most useful choices for a first-time visitor, but London’s history extends far beyond them. Other notable historic places include:
- The Monument to the Great Fire of London
- St Bartholomew’s Church
- Temple Church
- Southwark Cathedral
- Winchester Palace ruins
- Leadenhall Market
- Royal Observatory Greenwich
- Greenwich Palace site
- Wellington Arch
- Royal Museums Greenwich
- The Charterhouse
- Dennis Severs’ House
- The Old Operating Theatre Museum
- Museum of London Docklands
- Kew Palace
- Banqueting House
- Ranger’s House
- Cutty Sark
- The Monument of the Great Fire of London
Best Free Historical Places in London
London can be expensive, but you don’t need to pay an admission fee to experience its history. Some excellent free or largely free historical places include:
- London Mithraeum
- Roman Amphitheatre at Guildhall
- Kenwood House
- Houses of Parliament exterior
- Big Ben exterior
- Tower Bridge exterior
- Buckingham Palace exterior
- St James’s Park
- Historic streets around the City of London
- Southwark Cathedral areas
Remember that free exterior access does not always mean the interior is free. Always check the official attraction website before visiting.
Tips for Visiting Historical Sites in London
1. Book popular attractions in advance
Major attractions such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Churchill War Rooms can be busy, particularly during holidays.
2. Check prices before travelling
Admission prices can change by season, date, ticket type and special exhibition. The prices in this guide are intended as a useful reference and should be checked again before booking.
3. Combine nearby attractions
London’s historic attractions are often close to one another. For example:
- Tower of London → Tower Bridge → London Mithraeum
- Westminster Abbey → Houses of Parliament → Churchill War Rooms → Buckingham Palace
4. Use public transport
The London Underground and buses make it easy to move between historic areas. Walking is also one of the best ways to discover London’s older streets and buildings.
5. Don’t only visit the famous landmarks
The Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are essential for many first-time visitors, but smaller sites such as Jewel Tower, London Mithraeum and Eltham Palace can provide a very different experience.
LondonPuri Tip
If you are visiting London for the first time, start with the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Then add lesser-known places such as London Mithraeum, Jewel Tower, Eltham Palace and Kenwood House if you want to explore London’s history more deeply.
Don’t try to see London’s entire history in one day. Choose a historical period or area and explore it properly. That way, London becomes more than a collection of famous landmarks, it becomes a city whose history you can actually experience.