Top must-visit historical places in London

Dating back to early Roman times, London has a long and illustrious past, and there’s fascinating history to be discovered in almost every corner of the city. Here we’ve listed some of its most iconic heritage sites – from settings for royal weddings and beheadings to a floating military museum. 

Boundless members receive discounts on numerous London attractions, as well as other UK museums and destination days out, through a Kids Pass annual membership benefit, while Boundless Plus provides unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites. To find out more about Boundless, visit our membership page.

What is the most historic area of London?

The oldest district in London is The City, and here you’ll find such iconic landmarks as the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and the 202ft monument to the Great Fire that ravaged the capital in 1666. 

From there, it’s only a short Tube or bus ride to Westminster, home to such attractions as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and, of course, Westminster Abbey. But even if you pick a district at random, there’s likely to be some history and heritage waiting for you.  

Historical places to visit in London

Trafalgar Square

London WC2N

Named after the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar, in which Horatio Nelson’s British navy were victorious against the French and Spanish, this iconic square has become a social and political focus for Londoners. Even when there aren’t any festivals or protests happening, there’s plenty to keep you occupied – from the buildings that face it (including the National Gallery and legendary concert venue St-Martin-in-the-Fields), to the hundreds of pigeons that gravitate to this part of the capital. Oh, and you couldn’t possibly miss Nelson’s Column, the 162ft structure built to commemorate the famous vice-admiral who lost his life in said battle.

HMS Belfast

London SE1

Unleashed in 1939, HMS Belfast served in both the Second World War and the Korean War before entering reserve in 1963. Now managed by the Imperial War Museum, she’s stationed permanently on the River Thames, giving history lovers the chance to explore this incredible floating city for themselves. With nine fascinating decks to navigate and a wealth of fun activities to take part in, HMS Belfast provides a voyage of discovery for all ages.

British Museum

London WC1B

With over eight million works, the British Museum’s permanent collection is the largest in the world. Located in the Bloomsbury district, this iconic institution’s displays include artefacts from the Sutton Hoo ship burial, Egyptian mummies and Roman jewellery. While general admission is free, there’s a charge for entering the museum’s temporary exhibitions and events.  

Buckingham Palace

London SW1A

Home to a succession of British monarchs, from Queen Victoria onwards, Buckingham Palace remains the most high profile of royal residences. While much of it is closed to the public, visitors can explore the magnificent State Rooms for 10 weeks each summer, and on selected dates through winter and spring. There’s a cost for admission, though under-fives go free. 

Westminster Abbey

London SW1P

One of the world’s most famous churches, this imposing abbey has hosted the coronations of 40 different British monarchs, and at least 16 royal weddings. It’s also the resting place of many illustrious figures, from Anne of Cleves to Charles Dickens. There’s a charge for entry to this World Heritage Site, though under-fives are admitted free.

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

London SW1A

Formally known as the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament is the hub of British politics, containing both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. You can explore both of these – along with the building’s imposing clock tower, known as Big Ben – as part of a guided tour (fees apply). 

For an extra-special day out, why not combine a Houses of Parliament tour with a Thames cruise and either lunch or afternoon tea, through Virgin Experience Days – as a Boundless member, you can get 20% off the price.

Tower of London

London EC3N

Cared for by Historic Royal Palaces, the Tower of London was founded in the 1070s as part of the Norman Conquest. It has since been the setting for some of London’s most notorious incidents, including Anne Boleyn’s execution in 1536 and the mysterious disappearance of the ‘Princes in the Tower’ in 1483.

Now one of London’s most iconic landmarks, its attractions include the spectacular Crown Jewels and the Torture at the Tower exhibition. Admission fees apply. 

Boundless Plus gives members unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites – find out more about Boundless membership options and how to join. 

Kensington Palace

London W8

Many royals have lived at Kensington Palace since its construction in the late 17th century. Occupants of this Jacobean building have included William III and his wife Mary II, Queen Victoria (who was born here), Charles and Diana, and Prince William and his family (who still reside there). Tours of the palace include visits to the State Apartments and the spectacular landscaped gardens, transformed in the 18th century by Queen Caroline. Admission fees apply.

Boundless Plus gives members unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, including this one – find out more about Boundless membership options and how to join. 

Hampton Court Palace

East Molesey KT8

Designed in the 16th century for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Hampton Court Palace became a favoured residence of Henry VIII after his chief minister fell from grace. Located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, it has many prominent features, including a Tudor gatehouse complete with its original astronomical clock, and a public tearoom housed in what was once the eastern kitchen, commissioned by Elizabeth I. Tickets include entry to parts of the interior, as well as the gardens, courtyards, maze and Magic Garden.   

Hampton Court Palace is part of the Historic Royal Palaces portfolio. Boundless Plus gives members unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites – find out more about Boundless membership options and how to join. 

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Richmond TW9

No matter what time of year you visit, the world-famous gardens at Kew will have something to enchant and inspire. Opened to the public in 1840, this 320-acre attraction is home to more than 17,000 different species, which are spread across a wide variety of attractions. From the iconic Glasshouses to the tranquil Japanese Gardens, as well as the Children’s Garden – full of fun activities to keep kids happy – there’s more than enough to fill a day out here, as family blogger Katy Stern from Otis and Us discovered. 

As a Boundless member, you can benefit from unlimited access for one adult and up to five children, plus 50% off admission for one adult guest, and 10% off in Kew’s gift shops. Find out more about unlimited member access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Wakehurst with Boundless.

Museum of London Docklands

London E14

While the British Museum encompasses history from across the globe, the Museum of London Docklands focuses on London’s past, from its first settlers to modern times. Through a series of immersive displays, galleries and artefacts, you’ll learn about the city’s slave trade, the building of London’s docks and what it was like to live in the capital during the Second World War. Entry to the museum is free. 

St Paul’s Cathedral

London EC4

Designed in the 17th century by Christopher Wren, this Baroque-style cathedral in London’s City district boasts one of the world’s highest and largest domes ­– which, incredibly, remained intact when the building was bombed during the Second World War. With a sightseeing ticket (fees apply), you can explore the cathedral floor and crypt, admire the art collections, and retrace the steps of the royals who’ve married here ­– including, in 1981, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. (Please note that the cathedral’s daily services are free to attend.)   

Globe Theatre

London SE1

What better place to enjoy a Shakespeare play than inside a reconstruction of a 16th-century theatre? Built in 1997, around 200m from the site of the original playhouse built by Shakespeare’s company, the Globe is constructed of English oak and topped by a thatched roof – claimed to be the first and only one permitted in the capital since the Great Fire of London. Performances take place during the summer, but tours are available all year round (fees apply).

Churchill War Rooms

London SW1A

One of the five branches of the Imperial War Museum, the Churchill War Rooms offer the chance to explore the underground complex where Prime Minister Winston Churchill masterminded British operations during the Second World War. Containing film projections, oral histories and images, it’s a fascinating attraction that’s delighted thousands of visitors young and old. Admission fees apply.

Cenotaph

London SW1A

Erected on Whitehall in 1920, the Cenotaph memorial became a central point for all those whose family and friends had died during the First World War with no known grave. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the 31-foot, Portland stone memorial is inscribed with the words ‘The glorious dead’ and serves as the focal point for Remembrance Day marches through the capital (held every year on the closest Sunday to 11 November). There is no charge to visit the Cenotaph.

Somerset House

London WC2R 

In 1547, Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, began building a palace for himself on the bank of the River Thames. Sadly, he was executed prior to its completion, upon which Somerset House was passed on to the Crown. Today, a Historical Highlights Tour will take you around the buildings where Elizabeth I lived before becoming Queen, and where the Treaty of London was signed, ending the Anglo-Spanish War. Somerset House also hosts regular events and exhibitions, not to mention an outdoor ice rink over the festive period. 

British Library

London NW1

You’d never run out of reading matter at the British Library. One of the biggest libraries in the world, its 400 miles of shelves contain over 170 million items. And it’s not just books you’ll find here – the collection includes everything from newspapers and maps to sound recordings and stamps. These historic corridors house their fair share of eye-popping relics, too – including the Magna Carta and handwritten lyrics to some of the most famous Beatles songs. Who said libraries were boring? 

Cutty Sark

London SE10

The second ship on this list, the Cutty Sark was built in 1869 and used to carry cargos of tea from China to the UK. Nowadays, the vessel once hailed as the world’s fastest resides permanently in Greenwich, where it’s become an award-winning tourist attraction. Whether you walk the main deck, explore the area beneath the hull, immerse yourself in the interactive displays or simply enjoy the views of London’s skyline, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.  

Royal Observatory

London SE10

Founded by King Charles in 1675, this popular attraction is the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Visitors can stand on the Prime Meridian Line, marvel at the Great Equatorial Telescope – one of the largest refracting telescopes in the world – visit the Christopher Wren-designed Octagon Room, and discover the Harrison clocks, the ground-breaking timepieces that enabled sailors to determine their longitude at sea. Admission fees apply.

See London for less with Kids Pass

Boundless members can get discounts on several London sightseeing tours – a great way to tick off many of its landmark buildings and historical sites – through Kids Pass, one of their member benefits. Tour discounts include 20% off a City Sightseeing tour, and 10% off a half-day tour of London with entry to St Paul’s Cathedral. 

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to The Ramblers' extensive walking community, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.