Visit one of London's many historic houses and opulent palaces to learn about the people who lived there, view art and antiques, find out about historic interiors and design or get inspiration from their exquisite gardens and grounds. Work out where to find them all using the London attractions map.
Historic buildings in London
Discover the incredible history of the Tower of London. The historic site has been a palace, prison, armoury and powerful fortress, and even a menagerie. Now visit the priceless Crown Jewels and join an iconic Beefeater on a tour to hear their bloody tales.
Tower Hill, City of London, London, EC3N 4AB
From £34.80
Built in 1984, Tower Bridge is the most iconic bridge in London. Find out more about how the famous bridge’s history at the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where you can also enjoy fantastic views from 45m (131 ft) above the Thames on the bridge’s walkways.
Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP
From £13.40
Historic palaces in London
Visit Buckingham Palace for a glimpse inside one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today. During the summer you can tour the 19 spectacular State Rooms, and during the rest of the year you can still see the famous exterior of the palace and watch the Changing the Guard ceremony.
Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London, SW1A 1AA
From £32.00
Discover the magnificence of Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's favourite royal residence. As well as the breathtaking grandeur of the Tudor king's state rooms, explore the vast kitchens, bustling Base Court and
more than 60 acres of gardens with their famous maze.
East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
From £26.30
Experience life as a 17th- and 18th-century royal courtier as you make your way up the King's Staircase or through the magnificent King’s and Queen’s State Apartments in Kensington Palace and explore the rooms Queen Victoria used as a child to learn more about her extraordinary life from her journals.
Kensington Palace State Apartments, Kensington Gardens, London, W8 4PX
From £20.00
The imposing Lambeth Palace has been the official London residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury since the 13th century. Lambeth has one of the largest collections of church records in its library, where visitors can take a guided tour along with the crypt, guard room and chapel.
Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7JU
Court Yard, Greenwich, London, SE9 5QE
From £17.60
The most intimate of royal palaces, Kew Palace was built as a private house in 1631 and used by the royal family between 1729 and 1818. Visitors can experience a riot of colour in authentically re-created Georgian rooms, wander through the eerie upper floor, which has been left untouched for centuries, and visit the newly restored Royal Kitchens.
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AB
From £14.00
Stately homes in London
Situated on the bank of the Thames in Richmond, Ham House is Europe's most complete surviving 17th-century mansion. Its imposing exterior conceals centuries of royal and political secrets. Countless ghostly sightings make this house all the more mysterious! The fine interiors and historic gardens make Ham a great place to visit.
Ham Street, Ham, Richmond, TW10 7RS
From £10.40
Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB
From £10.40
Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF
From £7.70
12. Kenwood House Free

Hampstead Lane, London, NW3 7JR
Free
Fenton House in Hampstead Village is one of London's most enchanting country houses. Exhibits include European, Oriental and English porcelain, 17th-century needlework and Georgian furniture. Music lovers should check out the collection of early keyboard instruments. Plus there's an orchard and a working kitchen garden.
Windmill Hill, London, NW3 6RT
From £7.70
Historic houses in London
Mansion House, London, EC4N 8BH

18 Folgate Street, London, E1 6BX
From £15.00
The magnificent home of the first Duke of Wellington, Apsley House is known as Number 1 London. Inside you can see many aspects of the duke's life, including his art collection. Works by Velazquez, Rubens, Van Dyck and Goya hang throughout the first floor, alongside porcelain, silver, sculpture, furniture and stunning interiors.
149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London, W1J 7NT
From £11.30
Visit the 300-year-old townhouse where writer Samuel Johnson compiled his ambitious Dictionary of the English Language. The building boasts many original features, plus fascinating artefacts relating to Johnson, including manuscripts written in his own hand, portraits of Johnson and his contemporaries, and even the writer's walking stick.
17 Gough Square, London, EC4A 3DE
From £4.50
12 Holland Park Road, London, W14 8LZ
From £9.00
Built in 1535 by Henry VIII's Secretary of State, Sir Ralph Sadleir, Sutton House retains much of the atmosphere of a Tudor home despite some more modern alterations. The oak-panelling, painted staircases and original carved fireplaces have been restored, and the house incorporates an arts and education centre for east London.
2-4 Homerton High Street, Hackney, London, E9 6JQ
From £5.40
Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London, E17 4PP
Free
What is the most famous house in London?
When it comes to famous living residences in London, Buckingham Palace sits atop the list. As a world renowned building and previous residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace is a 775 room royal residence famed for its ornate exterior and lavish interior. Though the King doesn't live at Buckingham Palace, the building itself is used throughout the year for events, garden parties and even as a tourist attraction when it opens its doors during the summer months.
What is the oldest surviving house in London?
The oldest surviving house in London is believed to be 41-42 Cloth Fair. Located in the City of London, this home is rumoured to be the only house in its area that survived the Great Fire of London in 1666 and also survived the Blitz during World War II.