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Best 20 historic sites, houses and palaces in London

Leave modern London behind with a visit to one of the city's many historic sites, houses and palaces.
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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.

1. Tower Bridge

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.

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Prices from £11.40 Book now

2. HM Tower of 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.

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Prices from £28.90 Book now

3. Hampton Court Palace

Discover the magnificence of Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's favourite royal residence. The breath-taking grandeur of the Tudor king's state rooms is matched by more than 60 acres of gardens with their famous maze, vast kitchens and the bustling Base Court.

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Prices from £25.30 Book now

4. Kensington Palace

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.

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Prices from £20.00 Book now

5. Lambeth Palace *

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.

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Prices from £12.00

6. Mansion House

The official residence of the Lord Mayor of London, the Palladian-style Mansion House was built in the 18th century and has served many purposes over the years, including a court (the cellar once held prisoners' cells). 'In-house' guides conduct regular tours around the house and its magnificent collections of plates and art. Read More

7. Buckingham Palace

Visit the Queen's official London residence at 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.

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Prices from £25.00 Book now

8. Eltham Palace *

Eltham Palace is a stunning Art Deco mansion on the grounds of a former medieval royal palace. The lavish interiors reflect the glamour and allure of 1930s fashionable society. You can also wander around 19 acres of beautiful gardens and medieval features, including London's oldest working bridge over the moat. Read More *
Prices from £13.00

9. Kenwood House * Free

Kenwood House is a magnificent stately home in Hampstead. It featured in the romantic comedy Notting Hill. The interiors, designed by Robert Adam, are beautifully restored and contain masterpieces by the likes of Rembrandt, Turner and Gainsborough. In summer, you can see live music concerts in the grounds. Read More *

10. Kew Palace and Royal Kitchens *

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.

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Prices from £5.30

11. Spencer House *

Built in 1756-66 for John, first Earl Spencer (an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales), Spencer House is London's finest surviving 18th-century private palace. Inside, you'll find eight meticulously restored rooms furnished with antique and neo-classical furniture, paintings by Reynolds and other objects of art. 

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Prices from £12.00

12. Apsley House *

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.

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Prices from £8.30

13. Dr Johnson's House *

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.

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Prices from £4.50

14. Fenton House *

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.

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Prices from £7.70

15. Ham House and Garden *

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.

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Prices from £10.40

16. Leighton House Museum *

Leighton House is the former studio-house of the great Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. Inside you can see extraordinary period interiors including the Arab Hall, and a permanent exhibition of Victorian paintings, drawings and sculpture by Leighton, Burne-Jones, Millais, Stevens and Alma-Tadema Read More *
Prices from £9.00

17. Osterley Park and House *

A spectacular mansion surrounded by parks and farmland, Osterley is one of the last surviving country estates in London. Originally built in 1575, it was transformed by Robert Adam into an elegant 18th-century neo-classical villa. Explore the stunning interiors with an audio-visual guide, then enjoy a stroll in the huge grounds. Read More *
Prices from £10.40

18. Red House *

You'll recognise the signature style of designer craftsman William Morris as soon as you step through the door. Red House in London is full of his decorative arts and is the perfect place for craft lovers to channel some inspiration. If the weather's good, you can head into the gorgeous gardens to pick up even more ideas. Read More *
Prices from £7.70

19. Sutton House *

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.

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Prices from £5.40

20. William Morris Gallery * Free

The William Morris Gallery is a public gallery devoted to the life and work of William Morris. Morris, a designer, craftsman, writer, conservationist and socialist was one of the founders of the arts and crafts movement in Victorian Britain. The grade II listed building was Morris's family home from 1848 to 1856. Read More *

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