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.
Read More2. 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.
Read More3. 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.
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.
Read More5. 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.
Read More6. Mansion House
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.
Read More8. Eltham Palace
9. Kenwood House Free
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.
Read More11. 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.
Read More12. 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.
Read More13. 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.
Read More14. 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.
Read More15. 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.
Read More16. Leighton House Museum
17. Osterley Park and House
18. Red House
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.
Read More20. William Morris Gallery Free
