10 most historic sites

Ever wondered which are the 10 most historic sites in London? Which famous monuments and historical sites should a tourist definitely not miss? Here is a list of the 10 best places that every visitor interested in history simply must see.

#1 – Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is the setting for coronations, State funerals, and the burial place of many of our most celebrated kings and queens. Opening times: 9.30–2. Cost: Adults £10.00; Children £7.00 (under-16); Family ticket £24.00.

#2 – Tower of London

The Tower of London is a World Heritage site, and dates from the reign of William the Conqueror in 1066. Opening times: 10–5.30 (Sun–Mon); 9–5.30 (Tue–Sat). Cost: Adults £16.50; Children £9.50 (5–15); Infants free (under-5); Family ticket £46.00.

#3 – St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral was built by the country’s greatest-ever architect, Christopher Wren, shortly after the Great Fire of London. Opening times: Cathedral - 8.30–4 (Mon–Sat); Galleries, crypt and ambulatory - 9.30–3.45 (Mon–Sat). Cost: Adults £10.00; Children £3.50 (7–16); Infants free (under-6); Family ticket £23.50.

#4 – Westminster Hall

Westminster Hall is the oldest surviving part of the original Houses of Parliament, dating from shortly after the reign of William the Conqueror. Opening times: During Parliamentary sessions - 2.30–10.30 (Mon); 11.30–7 (Tue–Wed); 11.30–6.30 (Thu); 9.30–3 (Fri).

#5 – St. James’s Palace

St. James’s Palace was built by Henry VIII in the 1530s, and was home to several of our most famous sovereigns: Elizabeth I, Charles I and George I, II and III.

#6 – Temple Church

Temple Church is one of the oldest buildings in London dating way back to 1185. It was built by a famous band of military monks, the Knights Templar, on money made during the Crusades. Opening times: 2–4 (Wed–Sun). Cost: Free.

#7 – Banqueting House

Banqueting House was built by Inigo Jones in the early 17th-century, and was said to be truly unique – Britain’s first Renaissance building. Opening times: 10–5 (Mon–Sat). Cost: Adults £4.50; Children £2.25 (5–16); Infants free (under-5).

#8 – Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace was built in 1702 and became the accepted residence of the Head of State during the reign of Queen Victoria. Opening times: 9.45-6 (late Jul–late Sep). Cost: Adults £15.50; Children £8.75 (5–17); Infants free (under-5); Family ticket £39.75.

#9 – Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace was home to several of our most famous kings and queens, most notably Queen Victoria and William III, after the Glorious Revolution. Opening times: 10–5. Cost: Adults £12.30; Children £6.15 (under-16); Family ticket £34.00.

#10 – Lambeth Palace

Lambeth Palace has been the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since 1207, and was ransacked during the Peasant’s Revolt. It boasts the oldest library in England.