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.

> Talk about historic sites

See our list of landmarks, monuments and palaces

#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 AM to 4.30 PM (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri), 9.30 PM to 7 PM (Wed), 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM (Sat); Last admission 1 hour before closing time. Cost: Adults £16.00; Children £6.00 (11–16); Infants free (under-16); Family ticket £32.00.

#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: 9 AM to 5.30 PM (Tue–Sat, Mar–Oct), 10 AM to 5.30 PM (Sun, Mon, Mar–Oct), 9 AM to 4.30 PM (Tue–Sat, Nov–Feb), 10 AM to 4.30 PM (Sun, Mon, Nov–Feb); Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Cost: Adults £19.80; Children £10.45 (5–16); Infants free (under-5); Family ticket £55.00.

#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: 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM (Mon–Sat); Last admission 4 PM; Galleries open from 9.30 AM; Last admission to the galleries 4.15 PM. Cost: Adults £15.00; Children £6.00 (6–17); Infants free (5 and under); Family ticket £36.00.

#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: House of Commons public gallery (when in session): 2.30 PM to 10.30 PM (Mon, Tue); 12:30 AM to 7.30 PM (Wed); 10.30 AM to 6.30 PM (Thu); 9.30 AM to 3 PM (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. Cost: Adults £3.00.

#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 AM to 5 PM (Mon–Sat); Last admission 4.30 PM; May close at short notice for private events and functions. Cost: Adults £5.00; Children free (under-16).

#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: Closed to the public, apart from the Summer Opening during Aug–Sep.

#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 AM to 6 PM (daily); Last admission 5 PM. Cost: Adults £12.50; Children £6.25 (5–16); Infants free (under-5); 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.

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