Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world that is still used by the monarchy. Since William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress here over 900 years ago, this has been a royal palace and residence. Despite its daily use for royal business, much of the palace is open to the public and well worth a visit.
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Downing Street
One of London’s most famous addresses, 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the British prime minister. The chancellor of the exchequer, responsible for the UK’s money and economy, lives next door at number 11. On any given day, you can see streams of important politicians walking through the doors of these two iconic addresses.
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Cultural Places to visit in London
Widely considered the finest and most beautiful residences in the UK, London’s magnificent, historical royal palaces attract admirers from around the world. Here are just five of the best that you should visit on your next trip to the English capital.
Downing Street Tours and Tickets
One of London’s most famous addresses, 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the British prime minister. The chancellor of the exchequer, responsible for the UK’s money and economy, lives next door at number 11. On any given day, you can see streams of important politicians walking through the doors of these two iconic addresses.
Parliament Square Tours and Tickets
One of London’s most popular and most visited tourist attractions, Parliament Square links many of the capital’s iconic buildings. The square is ringed by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Supreme Court, and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and features 12 statues of famous world leaders and historical figures.
St. James’s Park Tours and Tickets
One of London’s eight Royal Parks, St. James’s Park is a verdant jewel located right in the center of town. Flanked by Buckingham Palace, Green Park, and St. James’s Palace, the green space stretches across almost 57 acres (23 hectares). It’s renowned for its pretty lake, vibrant flower beds, and for hosting several regal events.
Westminster Tours and Tickets
Home to several of London’s most iconic attractions—including Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace—Westminster has been the capital’s political center for more than 1,000 years, and has been the setting of historical events, such as the Reformation, Gunpowder Plot, and Churchill’s World War II campaign.
Monument to the Great Fire of London Tours and Tickets
The Monument to the Great Fire of London, known locally as the Monument, commemorates the fire that swept London in 1666. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1677, the 202-foot (61-meter) Doric column stands exactly 202 feet (61 meters) from where the fire began. Today, visitors can ascend the landmark for panoramic views of the city.
British Museum Tours and Tickets
Founded in 1753, the British Museum is London‘s largest and most visited museum. Its gigantic permanent collection includes over 8 million historical artifacts, with everything from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and mummies to Roman treasures. A veritable temple of history and culture, the museum is best known for its Ancient Greek sculptures, the world-famous Rosetta Stone, and the 12th-century Lewis chessmen.
Hyde Park Tours and Tickets
A vast patch of green in central London, Hyde Park originally served as a hunting ground for Henry VIII. The British Crown still owns the land, but the 358-acre (145-hectare) park is open to the public, welcoming picnickers, boaters, joggers, cyclists, and hosting seasonal events like rock concerts and Christmas festivals.
Regent Street Tours and Tickets
Lined with grand Victorian buildings and big-name stores, Regent Street was London’s first dedicated shopping street, dating back to the early 19th century. Running for over a mile (2 kilometers) between Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus, the historical boulevard is a major traffic thoroughfare and one of London’s busiest streets.
Mayfair Tours and Tickets
One of Central London’s most affluent districts, Mayfair is known for its designer stores, luxurious hotels, and stately architecture—and as the birthplace of Her Majesty the Queen. It’s also bordered by two of the city’s largest green spaces—Hyde Park to the west and Green Park to the south—and home to immaculate gardens.
Southwark Cathedral Tours and Tickets
With a prime location on the south bank of the River Thames, looking out across London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral is one of central London’s oldest churches, dating back to the 12th century. Its official name is the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Saviour and St. Mary Overie.
Whitehall Tours and Tickets
