Historic London attractions

Apsley House
Hyde Park Corner, 149 Piccadilly, W1
The London residence of the Duke of Wellington sits opposite the entrance to Hyde Park Commonly known as No.1 London, it contains memorabilia associated with Wellington, paintings, silver, and porcelain collections. Apsley House in Depth >>
Hyde Park Corner

Banqueting House
Whitehall, SW1
Built by Inigo Jones for James I from 1619, it was the only major part of Whitehall palace to survive the fire of 1698. Contains a marvellous painted ceiling by Rubens. Banqueting House in Depth >>
Charing Cross, Embankment, Westminster

Chelsea Royal Hospital
Royal Hospital Road, SW3
The home of the famous scarlet-coated Chelsea Pensioners. The hospital was founded in 1682 by Charles II as a home for veteran soldiers. Free admission.
Sloane Square

Carlyle's House
24, Cheyne Row, Chelsea, London SW3 5HL, Tel. 020 7352 7087 (Custodian), Fax. 020 7352 5108, National Trust
This Queen Anne house was the home of Thomas Carlyle, the “Sage of Chelsea” for 47 years until his death in 1881. As a historian, social writer, thinker and public speaker, Thomas is honoured in the house, while his wife Jane’s brilliant wit and gift for writing are recognised in the many existing letters. The Victorian period décor is still very much in place, where an evocative atmosphere allows visitors to experience Thomas and Jane’s academic and domestic lives. website
Sloane Square

Dickens House
48 Doughty Street, WC1
Charles Dickens lived here for two years, and it was in this house that he wrote parts of Oliver Twist, Pickwick Papers, Barnaby Rudge, and Nicholas Nickleby. The house contains a collection of the author's letters, furniture, portraits, and personal effects.
Russell Square

Dr Johnson's House
Gough Square, EC4
Home of Samuel Johnson for 10 years from 1749-59 while he wrote his famous dictionary. A first edition of the dictionary is on display, with period pieces and collections.
Blackfriars

Fitzroy House
35-37 Fitzroy Street, W1T
Built in 1791 with Adam-inspired original interior and current exterior. 1950s home of writer and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The library displays the hundreds of Mr. Hubbard’s published works for which he was awarded “Most Published Author” by the Guinness Book of World Records. The offices are reminiscent of the 1950s, complete with Adler typewriters, Grundig tape recorders, and Western Union telefax. Open by appointment.

Guildhall
Gresham Street, EC2
14th century hall where the medieval guilds that controlled London government met. The Guildhall is still used for important civic functions in London (see London Events Calendar). Free admission.
Bank, Mansion House, St Paul's, Moorgate

Guildhall Library
Gresham Street, EC2
The most important library of the City of London, the Guildhall Library houses city records dating back to the early Middle Ages.
Bank, Mansion House, St Paul's, Moorgate

Houses of Parliament
Palace of Westminster, SW1
Victorian Gothic masterpiece designed by Sir Charles Barry and A.W. Pugin replacing the medieval parliament which burnt to the ground in 1834. Only Westminster Hall remains from that earlier parliament, but the Hall can only be visited by special arrangement made through a member of Parliament.

The House of Lords and House of Commons are open only when Parliament is in session (queue at St. Stephen's Entrance). The Clock Tower at the north end is popularly known as Big Ben, though the name properly refers to the bell within the tower.
Westminster

Jewel Tower
Westminster SW1
The only part of the Palace of Westminster still intact. Built 1365-66.
Westminster

Leighton House
12 Holland Park Road, W14
Victorian house built for artist Lord Leighton, contains examples of his work, the studio where he worked, and the exotic Arab Hall with fantastic tiled floors.
High Street Kensington

Monument
Monument Street, EC3
Sir Christopher Wren's column commemorating the Great Fire of London. The height of the tower is reputedly the exact distance from the Monument to the baker's house where the fire began.

For the fit, there are 311 steps to the top, and the reward of wonderful city views. Wren originally planned a statue of Charles II atop the column, but the king demured, fearing that the citizens of London would then link him to the disastrous fire. Wren opted for an urn of flames instead.
Monument

Old Bailey
Newgate Street, EC4
More properly called the Central Criminal Court. You can attend court sessions in the public gallery.
St. Paul's

Spencer House
27 St. James Place, SW1
The London home of the Spencer family. Terrific art collection, guided tours run frequently.
Green Park