Historical London

Calling all history buffs. Seize the moment to explore your favourite city's  hotspots and discover a variety of fascinating historical sites and places to visit in London.

Knock knock, who's there?

George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix once lived on Brook Street; Lord Nelson, P G Wodehouse and Florence Nightingale all enjoyed a Mayfair abode. Hunt down the residences of extraordinary individuals, indicated by blue plaques, as you wander the London streets.
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Wonderful Wallace

Wonderful works of art were collected in the 18th and 19th centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, son of the 4th Marquess. The collection was bequeathed to the nation by Sir Richard’s widow, Lady Wallace, in 1897. Displayed at Hertford House in Manchester Square, originally one of the family’s London properties, the Wallace Collection is best known for its French 18th-century and old master paintings, furniture, porcelain and a world-class armoury. Audio guides and interactive tours are available for both adults and children, as well as fun and inspiring free family trails and armour to try on.
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Princely palace

The official London residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace, opens its doors to the public every summer. Take the opportunity to explore 19 lavishly-furnished State Rooms, looking out for pieces from the Royal Collection such as paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, sculpture by Canova, exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. Highlights of the tour are the throne room, the official ballroom and the magnificent bronze grand staircase, designed by the architect John Nash as part of his commission to remodel the palace for King George IV from 1825 to 1830. Audio guides, introduced by the Prince of Wales, are available in many languages, and there are also interactive family tours.
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Dennis Severs' House

Tucked away in Spitalfields, in the east end of London, is a house which paints an intimate portrait of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers from 1724. Dennis Severs, who lived in the house in much the same way as its original occupants might have done, intended that visitors to his house should feel as though they were passing through the surface of a painting, led by their senses and their imagination. Through the house's 10 rooms, each lit by fire and candlelight, you walk alongside the Jervis family – experiencing the sounds, sights and smells they would have known, meticulously crafted for authenticity. David Hockney once rated this experience as being on par with the world's great operas.
Discover Dennis Severs' House