Tourist Attractions & Monuments London

This new immersive attraction from the BBC is based on the BBC Studios Natural History Unit's Seven Worlds TV series. You plunge into the heart of the wilderness world, discovering the history of the universe and other wonders of our planet through huge projections of impressive scale. Each space and projection is set to a text by the famous British writer and naturalist David Attenborough, as well as the music from the series. A breathtaking experience for young and old alike.

Women Inspire is an association dedicated to preserving and promoting women's historical heritage. To this end, in addition to educational activities (online resources, conferences...), a number of feminist tours of the capital are organized. Walking tours are fairly long (allow at least 2 hours) and focus on specific localities (West End, Bloomsbury...), giving you a real immersion in London's heritage.

Inspired by the four Shrek films, DreamWorks Tours: Shrek's Adventure! is a journey into the kingdom of Fort Fort Lointain. Here we meet the famous characters embodied by actors such as Shrek, Fiona and Donkey. The tour includes a dozen scenes, followed by a ride in a 4D bus that gives the sensation of flying over London. At the end, you can have your photo taken with characters from DreamWorks films, such as Marty from Madagascar or Po from Kung Fu Panda.

Visiting London in a new way with friends or family, getting to know the big thrill as you speed up, does that inspire you? So don't be shy and board the speedboats offered by this small company since 2006. Boarding takes place on the pier, near the London Eye: sit back and let yourself be entertained by friendly guides who are also actors and who will give you a good overview of the capital through their comments. You will discover more than 20 emblematic monuments. Careful, it's a mess!

Royal Museums Greenwich brings together the following institutions: Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum and Queen's House. It is an essential part of organizing visits to Greenwich's many and unmissable museums. Their office is located within the National Maritime Museum. It is possible to buy a day ticket, a day explorer, which includes otherwise paid tickets to the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory and audio guides, cheaper online. It is also possible to book guided tours.

The Strand, the main artery linking Westminster to La City, was once one of London's most important arteries. It was best known for its sumptuous aristocratic residences such as the Savoy Hotel and King's College, some of which were built on the banks of the Thames. If this artery has lost some of its former splendour, it is still very lively, especially in the evening, because it is here that theatres and music halls have gradually settled, where famous plays and musicals are still performed today.

The Camden Arts Centre is not only an exhibition venue for contemporary art, but also a place for initiation and discovery. Since it was founded in 1965, the mission of this art center has been to engage the local community in a genuine artistic process, by offering a wide range of courses and workshops. In addition to the gallery spaces, the building includes studios that schools can use free of charge, where people of all ages can learn techniques such as ceramics, painting, drawing and writing... Exhibitions, residencies, educational projects and public events are also organized here. Over the past 25 years, the Centre has introduced London audiences to many important international artists, including Karin "Mamma" Andersson, Mary Heilmann, Hilma af Klint, Kerry James Marshall and Kara Walker. Their exhibitions at the Camden Arts Centre have sometimes been the first of their kind in the UK. The exhibitions feature emerging artists as well as internationally recognized names, and tell the story of contemporary art. Workshops, debates and meetings enable the public to participate in and reflect on the artists' creative processes. A specialized bookshop is also on site, as well as a café and garden open all year round. A must-see - and lesser-known - venue for visitors interested in contemporary art and the next names to watch.

This house was the home of Victorian writer and historian Thomas Carlyle and his wife from 1834 to 1881. It quickly became a social event in the literary world. Other Victorian personalities such as Charles Dickens or Alfred Tennyson also frequented the area. You will see the couple's kitchen, dining room, drawing room and bedroom, preserved as they are, as well as the garden where you can imagine the writer in meditation... And discover a true Victorian house.

You will need to be well organized not to miss this visit, which takes place only one hour a day. The building built in 1737 is the place where Lenin had an office from 1902 to 1903, publishing 17 editions of the Bolshevik newspaper Iskra. This office is maintained as it was at the time and can still be visited. The library itself was opened in 1933 to mark the 50th anniversary of Karl Marx's death. It gathers a beautiful collection of books on the history of Marxism, socialism and social movements.

There's something for everyone: the Jewish East End, Shakespeare's London, the City, Mayfair, in the footsteps of the Beatles, or the most famous and touristy of all: in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper. Appointments are usually made at the entrance to a tube station, and it's best to book in advance to secure a place. Make sure you're dealing with the right guide before handing over your money. The tours are top quality: you can go with confidence.

These magnificent market halls date back to the ^14th century. More than just a place to shop, it's a real monument to be visited, as it's one of London's oldest markets. In the ^19th century, the stone building was replaced by a magnificent arcaded structure combining wrought iron and glass, giving a unique atmosphere to the market, which is now spacious and bright. Stroll through the aisles and stores and take a break in one of the charming little cafés. For the curious, the market was the setting for the first Harry Potter film.

This is the oldest church in La City and the only one in the city with traces of Saxon architecture (the church was founded in 675). A Roman pavement was even discovered there, proof of activity on the site 2,000 years ago. If the Great Fire of 1666 began just a few hundred metres from the site, the church was miraculously saved. Very damaged by the Blitz bombardments, it had to be rebuilt, but the brick tower, the outer walls and the Saxon porch are still standing.

At the end of a small alley lies London's oldest church, celebrating its 900th anniversary in 2023! Built in 1123 by Henry ^I, son of William the Conqueror, it survived the Great Fire of 1666, the bombs of the First World War and the Blitz of the Second. Renowned as the most beautiful church of the Norman era, its architecture is sublime. To enter, cross a half-timbered enclosure: the original façade. For the record, scenes from the films Shakespeare in Love and Four Weddings and a Funeral were filmed here.

Here's a chance to relive the district's glorious literary past, with a visit to the home of the great Romantic poet John Keats, whose life was as short (25 years) as it was productive. It was in this house that he spent his last two years and, despite the tuberculosis that weakened him, wrote his most famous verses. Here you can discover an important collection of manuscripts, books and annotated letters, not forgetting the engagement ring that Fanny, his bride, continued to wear until her death.

The most beautiful view of the Royal Naval College is on the other side of the Thames: you can admire the view of the buildings. The first part, the oldest, was built by John Webb, Inigo Jones' nephew and assistant, in the 1660s at the request of Charles II, who wanted a new palace. The project was abandoned due to financial obstacles and it was King William III and his wife who transformed the site into a hospital for wounded sailors. The construction of the building was entrusted to Christopher Wren and completed by Hawksmoor and then by Vanbrugh.

Hampstead Heath is one of London's must-see parks, although it's not as well known as Regent's Park or Hyde Park. The huge 320-hectare park is located in one of the city's most exclusive districts, which is also worth a visit for its small village feel. It's one of our favorite parks. There are small lakes to swim in on sunny days, vast expanses of grass ideal for picnics, and breathtaking views of central London and the City below. A true countryside interlude in the capital.

Commissioned in 1692 by King Charles II, this beautiful building was built by Christopher Wren and was used to rescue veterans wounded during the war. This mission is still relevant today. The museum traces the history of these residents from the 17th century to the present day. The entrance hall is dedicated to the Duke of Wellington and features articles about George Jones and the Battle of Waterloo (1820). He also has a contemporary painting of Queen Elizabeth II by Andrew Festing (1998). It is here that the Chelsea Flower Show is held every May.

This church, which dates back to the 12th century, was founded by the Benedictine Order. They wanted a parish church where they could gather in peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle of Westminster Abbey. In 1614, after being rebuilt in a late Gothic style by Robert Stowel, it officially became the parish church of Westminster Palace. It is therefore available to parliamentarians and is also used for concerts and commemorations. Churchill even married Clementine Hozier there in 1908.

It is the most famous criminal court in the country where the greatest trials take place, such as that of Oscar Wilde in 1895. The Old Bailey was built on the site of the former Newgate prison, one of the most terrible of its time. On the roof, with a sword in one hand and a balance in the other, the allegorical statue of Justice looks towards the Place de Grève, where the executions took place in the past. If major high-profile trials take place during your stay, you will need to get up early. Several guided tours are organized.

The British Library collects every text published in England. It has 325 km of shelving and can hold no fewer than 12 million books. Permanent exhibition rooms showcase historical documents such as the Magna Carta and the Gutenberg Bible, as well as literary documents such as the complete works of Shakespeare, dating from 1623, and the handwritten and illustrated copy ofAlice in Wonderland that Lewis Carroll gave to Alice Liddell, the little girl who inspired him to write the book. But also texts by the Beatles.

This church was built after an act in 1711, which advocated the creation of new churches in London. St Mary-Le-Strand, and others were, at that time, called "Queen Anne's Churches", because the queen showed a keen interest in their construction. James Gibbs, the architect, draws on the mannerist inspirations of 16th and 17th century Italian churches. The western part has a semi-circular porch that recalls Santa Maria della Pace in Rome. Inside, the imposing vault recalls that of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence.

The Tootbus company, part of the RATP group, organizes classic sightseeing tours in several capital cities. In London, take advantage of various hop-on/hop-off tours ranging from two hours to two days. Choose from "Discover London" (1 day), "London Essentials" (1-2 days with cruise), "Kids Tour" (45 minutes), "London Express" (45 minutes), and the two tours that take you to discover Windsor. New: 1-hour, 40-minute or 50-minute audio-guided walking tours!

In addition to the many options for getting around by bike, London offers a unique experience for rollerblading and strolling enthusiasts with the famous London Friday Night Skate & Sunday Stroll event. Inspired by the roller-skating tours famous in Paris, this event offers similar activities for skate enthusiasts and lovers of urban discovery. Rides are organized every Sunday from Serpentine Road, Hyde Park, and are free of charge.

In the small residential area of Smith Square, the church of the same name is considered one of the masterpieces of Baroque architecture in England. It is one of the strategic places for concerts, which take place at noon and in the evening. Built in 1728, it was copiously destroyed during the Second World War. It was then restored to serve as a concert venue. Renowned artists and performers perform there. A restaurant is located in the crypt. The surroundings are dotted with small typical Georgian houses.

This is the collection of American sociologist and writer Eric Estorick. This tiny museum with its immaculate white walls features 6 rooms of modern Italian art, mainly ^20th-century Futurist works by Giacomo Balla, Umberto Boccioni, Gino Severini... as well as a painting by Modigliani or De Chirico. Two rooms are devoted to temporary exhibitions. A café, store and small garden complete the visit. What's more, the temporary exhibitions offer visitors a constantly evolving artistic experience.

This is the only house you'll be able to visit in this neighborhood, which is home to many examples of modernist architecture, and was designed by architect Ernö Goldfinger in 1939 for himself and his family. At the time, the area attracted many artists, including architects, who had their homes built in an avant-garde style. The tour takes in the interior, which has been left untouched and houses a fine collection of modern art, including works by Henry Moore, Bridget Riley and Max Ernst.

Discover the former priory of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, with its ^12th-century crypt, church and Tudor-style portal. The mission of the Knights of St. John, like that of the Knights Templar, was to defend the Holy Land. Returning from the Crusades, the order was granted permission to establish its priory in the City, and was given extensive property holdings in what was then the suburb of Clerkenwell. Today's St John's Gate dates from 1504.

This unique museum is dedicated to fans, their history and manufacture. Housed in two Georgian-style mansions built in 1721, it features 3,500 pieces from the 4 corners of the globe, some of them priceless. Most of the fans, however, date from the ^18th and ^19th centuries, when they were widely used. Frequent temporary exhibitions punctuate the life of this adorable little museum: the fan as an advertising object since the ^19th century, fans from European royal courts, the Art Deco style, etc.

A notorious place in London, which was used as a prison between the 12th and 18th centuries. It was under the jurisdiction of the Bishops of Winchester that thieves, prostitutes, killers and bad boys of all kinds were imprisoned here under frightening conditions. Many heretics were also imprisoned, as were Catholics and Protestants who were not in conformity with the religion of the time. The museum tells this story and evokes the various tortures that were inflicted at the time. Sensitive souls, abstain.

The Inns of Court are professional training institutions for lawyers who come to study here. London has four Inns of Court: Inner Temple (King's Bench Walk), Middle Temple (Middle Temple Lane), Lincoln's Inn (Lincoln's Inn Field) and Gray's Inn (Gray's Inn Road). In addition to their role in the training of lawyers, they also supervise the profession. Each barrister (lawyer) belongs to one of these schools. Barristers wear the traditional white wigs and only they are authorized to defend or prosecute the accused and to plead in court. Since the 13th century, the Inns of Court have strictly controlled admission to the English bar and those who wish to become barristers must still study at one of the four Inns of Court today. The system is actually a kind of patronage, in that it is difficult to become a barrister without a network of good contacts. These venerable and traditionalist institutions are built around a central courtyard, modelled on the Oxford and Cambridge colleges. The Inns of Court are a collection of passages, courtyards and lawns of undeniable charm. Lincoln's Inn is the oldest and certainly the most beautiful with its Tudor-style gate and chapel dating back to 1623. Famous figures such as Thomas More, Oliver Cromwell and Margaret Thatcher studied there. Just next door is Lincoln's Inn Field, London's largest square, built in 1640.

St James Palace is one of the oldest palaces in London. Commissioned by Henry VIII in 1530, it was built in 3 years between 1553 and 1556 in the Tudor style and was built around four courts: Ambassadors' Court, Engine Court, Friary Court and Colour Court. In 1558, it was within the palace that Mary Tudor signed the treaty that returned the city of Calais to France. Henry VIII's children died there, the first in 1536, an illegitimate son of the king, and Marie Tudor whose remains lie in Westminster Abbey with her half-sister. Charles II and James II were both born and baptized in St. James, as were Mary of York (Mary II), Anne of York (Queen Anne) and James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Suitor). It was the residence of British rulers from 1698, when the Whitehall Palace was destroyed by fire, and remained the royal residence for nearly three centuries, until Queen Victoria's arrival on the throne in 1837. William IV was the last ruler to reside at the Palace of St James. After his death, and until 1939, certain court decisions were still held at the Palais de Saint-James. It is also within the royal chapel that Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840. The building still houses members of the royal family, Prince Charles and his sons lived there. The large apartments contain many furnishings and an interesting range of royal portraits from the time of Henry VIII.

One of London's oldest markets, resurrected today to offer fresh, organic and quality products. The stands will whet your appetite with stalls of fish and seafood, cheese, fresh milk, breads and cakes, meat... The market also sells clothes including vintage clothes from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, cosmetics, jewellery... After a morning of shopping, let yourself be tempted by a short break in one of the many bars in the district. Good plan for the mornings, some stands open before 9am.

Separated by a wall and 200 years old, 23 and 25 Brook Street are the homes of two musicians who chose London as their home. Handel House was opened to the public in 2001. The museum is housed in the home of German-born composer Georg Friedrich Handel. Hendrix's space has been restored as it was when he lived there (1968-69). A permanent exhibition presents Hendrix's place in the musical and social world of 1960s London.

Built in 1866 by George Aitchison, this sumptuous house is the home and studio of Sir Frederic Leighton, a painter and sculptor at the Royal Academy of which he was president in 1878. One of the most fascinating rooms is the magnificent entrance hall decorated entirely with mosaics in an oriental style, sumptuous! The other rooms feature works by the artist and some of his friends. Temporary exhibitions and guided tours are organized throughout the year, so you can learn more!

Built in 1185 by the Knights Templar, an order of 12th century monk soldiers, on the model of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Temple Church was renovated in 1682 by Christopher Wren and damaged by the bombardments of the Second World War. You may see budding adventurers looking for a papal plot, Temple Church having been made famous in the best-selling Dan Brown Da Vinci Code. It can only be accessed by day, via Fleet St or Tudor St, the enclosure being surrounded by gates. Debates and visits are organised on this theme.

To find out where all the Harry Potter films were shot (short 2-hour version, long one-day version for the biggest fans) or to meet up with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts in Notting Hill, opt for one of these tours (the full list is online), which are pretty well done and fun. Choose your tour according to your favorite films: James Bond, Bridget Jones, Da Vinci Code or Sherlock Holmes. There's something for everyone! Unusual guided tours that take a different approach to sightseeing and reveal other facets of London.

Designed by architect James Gibb, built in 1726. The previous church on the site was built outside the town,in the fields, hence its name. Classical music concerts are regularly held here. The church also has its own café, the Café in the Crypt, an unusual place that feels more like a canteen than a café, and whose food is of average quality. We come here more for the original setting. At regular intervals, you'll hear its chimes echoing throughout the neighborhood.

This information center is nestled in the historic heart of London, the City. Here you'll find information on the city in general, and the team can help you book tickets for West End shows and choose your transport tickets. It's the only independent tourist office in the city! You won't want to miss the establishment's distinctive angular architecture, which contrasts with the surrounding buildings. Multilingual service!

This gallery presents works from the Royal Collection. Major themed exhibitions are organized to showcase these collections, which are three times larger than those of the National Gallery... They cover all the arts and all eras. Designed by John Nash, the Queen's Gallery was modelled on the other two conservatories at Buckingham Palace, and adopts the architecture of the Ionic temples, on the south-west corner of the palace overlooking the garden. It was completed in 1831. In 1997, John Simpson & Partners were chosen to extend and modernize the pavilion. The new entrance portico uses the Doric order derived from Greek architecture, as John Nash had done in the quadrangle of Buckingham Palace. On the gallery level, two friezes symbolize the Queen's reign and four panels represent the patron saints of the United Kingdom, created by Scottish sculptor Alexander Stoddart. The expansion of the Queen's Gallery was the most significant addition to Buckingham Palace in 150 years. The project involved stonemasons, wood and plaster carvers, copper and bronze workers, specialist carpenters, blacksmiths, specialist painters and cabinetmakers. The Queen's Gallery was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in May 2002, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. It hosts a program of temporary exhibitions, featuring masterpieces from the Royal Collection.

It sounds silly to say that a cemetery is quiet, but that's the main interest of the place, this soothing and restful aspect. With its old Victorian graves, covered with moss and all slightly bent, the place does not lack charm. They only come alive with the presence of numerous squirrels who also enjoy the calm of the surroundings. If some English personalities are buried here, it is however the tombs of anonymous people which present the most interest. A beautiful place for a contemplative and serene moment.

Located in London's cultural heartland, the Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery has been presenting exhibitions of contemporary art, mainly painting and sculpture, since it opened in 1968. Internationally acclaimed, the gallery brilliantly serves contemporary art in its entirety, both English and international, highlighting ever more innovative artists through events and exhibitions. Antony Gormley, Bridget Riley, Roy Lichtenstein... Its austere, brutalist concrete architecture is also particularly striking.

England is known for the beauty of its gardens; it seems logical then that a museum should be dedicated to them. Created in 1977, it aims to review the history of gardens and their creation in England and to address differences in style and influence with those of other countries. After a visit to the building to discover this history, the visit continues, of course, in the garden, a faithful reproduction of a 17th century garden, created in honour of John Tradescant, gardener of Charles I, buried here.

The oldest synagogue in Great Britain, it was built in 1701 by Spanish and Portuguese Jews who had fled the Inquisition. Resistance to Jews was still very strong at the time, and the synagogue was therefore built at the back of a courtyard so that it could not be seen from the main street. Virtually unchanged since its construction, it is a poignant historical testimony of one of the refugee communities in the East End. It is based on the model of the Amsterdam synagogue and inspired by the Christopher Wren style.

This gallery is owned by two art societies: the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers. It was inaugurated in 1980 by Queen Elizabeth II. Since the beginning of the 20th century, these two companies have been working in the same place and organizing exhibitions that reflect their work and show their reflection and vision on art. They defend the work of beginner and experienced artists around illustration and watercolour. Workshops and other activities are organized, consult the varied program.

This fully renovated museum is dedicated to Jewish history, culture and religion. Founded in 1932, it was originally housed in the communal warehouses of Woburn House in Bloomsbury. Over the years, it has amassed one of the finest collections of Jewish art in the world. In 1995, the museum moved to a more elegant Victorian building in Camden Town. Here you can admire the treasures of London's Great Synagogue, destroyed by German bombing in 1941.

Located in the heart of London, this "secret garden" was created in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries, who wished to have a botanical garden for their research into the properties, origins and conservation of plants. It was not opened to the public until 1983. Inside, you can discover some 5,000 different species, mainly medicinal plants, and the place is still used for research today. Ideal for a break or an unusual visit, this poetic garden is a miracle in the heart of the city.

Freemasonry continues to intrigue non-members. The museum features a large collection of Masonic objects and materials. Some have belonged to famous Freemasons: Winston Churchill, Edward VII... The tour and bookshop provide an insight into the shared values of Freemasonry, its development from the ^18th century to the present day, and the importance of England as the cradle of the organization. A unique opportunity to learn more about this centuries-old tradition.

A great deal for those on a budget, several free 2-hour guided tours cover a wide range of classic sites, including Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and The Mall. You'll recognize the guides by their red T-shirts or red umbrellas. The company organizes these free tours in several cities around the world, and also offers other private guided tours for a fee on its website.

Founded in 1901 to bring fine art to the heart of the popular and working-class East End, Whitechapel Gallery has distinguished itself by always presenting leading avant-garde artists. It is here that Picasso, Rothko, Frida Kahlo and Nan Goldin exhibited internationally for the first time. The magnificent Art Deco building was designed by the architect Townsend. The gallery is open all year round and also offers bookshop and coffee shop. There are always artists to discover in this space dedicated to contemporary art.

An important collection of objects relating to the famous Victorian writer Charles Dickens, a specialist in works for young people. In the artist's only surviving home, the museum, opened in 1925, welcomes tourists from all over the world to meet the father ofOliver Twist and Great Expectations . In this seemingly ordinary house, which is indistinguishable from the others from the street, discover paintings, original manuscripts and personal objects that retrace Dickens' life and work and plunge us into his intimacy.