10 Best Historical Things To Do In London (UK) – 2023

Are you looking for the best historical things to do in London, UK? I got you covered! I love history and London is one of the historic cities that I love to explore. Every corner has a story to tell.

Since London is the heart of the UK, figuratively and politically, this English metropolis’ history dates back as far as the Roman times when they established the city of Londinium, next to the River Thames.

I’d love to share with you some of the best historical things to do in London. I made a pretty good list here, If you want to know more, feel free to read the whole article below. However, here are my top 3 historical picks:

Quick Guide: Best Historical Things to do in London, UK

Tower of London

✅ It’s a fortress with a gripping narrative of royalty, intrigue, and the infamous Crown Jewels.
✅ The Beefeaters and ravens add a unique charm and mystique.
✅ Its walls tell a thousand stories of historical figures and fateful events.

Westminster Abbey

✅ Coronations, royal weddings, and burials link you directly to the nation’s pulse.
✅ The Gothic architecture is an art lesson in stone.
✅ Walking among the graves of the greats offers a profound sense of connection to the past.

The British Museum

✅ It houses a world history lesson under one roof with its global collections.
✅ Iconic artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies are touchstones to ancient civilizations.
✅ The museum’s architecture is a visual timeline from classical to contemporary design.

Best Historical Things to Do in London

1. Buckingham Palace: Exploring the Royal Residence

Welcome to Buckingham Palace, the iconic home of British royalty! Did you know this grand building has been the official royal residence since Queen Victoria’s reign in 1837? It’s not just a home; it’s a symbol of history and tradition that stands proud in the heart of London.

The palace’s facade, with its famous balcony and guards, is a postcard favorite. Inside, the State Rooms are a parade of luxury – think sparkling chandeliers and paintings by masters. They’re usually open to visitors during summer, so you can peek into the royal lifestyle.

Then there’s the Changing of the Guard – a military tradition that’s as precise as it is impressive. To get a good view, stand by the front gates, but get there early! It’s a popular spectacle where you can witness the precision and pageantry of royal traditions.

Planning to visit? Check the palace’s website for ticket info and special events like garden parties. Remember, it’s a working royal residence, so not all areas are always open, but just walking the grounds and watching the ceremony is a regal experience. So, pop on your most comfortable shoes and get ready to explore a piece of living history!

2. Tower of London

Step into the Tower of London, a place where stories of history are etched into stone walls. Once a royal palace, then a prison, and now home to the Crown Jewels, this fortress has seen it all.

The Crown Jewels are the real stars here. They’re not just sparkly accessories; they’re symbols of the monarchy’s continuity, and they shine with centuries of history. The gem-encrusted crowns and scepters are a must-see for their sheer beauty and craftsmanship.

Meet the Beefeaters, or Yeoman Warders, who are much more than guides in fancy uniforms. They’re keepers of the Tower’s tales and traditions, with a past role of guarding captured foes, including some very famous faces.

Speaking of prisoners, the Tower’s history is filled with chilling stories. It’s where Anne Boleyn spent her last days, and where rumors of hidden treasures and ghostly queens linger. And don’t forget the ravens – legend says that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.

To dive into this deep well of history, book your tickets online and wear comfortable shoes. The ancient stones aren’t kind to heels or stiff soles. And take your time – every corner of the Tower has a story waiting for you.

3. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey isn’t just a church; it’s where history happens. Kings and queens have been crowned here since William the Conqueror in 1066, and it’s been the backdrop for royal weddings and farewells. Walking through its doors is like stepping into a living timeline of the nation.

Look up and around to see the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture. The towering spires and stained glass tell stories of faith, power, and artistry that have been centuries in the making. It’s a feast for the eyes and a vault of England’s heritage.

Beneath your feet lie legends. Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and the recently added Stephen Hawking – their final resting places mark the abbey as a sanctuary of science and intellect as well as spirituality.

For a smooth visit, aim for early mornings or late afternoons when the crowds thin out. The Abbey tour is worth every minute, with whispers of the past around every corner. And if you can, catch Evensong for a moment of peace amid the grandeur. It’s free and offers a chance to experience the Abbey as a place of worship, not just a historic site.

4. The British Museum

The British Museum is your passport to the past. It’s packed with artifacts from all around the world, from the oldest tools ever used by humans to stuff that’s just a few hundred years old. It’s a place where you can see things you’ve only ever read about in books.

The Rosetta Stone is one of the first things people go to see. It’s this big rock with writing on it that helped people figure out how to read Egyptian pictures. The mummies are really popular too – they’re thousands of years old, and it’s kind of amazing to see them right there in front of you. The Elgin Marbles are pieces of old Greek temples and they’re really beautiful.

The museum building is pretty special as well – it looks like a big ancient Greek temple right in the middle of London. When you step inside, you’ll see the Great Court with its huge glass roof – it’s really impressive.

Before you go, you can look up the museum layout on the internet to plan your visit. They have guided tours that can tell you all about the stuff in the museum, and it’s a bit quieter if you go in the afternoon on a weekday. And the best part is that it doesn’t cost anything to get in.

5. The National Gallery

The National Gallery is an art lover’s dream with walls that talk in colors and strokes. Here, European paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century tell the story of art’s evolution. It’s not just a gallery; it’s a journey through time, guided by the brushes of the masters.

You’ll come face to face with Van Gogh’s sunflowers, get lost in the mysterious smile of Da Vinci’s “Virgin of the Rocks,” and be swept away by Turner’s tempestuous seascapes. These aren’t just paintings; they’re pieces of history that continue to inspire and awe.

Keep an eye out for special exhibitions or events; the Gallery is always up to something new. Whether it’s a deep dive into the Renaissance or a celebration of impressionism, there’s always a fresh way to see the old classics.

When planning your visit, consider a guided tour to unlock the stories behind the canvases. Early mornings or weekday evenings are your best bet for a quieter experience. And when you step out, London’s other historical gems are just a stone’s throw away. It’s all free, so take your time and soak in the beauty.

6. Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum takes you deep into the stories of those who lived through war. It’s not just about battles and tactics; it’s a tribute to human resilience and the complexities of conflict.

The World Wars are center stage here. With exhibits like the harrowing Holocaust Exhibition, the museum doesn’t shy away from tough truths. It’s powerful and sobering, with personal stories that turn statistics into real lives.

Interactive displays bring history to your fingertips, like stepping into a WWI trench or experiencing a WWII home front. It’s immersive, engaging, and often an emotional journey.

To get the most out of your visit, start with the museum’s layout online. Some exhibits, like the Holocaust Exhibition, are recommended for older children and adults due to their intense nature. Give yourself time; this isn’t a place to rush. Each story, each artifact, deserves a moment.

7. Covent Garden

Covent Garden has come a long way from its beginnings as a market for fruits and vegetables. Now, it’s a bustling hub where tourists come to get a real feel for London. You’ll find it full of life at any time of the day, with a mix of shops, food places, and entertainment that doesn’t stop.

This place isn’t just for shopping; it’s for exploring. You can find shops here that aren’t anywhere else, selling things made right here in London. And when it comes to food, there’s everything from a quick bite to sit-down meals in fancier spots.

Street performers are a big part of the Covent Garden experience. They’re all over the place, showing off their skills. You might see someone juggling fire, doing magic tricks, or singing opera. It’s all free to watch, but the performers love it when you throw a coin or two into their hats.

During the year, Covent Garden also dresses up for things like Christmas, with lights and decorations that make the whole place sparkle. It’s more than just shopping or eating out; it’s about feeling the energy of London right there on the streets. It’s busy, it’s fun, and it’s a place where you’ll always find something new happening.

8. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is where history and luxury shake hands. Kensington Palace, a royal residence set in lush gardens, is the star of the show. It’s not just a palace; it’s a canvas of royal stories, open for you to wander.

This area is a haven for shoppers with a taste for the finer things. Think of streets like King’s Road, where high-end stores offer everything from designer clothes to artisan chocolates. Dining here is just as grand, with chic cafes and restaurants serving up international cuisine in historic settings.

For culture buffs, the nearby Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. From ancient sculptures to modern fashion, it’s a world tour under one roof.

Strolling through the neighborhood is like walking through a living history book. Keep your eyes open for blue plaques marking the homes of famous figures. Each corner has a story, each building a past, making the borough a historical adventure as much as a cultural one.

9. The City of London

In the City of London, history is alive next to the hustle of modern business. You can find old Roman walls just minutes away from some of the tallest buildings in Europe. This is the original center of London, and it’s packed with centuries of stories.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous sights here. It’s been standing for over 300 years and has one of the biggest domes in the world. Then there’s Tower Bridge – it’s been around since the 1800s and you can still watch it lift up for ships on the river.

Walking tours are a great way to see the City. You can find out about hidden places like old taverns and tiny museums that you’d never notice by yourself. The guides can tell you about the big fire in the 1600s, the plague, and all about the modern skyscrapers.

The City is also where many banks and businesses work, so it’s really busy during the day. At night, it’s quieter, and you can feel the history without the crowds. Every street and building has its own story – some go back to medieval times or even earlier. It’s like a living museum, but it’s also a place where people work, live, and play.

10. The Globe Theatre

When you visit The Globe Theatre, you’re walking into a place rebuilt to honor the past. The original Globe burnt down in 1613, but the one you see now was made to look and feel just like it. It’s right by the River Thames, just like in Shakespeare’s day, and it even has a thatched roof, the only one allowed in London since the Great Fire in 1666.

At The Globe, they do things the old-fashioned way. There’s no roof over the main area, so just like in the 1600s, if it rains, you’ll get wet. The plays are put on in natural light, just like back then, and the actors wear costumes that look like what people wore back in Shakespeare’s time.

If you go to watch a play, you can choose to stand in the yard, where you’ll be close to the stage, just like people who didn’t have much money did back then. Or you can sit in the seats around the stage, where you’ll get a great view, and you’ll be under cover if it rains.

Getting tickets is easy online. If you want to avoid big crowds, try going to a daytime show. But no matter when you go, you’re part of a tradition that’s been going on since Shakespeare was writing those plays. It’s a piece of history that’s still alive today.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Travel Blog

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.