London England
Historic England
London is a city steeped in history, and there are countless historical sites to explore throughout the city. Here are just a few of the top historical places to visit in London:
Tower of London: Built in 1066 by William the Conqueror, the Tower of London has served as a palace, fortress, and prison throughout its history. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, with visitors coming to see the Crown Jewels and explore the tower's many exhibits.
British Museum: Founded in 1753, the British Museum is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. The museum's collections span over two million years of human history, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs.
Westminster Abbey: Originally built in the 11th century, Westminster Abbey is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and has played a central role in British history for nearly a thousand years. The abbey has served as the site of coronations, royal weddings, and numerous other important events throughout British history.
Churchill War Rooms: Located beneath the streets of London, the Churchill War Rooms were the underground headquarters from which Winston Churchill and his government directed the war effort during World War II. Today, visitors can explore the war rooms and learn about the strategies and decisions that helped Britain win the war.
Jane Austen
If you're a fan of Jane Austen's novels, London has plenty of sites to visit that are associated with the author and her works. Here are some of the top places to visit for Jane Austen enthusiasts:
Regency Era Walking Tour: Take a walking tour of London's Regency-era sites, which includes stops at locations featured in Austen's novels, such as the British Museum, the Royal Opera House, and the Assembly Rooms.
Chawton House: Located about an hour outside of London, Chawton House was the home of Jane Austen's brother Edward. Austen spent a significant amount of time at Chawton House and is believed to have written or revised all six of her completed novels there. Today, the house is a museum dedicated to Austen's life and works.
St. James's Square: In Austen's novel Sense and Sensibility, the character Marianne Dashwood stays with her friend Mrs. Jennings in a house on St. James's Square. While the original house no longer exists, the square is still a lovely spot to visit and take in some of London's history.
