Heritage
Lift history off the pages and explore historic England. With hundreds of award-winning heritage attractions, interactive museums and visitor centres, commemorative memorials and nearly 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites all crammed into one small country, you’ll trip over history at every turn. It’s virtually impossible to ignore this country's mythical and fabled characters, horrible histories, legendary monarchs and influential leaders as you discover Neolithic mounds and Roman ruins, thatched Tudor houses and spacious Victorian squares, prehistoric remains, spooky medieval gaols and historic towns in England. Hire a Blue Badge guide for an in-depth tour of your area of interest.
Get lost in the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens
Explore 300 acres of plants in one of the world's leading botanic gardens.
Location: Richmond, London
Watch the changing of the Guards in London
For sheer pomp and ceremony, you can’t beat the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
Location: London, Greater London
See treasures from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace
Every August and September, Buckingham Palace opens its doors, giving you a chance to explore the amazing art, décor and history within.
Location: Victoria, Greater London
Explore the Houses of Parliament's medieval Westminster Hall
Explore 1,000 years of British history on a tour of the Houses of Parliament, from the Westminster Palace to the Commons Chamber.
Location: Westminster, Greater London
Climb the 311 steps of the Monument for views over the City
The Monument, built to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666, is the tallest isolated stone column in the world and offers panoramic views of London.
Location: London, Greater London
See the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
See the stunning Crown Jewels on display at the historic Tower of London, and learn about their profound religious and cultural importance.
Location: Tower Hill, Greater London
Take a moment to relax in St Dunstan in the East
Relax in the grounds of this historic church, and enjoy the gardens growing through the ruins.
Location: London, Greater London
Step into the City's oldest church, All-Hallows-by-the-Tower
Though bombed in the Second World War, All-Hallows-by-the-Tower remains a beautiful Grade I listed building bursting with City history.
Location: London, Greater London
Join the Knights Templar in the original Temple Church
Enter the English headquarters of the Knights Templar in the 13th Century and immerse yourself in its varied history.
Location: London, Greater London
Go back in time and discover the original Roman City walls
Follow in the footsteps of Romans as you explore the history of the walls that protected the original City of London.
Location: London, Greater London
Visit the "most popular filming location in the world" in Greenwich, London
Explore the magnificent buildings of the Old Royal Naval College - a film set for major blockbusters including Les Misérables and Cinderella.
Location: Greenwich, London
Stand astride the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Stand with one foot in the east and one in the west and feel on top of the world at this historic observatory.
Location: Greenwich, London
Uncover London’s industrial heritage at The Brunel Museum
Discover how the world's first underwater tunnel was built on a visit to the Brunel Museum.
Location: London, Greater London
Stay in John Betjeman’s old home
If you’re planning a weekend in London why not swap the same old hotel for something with a bit more history?
Location: London
Explore Alexander Fleming's Laboratory
Discover the story of the father of penicillin in his lab in Paddington.
Location: Paddington, London
Fly with The Red Arrows aerial team at the RAF Museum
Take a ride on The Red Arrow flight simulators or go on a low-flying mission through valleys in a Tornado Jet at London’s Royal Air Force Museum.
Location: Barnet, Greater London
Rainy Day Activities: Step into history in the Churchill War Rooms
Delve underground into Churchill’s War Cabinet Rooms and uncover the secret location which housed the Prime Minister during WWII.
Location: Westminster, London
Take tea in a crypt below Trafalgar Square in London
Take a stroll through London's Trafalgar Square, then stop off at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church for a spot afternoon tea in the crypt.
Location: London