London Architecture
London is famous as one of the great World Cities, part of its fame comes from London’s rich architectural heritage. The Romans established London as a small trading port in 45 AD.
Roman London contained a Bath House, Temples and an Ampitheatre. Little of the Roman city of London is left to see today. But there are several sites in the City of London where Roman London can be glimpsed. Part of the London Wall which surrounded the Roman city is still standing and below the City the Temple of Mithras can be visited. The earliest standing building in London is The Tower of London, which was built in the 1070s by William the Conqueror. It still remains a powerful symbol of authority and is a building of architectural importance.
From a small village, centred around the City, London has expanded in all directions. Each part of London has its own unique architectural character. The East End of London was an area of London that welcomed various groups of refugees and emigrants. The area has streets of 17th century houses which testify to the success of these groups who set up businesses in the developing city and thrived.
Soho is an old part of London with its own character. Developed in the seventeenth century, amid the vibrant cafes, restaurants and night life there are still many large seventeenth and 18th century houses to be seen. The area also contains fine London squares and important churches. Theatreland in the heart of London has a wide variety of architecturally important buildings, many built in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It’s a great area to walk around and take in the character of the area.
Every area of London is rich in church architecture, the London churches cover all architectural periods from the Medieval Westminster Cathedral through to St Paul's built in 1675 and Christ Church Spitalfields built in the early eighteenth century.
The parks of London are part of the architectural planning of London with Regent's Park and St James's Park both developed as part of John Nash’s plan for the area around Regent Street and the Mall. Built in the 1800s the area has a fine row of colonnaded buildings looking onto St James Park.
Outside the main City area houses were built in what was then the countryside. Areas such as Pimlico, Hampstead, Notting Hill Gate and Campden were built and offer a range of architectural styles and urban planning initiatives. So get exploring!
A West to East London walking trail majoring on green spaces. An excellent way to see how London developed and how it all fits together.
Walking Tour
Theatre lovers, this tour is for you! Explore Covent Garden's sparkling mix of theatres and luxury boutiques, see its world-famous street performers and magicians and hear all about London's Theatreland.
Walking Tour
Enjoy your honeymoon in the romantic city of London on a chauffeur-driven tour with an experienced guide.
Chauffeur Driven
A walking tour through London’s West End to hear how London created the Christmas we know today and to see the best of the capital’s world-famous Christmas lights displays.
Walking Tour
Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter's London on a chauffeur-driven tour with experienced guide and then off to the spellbinding Warner Bros. Studio Tour-The Making of Harry Potter.
Chauffeur Driven
Visit Hnery VIII's Hampton Court Palace and historic Hever Castle on a chauffeur-driven day tour from London with an experienced guide.
Chauffeur Driven
Visit Kent's beauty spots and historic castles on a chauffeur-driven day tour from London with an experienced guide.
Chauffeur Driven
A walking tour which highlights London’s ability to continually reinvent itself by embracing its multicultural heritage.
Walking Tour
Get a glimpse of what it was like back in those heady days of the 20s and 30s on an art deco themed chauffeur-driven day tour.
Chauffeur Driven
Visit London's popular attractions in a one day private chauffeur-driven tour with an experienced tour guide.
Chauffeur Driven