Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings in London

Finding historic palaces, castles and buildings in London is a rather simple task. Walking even a block without running into a building of historical significance would be impossible.

With such a rich royal history it isn't a surprise to find most of the top ten list to be dominated by regal buildings. The Queen's London address is the celebrated Buckingham Palace yet it only became an official royal residence with Queen Victoria in 1837. Her Majesty's son Prince Charles lives and works in Clarence House not far from his Mum on The Mall, open each summer for tours. Another royal residence still used today is Kensington Palace, open to the public year round. Diana, Princess of Wales, resided in the palace until her death.

Just outside London are two significant properties well worth visiting. Hampton Court Palace, one of Henry VIII's surviving residences, was built in the 16th century along the Thames. Today it is a living museum with a full calendar of events. The medieval Windsor Castle is one of Britain's most visited attractions and still used by the royal family today.

Westminster Abbey is the final resting place for over 3,000 historical figures, the sight for all of England's coronations since 1066 and over a dozen royal weddings. The Tower of London, palace turned prison turned fortress, most famously know as the site of the beheading of Anne Boleyn in 1536, Henry VIII's 2nd wife and current home of the Crown Jewels.

Additionally of historical significance are the Houses of Parliament, home to the legislative branch of the government, was once the Palace of Westminster and the monarch's primary residence.

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