3 Must-See Historic Buildings in London

With a long history and outstanding culture, London, as the capital of the UK and the world's financial center, is not only home to dazzling modern architecture, but also boasts historic buildings that are beloved by visitors for their unique styles and designs. The London Pass recommends three must-visit historic buildings in London. Save this for later!

Tower Bridge

When it comes to the most famous structure on the River Thames, Tower Bridge definitely comes to mind. Since its completion in 1894, Tower Bridge has become a symbol of London, earning the nickname "London's Front Door," and has remained one of the city's most popular attractions.

Built to ease the busy traffic on the Thames, Tower Bridge was designed as a combined bascule and suspension bridge. Its two 60-meter towers are constructed from granite and steel, with the bridge consisting of two levels. The upper level features a glass walkway at 43 meters high, allowing pedestrians to cross while enjoying panoramic views of the Thames; the lower level is used for vehicle traffic. When a ship approaches, the machinery inside the main towers lifts the two halves of the lower bridge upward and apart to let the vessel pass.

In addition, the bridge houses a museum with various exhibits that detail the history and development of this iconic landmark.

Address: London SE1 2UP

Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 – 18:00

Admission: £10.60; free entry with The London Pass.

St Paul's Cathedral

With its magnificent dome visible from afar, this Baroque masterpiece of classical architecture is a world-renowned religious site, the fifth largest cathedral in the world, and the second largest in England. The original cathedral was built in 604 AD, but the structure we see today dates from 1666.

The exterior is exceptionally grand and ornate. At the center sits a massive dome (111 meters high, 34 meters in diameter) on top of a Latin cross floor plan. Above the main entrance stands a stone statue of St. Paul, with symmetrical bell towers at both ends, exuding grandeur and majesty.

Inside, the vaulted hall is supported by square stone pillars, with the walls evenly divided by double pilasters. Each bay and its window are treated in the same style. The ceiling is decorated with beautiful paintings and murals of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the apostles, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

If you climb from the famous Whispering Gallery to the top of the dome, you'll be rewarded with a stunning view of London!

Address: St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am – 4:30pm

Admission: £20; free entry with The London Pass.

Windsor Castle

The largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, and an official residence of the British monarch! Such a historic and magnificent building is certainly worth a visit.

Windsor Castle was founded in 1070 on a man-made hill on the south bank of the Thames. It encapsulates over 900 years of British history and has been the home of 39 monarchs, showing how beloved it is by the British royal family.

The castle is divided into three wards: the Upper Ward to the east is the private residence of the royal family, including the King's and Queen's dining rooms, drawing rooms, ballroom, audience chamber, and more, renowned for its collection of royal paintings and treasures; the Middle Ward is dominated by the prominent Round Tower, surrounded by dense rose gardens; the Lower Ward to the west is the entrance from the Thames, where the famous St George's Chapel stands.

One of the highlights is Queen Mary's Dolls' House. Built by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the early 1920s for Queen Mary, it perfectly replicates her royal residence at a scale of 1:12, including the Queen's and King's rooms, drawing rooms, library, treasure vault, and even a garden, presenting every corner of the residence in meticulous detail.

In addition, the grand Changing of the Guard ceremony is a must-see! From August to March, it takes place every other day, and from April to July daily (except Sundays), visitors can watch soldiers in bright red traditional uniforms and bearskin hats marching along the main street toward the castle.

Address: Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ

Opening Hours: March 1 to October 31, 2021 (Monday, Thursday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:15); November 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022 (Monday, Thursday to Sunday 10:00 – 16:15)

Admission: £23.50; free entry with The London Pass.

Offering a glimpse into history and the charm of culture and art, be sure to visit these three historic buildings when traveling to London!