A Londoner’s Guide For A Historical Trip in London

London is one of the most fascinating cities to visit in Europe but it is also one of the most expensive. Nevertheless, London is home to plenty of history about the country and the rest of the world. If you are planning on visiting London for a long weekend in the capital and want to learn about the historical wonders of this city, then you have come to the right place. 

History Of London

History in London is like no other. It has decades of history in this very large city. When you compare it to other western cities, it is far better than others. Not only does it have the history which people want to learn but it also has the modern side that youngsters wish to explore. We can guarantee that this city has something for everyone. 

There is so much to learn and see in this city that a weekend may not be possible to see all of it. Nevertheless, there are many parts of London and others can wait. If you want to learn about the history of London in its flesh, follow our itinerary so you can learn everything you need to know about the history of the city and country. 

Day 1 – Tower Of London, Tower Bridge and London Wall

Tower Of London

Although you don’t need to do these in order and you can mix up your days, we do like to start with the Tower of London. It is one of the most iconic and historical buildings in the city centre. Here, you have the opportunity to see crown jewels, buildings built in the mediaeval era and suits of armour. There is a lot of history to offer on this first day and the Tower of London is packed with it. You can also see the Yeomen Warders, also known as beefeaters that are the Majesty’s guards for the building. 

Tower Bridge

Once you have finished the Tower of London tour, it is time to see the Tower Bridge and we doubt you’ll miss this, especially with it being so close to the Tower of London. The world-famous bridge spans across the well-known River Thames. It is a grade I listed bridge and construction began in 1886 and finished in 1894. 

Roman Wall

Once you have finished here, it is time to head towards the London (Roman) wall. It is the oldest of the three and was built between AD 190 and 225. It is one of the best mediaeval ruins in the capital. 

Bonus Spot – St Paul’s Cathedral

It is only a short walk from the Tower of London so if you have time, St. Paul’s Cathedral is another place worth visiting. This marvellous cathedral finished construction in 1710 and took 35 years to build. This wonderful piece of architecture is something that will amaze, especially with how long it has been around. It is a working church and holds funerals for Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill. Not to mention, it was the place for the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer. 

Day 2 – Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace

The Houses Of Parliament

Next on the list is the Houses of Parliament, which is another iconic structure in London. Here lie both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Both of these buildings were established in 1801; however, other parts of the buildings were built much earlier. We advise you to go on a tour around these buildings, as the historical structure and design of these buildings are unique. 

Fun fact: There’s a specific “Parliamentary Beer” brewed and served just for those within the Palace walls. This brew, dating back to 1993, was created by Shepherd Neame Brewery and is only available inside the Houses of Parliament. Members of Parliament, staff, and even journalists can enjoy this special tipple, with even the Queen herself was a fan!

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is another iconic landmark in London and is only a short walk from the Houses of Parliament. This Gothic royal church has been the venue for many coronations, royal weddings and funerals for well-known individuals who have been an iconic part of British history. Whether you decide to have a tour inside this remarkable building or just wish to stare at the intricate details of the exterior, this is a building that everyone must visit when heading to London for the weekend. Right next to this is the Westminster Palace, where you can learn about the history of Guy Fawkes. 

Buckingham Palace

Last but not least, Buckingham Palace. If you are only interested in the tour of Buckingham Palace, then you can visit this building at any time of day. However, if you wish to see the guards switch over, then the morning is the best time. There are plenty of things to see in Buckingham Palace that make the guided tour last at least 1.5 hours. There are many spots for parking in Knightsbridge in this area, which makes it the perfect place to leave your vehicle for the day. 

Fun fact: Every year, the palace goes through around 20,000 sandwiches – during summer garden parties alone! That’s right, cucumber, egg salad, and other finger foods are devoured by guests who mingle on the palace grounds. This tradition started with Queen Victoria, who loved hosting large garden parties, and it’s continued to be a delightful and surprising highlight for attendees. So if you plan your trip accordingly, you too could enjoy a sandwich made in the royal kitchen! 

Bonus Spot – Big Ben

The fun fact that every British person will tell you about this next spot is that the name is for the bell inside the building, not the clock. Visiting Big Ben is great because you don’t truly understand the size of the Elizabeth Tower until you are inside. 

Fun fact: Big Ben’s famous chimes have a secret code. Each quarter-hour chime plays a different note: G for the first quarter, F# for the second, two Es for the third, and B for the final quarter. But did you know that during maintenance periods, the chimes play the nursery rhyme “Pop Goes the Weasel” instead? This allows technicians to test the bells without startling nearby residents.

Summary

There are many things to see and do in London. You could say that it is the perfect place for a historian who wishes to learn more about this country. If you are visiting London, we recommend you stay here for around four days, just so you are not rushing around to see everything. Plus, you need to have time to enjoy some fine dining, which is one of the things London is well-known for.