Beautiful monuments

If you’re interested in history and architecture, then one of the best things to do in London is to visit one of the churches or monuments. In this section I highlight historical buildings and modern architectural wonders, from a stunning temple to evocative ruins, and some of the oldest churches in London.

Neasden Temple

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - or Neasden Temple as it's more commonly known - is a Hindu place of worship.

Built using traditional techniques, this stunning temple was hand carved from marble and limestone in India, and then assembled in London. It opened in 1995, and continues to be an active place of worship.

You can visit throughout the year. As well as exploring the temple, there is a lovely garden you can visit, and a permanent exhibition about Hinduism.

Location: West London (Neasden). The temple is on Pramukh Swami Road.

Nearest station: Neasden tube

St Dunstans in the East

The evocative St Dunstan's in the East is a tranquil spot right in the heart of the City of London.

The church was originally built in 1100, destroyed in the Great Fire of London, then partially repaired by Sir Christopher Wren with the addition of a steeple. However it was then heavily damaged again in the Blitz in World War II, and is now in ruins.

A garden is set around the ruins of the church. It's a beautiful space to sit and relax, with a little water feature, benches, and palm trees and other vegetation growing around the ruins.

Location: Central London (City of London). The church is on St Dunstan’s Hill.

Nearest station: Cannon Street tube/rail, Fenchurch Street rail or Monument tube

Brompton Oratory

London Oratory - or Brompton Oratory as it is better known by - is a fabulous 19th century Catholic church in Kensington.

Built in an Italian Baroque style, it has a large dome and marble columns.

It’s free to visit.

Location: Central London (Kensington). The church is on Brompton Road.

Nearest station: South Kensington tube

St Stephen Walbrook

Located in the City of London, St Stephen Walbrook is a lovely domed building that dates back to the 1670s. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren to replace the medieval church on this site that was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The dome is similar to Wren’s design for the dome in nearby St Paul’s Cathedral, and it’s said he used this opportunity to test out some of the techniques he’d go on to use for his St Paul’s masterpiece. Although the church was damaged in the Blitz, it was later restored and is considered to be one of the finest church interiors in London.

As well as regular services, the church hosts Rush Hour Jazz concerts for office workers on their way home.

Location: Central London (City of London). The church is at 39 Walbrook.

Nearest station: Bank tube or Cannon Street tube/rail

St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral

The beautiful St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox cathedral was built in the late 19th century, and is an unexpected hidden gem in Kentish Town. In the 1950s it started being used by the Greek Orthodox Church, and there are traditional Byzantine style decorations.

Location: North London (Kentish Town). The church is located on Kentish Town Road.

Nearest station: Kentish Town tube/rail or Camden Road overground

Winchester Palace

Once an important part of medieval London, Winchester Palace was originally where the Bishops of Winchester stayed when they were visiting the city.

The palace was sadly destroyed by fire in 1814, but you can see the remains of the Great Hall, including the impressive rose window. This hall would have once been lavishly decorated, and was used to host esteemed guests such as James 1 of Scotland.

Location: Central London (Southbank). The church is at Pickfords Wharf, just off the Southbank.

Nearest station: London Bridge

St Paul’s Cathedral

Built after the Great Fire of London in 1666, St Paul’s Cathedral was Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, and it’s my favourite building in the city. The dome is one of the largest cathedral domes in the world, and it’s impressive seen both inside and outside the cathedral.

The cathedral has many monuments as well as famous artworks, and you can take guided or self-guided tours. There are also regular concerts, services and events.

Location: Central London. The main entrance is from St Paul’s Churchyard.

Nearest station: St Paul’s tube

Chapel of St Peter and St Paul

The gorgeous and peaceful Chapel of St Peter and St Paul is part of the stunning Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

The original church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren for the Royal Hospital of Seamon, but was sadly destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1779 by James Stuart, and is a fabulous example of a neo-classical interior. The ceiling is so ornate you could sit here for a while and still not take in all the intricate details.

As well as being an active place of worship, open for private prayer and regular services, the church also has regular concerts and recitals. It’s worth combining a visit to the church with a visit to the Painted Hall - known as the 'UK's Sistine Chapel - which is also part of the Old Royal Naval College.

Location: South London (Greenwich). The church is on College Row.

Nearest station: Cutty Sark DLR

St Bartholomew the Great

London’s oldest parish church, St Bartholomew the Great is open every day, and it’s one of the most atmospheric churches in the city.

Dating back over 900 years, the church has survived the Great Fire of London and the Blitz. The church’s name ‘The Great’ is to distinguish it from the smaller church St Bartholomew the Less which is nearby.

The church has been used for filming in many films, and featured in the romantic comedy film Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Location: Central London. The church is on West Smithfield, in the City of London.

Nearest station: Barbican tube

Fitzrovia Chapel

Fitzrovia Chapel is a beautiful Byzantine style chapel right in the centre of London, but very infrequently visited.

Built in the late 19th century, the chapel was once situated in the former Middlesex Hospital. With its gold mosaic interior, it feels like you’re inside a jewellery box.

Check the opening times first on the website as these can be quite limited.

Location: Central London (City of London). The chapel is on Fitzroy Place.

Nearest station: Goodge Street tube

Westminster Cathedral

Not to be confused with nearby Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral is a large cathedral near Victoria station. The largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales, the cathedral was built in the late 19th century and completed in 1903.

The cathedral has a distinctive striped red brick facade. Inside you can go up the bell tower for views across London. There is also a permanent exhibition showcasing some of the cathedral’s most important treasures.

Location: Central London (Westminster). The church is on Victoria Street.

Nearest station: Victoria

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s worth putting aside a few hours to explore the whole tower as there is a lot to see. The most recognisable part of the building is the White Tower - a Norman keep which was built initially to deter invaders, then later used as a prison. You can see the Royal Armouries collection of armour here, as well as St John’s Chapel which was intended to be a spectacular place of worship for William the Conqueror.

One of the most popular things to do at the Tower of London is view the Crown Jewels. These precious gems and crowns have been stored at the castle since the 17th century, and are under armed guard. Many of the items are still used in royal ceremonies today. Other things to see include the Medieval Palace (once a luxurious home to Henry III and his son Edward), and the Bloody Tower (known for being the place where 12-year-old Edward V and his brother, Richard were imprisoned - allegedly by their uncle, the future Richard III - in 1483). You can also walk on the Battlements, and explore exhibitions focusing on specific topics including imprisonment, royal beasts, and torture at the tower.

The Tower of London is also famous for its resident ravens. These intelligent birds are known as the guardians of the Tower. You can learn more about them, and other fascinating stories connected with the tower, by taking one of the tours run by the Yeoman Warders (more commonly known as Beefeaters).

Location: Central London. The tower is on the river, and easily accessible.

Nearest station: Tower Hill tube

Jewel Tower

Jewel Tower is often overlooked, with many people focusing on nearby Parliament and Westminster Abbey. However, this building has an interesting history. Built in the 14th century as a place to store Edward III’s valuables, it was once known as the ‘King’s Privy Wardrobe’, and was previously part of the Palace of Westminster.

When the royals left Westminster, the tower became a Parliamentary record office. It is now in the care of English Heritage, and you can visit different rooms over three floors. Included in your ticket is an exhibition about the history of weights and measures.

Location: Central London (Westminster)

Nearest station: Westminster tube

Westminster Abbey

Westminster' Abbey is a royal church which has hosted several royal events over the years, including 40 coronations and 16 royal weddings, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Founded by monks in the mid 10th century, construction of the present Gothic-style church began in 1245.

Many notable people are buried or commemorated here, from kings and queens to poets and writers. In Poets Corner, you can see where more than 100 poets and writers are buried or commemorated, including Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.

Location: Central London (Westminster)

Nearest station: Westminster tube

Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is an Anglican Cathedral on the South Bank of the River Thames. If you’re in the London Bridge area it’s definitely worth popping in as it’s free to enter, and can easily be combined with other activities nearby like Borough Market or Tower Bridge.

Founded in the 12th century, the church was originally developed by the powerful Bishops of Westminster, but it didn’t become a cathedral until 1905 when the Diocese of Southwark was created.

There are regular services here, and music recitals. There is also a resident cat called Hodge!

Location: Central London (London Bridge)

Nearest station: London Bridge tube/rail

Guildhall

The City of London area has its own government, and this is building has been the centre of that government since the Middle Ages. Built in 1411, the Guildhall survived the Great Fire of London and the Blitz, and its Gothic Great Hall is the third largest civic hall in the country. The Great Hall is occasionally open for public events (I went to a Christmas market here once) or you can book onto one of the monthly guided tours.

Next door to the Guildhall is the much more recent Guildhall Art Gallery which contains a collection of oil paintings, many from the Victorian period. In the basement are the remains of a Roman Amphitheatre which was discovered when the gallery was built in the 1980s.

Location: Central London (City of London)

Nearest station: Moorgate rail/tube or Mansion House tube

Monument

One of London’s most iconic attractions, the Monument was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London. It stands on a piazza between Fish Street Hill and Monument Street, not far from Pudding Lane where the fire started in 1666, destroying about a third of the city’s buildings.

You can climb the Monument (there are around 300 spiral steps) and enjoy great views of the city. It may not be the highest viewpoint in the city, but the building has a lot of history and ticket prices are relatively low (£6 last time I checked).