Take a step back in time and learn about a different era by visiting England’s capital. With historical landmarks at every turn, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, London is full of character and culture.
What’s even better about London is that many of its top historical landmarks can be found in one area, the London Heritage Quarter. Here, we’ll talk you through this incredible area, including where’s best to explore during your visit and how to get there with South Western Railway.
With brilliant transport links across the south west, catching a train to London couldn’t be any easier. If you need inspiration beyond the boundaries of the Heritage Quarter, check out our guide on 48 hours in London and our bucket list in London.
What is the London Heritage Quarter?
A tourist’s dream, the London Heritage Quarter is a cluster of the city’s most significant historical landmarks. This heritage trail covers iconic attractions, including:
Found in London’s most central area, TfL’s Zone One, the heritage trail starts in Belgravia and takes you through Westminster before coming to an end at the top of the Strand. Spanning around two miles, the entire trail only takes 40 minutes to complete. But we’d recommend splitting your journey over the course of a weekend, so you have plenty of time to stop and explore your favourite attractions.
How to get there: Its central location means reaching this cultural quarter is easy, with tube stations rarely more than a few minutes’ walk away. London Waterloo is one of the closest train stops if you're travelling from further afield. Hop on board a tube from Waterloo and instantly access popular destinations including Charing Cross, Westminster and Temple.
Places to see at the London Heritage Quarter
There are dozens of world-famous landmarks packed into the London Heritage Quarter, so there’s no shortage of things to do and places to see. Here are our top suggestions:
One of the most recognisable London buildings, Westminster Abbey isn’t just a place of worship; it has also played a crucial part in England’s history. Since 1066, this abbey’s been the site of every coronation and has played host to many royal weddings.
There’s much to explore in this vast building, including Poets’ Corner, where over 100 writers have either been buried or remembered. You’ll find the graves of Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy among the memorials. Head to the eastern side to see the royal tombs of 30 kings and queens, featuring King Edward the Confessor’s impressive shrine. You can even visit the Coronation Chairs in St George’s Chapel, arguably the most famous pieces of furniture in the world!
No weekend in London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace. As the King's official residence, this palace just had to make it into our top London Heritage Quarter sites.
Outside, you can enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which usually takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11.00 am. This ceremony, where a New Guard takes over protecting the palace, is one of our top free activities in London.
Inside, visitors are welcomed into the 19 State Rooms for 10 weeks during the summer, occasionally opening in winter and spring too. On your journey through some of the grandest rooms in the palace, make sure to keep an eye out for:
The White Drawing Room: A grand space where royals meet before official events
The Throne Room: You’ll find a collection of chairs used for numerous coronations. This includes the Chairs of Estate, used for the Queen’s coronation in 1953
The Ballroom: The largest State Room, adorned with William Theed statues and coronation thrones of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
The Grand Staircase: Inspired by London theatres, this staircase packs quite a punch. At the top of the stairs, you’ll find a collection of paintings of Queen Victoria’s family
The Picture Gallery: This grand room houses the royal family’s most precious paintings. The works of art change regularly
You’ve likely seen the Houses of Parliament on your screens, but how about actually stepping into this remarkable building? The public can explore many parts of Parliament, including the House of Commons, the setting for many a heated debate, and Westminster Hall, where the gunpowder plot took place. To learn more about this famous tale, why not head to the immersive gunpowder plot experience? With SWR Rewards, you’ll enjoy £10 off this attraction.
You can visit the Houses of Parliament on Saturdays or during weekdays when recess is in place.
Price: ££
Nearest tube station: Westminster
Big Ben
Elizabeth Tower, Palace of Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
The Elizabeth Tower, known worldwide as Big Ben, stands tall at 96 metres and overlooks the Houses of Parliament and beyond. The Parliament’s clock tower was built in 1844, added during the reconstruction of the government buildings that were devastated by a fire.
Big Ben’s intricate façade is best enjoyed from outside, but you can also head inside to take a tour of the clock tower’s building. The clock dials may look small from where you’re standing, but they actually measure seven metres in diameter and contain 312 pieces of glass!
A stone’s throw from other iconic landmarks like the London Eye, you’ll find plenty of ways to reach the Houses of Parliament.
Price: Free
Nearest tube station: Westminster
Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery overlooks Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN
Thriving Trafalgar Square is home to plenty of London’s historical attractions. This public square was named after Britain won the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson’s Column, which stands proud above the square, commemorates Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, who was killed in action.
Along with Nelson’s Column, you can also discover the Trafalgar Square lions. Dating back to 1867, these bronze statues were designed by Sir Edward Landseer to guard the iconic column.
Other statues in the square include the four plinths, three of which house bronze depictions of General Sir Charles James Napier, Major General Sir Henry Havelock and King George IV. The fourth plinth is reserved for contemporary sculptures, changing every few years. Previous residents include The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist by Michael Rakowitz.
Visitors will also enjoy the two large fountains, which are illuminated at night, along with the Trafalgar Square Police Box, the smallest police station in London!
Did you know? Feeding the pigeons is banned in the square, and a hawk is released every weekday morning to deter the birds.
Trafalgar Square’s galleries
Once you’ve explored the square, why not head to the National Gallery or National Portrait Gallery? You can find them on the square’s northern side, and here you’ll witness world-class works of art. Both of Trafalgar Square’s galleries can be enjoyed for free.
The National Gallery houses 700 years’ worth of art from the world’s most influential artists. There are three routes to follow; A, B and C. Route A includes the gallery’s earliest pieces from the likes of Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo. Head to Route B to witness Rubens, Vermeer and Rembrandt works. Finally, Route C brings together the gods and Tudor diplomats in paintings by Bronzino, Lotto, Titian and much more.
Thirsty for more art? Then check out the National Portrait Gallery. Although its doors remain closed until 2023 for refurbishments, visitors would usually be able to enjoy the world’s biggest collection of portraits. That’s right; you’ll find a staggering 215,000 works of art in one building!
If you fancy yourself an art connoisseur and want to cram in more galleries during your stay, have a read through our top London exhibitions.
Nearest tube station: Charing Cross
The Strand, Northbank
Westminster, London WC2E 7RQ
After a day of sightseeing, it’s time to rest your feet and enjoy some entertainment. Near Covent Garden, the Strand lies on the eastern edge of this cultural quarter. Here, you’ll find some of London’s best theatres and venues.
The Adelphi Theatre boasts 200 years in the industry, and this charming venue is home to Back to the Future: The Musical. A stone’s throw away is the Lyceum Theatre, which brings the iconic tale of The Lion King to the stage. At the end of The Strand lies Somerset House. This grand Neoclassical building overlooks The Thames and has a calendar full of exciting cultural events.
Now that’s your London Heritage Quarter itinerary sorted, how about planning your journey? Find the right ticket type and buy your train tickets in advance. You can also make fantastic savings by taking advantage of our Railcards and discounts.
