Roaming with Red

It’s no secret that the United Kingdom is steeped in history. From the Kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia to the Roman expansion to the long standing British monarchy and modern history, this city is filled with historical secrets to discover. While I am no history expert, I do love exploring the background of any city I’m visiting. I am, without a doubt, a sucker for any historical museum or site that is open to the public. Below I’ve outlined my 10 favourite places in London as a history lover to help make your life a bit easier when planning your next itinerary. The below only touches the surface of what is available to discover in London so it is, by no means, an exhaustive list. Take it as a starting point and add in your own flair!

1. Journey Through Time at the Museum of London

It’s no secret that the Museum of London is one of my favourite museums in London. It provides a fascinating and extremely informative look at the entire history of London, from prehistoric times to Roman occupation to now. The museum perfectly combines interactivity with information and is a great day out for anyone of all ages. See artefacts found from the original London settlement or learn about Medieval London and the ever expanding city. The best part is that the museum is completely free to visit and is a great way to understand how this city has evolved over the ages!

2. Marvel at Culture at the Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum provides a slightly different take on history, moving beyond just London or the United Kingdom. A centre for art, culture and design, the V&A Museum has something for everyone. From incredible Renaissance drawings to reconstructions of medieval clothing and porcelain from the Arab World, this museum does a great job of exploring the past beyond just facts and figures. Also providing free admission, I would highly recommend it goes on the list if you have the time. Be careful however, it’s easy to spend a full day here without realising!

3. Take a Sombre Journey at the Imperial War Museum London

Remaining on the museum theme, this museum takes a look at a different, and much more sombre element, of history. The Imperial War Museum takes you through a journey of the two biggest conflicts of the modern era – WW1 and WW2. Learn about the causes for both conflicts, how these wars unfolded and the impact it had on the world, both during the conflict and after. It also houses a special exhibition paying respect to the millions who lost their lives during the Holocaust which is a sobering exhibition to witness. I firmly believe that we cannot learn and improve on the past without understanding humanity’s mistakes and the IWM allows us all to do just that. It is a very heavy and sombre museum so would suggest you allow yourself enough time to properly appreciate its content.

4. Join Royalty and Fame at the Tower of London

Harking back to the early 11^th century, the Tower of London has done it all – housed Rulers, dignitaries and famous prisoners alike. If, like me, you enjoy immersing yourself in the past, the Tower of London is a great thing to add to your itinerary. One of its main attractions is the Crown Jewels however, I personally think the architecture and historical past of this Castle is much more interesting. Learn about how this Castle has expanded over the centuries and how it was used during its peak. Enter the walls and imagine life as a prisoner in this damp and dark space. Alternatively, walk through the White Tower and discover rooms filled with armour and artwork which provide a picture of what life may have been like when this Castle was fully operational. I really, really enjoyed my visit to the Tower of London and, located right in the centre of the city, it is easy to slot into any itinerary.

5. Learn about Roman Ancestors at the Mithraeum

Ancient ruins are always fascinating to see and the Mithraeum is no exception. Located in central London, this free museum gives you access to the ruins of a Roman Temple believed to belong to the Cult of Mithras. Much is still to be discovered about this cult, however the ruins themselves are still fascinating to see. Uncovered during building works, get up close and personal to this ancient stone work and learn about the potential lives of Roman citizens of London. This was a very worthwhile trip and won’t take much longer than 30mins to an hour so there really is no reason not to visit!

6. Say Hello to Famous Inhabitants at Highgate Cemetery  

One of the most prominent private cemeteries in London, Highgate Cemetery is a must on any historical tour of London. Opened in 1839, Highgate Cemetery came into existence during a time of immense population growth for the city. Since then, it has become a place of refuge and home to some very famous inhabitants. However, it’s not just the famous tombstones that make this a worthwhile visit. The cemetery itself is beautiful to behold as nature has been allowed to freely grow around the tombstones. It also gives a fascinating look into life and death over decades of London history.  

7. Learn Something New at Gresham College

This a great little secret to take advantage of. Gresham College, opened in 1597, provides free university level lectures for all to join and enjoy. The lectures are scattered throughout London city and touch on a myriad of topics, including a whole series dedicated to history. Keep an eye out on the website for the full program as these lectures are a great way to learn more about a wide array of historical topics.

8. Take a Break at St Dunstan in the East

These Church ruins provide an oasis in the middle of bustling London. The church was originally built in the 1100s and has been damaged multiple times throughout the centuries. Despite originally being repaired, it was decided to not repair the church after WW2. As such, nature has now been allowed to reclaim the ruins of this religious building, creating a beautiful and peaceful space to enjoy some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of London city. While it may not have as much historical significance, it is a beautiful example of old architecture in harmony with nature.

9. Imagine Old Boundaries via the Old City Walls

The boundaries of London used to look much different to how they look today. The inner city was much smaller than its modern counterpart and surrounded by a guarded stone wall to protect the city’s inhabitants. Not much remains of the wall itself but it’s a fun little adventure to see if you can find the surviving pieces of the wall and the markers of where the wall used to stand. Stick to areas around Aldgate, Bishopsgate, Moorgate and Newgate to name a few and you may just spot some elements of this old piece of Roman heritage.

10. Satisfy Your Hunger at One of London’s Oldest Markets, Borough Market

This one is a little different to the other elements noted above but it is just as worthwhile to visit. One of the oldest open air food markets in London, Borough Market is not only steeped in history but also a foodie heaven. While the current buildings are from the 1850s, the market dates back to at least the 12^th century. The market boasts a whole host of specialty produce stalls and food stalls that it is sure to satisfy all cravings. Go in the middle of the week if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere or go on a weekend and experience the full chaos that makes this market so exciting.

And, there you have it! My top 10 historical places to visit in London. This is by no means an exhaustive list and there are also many incredible historical places to visit outside of London. Take these suggestions as a starting point if you are looking to delve a little deeper into London’s colourful past.