What to do and see in Greater London, England: The Best Historic Sites

January 22, 2022 Timmy Ribble

Discover the best top things to do in Greater London, United Kingdom including Wellspring Pentecostal Church, Syon House and Park, London Museum of Water & Steam, Hall Place and Gardens, Upminster Windmill, Home of Charles Darwin Down House, Shirley Windmill, Valentines Mansion & Gardens, York House Gardens, St Martins Church.
Restaurants in Greater London

1. Wellspring Pentecostal Church

New Road, Welling DA16 1QJ England +44 20 8304 2273 [email protected] http://www.wellspringpentecostal.org.uk
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Wellspring Pentecostal Church

Wellspring is a friendly, multinational church affiliated with the Assemblies of God. The building is thought to be the first Sunday school building in 1888 and the plaque which reads 'Provident Sunday school' is considered of historic interest by Bexley Council.

2. Syon House and Park

Park Rd House open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays only 11:00am until 17:00pm, Brentford, Ealing TW8 8JF England +44 20 8560 0882 [email protected] http://www.syonpark.co.uk/
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4.5 based on 395 reviews

Syon House and Park

Syon House is the London home of the Duke of Northumberland and has been in the Percy family for over 400 years. Built on the site of a late medieval abbey, Syon boasts one of the finest Robert Adam interiors in the country and has a magnificent collection of paintings and furniture. Set in 200 acres of parkland and Capability Brown designed gardens, which includes the Great Conservatory, Syon is one of London's hidden treasures.

Reviewed By Trencherman_10 - Leeds, United Kingdom

Syon House has a great history and I would reccomend the audio tour. Interesting facts about River Thames and Henry VIII.

3. London Museum of Water & Steam

Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, Ealing TW8 0EN England +44 20 8568 4757 [email protected] http://www.waterandsteam.org.uk
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4.5 based on 273 reviews

London Museum of Water & Steam

The London Museum of Water & Steam at Kew Bridge was built in 1838 and is home to an internationally recognised collection of working steams engines that can be seen in operation every weekend. Come and discover the story of London's water supply through interactive displays and fascinating objects from Romans times to modern day. The museum is also home to a narrow gauge steam railway which is in operation every weekend and selected dates in the school holidays. Families can also enjoy the new Waterworks interactive gallery, with hands on exhibits that bring the story of London's water supply to life and prepare to get wet in the outdoors "Splashzone" where children of all ages can turn wheels, gears and pumps to move water by hand to create amazing outcomes. The rotative steam engines are in operation every weekend with the Cornish Engines running on monthly event days (see website for event listings). After all that, relax and refuel in the Stokers Cafe where you will be able to choose from a range of hot and cold drinks and homemade treats. We are a 5 minute walk from Kew Bridge Station (25 minutes from London Waterloo) and are a short bus journey away from South Ealing station (Picadilly Line + 65 bus) and Gunnersbury (District Line and Overground + 237 or 267 bus). There is a small car park on site for visitors.

Reviewed By CharlotteF14

This museum has plenty of interesting machinery and fascinating engines to interest fans of Victorian engineering. There are also lots of interactive displays about London's water supply and sewage disposal to entertain and inform every sort of visitor. While we were there there were little children from a Nursery having a great time. And the All Day Breakfast was brilliant! And your ticket gives you free entry for one year.

4. Hall Place and Gardens

Hall Place Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ England +44 1322 526574 [email protected] http://www.hallplace.org.uk
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4.5 based on 412 reviews

Hall Place and Gardens

Always special, always different. Located on the banks of the River Cray, Hall Place was once the country residence of Sir John Champneys a wealthy Tudor Merchant. Today you can explore the 500 -year-old house and it's award winning gardens, bring a picnic or relax at the Riverside Cafe. Exciting exhibitions and events make us the perfect destination for all the family. With extra attractions from our onsite partners All About Owls - Jambs Owls, or Bexley Butterfly House & Plant Centre you will be spoilt for choice. We can also cater for Weddings, conferences and unique events.

Reviewed By steedr2018

The gardens and house are very and refreshing to walk around in the summer months. The hot house was nice with turtles in the pool and gardens very well kept.

5. Upminster Windmill

St. Mary's Lane, Upminster RM14 2QL England +44 300 030 1803 http://www.upminsterwindmill.co.uk
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4.5 based on 41 reviews

Upminster Windmill

6. Home of Charles Darwin Down House

Down House Luxted Road, Downe, Bromley BR6 7JT England +44 1689 859119 [email protected] http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/home-of-charles-darwin-down-house/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=down%20house
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4.5 based on 743 reviews

Home of Charles Darwin Down House

With its unique place in the history of science and evolution, Down House, the family home of world-renowned scientist Charles Darwin, is a must-see. Stand in the study where Darwin wrote 'On the Origin of Species', stroll through the gardens that inspired him, and discover his and wife Emma's newly recreated bedroom which overlooks the gardens. Let Sir David Attenborough take you on an interactive multimedia tour around the house, and discover how the great man developed his ground-breaking theories. Whilst soaking in the knowledge why not visit Emmas Kitchen for a cream tea or delicious light lunch, some of which are inspired by Emma Darwins recipe book itself. Then take a stroll around the beautiful country gardens, making sure you enjoy a lap of Darwins 'thinking path', the sandwalk, which Darwin himself would walk 3 time a day. This stunning hidden gem is not one to be missed. Come and explore today.

Reviewed By 92stem - Burnham, United Kingdom

Down House in the village of Downe in Kent is the former home of Charles Darwin. The property and grounds are now managed by English Heritage with rooms either recreated as they were when Darwin lived there, or housing a broad range of exhibits on Darwin's life and voyage aboard the Beagle. Outside you can visit the kitchen garden, or picnic area. There is a cafe on site serving sandwiches, cakes, and drinks, as well as a gift shop. Parking for circa thirty cars is available free of charge. Entry was circa £15 for adults when we visited in Autumn 2020, but free for English Heritage members. Well worth a visit !

7. Shirley Windmill

Postmill Close, Croydon CR0 5DY England +44 20 8406 4676 http://www.shirleywindmill.org.uk
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4.5 based on 81 reviews

Shirley Windmill

Restored almost to working condition Windmill.Souvenirs and refreshments available. For Open Days and further information please see our website.Open on Mills Day in May and Open House/City London in September see web site for details, and on the 1st Sunday of the month from June to October, all Open Days 12-00- 17-00pm with last tour at 4pm ,tours last about a hour.

Reviewed By LizinKL

Do go on one of their open days. It is well worth a visit. Had a really good tour with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide - it took 90 minutes. You have an introduction outside then the tour inside starts at the top floor and you work your way down. Stairs are steep and narrow but doable for most people. Some great views from the top floor. Throughout the mill are meccano working models of different aspects of the mill. Outside is a small information centre and cafe. I really think they should charge for the tours!

8. Valentines Mansion & Gardens

Valentine Park Emerson Road, Ilford IG1 4XA England +44 20 8708 8100 [email protected] http://www.valentinesmansion.com
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4.5 based on 106 reviews

Valentines Mansion & Gardens

Discover a beautiful country house and gardens in the heart of Ilford. Visit the recreated Victorian kitchen and Georgian rooms, with gorgeous views over surrounding parkland. Enjoy contemporary art exhibitions and installations. Explore the stunning historic gardens. Bring the whole family for hands-on games, activities and discovery trails. Valentines Mansion is open to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10am and 5pm, and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Entry to the mansion is free.Valentines Gardens are open throughout the year. The Gardener's Cottage Cafe, set within the tranquil walled gardens, is open throughout the year from 10am to sunset.Valentines Mansion is also available to hire for a whole host of functions, from weddings and celebrations, to business meetings and seminars. It also makes an ideal location for filming and photoshoots.For full details visit our web site. Nearest Tube: Gants Hill Underground Station on the Central Line (5 minute walk).

Reviewed By Inscribe

Built in around 1696 for Elizabeth Tillotson and her family, after the death of her husband who was the Archbishop of Canterbury. During its 300 + years of history Valentines has changed hands many times. It is a Grade II listed building. Valentine’s Mansion is located within Valentines Park at Emerson Road Ilford, Redbridge The last private owner was Sarah Ingleby who died in 1906 and the local Council acquired the house in 1912. Since then, Valentines has been home to wartime refugees, a hospital, a public health centre, and a council housing department. After that period the house stood empty for 15 years until it was restored with Redbridge council and Heritage Lottery funds. The house enjoys wide community support. There are several garden types at Valentines Mansion. You can download a map of the gardens at Valentine house website. These are places to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Relax and unwind in the gorgeous gardens at Valentines. You can choose from the historic kitchen garden, the Old English walled garden or the Victorian rose garden. Uniquely there is a feature called the Long Water Canal as well as rococo grottoes and dovecote. The gardens also host events throughout the year, such as tours, fairs and open-air theatre and entertainment for kids and school groups. Admission is free. Guided tours for groups must be pre-booked. There is a small fee per person for groups. There are designated car parking spaces provided for disabled badge holders. Valentine’s Mansion is wheel-chair accessible with a lift (elevator) to all floors. There is a note that the floors may be uneven due to the age of the building and advice that for people with large electronic wheelchairs may encounter some width restrictions and advise they should call ahead for advice and assistance. Valentines Mansion is a truly unique venue that can be hired for a variety of functions including weddings, charities, other celebrations and corporate events. The rooms can be hired individually or several of them and there is a dedicated events management team. There is a lovely café at the Gardener’s Cottage which is open daily from 10 am except on Mondays in December and January. Designated car parking spaces are provided for disabled badge holders. Gant’s Hill tube station is nearby. Only 5 minutes walking.

9. York House Gardens

Sion Road, Twickenham TW1 3DD England +44 7896 202086 http://www.richmond.gov.uk/home/services/parks_and_open_spaces/find_a_park/park_details.htm?parkId=264
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4.5 based on 146 reviews

York House Gardens

Reviewed By BeechBaron55 - Twickenham, United Kingdom

The Carara marble statues of the Oceanides or Sea Nymphs of Greek mythology amidst the fountains are a MUST whenever taking a walk along the riverside at Twickenham. There is an information board nearby giving a detailed history of this outstanding creation. The extensive York House Gardens are hidden behind hedges and are a tranquil place to relax. In the summer the Richmond Shakespeare Society give excellent outdoor performances here with the “Naked Ladies” as a dramatic backdrop. A local craft ale, named “Naked Ladies” is delicious and can be found on tap in The Fox pub in Church Street, and occasionally the bottled beer is available in the local shops.

10. St Martins Church

18 Church Road, West Drayton UB7 7PX England +44 1895 434949 http://www.stmartinwestdrayton.org.uk/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 10 reviews

St Martins Church

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