Location: Westminster
Top Things to do in Westminster
What to do and see in Westminster, England: The Best Architectural Buildings
The crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market…in London, history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day is different for everyone: culture aficionados shouldn't miss the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. If you love fashion, Oxford Street has shopping galore. For foodies, cream tea at Harrod’s or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavor. Music and book buffs will love seeing Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum (at 221B Baker Street, of course).
Restaurants in London
1. Westminster Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,153 reviews
Westminster Abbey was initially built by Henry III in 1245 and it is one of the most important Gothic buildings of England. At first home of Benedictine monks, the coronation church since 1066 and the final resting place of 17 monarchs. It contains a treasury full of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles, books and various other artefacts plus the most significant collection of monumental sculptures of the UK. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries in the Abbey's Triforium opened in June 2018. Explore over 1,000 years of history in this truly unique space, high above the Abbey floor.
Reviewed By Aimco1998
First visit to this historic building and I was not disappointed ! The free audio guide is a must brilliant commentary from Jeremy irons provides fascinating insight and history into this incredible building . Stunning architecture and sculptures fill every corner. Parts of the building are not easy accessible narrow passage ways and steps are not easy for anyone with walking difficulties ! Helpful friendly staff and easy distance from Westminster tube station make it a must if you are in London
2. Houses of Parliament
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,489 reviews
Most of this iconic building was built in the mid-19th century following a devastating fire in 1834. Westminster Hall survived the fire and dates from 1097. All visits are currently suspended. For the latest updates and online content, please go to the website and sign-up to the e-newsletter.
Reviewed By Dr_Waugh - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
It was fascinating and a little bizarre to be given a tour around HoP today. We saw Westminster Hall, the Commons, the Lords, the terrace and other areas of the Houses of Parliament. Steeped in history with loads of interesting facts, oldest building in Europe, etc. Only Mandela, Obama and Pope John Paul 2 have heaven speeches in Westminster Hall, etc. Definitely worth a visit and if you are a uk resident you can do a democratic access tour through your MPs office.
3. Banqueting House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 642 reviews
Admire the epic Rubens' ceiling and discover the site of Charles I's execution at Banqueting House, Whitehall - a magnificent survivor of the lost royal Palace of Whitehall. Once the principle setting for the passions, intrigues and ceremonies of the Tudor, and later, the Stuart monarchies, Charles I was executed on a specially built scaffold outside the Banqueting House on 30 January 1649.
Reviewed By 661coryc
After arriving in London on a Red Eye, we stumbled upon the banqueting house and dropped in to kill time before checking into our hotel. It turned out to be one of the most interesting and relaxing experiences I had in London. Lounging on the brown poofs spread all over the banqueting hall’s ornate floor enabled us to gaze up at Peter Paul Rueben’s spectacular frescos and listen to informative and entertaining audio guide in the comfort reminiscent of the indulgence guests were originally offered. An interpreter was on hand to answer questions and Jacobian garb was available for all guests to try. A fun welcome to London and great place to feel immersed in a vibrant era that often goes overlooked.
4. The UK Supreme Court
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By afleming12 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
I visited in January 2019 and took part in the guided tour. I knew it would be interesting, but it was so much more engaging and informative than I had expected and my sister and I both thoroughly enjoyed it. We left feeling like we'd learned a lot about law and the justice system, while getting to explore a beautiful building and hearing about its history. The symbolism throughout the court's design was interesting, and the explanations of how the court works and the types of cases that are heard there were really fascinating. Our guide Chloe was excellent! She was so knowledgeable and you could tell she really enjoys sharing her knowledge of the court with others. She explained the more technical parts of the court's function in an accessible way, and I'm sure she will be a great barrister (good luck Chloe!) The guided tour was only £7 per person (although entry to the court is free) and runs most Fridays. This has to be pre-booked, but if you want to get the most out of your visit and learn about the legal system, it's definitely worth the small fee. Another advantage of the guided tour is that you get to see the beautiful library which is normally not accessible to the public. A great way to spend an afternoon, highly recommend!
5. Portcullis House
6. 55 Broadway
7. Palace of Westminster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 997DanielC - Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
There are several ways to enter the iconic palace resting along the river Thames, across from the London Eye; when I visited I went into a building called Portcullis house and then went through an underground tunnel. To get into Portcullis house you'll need to get through security, also you can't just walk into, you'll need to book a guided tour; you can go through the underground tunnel to reach the courtyard outside the palace. Upon entering you will be inside Westminster hall, built nearly a thousand years ago. The hall is huge and wide, your tour guide will tell you the stories that have happened here. William Wallace was found guilty of treason here and Winston Churchill was laid in state here. You can walk up the steps and enter a long hallway filled with statues of people from the past before entering a large circular room in the centre. To the left, is the House of Commons, to the right is the House of Lords and up ahead leads to the other parts of the building. When I visited I saw the then Speaker John Bercow enter. You will also find large rooms filled with paintings of England's past and you can go outside for a nice view along the river Thames. In the House of Lords you can see the rows of red seats and the chair where the Queen sits, in the house of Commons you'll find an almost identical room except the seats are green and the chair is for the speaker. This palace is filled with history, so anyone interested in history or politics should definitely visit.
8. HM Treasury
9. London Victoria Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 541 reviews
Reviewed By BernardBertram - London, United Kingdom
Looks so much better after the renovation. Still as chaotic though. Great for Gatwick Express- best is to use the taxi rank access, right side, & take escalator down direct to the platform. Also, can take the local train to Gatwick; takes 5 min longer but half the price & stops only once at Croyden. Can also take from London Bridge Stn. Exit the station via the Grovenor Hotel side; small passage- much easier for taxis.
10. Millbank Tower
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Daydee28
Great place for a wedding or meeting. Top floor has the most incredible views. Rivals the London Eye. Food was very good.
