The complete travel guides to historical sites in London, vintage spots and shops, ruins, churches and temples – everything you need to travel back in time!
London’s past is rich – there’s no denying it.
From the Roman wall still visible close to Cripplegate to the City of London’s secret churches, many of which rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666, there’s no shortage of secret sights to admire when in the city.
This complete guide encompasses all the posts I’ve written about London’s history.
Church ruins, vintage shops and cafes and other historical buildings are all to be found below, hopefully taking you on the most fascinating journey you’ll experience in the city.
25+ Epic London Guides to Historical Sites, Ruins & Retro Treasures
I have split this guide into several parts that will teach you everything I have come to know about London and its striking buildings, ruins, coffee shops…
And a bit more after that.
These parts are defined as follows:
- Historical sites in London
- Quiet places and beautiful areas to visit in London
- Itineraries in historical neighborhoods and other curiosities
- Churches, temples and gorgeous churchyards
- Vintage places in London
- And finally, other more secret historical sites that all offer their particular quirks and beauties
To access any of these guides, you can click on the title or the picture and you’ll reach some of the most fascinating places you’ll come to know in the beautiful, historically-rich city that is London.
HISTORICAL SITES IN LONDON
Uncovering London’s Past: The Best Historic Neighborhoods To Visit
Starting with some of the oldest areas in London, you’ll discover here hidden gems of the City of London, Covent Garden, Islington and many more unmissable spots for history lovers.
Should you be interested in walking other secret spots, I would also recommend you complete the reading with my guide to London’s secret neighborhoods.
Read: Why Are There Colorful Streets in London?
The Old London: 15 Historical Places to See Ruins in London
Layers and layers of history create the puzzling beauty that personifies London – in this guide, you’ll learn about some of the city’s most beautiful ruins.
From churches to pieces of the London Wall around Barbican, Cripplegate and Aldgate close to East London, you’ll be able to dive deep in history.
Read: The Best Neon Places in London
London’s Medieval Sites: 15 Secret Ruins, Churches & Buildings
From Temple Church to Southwark Cathedral, learn in this guide all about London’s medieval sites – including ruins of a palace just steps away from Borough Market and London Bridge.
Read: The Prettiest East London Neighborhoods
Unlocking London’s Free Historical Sites: Explore 8 Solo-Friendly Gems
You will find in this guide some of the completely free historical sites that London offers, which can be included in itineraries whether you’re visiting London with kids, friends, or solo.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane
12 Historical Buildings in London That Even Locals Don’t Know
In this guide, you will learn about some of the historical buildings I’ve come to know in recent years; old restaurants still offering delicious lunches and dinners, buildings turned into universities, and so much more.
We’ll be spending time around Covent Garden and The Strand, in Central London, and in some other secret areas you’ll be happy you’ve come across!
Read: The Best Secret and Free Museums in London
QUIET PLACES AND BEAUTIFUL AREAS IN LONDON
The Cutest Villages in London and Areas That Feel Like Small Towns
From West Hampstead to Highgate, discover in this guide some of the cutest, quaintest village areas of London.
Cute and secret coffee shops, natural spots to see blooming flowers as spring comes round, winding streets and a soothing atmosphere are all to be found in London’s villages.
Read: The Best Free Secret Gardens in London
10 Pretty Mews in London That Make For Perfect Photo Spots
Gorgeous mews streets are to be found in this guide, which encompasses famous, colorful streets of Notting Hill, Camden Town, and other lesser-known parts of London.
Perfect for those after photo spots, instagrammable places and other places to just take a calming walk!
Read: The Most Secret Gardens in Central London
Where to Find Shakespeare Sculptures in London: 8 Spots To Check Out
This guide is all about the paintings, murals, sculptures and spots related to the Bard.
If most of these are located around London Bridge and Southbank, you’ll also discover a secret Romeo and Juliet mural in the heart of colorful Shoreditch, in East London.
Read: The Best Things to Do in Muswell Hill, North London
30+ Unusual Dark Academia Places in London Itinerary
Aesthetics lovers will very much enjoy this visit of London’s Dark Academia spots; from free museums like the Natural History Museum to St Bartholomew the Great gate in historic Smithfield, close to Holborn and Chancery Lane.
Read: The Best Things to Do in North Finchley, North London
ITINERARIES IN HISTORICAL NEIGHBORHOODS OF LONDON
London’s Rotherhithe Itinerary: Hidden Gems, History and Landmarks
This first itinerary explores the historical, maritime neighborhood of Rotherhithe, South East London.
Sculptures, beautiful pubs, straight views of Tower Bridge and warehouses dating back to the industrial age (and even before!) will whisk you away to older, simpler, authentic times.
Read: The Best Things to Do in Camden Town, North London
The Old London: A Historic Itinerary in the City of London
This itinerary in the City of London explores everything from beautiful churches, some destroyed then rebuilt after the Great Fire of London, ruins, and other secret streets filled with secrets.
A great way to discover London only minutes away from Liverpool Street and St Paul’s!
5 Cool Things to Do in Greenwich, London’s Maritime Neighborhood
If you enjoyed the maritime neighborhood of Rotherhithe, keep on discovering museums, sights, and a village atmosphere in Greenwich, South East London.
Facing Canary Wharf on the other side of the river, Greenwich offers a quaint market where gifts and vegan pastries mix, alongside winding paths, views of London, and a Sistine Chapel-like hall.
Read: The Best Things to Do During Summer in London
Visiting Liverpool Street, East London’s Historic Neighborhood
All around Liverpool Street, discover a secret art trail, restaurants, sculptures, ruins and historical sites that will teach you about London’s immigrant waves, alongside specialty grocery shops like famous Eataly, and cafes.
Read: The Most Unique Workshops in London
Visiting Spitalfields, East London
Only steps away from Liverpool Street, discover in Spitalfields the ruins of a charnel house, old shopfronts, secret streets, a historical market, and even street art!
Read: 5 Immersive Experiences in London You Shouldn’t Miss
Visiting Fleet Street, London’s Historic Publishing Street
All along Fleet Street, which starts near St Paul’s Cathedral and ends near The Strand, discover historical churches, secret sights at Temple, and ghosts of London’s printing and journalism past.
Another way to understand London before walking down to Somerset House and, further down, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square.
Read: The Best Shops in Camden Town
London’s Smithfield: The Best Things to Do and Hidden Gems
In Smithfield, discover a mix of medieval churches, picturesque Charterhouse, a stunning Victorian meat market, and lose yourself in one of London’s oldest and most enchanting neighborhoods.
Read: 7 Must-Visit Shopping and Dining Squares in London
London’s Secret Camden Passage: History, Shops, Restaurants
Close to Angel station, discover in Islington the secret Camden Passage, filled with gorgeous grocery shops, unique stores, cafes, restaurants and antiques.
If you have the time, do spend some time at Redemption Roasters, and don’t miss out on the Greek-inspired basement, which boasts striking white walls covered with sculptures.
Read here my review of Redemption Roasters, Islington, to discover its secret basement, its atmosphere, and my thoughts about the coffee and cake.
BEAUTIFUL CHURCHES IN LONDON
The Most Beautiful Churches in London and Temples
In this guide, find some of London’s most secret temples, churches, and religious sights, and broaden your knowledge while admiring some of the most beautiful architectural spots in the city.
Read: The Biggest TK Maxx in London
8 Gorgeous Secret Churches To Visit in the City of London
If the City of London offers dozens of churches, you’ll discover some of the most secret ones in this guide, from St Dunstan in the East to St Mary Aldermary, close to St Paul’s.
Read: The Best Oxfam Charity Shops in London
26 Secret Church Gardens in London Perfect for History Lovers
Then, complete your visit with soothing churchyards, from Covent Garden to the City of London and Limehouse – picturesque gardens where reflecting on life becomes a meditative moment.
Read: The Best Budget Shops in London
St Dunstan in The East: Secret Church Ruins in London
Discover here the ruins of St Dunstan in the East, off the Thames River, close to Bank and Monument.
You’ll find this is one of the cutest spots to visit during autumn and spring, and great for quiet reading or a romantic date.
Read: The Best Things to Buy in London
7 Church Cafes in London For Cakes, Coffee and Jaw-Dropping Views
Then, for even more downtime, pop by one of the city’s gorgeous and secret church cafes, and enjoy a warming cup of coffee with a slice of cake or a sandwich, all the while admiring gorgeous architecture and a true step back in time.
VINTAGE PLACES IN LONDON
11 Best Vintage Cafes in London With Perfect Retro Vibes
If however you would like to find something a little different to visit with friends for afternoon tea or even solo for a calm moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city, make some time for yourself in one of the city’s vintage cafes.
And, for an even quirkier moment, why not also discover London’s themed cafes?
Read: The Best Street Food in London
Vintage Shopping in London: 13 Fun Shops, Markets and Areas
Should you want to go shopping in London (after all, the city’s famous for its department stores, shopping streets and other malls!), find here some of my favorite vintage shops and markets in town.
We’ll go to Brick Lane, sure, but also make our way to the quaint Crystal Palace area and other markets where fashion, home decor and books all await a new, loving home.
Read: The Best Cheap Eats in Central London
SECRET HISTORICAL PLACES IN LONDON
London’s Secret Royal Palaces, Castles and Stately Homes
Ever wondered about London’s castles, stately homes and royal palaces?
From a secret castle structure near Old Street, East London, to Strawberry Hill House, you’ll find here gorgeous hidden gardens and stunning interiors.
London’s Prettiest Hidden Courtyards, Gardens & Historic Streets
This guide encompasses many of the hidden courtyards and gardens of the city, alongside a few secret streets where peace and calm are kings.
From London Bridge to the City of London, you’ll find here more places than you’ll be able to visit in just one day in London, but perfect for a bucket list filled with spots of the past.
Read: The Best Local Restaurants in London
London’s Most Secret Alleys, Old Streets & Hidden Passageways
Couple it with this guide to secret alleys and passageways; some of the smallest streets in the city, and sights you’d never have thought of coming across in London – all for free!
Read: The Best Cafes in London With a View
25+ Epic London Guides to Historical Sites, Ruins & Retro Treasures
You’ll hopefully find many, many historical sites you didn’t know of when reading these guides – they are my favorite to visit, photograph, and write about.
Then, should you want to discover other hidden gems in London, I would also recommend you discover the following:
- The Best Fashion Museums in London
- Italy in London: A Local’s Quirky Food & Culture Itinerary
- Paris in London Itinerary – French Landmarks, Hidden Gems and Food
Until next time!