The Best Places to Visit for Culture in London
Like any good capital, London has a healthy array of cultural attractions, including plenty of museums, galleries, and historic sites. London's collection is especially fine, however, with no end of unique diversions and sites of international importance and history.
We've chosen some of the best in this selection to visit for culture in London.
One of the most loved and visited attractions in London, the British Museum houses a staggering collection of artefacts and treasures (some of them whose ownership is disputed by their country of origin), offering an unparalleled journey through world cultures and societies from the very earliest history and before.
Some of its highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the ancient key used to decipher Egyptian, hieroglyphs, as well the largest collection of Egyptian mummies. The Great Court itself with its extraordinary Norman Foster-designed roof.
One of the largest modern and contemporary art galleries in the world, the Tate was a bold risk when it was first announced in 1994. There were doubts the public would embrace it or even be interested, but as we know now it was a huge success upon opening and is now one of the most visited art galleries in the world.
The Turbine Hall is its most famous feature, and is usually host to a single installation. Past successes have included a simulated sunset by Olafur Eliasson, and an enormous crack in the floor running the length of the hall, created by Colombian artist Doris Salcedo.
Initially created to house items from the Great Exhibition of 1851, the V&A has grown to encompass a collection of over 2 million objects of decorative art covering 5000 years of human history. From medieval metalwork to Renaissance sculpture, the museum provides a fascinating look at design and decoration from an incredible array of cultures and periods.
It's easy to lose track of time, and your location, as you wander through the exhibits, but some of the star attractions include Tippoo's Tiger, a unique Indian barrel organ, and the original sketched designs for the crystal palace of the Great Exhibition.
This mighty fortress is the oldest and largest continually occupied castle in the world. Originating from the time of William the Conqueror, the castle has been expanded and renovated many times over the centuries, and today forms the favourite weekend home of the Queen. You can explore the castle's outer wards, including the exquisite St George's chapel, as well as the grand State Apartments within the castle itself.
Make sure to see Queen Mary's dolls' house just off the State Apartments, an incredible miniature palace complete with working plumbing and a tiny set of crown jewels.
Another incredible building from the reign of William the Conqueror, Westminster Abbey has seen the coronation of every English and then British monarch since his own in 1066. As well as this incredible historical legacy, it's a beautiful building to behold, and its interior is a journey through British history and culture. You'll find the tombs of many eminent people including scientists like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking, as well the tombs and memorials of literary figures like Geoffrey Chaucer, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Edmund Spenser.
One of the most notable tombs to see is that of Elizabeth I and her half sister Mary I, entombed together despite their turbulent relationship in life.
Feeling inspired by London culture? Take a look at our London properties.