VERDICT: WE GAVE 5 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
This guide forms part of our complete United Kingdom Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across the UK.
This article is part of our London Guide series. See our 3 Days in London: Ultimate Guide and our 24 Hours in London Guide for lots of ideas on what to see and do in this capital city.
London: A Medieval City
Tower Bridge and the River Thames.
London’s most recognisable landmark spanning its most famous river. Tower Bridge offers unbeatable city views, rich Victorian engineering, and classic Thames scenery at the heart of historic London. Perfect stop for sightseeing, photography, and first-time visitors.
London is one of the world’s great capitals; historic, modern, stylish, and endlessly entertaining. From the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to West End theatres, iconic markets, and neighbourhoods packed with personality, the city delivers something new around every corner. Our London guides cover top attractions, the best areas to stay, must-try food experiences, free activities, itinerary tips, and smart ways to navigate the city so you can make the most of every minute in the UK’s vibrant metropolis.
After the Romans withdrew in the 5th century, London declined but never disappeared. During the Anglo-Saxon period, the city revived as a centre of trade and governance, gradually shifting westward toward what is now Westminster. By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, London was already England’s most important city, and William the Conqueror reinforced his control by building the Tower of London.
The medieval city grew rapidly, shaped by guilds, churches, and royal power. London endured major upheavals, including the Black Death and later the Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed much of the old city. The fire led to widespread rebuilding in stone and brick, transforming London’s appearance and paving the way for grand projects like St Paul’s Cathedral.
During the Georgian and Victorian eras, London became the heart of a global empire. Population exploded, industry expanded, and landmarks such as bridges, railways, museums, and parks reshaped the city. Wealth from trade and empire turned London into the world’s largest city by the 19th century, though rapid growth also brought overcrowding and social challenges.
In the 20th century, London survived wartime bombing during the Blitz, then rebuilt itself as a modern, multicultural capital. Today, it blends Roman ruins, medieval streets, royal palaces, and contemporary architecture into one vast, living timeline. For visitors, London’s history isn’t confined to museums, it’s embedded in the streets, skyline, and daily life of one of the world’s great cities.
English king agreed to put his royal seal on a document limiting his power, establishing for the first time that the monarch is subject to the rule of law.
- Rule of Law: The king must obey the law just like everyone else.
- No Unlawful Imprisonment: Free men could not be jailed or punished without a lawful judgment by their peers.
- Church Freedoms: The English church gained protection from royal interference.
London began life as a Roman settlement nearly 2,000 years ago. Founded around AD 43 and known as Londinium, it was established as a trading hub on the River Thames. The Romans built roads, a bridge, defensive walls, and a busy port, laying the foundations for a city whose location would prove strategically vital for centuries.
Favourite Destinations:
ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL: Climb the iconic dome, explore historic galleries and admire London’s sweeping skyline views.
WINDSOR CASTLE: Explore Britain’s oldest occupied castle, royal apartments, St George’s Chapel and magnificent grounds.
Best Experiences:
ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS(Video): Recreate the Beatles’ famous crossing and visit the legendary Abbey Road Studios exterior.
SCALING O2 (Video): Scale London’s O2 rooftop for panoramic city views and an unforgettable urban climbing adventure.
HOP ON HOP OFF BUS: See London’s greatest landmarks aboard an iconic open-top double-decker sightseeing bus tour adventure.
LONDON THEATRES: Experience world-class West End musicals, landmark theatres and unforgettable live performances in London.
TOWER OF LONDON: Explore the Crown Jewels, meet resident ravens and uncover centuries of royal intrigue.
MORE EXPERIENCES
Explore these places in England
- England Ultimate Travel Guide
- Visit Castles: England & Wales
- St Michael’s Mount
- King Harry Ferry
- Land’s End
- Liverpool
- Bodmin Jail
- Salisbury Cathedral
Continue exploring London
Nearby London attractions
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- 🚗 Rental cars
- 🎟️ Top-rated tours & attractions
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- 🎒 Travel gear from The Venturio
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
