Part of a terrace in a quiet backwater of old Chelsea, this Queen Anne house was the home of writer and historian Thomas Carlyle from 1834 until his death. The house, which contains original furniture and many books, portraits and relics of his day, was visited by many illustrious Victorians, including Dickens, Chopin, Tennyson and George Elliot. The restored Victorian walled garden also reflects Carlyle's life here
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, close to the centre of London, lies one of England's finest Palladian villas. It was designed by the third Earl of Burlington, a great promoter of the Palladian style first pioneered in England by Inigo Jones. Lord Burlington sought to create the kind of house and garden found in ancient Rome, and employed William Kent to design sumptuous interiors to contrast with the pure exterior. Admire the Blue Velvet Room, with its fabulous gilding, and the octagonal domed Saloon lit from the drum by windows derived from the Roman baths of Diocletian. Enjoy the house's lavish interiors before stepping outside into the classical gardens - a perfect complement to the house itself.
Tradition says the Gunpowder Plot was first contrived here - Notable 17th-century wall paintings on the first floor - Major building work expected to commence early in 2008 - Managed by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
A late 17th-century house with an outstanding collection of porcelain and early keyboard instruments, most of which are in working order. The delightful walled garden includes fine displays of roses, an orchard and a vegetable garden.
The last remaining galleried inn in London, famous as a coaching inn during the17th century and mentioned by Dickens in Little Dorrit. Now leased to a private company and still in use as a public house.
An outstanding Stuart house, built in 1610 and then enlarged in the 1670s when it was at the heart of Restoration court life and intrigue. Ham is famous for its lavish interiors and spectacular collections of fine furniture, textiles and paintings, as well as for the 17th-century formal gardens
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are one of Britain's most famous and recognisable landmarks. The Palace of Westminster is a historic building with exquisite architecture that holds both the Houses of Commons and Lords. The Houses of Parliament are full of history and nostalgia and represent democracy in Great Britain. Statues and monuments stand to great people such as Winston Churchill who delivered many famous speeches here during the war.
In splendid grounds beside Hampstead Heath, Kenwood, an outstanding neoclassical house, contains one of the most important collections of paintings ever given to the nation, with works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Gainsborough and Reynolds. The house was remodelled by Robert Adam between 1764 and 1773, when he transformed the original brick house into a majestic villa for the great judge, Lord Mansfield.
Somerset House has been at the heart of English history since the 16th century. This magnificent building is now open to the public as a place for enjoyment, refreshment, arts and culture. Visitors to Somerset House can not only enjoy great art collections but also learn more about the role of Somerset House in the history of England, appreciate the fine architecture of Sir William Chambers and discover the views and open spaces of its stunning Thames side location.
The Tower of London has been home to the world-famous Crown Jewels since the beginning of the 14th century. Still used by the Queen and the Royal Family, the Crown Jewels are an essential part of your visit to the Tower of London. Newly displayed in 1994, it is now possible to view the Crown Jewels at close quarters.
The former home of Ernö Goldfinger, designed and built by him in 1939. The central house of a terrace of three, it is one of Britain's most important examples of Modernist architecture and is filled with furniture also designed by Goldfinger. The interesting art collection includes works by Henry Moore and Max Ernst.
