London has thousands of years of history behind it, so it’s impossible to squeeze historical sights into one day of exploring. You could live in London for a year and still not see every sight of historical relevance. If you only have a day, there are a few museums shouldn’t miss to get a good overview of the city’s history through time, as I found on a recent trip.
The Museum of London–The Museum of London tells the ever-changing story of London and its people, from 450,000 BC to present. So, as you can guess from that timeline, it’s huge. Block out a few hours to wander each exhibit, taking time to engage in the interactive displays, read the signs, and watch any available films. I was so impressed and how this museum was put together, and learned an immense amount in just a couple of hours. The museum is free, though there is a paid exhibit, Fire! Fire!, commemorating the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London, running through April 2017. The exhibit was fascinating, and would be great for kids too as a good amount of it is hands-on. Worth the £12 admission fee.
Churchill War Rooms–WWII history buffs will love the Churchill War Rooms, the basement shelter where Churchill and his team directed and changed the course of history. You’ll see where the staff lived and worked, learn about Churchill and his role in British history, and get a glimpse into what war was like for those involved in the War Cabinet. I was shocked by how many people worked here (hundreds!) and moved by the audio recollections from War Room veterans.
Imperial War Museums London–While I spent the morning delving into London’s ancient history and moving up to the Second World War, I spent the afternoon traveling from the war to present day at the Imperial War Museums. Through January, visitors can go behind the scenes of war films through the decades in the Real to Reel exhibit, spanning films including Lawrence of Arabia, Casablanca, Saving Private Ryan, and Jarhead. Relevant today, artist-photographer Edmund Clark’s exhibit War of Terror looks at the ‘Global War on Terror’ and how far states will go to control terrorism and protect their citizens. The immersive exhibit using sound, lights, and images is open through August 2017.
Athenaeum–After a day of walking through history you’ll need a drink, a good meal, and a place to rest your head and contemplate London’s past. The Bar at the Athenaeum is the perfect place to unwind with a craft cocktail in an elegant setting. Famed Italian bartender Giancarlo Mancino created the cocktail list, full of fun plays on classics and signature creations for the hotel. Move over to Galvin at the Athenaeum for dinner, where Michelin-starred chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin serve modern British dishes inspired by local produce. The wine dish is excellent as well, and made even better by the fact that after dinner and a bottle all you have to do is head upstairs to your room. You’ll wake in a plush bed to tranquil views of Green Park, and another day of sightseeing in this ever-evolving city.
What are your favorite historical sights in London? Get in touch at Curiosity and a Carry On. If you’re heading to London this fall, don’t forget to pack these essentials.