Historic Sites in East Sheen

"Of course you will want to check off primary attractions such as The Big Ben, The London Eye, or Westminster Abbey off your list. If you’re a keen shopper, you will want to hit the shopping mecca that is Oxford Street. But also make sure you experience luxurious afternoon tea in London , take an offbeat food tour, sample street art, and hit a few alternative bars in town. Check out our Guide To London for loads of offbeat and fun ideas of things to do in London."

"Another iconic London building, Westminster Abbey is a royal church and UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1000 years of history. But it’s the stunning exterior and well placed red phone boxes that make this one of the most Instagrammable places in London!. Walk away from Westminster Abbey to the corner of Tothill Road where you’ll find red phone boxes gracing each side."

"An important architectural and historical stop, Westminster Abbey is where kings and queens are crowned still today and where many famous figures are buried. The cathedral is immensely popular with tourists, so be prepared to wait. Highlights include the Gothic-style nave, built in the 13th century, and the ornate coronation chair."

"For a building still significant but just a bit (okay, a lot!) older, walk right across the River Thames to the Tower of London, which, having been founded in 1066, is nearly 1,000 years old!. Tours include exploring several different parts of the property – my favorite part of the tour during my visit was checking out the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom!"

"Tour the (in)famous Tower of London, and find out more about its 900-year history. It’s had many uses over the years – as a palace, prison and even a zoo – but today it’s famously the home of the Crown Jewels. Prepare to be dazzled by the Royal Family’s riches – I recommend booking ahead through Get Your Guide so that you can skip the line."

"The Tower of London is one of the top tourist activities in London and a great one for families. This is where you’ll see the Crown Jewels and tour the tower with a yeoman warder. The Tower may be better suited for older children, but younger children will enjoy playing make-believe in this real-life castle and fortress."

"The Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) is, of course, one of the most popular buildings to photograph for Instagram. For some of the best spots go directly opposite and take pictures in this little archway and also the steps above that lead from Westminster Bridge down to the walkway. The best bet for good photographs is to get here around sunset for the golden hour as the sun often sets behind the building."

"You’ll have to pay to take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, but there are other ways to get in if you just want to look around. Debates in the Commons or Lords have public viewing galleries, which you can queue up for on the day, and you can stay for as long as you like. You can also request tours or a free ticket from your MP but these are very limited."

"A visit to London is not complete without a trip to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Quick Tip: Big Ben is the name of the bell inside the clock tower. The tower is actually known as the Elizabeth Tower."

"Arguably London’s finest smaller gallery, the Wallace Collection is an enthralling glimpse into 18th-century aristocratic life. The sumptuously restored Italianate mansion houses a treasure trove of 17th- and 18th-century paintings, porcelain, artefacts and furniture collected by generations of the same family and bequeathed to the nation by the widow of Sir Richard Wallace (1818–90) on the condition it remain displayed in the same fashion."

"The Wallace Collection is a national museum which exhibits art collections that were compiled by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and the illegitimate son of the fourth Marquess, Sir Richard Wallace. In 1897, Lady Wallace, the widow of the late Sir Richard Wallace, handed the museum to the British Nation. The museum is housed in the historic Hertford House located in Manchester Square, Westminster."

"One of London's best small galleries, hidden away just north of Oxford Street, the Wallace Collection is an enthralling glimpse into 18th-century aristocratic life, set up in a lavishly restored Italianate mansion stuffed with 17th and 18th century art."

"Marble Hill House is a beautifully proportioned Palladian villa overlooking the Thames at Twickenham. It’s in a fine location, just across the river from one of the main entrances to Richmond Park. It’s also one of the loveliest visitor attractions in London, and one of several things to see in Richmond and around."

"Valentines Mansion & Gardens is a Grade II on the National Heritage List for both building and garden. Built in 1696, the mansion was for the widow of Archbishop of Canterbury John Tillotson's widow, Lady Tillotson. It later was the home of Sir Charles Raymond."

"Bakers Mathew and Andrew met while working in Melbourne and decided to return to London to set up their own business. Chewy Cookie is all about quality, ethically sourced cookies. The doughs are aged for 24 hours before baking (and we can attest to how great they taste)."

"Available from Monday – Wednesday, 4pm-10pm, and Thursday – Sunday, 1pm – 10pm, Oren in Dalston will continue to offer a takeaway service. Offering a food and wine menu for take-away, highlights include the likes of freshly-baked pittas, whole challah loaves, rice with beef and lamb koftas, and Jerusalem mixed grill. Further information can be found on Oren’s website."

"The parillas of Spain, asadors of the Basque country and BBQs of Italy inspire the food at this stylish restaurant, decked out in polished timber, and fitted with a basement bar lined with genuinely comfy stools.... Top ChoiceModern British in Kensington & Hyde Park"

"Home to a slap-up selection of Mediterranean dishes, this unique Soho restaurant fronts a state-of-the-art charcoal grill, alongside a range of refreshing cocktails and some very slick interiors in which to enjoy them."

"Restaurants Spanish Soho"

"Located in the heart of Chelsea, The Phene is a charming gastropub that has got a slick choice come lunchtime. From light lunches that let you combine proteins and salads through to open sandwiches, lunch here is a healthy and tasty affair."

"The sage-green exterior and candy-stripe awnings are as welcoming as a hug. And things continue in the same vein inside with the smiling service and owner Kit Kemp’s signature chirpy clashing prints. This property was themed on the area's infamous Bloomsbury Group—look out for paintings by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant in the drawing room and library."

"Decorated in fresh, bold colours by co-owner and Creative Director Kit Kemp, the Charlotte Street Hotel is a Bloomsbury gem. Despite its ideal location close to London’s best theatres, galleries and museums, the lively bar and state-of-the-art screening room may make you reluctant to leave. Rooms from £270, firmdalehotels.com"