THE ARCHITECTURE ULTIMATE GUIDE
When it comes to mixing stunning historic architecture with ground-breaking modern architecture, no city does it better than London.
Because London has survived numerous wars, fires and industrial revolutions, the city has a unique mixture of various architectural styles. From modernist to Art Deco, to Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian…when it comes to architectural designs, London has it all.
If you’re hoping to see the majority of London’s historic and/or groundbreaking buildings, here are the neighbourhoods in London which have become famous for their architecture:
City of London
No neighbourhood in London mixes the old with the new better than the City of London. With countless modern buildings (like The Gherkin) to the most historic structures in London (like The Tower of London, Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral), you won’t have to look very far to see some of the best architecture in London. There are several free walking tours that you can take to enjoy these sights.
Places to visit in the City of London: The Gherkin, Millennium Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London, Tower Bridge
Saint Pancras
It may seem odd that a train station would be considered one of the most beautiful buildings in London, but seeing is certainly believing. Saint Pancras Station miraculously survived the Blitz during World War II, and features an Italian Gothic-style red brick building. The nearby British Library showcases excellent Scandinavian-Modernist style architecture, while The Renaissance London Hotel contains a clock tower higher than 80 metres. Many free tours with a focus on Harry Potter run around Saint Pancras.
Places to visit in Saint Pancras: St. Pancras station, Renaissance London Hotel, The British Library, University College London
Southwark
The Shard is perhaps one of London’s most famous skyscrapers, but that’s not the only architecture attraction in London’s Southwark. Shakespeare’s Globe (also known as The National Theatre) is considered one of London’s most “brutalist” structures, and although the original building was destroyed by a fire in 1613, it was later rebuilt to reflect the construction of an 16th century Elizabethan playhouse.
Places to visit in Southwark: The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, London City Hall, Queen St. Place
Notting Hill
With charming pastel-coloured residences and impressive Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian architecture, Notting Hill is a neighbourhood in London that shouldn’t be missed by any architecture lover. With “stucco-fronted pillar-porched” residences, communal gardens and grand terraces, it’s easy to see why Notting Hill has become an expensive (and highly-sought after) neighbourhood to live in among Londoners and celebrities.
Places to visit in Notting Hill: St. Peter’s Church, Portobello Market, anywhere along Notting Hill Gate
Westminster
From the towering Big Ben, to the majestic Houses of Parliament and the historic Westminster Abbey, every inch of Westminster is loaded with architectural beauty. Although much of the original Palace of Westminster was destroyed by a fire, the structure that can be seen today was designed by architect Charles Barry, who became famous for his Gothic Revival-style structures. To enjoy the architecture of the area, you might consider joining a Free Tour in Westminster with a professional guide.
Places to visit in Westminster: Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral
South Bank
The London Eye is perhaps one of the most well-known architectural landmarks in South Bank (it is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, after all), but the architecture in London’s South Bank doesn’t just stop there. The modernist Royal Festival Hall is also an architectural delight, as well as The Tate Modern, which was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (the architect behind the Battersea Power Station).
Places to visit in South Bank: London Eye, The Tate Modern, Royal Festival Hall
Kensington
Not only is Kensington home to some of the most stunning residences in London, it’s also home to The Natural History Museum (the only museum in England with galleries focusing on architecture). The Grade I-listed Royal Albert Hall has some of the best Italianate architecture in London, while some parts of Kensington’s residential areas showcase excellent examples of London’s stucco architecture.
Places to visit in Kensington: The Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, any/every residential street in Kensington
Are you an architecture lover? Then you might want to consider joining the free tours in London that depart daily.
