5 Hours, Five of London’s Oldest Sights – Your Guide to Packing in the Classics on a Short Stay

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There’s little doubt that London has an abundance of incredible historic attractions and landmarks for visitors to enjoy, so much so that fitting it all in can be quite a challenge. If you’re staying in the city for only a short time, there’s no need to miss out on some of the oldest structures the capital has to offer, you just need to plan ahead. Here are our suggestions for can’t-miss historical landmarks to see with just a few hours to spare…

The Tower of London

Tower of London

First commissioned for development by William the Conqueror, the Tower of London dates back to the 1070s, and has served many different purposes since then. From a stronghold to a notorious prison and even a short stint as the royal zoo, the tower is now one of London’s most famous tourist attractions and home to the Crown Jewels.

No trip to historic London is complete without a visit, and you can discuss your discoveries over dinner at Hankies at The Montcalm afterwards.

Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament London

Sometimes referred to as the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament sits beside the River Thames. They act as both the seat of the UK government and one of the oldest buildings in the city.

During your stay at the Montcalm Hotel London, a trip here allows you to truly engage with a history-filled building which still has tremendous contemporary relevance. Having experienced many different incarnations during its history, it was once a lavish royal palace which houses English monarchy for more than 500 years, with a particularly busy period surrounding the reign of King Henry VIII. Following a fire which burnt down the original 16th-century structure, the palace was rebuilt in 1834 by architects Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin.

One of the most iconic parts of the building is the clock, Big Ben, which has helped it become a registered UNESCO World Heritage site.

Westminster Abbey

westminster-abbey London

Most commonly associated with royal weddings, Westminster Abbey has also been the spot chosen for every coronation since 1066. Before heading to the spa at Montcalm, you have plenty of time to spend an hour exploring the venue, which offers both formal and self-guided tours for added convenience.

London Roman Wall

Roman Wall

The city we now call London was once called Londinium, after its founding by the Romans. The Roman Wall was a significant feature of the city during this time, providing a crucial boundary and fortification. Whilst most of the wall has since been destroyed by subsequent additions and modifications, you can still find sections in various destinations around London.

British Museum

egyptian-status-british-museum-of-london
A tourist taking photo of an egyptian status brought from Egypt and kept in British Museum of London

The museum itself is historic, but it also home to a vast array of artefacts which trace right through human history – including everything from Babylonian finds to Samurai armour and Roman pottery. To see a high concentration of historic sights while staying in London, spend an hour or so exploring the museum’s items or book a tour of the highlights, as these take place each day and provide a condensed look at the most impressive pieces.