London’s almost 2000 year history has meant it has amassed a great many landmarks and attractions over the years. From royal palaces to ancient monuments, the city has become one of the top tourist cities for those wanting to learn about British culture and history. Guests of the Montcalm restaurant and hotel are well placed to explore these attractions from our accommodation in the heart of the city.
Whether it’s your first time or hundredth time staying at the Montcalm Royal London House, there are more than ten designated English heritage sites in London. This blog will explore some of the most popular you’ll find in and around the city.
What Is An English Heritage Site?
An English Heritage Site is defined by the charity “English Heritage”, which manages hundreds of properties across the country. Its mission is to “bring the story of England to life” and its most famous sites outside of London include Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall and the London blue plaque scheme. The latter can be found across the country, and links still-standing buildings with influential figures from throughout history.
Eltham Palace
Hidden away in the depths of Southeast London, Eltham Palace was mostly used between the 14th and 16th centuries by the monarchy and their various courts. Eltham was primarily a retreat for leisure, the surrounding forests (now a series of fields around the palace) used for hunting. After being neglected post-16th century, Eltham Palace was refurbished in the 1930s and is now run by English Heritage Sites.
Apsley House
Standing proud on Hyde Park Corner, Apsley House was once the home of the Duke of Wellington and is easy to reach for guests of Montcalm luxury hotels in London. Designed with neoclassical flourish and renovated in the 19th century, the house, built on a former royal lodge, is now open to the public and showcases the beautiful Wellington Collection of art. Works on display here include, most notably, pieces from the Spanish Royal Collection that were captured after the Battle of Vitoria and comprise more than 80 of the 200 strong collection of art and militaria.
The London Wall
Dating back to the Roman creation of Londinium in AD 46, what remains of the London Wall can be found at a range of sites across the city of London. For guests of the Montcalm Hotel Chiswell Street near Shoreditch, the best places to see what was once the defensive boundary of Roman London include the London Bridge area, opposite the Tower of London and in the Barbican area of the city.
Chiswick House
Located in deep West London, Chiswick House was built in 1729, but was preceded by a Jacobean house owned by Sir Edward Wardour in the 17th century. The neo-Palladian style provides a beautiful crowning jewel to the surrounding Chiswick Gardens around it. With Queen Victoria and several Russian Tsars among its guests, Chiswick House is now an events space and hosts a cafe and kitchen in its surrounding terrace.
