UNESCO World Heritage site dating from 11C including stunning examples of Gothic and Medieval architecture and many hidden treasures.

Unknown, 1060

Westminster ... 'The centre of political, royal and religious power'... not on this walk. In the shadows of Westminster Abbey just beyond the well trodden tourist paths, lies an area rich with secrets waiting to be discovered. Come and join the City of Westminster guides for our Secret Westminster tour.

Talk: Thorney Island - London's Lost Island' Join Victor Keegan, author of Lost London 1 & 2, for a journey into the hidden history of Thorney Island—the lost eyot where Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament now stand. Once formed by the River Tyburn flowing into the Thames, discover its role in early London, its transformation, and the traces still visible in Westminster today.

Modern red brick building purpose-built to house the City of Westminster's historic records. Opportunity to visit the conservation studio and see treasures of the archives.

Tim Drewitt, 1995

St Matthew's is an inclusive church with unique architecture, remarkable history, and a very strong musical tradition, but in the shadow of Westminster Abbey, is often overlooked making it a real hidden gem. Come and learn about St Matthew's history and community, hear our choir and historic organ, and learn about how we continue centuries of prayer in this holy place.

Sir George Gilbert Scott, 1851

A rare example of Thomas Archer's work and a masterpiece of English Baroque, originally dubbed Queen Anne's Footstool. A Grade I listed building, restored by Marshall Sisson after extensive bombing damage, now a busy concert hall.

Thomas Archer, 1714

Petty France is a short street with a long history. This walk will time travel from the medieval origins of Petty France through its sensational history to its present distinguished profile. We shall study Charles Holden's 1927 Grade 1 listed London Underground HQ, upstaged in 1976 by Sir Basil Spence's 1976 brutalist monument to modernism, and where the original Queen Anne house was born.

This tour looks at how healthcare has had an impact on the buildings and landscapes between Westminster Abbey and the City. Exploring Healthcare related buildings, rebuilt, repurposed or removed and their influence on the landscape.

Multiple architects, 1100

A Grade 2 listed former Territorial Army Drill Hall featuring restored elements of the original 1882 design. It has a triple height central hall with the restored wrought iron balconies and roofing. Notable Neo-Georgian design brickwork. It is also unique in being the last ever military drill hall built in the UK.

Oliver Hill RIBA, 1952

A significant new redbrick addition to London’s civic architecture, Lambeth Palace Library is the first new building on the site for 185 years and hosts the Church of England’s archive.

Wright & Wright Architects, 2021

The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the UN, responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. It is the only UN organization with headquarters in London.

Douglass Marriott Worby & Robinson, 1983