Top 5: Museums and Sites in London

London is massive, and surprisingly spread out. It can be a bit overwhelming when you only have a few days to see the sights. Yes, go to Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. Then, to get a true sense of London history and escape the tourist crowds, be sure to check out these historic places in London.

The Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret: 9a Saint Thomas St.

A stone spiral staircase with a heavy rope brings guests to the attics above a church. Amid the rafters, visitors can see items related to early medicine, including dried herbs, bottles of tinctures and anatomical drawings. Guests are also welcome to explore the fully restored operating theatre, the oldest still existing in Europe.

Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge

Household Cavalry Museum © Meaghan Walsh Gerard

The Household Cavalry Museum: Whitehall

This museum is housed in a working stable. View current troopers grooming horses in 18th century barns, as well as objects that highlight the accomplishments of the regiment throughout history. Be certain to watch the pomp of the changing of the Queen’s Life Guard at the nearby Horse Guards Parade.

Nearest Tube Stations: Charing Cross, Westminster, Embankment

Churchill’s War Rooms: Clive Steps, King Charles Street

These secret underground headquarters, just steps away from 10 Downing Street, became the concrete bunkered home of numerous Parliamentary officials and support staff during the Blitz. Strategy meetings and more took place here. Largely undisturbed since the door was locked in August 1945, this important site is now open to the public for tours.

Nearest Tube Stations: Westminster, St. James Park

Chelsea Physic Garden: 66 Royal Hospital Road

In a quiet corner of Chelsea, near the Embankment, is a plot of land set aside for the growth and study of medicinal plants since 1673. Its prestigious seed exchange program dates back more than 300 years. Robert Fortune, its curator from 1846 to 1848, went to China and successfully stole the tea plant. He is just one of the notable botanists connected with this immaculate and gorgeous garden.

Nearest Tube Station: Sloane Circle

Brompton Cemetery: Fulham Road

Film enthusiasts may recognize the graveyard from Guy Ritchie’s recent Sherlock Holmes, but Brompton Cemetery has been a retreat from busy London since its founding in 1840. The Victorian-era burying grounds are full of beautiful statues and monuments. Famous “residents” interred there include Fanny Brawne (John Keats’ muse), Samuel Cunard (founder of the luxury oceanliners), Sir Thomas Spencer Wells (Queen Victoria’s surgeon) and Emmaline Pankhurst (noted suffragette).

Nearest Tube Station: West Brompton