London/City of London: See
The City sustained a great deal of damage from German bombing during the 'Blitz' of World War II, so there are far fewer older buildings than one might expect from so ancient a settlement. The Great Fire of London in 1666 also fairly comprehensively destroyed the City's medieval building stock. Nonetheless, many interesting older buildings remain, including the domed St. Paul's Cathedral (heroically saved by firefighters when it was bombed during the Second World War), 19th-century buildings at Leadenhall, Smithfield, and Spitalfields, the Gothic-style Guildhall, many monuments (including one built to remember the Great Fire of London), and the Temple Inns of Court. Remarkably, the City also retains its medieval street pattern, which you do not find so clearly preserved in other large British city centres. You will find many narrow streets, passages, alleys and courtyards between the main thoroughfares.
1 Bank of England (The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street) (tube: Bank W&C NOR CEN ). See also: Bank of England Museum.
2 Mansion House (tube: Mansion House CIR DIS ), ☏ +44 20 7397-9306. Tue 2PM only, groups may book at other times. Official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, completed in 1753. £7. (updated Apr 2016)
3 Monument (tube: Monument CIR DIS ), ☏ +44 20 7626-2717, enquiries@towerbridge.org.uk. 9:30AM-5:30PM daily (last admission 5PM). Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this tall column (which can be ascended to get a great view) marks the alleged site where the Great Fire of London broke out in September 1666. Adults £4.50, children (5-15) £2.30, students and seniors (60+) £3.00; joint tickets for Tower Bridge and the Monument: adults £11.00, children £5.00, students and seniors £7.50. (updated Sep 2019)
4 St Giles-without-Cripplegate, Fore St, Cripplegate, EC2Y 8DA (part of the Barbican Estate, across the lake from the Arts Centre), ☏ +44 20 7638-1997, admin@stgilescripplegate.com. Medieval Grade I listed church. This church played a key role in the English Revolution and was the parish church of some of the most decisive Puritans: Oliver Cromwell was married and this is where John Milton was buried. It was the home of the Morning Exercises. The tower remains from the original building; the rest was destroyed in the Blitz but rebuilt based on the original plans.
5 St Sepulchre-without-Newgate (Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Holborn)), Holborn Viaduct. Open Wed noon-3PM, services Sun 10:30AM, Tue 1PM & 6:30PM. Grade I listed Saxon church founded before the 12th century. The exterior was mostly constructed in the 15th century, and the interior in the 19th. The north side of the church houses a musician's chapel opened in 1955. In addition to the services, there are often evening (chargeable) concerts. (updated May 2016)
6 Old Bailey (Central Criminal Court) (between Holborn Circus and St Paul's Cathedral, tube: St Paul's CEN then follow signs), ☏ +44 20 7248-3277. Mon–Fri 10AM–1PM, 2–5PM. …