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The City of Westminster is among the richest historical areas in a city that has been a major factor in British, European and world history for centuries. The greatest landmarks in Westminster are the Houses of Parliament and it famous clock, Big Ben. Almost as recognizable are Westminster Cathedral, which has been the venue for events broadcast around the world, and the adjoining Westminster Abbey. Both have played important roles in England's religious history and are noted for being major architectural achievements.
Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church, have been designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Green Park and St. James's Park are Royal Parks within the Westminster city limits.
Buckingham Palace is at the southwest end of the Mall which passes on the north side of St. James's Park. St. James's Palace and Clarence House are two Royal Residences near St. James's Park.
Apsley House was the London home of the Duke of Wellington and is now the Wellington Museum. It is adjacent to Hyde Park Corner. English Heritage maintains the Wellington Arch and Apsley House.
Three of the world's finest galleries are located in Westminster: The Tate Britain Gallery is adjacent to the Houses of Parliament and the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are at Trafalgar Square.
St. Martin in the Fields Church is one of the smaller churches in London but one of the better-known, in part, because of musical concerts and recordings associated with it. In addition to having an interesting present, the church has a history that reveals its past importance.
The City of Westminster web site has a collection of useful maps and a section that identifies buildings that are part of its rich heritage and the eminent people that have been associated with them. The Westminster Green Plaques Scheme commemorates these associations. This link also produces a basic map of Westminster.
Another and similar scheme for Blue Plaques is maintained by English Heritage with the difference that these plaques are located throughout London and other cities in England. The Blue Plaque web site is another excellent resource for locating these recognized buildings. A search through both these sites will reveal long lists of recognized buildings in Westminster.
The Jewel Tower and the Chapter House and Pyx Chamber at Westminster Abbey are properties in Westminster maintained by English Heritage.
Benjamin Franklin's home near Charing Cross is the sole existing home of several in which he lived while representing the newly-formed United States.
The National Trust Gift Shop at Blewcoat School is on Caxton Street in Westminster.
London's West End, which is so renowned for its theatres, is part of Westminster and lies to the north of Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross.
Transportation:
In common with all areas in close proximity to central London, the City of Westminster is served by London Transport buses and Underground.
Victoria Station is in Westminster and provides Underground and main line rail services. It is adjacent to Kensington, Chelsea. Charing Cross and Waterloo stations are also within close proximity to the Houses of Parliament. Paddington, on the north side of Hyde Park, is another mainline station in Westminster.
Ferry boats that ply up and down the River Thames provide visitors with excellent views of the area and depart from piers in Westminster.