The Victorian era was a memorable time for architecture, and many of the decorative and elegant buildings constructed in this time are still standing today. London in particular is full of impressive Victorian properties. In West Kensington, for example, you can visit entire streets of Victorian buildings, including many which are listed. In Central London, many well-known Victorian buildings are open for the public to visit, and here are a three we think you have to see.
- Leighton House Museum
Situated in Holland Park, West London, this museum was originally the home and studio of the English painter and sculptor Frederic Leighton. Leighton selected the architect George Aitchison to design and build this remarkable orientalist fantasy. Although he came from a family of architects, Aitchison had never a house before being commissioned by Leighton, but this was the start of a distinguished career.
Leighton House has been open to the public as a museum since 1929 and contains some beautiful and intricate work by Leighton and other artists of the era, but it is also a wonderful example of Victorian architecture. Recent refurbishments finished in 2010, restoring the building’s splendour to the way Leighton intended it to be.
- Natural History Museum
As well as being a must-see for those interested in science, the Natural History Museum in South Kensington is a classic London Victorian masterwork. The original architect Francis Fowke won a competition to design the building, but sadly died shortly afterwards. The project was famously taken over by Alfred Waterhouse, who changed some elements of the design to reflect his own style.
Work on the museum began in 1873, and it opened to the public in 1881. To this day it houses one of the most extensive collections of biological specimens in the world, many of which were personally collected by Charles Darwin. It’s a place that tends to results in sensory overwhelm, so when you visit the museum, be sure to appreciate the architecture as well as the exhibits.
- St. Pancras Station & Hotel
If you take the train to Central London, St. Pancras train station may be your first introduction to the metropolis. This railway station is housed in a beautiful gothic Victorian building by William Henry Barlow. The nearby St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, is also worth a visit.
Both ornate exteriors are exemplars of the best of Victorian design. If you can’t quite stretch to a stay at the hotel, tours of the building are also offered. You’ll learn all sorts of interesting facts about this classic of Victorian architecture, and for those especially interested in the period it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in London.
We’ve chosen three must-see examples of Victorian architecture in London, but there’s so much more to explore. Even if you’re a long-time London resident, we recommend that you spend at least one day as a tourist in your own city. Whether you live in Central, West or South London, we guarantee you’ll discover a treasure trove of hidden architectural gems from London’s Victorian past.
