Inspiration,  Things to Do

7 Famous London Addresses that are Worth a Visit

From history to mystery, there are some cool spots in London. As you walk the city streets during your London visit, you’ll soon discover that – while every street has some magic – there are some addresses with special significance.

It’s actually hard to narrow down the list of famous London addresses; there are so many houses that have been inhabited by important people or the sites of significant historical events that you could write a book about them all.

Famous London Addresses Hero

Instead, I’ve tried to narrow it down, just to give you a few ideas for your London itinerary. Below you’ll discover seven fascinating London addresses worth a visit. Some you might know and recognize, while others may be less familiar but equally interesting.

Ready to stroll some London streets and visit a few famous addresses? Here are the ones worth planning a trip to, organized numerically.

10 Downing Street

Famous London Addresses - 10 Downing Street

A royal residence of its own accord, 10 Downing Street is along an iconic London street and the centuries-old homestead for the British Prime Minister. A popular space for the paparazzi to capture the government head of the United Kingdom, this seemingly unassuming building is one of the most famous London addresses.

A key location in regard to history-altering decision-making, this political property has historical significance embedded within its walls. From discussing WWI strategies to the backdrop of the “Peace For Our Time” by Neville Chamberlain, this hub is a must-visit if you’re a history buff.

23-24 Leinster Gardens

One of London’s most quirky and unconventional famous addresses, 23-24 Leinster Gardens is a fantastical facade of… fake houses! With a sneaky structure that you’d never notice if you didn’t know where to look, these hollow structures house a connecting tunnel and train tracks between stations.

If you’re a true detective like Sherlock Holmes (more on him below…), you’ll notice these stunning structures have no letterbox slots on their doors. It’s thus the perfect place to play ding-dong ditch without the repercussions of an angry resident opening the door, if you’re channeling your inner teenager while visiting London.

23 & 25 Brook Street

Famous London Addresses - 23 & 25 Brook Street - Achim Bednorz
Photo credit: Achim Bednorz

A two-in-one iconic landmark to visit, 23 & 25 Brook Street is a double entry into some of the famous addresses in London’s repertoire. Both buildings are known as the residence of iconic musical figures, namely the Germain-British composer George Frideric Handel and rock legend Jimi Hendrix. Talk about hitting shuffle on your playlist!

In 2001, these structures were merged to create the Handel House Museum, which in turn commemorates the historical music scene on this street over the years. The juxtaposition of the hippie haven of the Hendrix flat and George Frideric Handel’s stoic home is a sight to see.

With a dedicated learning center and visitor access to Hendrix’s apartment, this melodic marvel is a great addition to any first-time London trip if you love music.

Note: This museum is currently under construction and will only open its doors in May 2023.

36 Craven Street

Another historical house with a famous figure in its residence list, 36 Craven Street was the address of the guy on the $100 bill: Benjamin Franklin. Franklin spent time in London before he became a Founding Father, and the Benjamin Franklin House is a wonderful museum to spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the past.

This Georgian townhouse has five stories to explore, with seemingly countless artifacts and historical treasures to peruse and discover. Visitors have the option to purchase a historical or architectural tour of the house to experience this location in its entirety.  

48 Doughty Street

Famous London Addresses - 48 Doughty Street

Is there anyone who represents British classical literature quite like the magnitude of Charles Dickens? 48 Doughty Street, located in the borough of Camden, was the residence of this literary genius from 1837 to 1839. During his time at this blue-doored beauty, he wrote a few novels that can certainly be considered his claim to fame, including Oliver Twist.

Today, you can visit this site by exploring the wonders of the Charles Dickens Museum with all its Victorian-style trimmings. From the red-walled study to the writer’s sleeping quarters, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to simpler times.

221b Baker Street

A mystery that doesn’t need solving, 221b Baker Street is the fictional detective headquarters and residence of Sherlock Holmes. While Sir Arthur Doyle might have fabricated one of the famous London addresses, the Sherlock Holmes International Society made it a reality in 1990. 

As far as incredible London museums go, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is right up there. It’s a constructed Georgian townhouse that takes you into the world of the detective’s quarters. 

Inside, you’ll find a gorgeous interior; from Victorian furniture to dusty leather-bound books, this is one of the many famous addresses in London that has it all – it’s “elementary, my dear Watson,” naturally.

Do you know of any other famous London addresses? Or have questions about these ones I consider worthy of being on my list? Let me know in the comments below!

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Valerie fell in love with London on her first trip to the city way back in 2011. Since then, she spent a year living in London and visits as often as she can (you can find her recent trip recaps here!). She launched LOMM in 2021 to help other travelers fall in love with her favorite city on earth.

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