London's Best Architecture Tours
London's diverse architectural styles and influences, ranging from historic buildings and landmarks to cutting-edge modern structures, make it a fascinating destination. Exploring the city's architecture through guided tours provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of its significance, including the evolution of the built environment and the social, cultural, and economic factors that have shaped it. Here are some of our favorite tours.
Barbican is known for its innovative design, which features concrete towers, endless walkways, and lagoons draped with vines and trees.
The Barbican
The Barbican was built between 1971 and 1982, is a residence to over 4000 people, and is one of the largest multi-arts and theater venues the UK. The complex was designed by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, who were in their 30s when they began the project. The Barbican tour touched on the origins of the planned community, and the controversies that the structure brought to London during a time when Brutalist architecture was not widely appreciated.
The complex includes the Barbican Hall, which is home to the London Symphony Orchestra and is one of the largest concert halls in London, as well as the Barbican Theatre and the Barbican Cinema. The center also includes art galleries, a library, and several restaurants and bars.
The Barbican is now regarded as a seminal example of Brutalist architecture, a style that emerged in the mid-20th century and is characterized by its use of raw concrete and large-scale forms. Despite some initial controversy, the Barbican is now considered an important and iconic structure in London's architectural landscape.
The tour is perfect for lovers of architecture and politics - as interesting facts about the complex were revealed such as the redevelopment of the land on which it stands was aimed at increasing the number of votes for the City of London.
Book here
The Tate Modern
Since its inception over two decades ago, the Tate Modern has become a prominent and highly sought-after tourist destination in London, revered not only for its world-renowned art collection but also for its distinctive industrial-inspired architecture. The harmonious fusion of past and present is a hallmark of the Tate Modern tour, which offers a one-of-a-kind excursion through the former Bankside Power Station. Visitors are treated to a remarkable journey through the building's Turbine Hall and Tanks, where the faint scent of oil still lingers, transporting them back in time to when the structure served as an active power station.
For those seeking to explore the intersection of art and architecture in one of London's most iconic landmarks, the Tate Modern tour is a fantastic option, especially for history lovers as much of the tour provides insights into the historical significance of the Bankside Power Station during the 1950s.
Book here
The National Theater
The National Theater Backstage Tour offers the rare opportunity to witness the inner workings of one of the world's most prominent theaters. Visitors are taken on a behind-the-scenes journey into the world of theater production and provided with a deeper understanding of the unique architectural designs of each of the theater's three distinct performance spaces. The tour guides lead visitors through the backstage area, offering an exclusive insight into the complex processes involved in creating a theater production from scratch, from seeing the workshops where props are made, to understanding the historical relevance of architecture of the building.
The highlight of the tour was the chance to walk through each of the three theaters and gain a deeper understanding of the design motives behind seating placements, stage location, acoustics, and how each theater caters to different types of productions. Visitors can appreciate the level of detail and creativity that goes into creating a truly immersive theatrical experience.
Book here