10 Best Ruins in London

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a quiet City garden set among the ruins of a Grade I listed church. Christopher Wren’s surviving tower and steeple frame the greenery, making this tucked-away spot suitable for a short break, a peaceful sit-down or photography amid historic remains.

Lesnes Abbey is a historical site set within Lesnes Abbey Park, where visitors can explore abbey ruins, Monk’s Garden, woodland and information signs. Its green setting also suits walking, hiking, running, dog walking and family outings, with a café, snacks, coffee and toilet facilities nearby. The site is about a 10-minute walk from Abbey Wood station.

Roman Wall Ruins preserve a section of Roman wall in an unexpectedly tucked-away setting beneath a car park. The remains suit visitors who enjoy discovering lesser-known historical sites and following London’s Roman history beyond the main attractions. Finding the ruins involves an unassuming entrance, stairs and a route through the car park.

Barking Abbey ruins is a historical landmark set within a small green space in busy Barking. The site combines preserved abbey foundations and scenic ruins with benches, meadows, trees and areas for relaxing in nature. It suits visitors interested in local history who also want an informal outdoor stop.

London’s Roman Amphitheatre preserves underground remains of a Roman amphitheatre dating from the 2nd century CE, including a foundation wall and drain. The compact exhibition presents artefacts and information about Roman London and is paired with Guildhall Art Gallery. Free entry, lockers and toilet facilities make it a practical short stop for visitors exploring the City’s history.

London Mithraeum | Bloomberg SPACE presents the archaeological remains of a temple dedicated to the Roman god Mithras. Its underground setting combines the ruins with a light-and-audio experience, artefacts and interactive displays about Roman London. It suits visitors interested in archaeology and compact city attractions, with a visit taking roughly 30 to 60 minutes.

London Wall is a historical landmark tracing a route from the Tower of London towards the Museum of London, with surviving Roman wall ruins and other historic points along the way. The section near Tower Hill offers a particularly clear view of Roman masonry, while plaques and interpretive signs help explain its significance. It suits visitors exploring London’s Roman history on foot.

Billingsgate Roman House & Baths is a historical museum site preserving Roman bathhouse and house ruins beneath London’s streets. It suits visitors interested in Roman London, with guided tours bringing the archaeology and the city’s ancient history into context.

Roman Fort Ruins is a historical landmark preserving fragments of London’s Roman defensive wall near the Museum of London. It suits visitors interested in Roman history, archaeology and the origins of Londinium. Information panels and see-through signs explain the remains and their context, making the compact site an informative stop amid the city’s modern office buildings.

Winchester Palace is a heritage site preserving the riverside remains of a 13th-century bishops’ complex. The ruins include parts of the great hall, prison and brewhouse, alongside a medieval-style garden, arches, basement remains and a large window. Free to visit, it suits a quiet historical stop while exploring the South Bank near other attractions.