College of Arms, London
Explore centuries of heraldic tradition at the historic College of Arms, London's official authority on coats of arms and genealogy.
The College of Arms, located at 130 Queen Victoria Street in London, is the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Founded in 1484 by King Richard III, it oversees coats of arms, genealogical records, and ceremonial heraldry. Housed in a historic 17th-century building rebuilt after the Great Fire of London, the College remains a unique institution preserving centuries of heraldic tradition and royal protocol.
A brief summary to College of Arms
- 130 Queen Victoria St, London, EC4V 4BT, GB
- +442072482762
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays between 10:00 and 16:00 when the College is open to the public.
- Book a guided tour in advance to access the main historic rooms and gain expert insights.
- Note that the building is historic and includes stairs; accessibility may be limited.
- Look out for special evening tours that offer a deeper dive into heraldry and the College’s archives.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Public Transport
Take the London Underground to St Paul's Station (Central Line), approximately a 10-minute walk to the College of Arms. Tube services run frequently, with single fares around £2.50–£4.00 depending on ticket type.
-
Bus
Bus routes 4, 11, 15, and 23 stop near Queen Victoria Street. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes from central London locations. Contactless payment or Oyster cards are accepted; fares typically under £2.50.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations like Trafalgar Square to the College of Arms takes about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Fares generally range from £10 to £20.
College of Arms location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about College of Arms
Historic Origins and Royal Foundations
The College of Arms was established by royal charter in 1484 under King Richard III, institutionalizing the centuries-old tradition of heraldry in England. Originally housed at Coldharbour on Upper Thames Street, the College was granted authority to regulate coats of arms and maintain genealogical records. Although briefly disbanded after Richard III's defeat, it was reestablished by Queen Mary I in 1555 and relocated to Derby Place, near St Paul's Cathedral, where it has remained ever since. The original building was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666, but the College’s invaluable manuscripts and records were saved and the current building was constructed between 1671 and 1688 under the direction of master bricklayer Maurice Emmett.The Role and Functions of the College
The College of Arms serves as the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and much of the Commonwealth. It comprises thirteen officers of arms, including Kings of Arms, Heralds of Arms, and Pursuivants of Arms, all appointed by the Sovereign. These officers are responsible for granting and confirming coats of arms, maintaining genealogical records, and advising on ceremonial protocol. The College also plays a vital role in state occasions, such as coronations and royal funerals, preserving centuries of tradition and heraldic expertise.Architectural and Interior Highlights
The current College building is a fine example of 17th-century architecture, rebuilt after the Great Fire. It features intricately paneled rooms such as the Earl Marshal’s Court, the Waiting Room, and the Record Room, where visitors can see historic heraldic manuscripts, detailed lineage records, and ceremonial regalia. The building’s interior reflects its prestigious role, with heraldic flags, portraits of past officers, and artifacts that chronicle the evolution of heraldry and the College’s enduring legacy.Visitor Experience and Public Access
Visitors to the College of Arms can explore its rich history through guided tours that showcase the principal rooms and the fascinating world of heraldry. While the building is historic and access to some areas involves stairs, the tours offer unique insights into genealogical research, the design and granting of arms, and the College’s contemporary relevance. Special evening tours and occasional public events provide opportunities to engage with this rare institution. Entry is free, but tours may require advance booking and have limited capacity.Continuity and Contemporary Significance
Despite its ancient origins, the College of Arms remains an active and authoritative institution. It continues to grant new coats of arms and maintain genealogical records, serving individuals, corporations, and the Crown. The College operates as a private entity recognized by the monarchy, with its officers forming part of the Royal Household under the supervision of the Earl Marshal. Its ongoing work preserves the ceremonial and cultural heritage of heraldry in the United Kingdom and beyond.Location and Surroundings
Situated in the heart of the City of London, the College of Arms stands on Queen Victoria Street, close to landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral. The area is a blend of historic and modern architecture, reflecting London’s evolving cityscape. The College’s location offers a tranquil yet central setting for this venerable institution, making it a distinctive stop for those interested in history, genealogy, and royal traditions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.1 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Queen Anne Statue
0.2 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
Temple Bar London
0.2 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Ludgate Circus
0.4 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Victoria Embankment
0.4 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.5 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Blackfriars Bridge
0.5 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
Southwark Bridge
0.5 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
Historic England
0.6 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.6 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.7 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
Guildhall
0.7 km
Discover Guildhall, London’s medieval civic heart where Roman ruins, grand halls, and centuries of history converge in the City’s vibrant core.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.7 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
113 Cannon St
0.7 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
Fleet St
0.7 km
Discover Fleet Street, London's iconic thoroughfare, where history, law, and journalism intertwine in a vibrant urban landscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Queen Victoria St
0.1 km
A historic and vital City of London street linking iconic landmarks with Victorian-era urban vision and modern financial life.
St. Paul's Cathedral
0.2 km
Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of St. Paul's Cathedral, a must-visit landmark in the heart of London, offering stunning views and rich history.
Church Entry
0.3 km
Discover Church Entry, a narrow medieval alley in Blackfriars tracing the ancient Blackfriars Priory’s sacred church line beneath modern London.
Stationers' Hall
0.3 km
Historic Grade I listed venue near St Paul’s Cathedral offering elegant event spaces and a secluded garden for weddings and corporate events.
One New Change
0.3 km
Discover premier shopping, dining, and stunning rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral in the heart of London's financial district.
St Martin Ludgate
0.3 km
Discover St Martin Ludgate, a serene Wren church blending Roman history and 17th-century elegance in the heart of London’s ancient city.
Millennium Bridge
0.3 km
Explore the Millennium Bridge, a modern architectural gem in London, linking iconic landmarks with stunning river views and cultural experiences.
Apothecaries' Hall
0.3 km
Historic 17th-century livery hall near St Paul’s, blending rich heritage with elegant event spaces and timeless charm.
Watling St
0.3 km
Follow the ancient Roman road that shaped London’s history, once a frontier, battlefield approach, and boundary between kingdoms and boroughs.
The Blackfriar
0.3 km
A Grade II* listed Art Nouveau pub on the site of a medieval Dominican friary, packed with friar-themed carvings, mosaics, and stained glass in the heart of London.
St Vedast alias Foster
0.3 km
A historic City of London church blending medieval roots, Wren’s baroque spire, and wartime resilience in a tranquil urban sanctuary.
Shakespeare in the City Walk
0.4 km
Discover Shakespeare’s London through hidden alleys, historic sites, and live performances on this immersive two-hour walking tour starting at Blackfriars Station.
St James Garlickhythe
0.4 km
Discover the historical significance and architectural beauty of St James Garlickhythe, a serene Anglican church in the heart of London.
St Mary Aldermary
0.4 km
Discover St Mary Aldermary, a rare 17th-century Gothic Revival church by Wren’s office, blending medieval roots with stunning architecture in London’s City.
St Mary-le-Bow Church
0.4 km
Discover St Mary-le-Bow, the iconic Wren church on Cheapside, home to the legendary Bow Bells and centuries of London history.
Essential places to dine
Madison
0.3 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Sea Containers Restaurant
0.7 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.9 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
St. John
0.9 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.1 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
George
1.1 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.1 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
14 Hills
1.2 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Wahaca Southbank
1.3 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.3 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.4 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
The Archduke
1.4 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Ping Pong Southbank
1.5 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
La Dame de Pic London
1.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Sarastro
1.5 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.5 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.8 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.8 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
The Royal Exchange
0.8 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Smithfield Market
0.8 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
j-me original design ltd
0.8 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Borough Yards
0.9 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Sugar And Style
0.9 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Barbican Shop
0.9 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Twinings - The Strand
1.0 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
London Silver Vaults
1.1 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
The Store X
1.1 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Hay's Galleria
1.3 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.3 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
not just a shop
1.4 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
0.5 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.6 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Lyaness
0.7 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Old Bank of England
0.9 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.9 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
0.9 km
Discover Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden Tudor-era pub in Holborn where history, legend, and cozy charm converge in a secret London alley.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.9 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Bootlegger
1.1 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
1.1 km
London’s intimate chocolate cocktail bar blending rich flavors, stylish ambiance, and over 20 unique chocolate-infused drinks.
The Understudy
1.1 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
1.3 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.4 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Aviary
1.4 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
1.4 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.6 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
London Best Night Clubs
1.2 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Proud Late
1.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
1.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Ministry of Sound
1.6 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Cirque Du Soul
1.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.6 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.7 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
XOYO LONDON
1.7 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Heaven
1.8 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.9 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.9 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
1.9 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
The Hoxton Pony
2.0 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
