The inns of court are a series of Oxbridge-style quads just off busy Fleet Street, and are really rewarding to explore. You can see Barristers names on the side of the doorways, where they hold their chambers. Much as they would like to, Barristers are not allowed to shut off the Inns of Court to the public, so you really should go and explore them, although you would never know they are there.

 The inns of court was established in the 12thCentury as a series of Inns held for the Knights Templar order around their church (or Temple) in the centre. However the Knights Templar were very unpopular with many of the European dynasties since many monarchs owed them money. Therefore they were abolished in 1307 by Edward II, and the land was seized. Step forward some kindly lawyers who offered to take the land for a small fee (how kind!) and continue to use the buildings to this day. The church, Temple Church, built in the 12thCentury is also a key part of The Da Vinci code book and film.

WAP highlights: See the Church, the large garden looking onto the river, and the excellent cafe in the Temple Grounds.