Sutton House

This is no ordinary National Trust property. This 1535 Tudor house was built by a courtier of Henry VIII and is the oldest domestic building in the east of London. When you stand in the imposing oak-paneled Great Chamber, there’s a rich sense of history, but this is also a forward-thinking venue, with some brilliant late-night tours and LGBT events. One of its unusual treasures is a wall mural painted by squatters who moved in during the 1980s and had punk gigs in the basement. The mural’s single eye on a vermillion backdrop remains a visible reminder of their takeover of this gorgeous building—you just know those gigs would have been incredible.