London

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace Road, London. SW1A 1AA
Tel: 020 7766 7300
Web: www.royal.gov.uk
Nearest Tube Station: Hyde Park Corner

The Tower of London

Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB
Information Line: 0870 756 6060
Web: www.hrp.org.uk
Nearest Tube Station: Tower Hill

The Banqueting House

Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ER
Information Line: 0870 751 5178
Web: www.hrp.org.uk

This Palladian-style building was created for exuberant court entertainments but is probably most famous for a one real life drama: the execution of Charles 1 which took place here in 1649. It has a magnificent ceiling painted by Peter Paul Rubens in 1630-4. Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 10.00 – 17.00 Closed on bank holidays and from 24 December to 1 January May close at short notice for Government functions. How to get there: Underground: Westminster station or Embankment station Mainline stations: Charing Cross Bus: No's 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77A, 88 and 159

CRYSTAL PALACE

Hever Castle

Windsor Castle

Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Tel: 020 7766 7304
E-mail: bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk
Web: www.royal.gov.uk
Nearest Train: Windsor Rail

Windsor Castle is the modern day royal residence and an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, the Castle remains a working palace today. Visitors can walk around the State Apartments, extensive suites of rooms at the heart of the working palace. For part of the year visitors can also see the Semi State rooms, which are some of the most splendid interiors in the castle. They are furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection including paintings by Holbein, Rubens, Van Dyck and Lawrence, fine tapestries and porcelain, sculpture and armour. Within the Castle complex there are many additional attractions, including the Drawings Gallery, Queen Mary's dolls' house, and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, the burial place of ten sovereigns and setting for many Royal weddings.

Highgate Cemetery

Swain's Lane, Highgate, London, N6 6PJ
Tel: 020 8340 1834

Highgate Cemetery was opened in 1839. The site is kept as the dignified resting place it was intended to be. Celebrated artists and sculptors created individual sepulchres. There is a small charge to get into the cemetery but it is one of the most amazing sites you will visit. The guides that take you around have wonderful stories and anecdotes to tell, not least when you come across the Aztec features in the centre. This really is worth a visit!

Royal Courts of Justice

Strand, London, WC2A 2LL
Tel: 020 7947 6000
Nearest Tube Stations: Holborn / Chancery Lane

Housed within a magnificent Gothic building, the courts handle many of the nation's most serious civil, libel and appeals cases. Queen Victoria officially opened the Royal Courts of Justice in 1882. Consisting of more than three miles of corridors and containing more than one thousand rooms- the architectural scale of the courts is simply amazing, the interior of the building every bit as lavish and impressive as the exterior. As well as marvelling at the features and sheer scale of the building, visitors are invited to view an exhibition on the traditional court attire. The ornate Central Hall informs visitors of the cases currently being heard and their progress.

Trafalgar Square

London

Trafalgar Square was built in honour of Lord Nelson after his victory at the battle of Trafalgar where he was killed in the battle with Napoleons army. The square was built in the early nineteenth century to a design by the Prince Regents favourite architect, John Nash. The site had previously been a royal stable yard. The most eye-catching sight in the square is Nelson's Column, the eighteen-foot statue of Lord Nelson standing on top of the 171-foot column. At the Base of Nelson column is a cannon captured during the conflict and four bronze lions designed by Edwin Lanseer which are a truly impressive sight. The fountains in Trafalgar Square were added in 1939 and in full operation is a beautiful sight. Situated around the square The National Gallery and Admiralty Arch. This magnificent triple arched building was to be part of a procession route to honour Queen Victoria. Trafalgar Square is a must see!

Downing Street

Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA
Web: www.number-10.gov.uk

The most famous address in Whitehall and in London is of course number 10 Downing Street the home of the Prime Minister. Downing Street was named after Sir George Downing, the second graduate from the newly formed Harvard College in America. Downing Street has been the official residence of the Prime minister since 1732; it is also the location of the Cabinet Room and State Dining Room and official offices. Downing Street was open to the public butt is now guarded by iron gates, though is visible from Whitehall. Number 11 Downing Street is the residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and number 12 is the Whips Office. The black door of No. 10 guarded by a single policeman constantly.

Hungerford Bridge

Charing Cross, Embankment Tube Stations

The Hungerford Bridge was designed by the celebrated Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1841 and opened in 1845. The footbridge was built to link the Thames' south bank with Hungerford Market on the north bank. The suspension bridge, at almost fifteen hundred feet long, is supported by cast iron chains. After the completion of Waterloo station in 1847 the footbridge carried a considerable number of pedestrians and became a vital commodity for the capital. In 2000 a huge project was undertaken to create two new footbridges at the site. Dubbed the 'Embankment', visitors can see the huge building built on enormous stilts above Charing Cross Station.

The Tower Bridge Exhibition

Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP
Tel: 020 7403 3761
Web: www.towerbridge.org.uk

Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognisable bridges in the World. At the Tower Bridge Exhibition you can enjoy breathtaking views from the high-level Walkways, and learn about how and why the Bridge was built. The Walkways boast special viewing windows, which allow you to take photographs unobstructed by glass, providing you with the perfect photo opportunity. You can then visit the Victorian Engine Rooms, home to the beautifully maintained original steam engines that used to power the Bridge lifts. Exciting hands-on mechanisms and information panels explain about the ingenuous technology used over the years to keep Tower Bridge in motion. Tower Bridge also houses four exquisite and unique venues, which are ideal for all styles of Corporate Hospitality and Private events, including weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

Palace of Westminster - The Houses Of Parliament - Big Ben

Parliament, Westminster, St. Margaret Street, London, SW1A 0AA
Tel: 020 7219 5353
Web: http://www.parliament.uk
Nearest Tube Station: Westminster

The palace is one of the largest Parliaments in the world. The layout of the Palace is intricate, with its existing buildings containing nearly 1,200 rooms, 100 staircases and well over 3 kilometres (2 miles) of corridors. Where Parliament now stands has been a centre of authority for over a thousand years. Once the home of the Royal Family, and still officially a royal palace, the buildings that now make up the modern Houses of Parliament have developed through design, accident and attack. The Clock Tower (Big Ben) owes its existence to a fire in 1834 that destroyed most of Parliament. A commission was set up to choose a new building design from 97 submissions and a clock tower dominated Charles Barry's winning plan. The clock swung into action in 1859. Parliament, as a political institution, has developed over hundreds of years. During that period the two distinct Houses – Commons and Lords – emerged and the balance of power between Parliament and the monarchy changed dramatically.

The Royal Mews

Buckingham Palace Road, St. James's, London, SW1A 1AA
Tel: 020 7766 7302
Web: www.royal.gov.uk

One of the finest working stables in existence, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace provides a unique opportunity for visitors to see the work of the Royal Household department that provides road transport for The Queen and members of the Royal Family by both horse-drawn carriage and motor car. The Royal Mews has a permanent display of State vehicles. These include the magnificent Gold State Coach used for Coronations and those carriages used for Royal and State occasions, State Visits, weddings and the State Opening of Parliament. A State motor vehicle is also usually on display.

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St Paul's Cathedral

The Chapter House, St. Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD
Tel: 020 7246 8357
Fax: 020 7246 8367
E-mail: visits@stpaulscathedral.org.uk
Web: www.stpauls.co.uk 

Westminster Abbey

20 Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3PA
Tel: 020 7222 5152    Fax: 020 7233 2072
E-mail: info@westminster-abbey.org
Web: www.westminster-abbey.org
Nearest Tube Stations: Westminster / St James's Park

Westminster Abbey is a living church as well as an architectural masterpiece of the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries. Founded as a Benedictine monastery over a thousand years ago, the Church was rebuilt by Edward the Confessor in 1065 and again by Henry III in the thirteenth century in the Gothic style we see today. Kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers; poets, priests, heroes and villains - the Abbey is a must-see living pageant of British history. Every year Westminster Abbey welcomes over one million visitors who want to explore this wonderful 700-year-old building. The Abbey is open to visitors on weekdays and Saturdays. However because we are a working church Sunday is reserved for worship. 

London Oratory

Thurloe Place, Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2RP
Nearest Tube Station: Kensington

The building of the Oratory was completed in 1896 and it has some amazing architectural features including a Baroque dome and an impressive Nave, which is only dwarfed by Westminster Abbey and York Minster. There is an obvious Italian influence on the building's design as it is the home to the Catholic Oratorian Order - started by Philip Neri. Although a relatively young building, the London Oratory has some truly classic features. The twelve apostles seen in the Nave were carved in 1680 for the Cathedral in Sienna. The altar also dates back to the 17th century. Well worth a visit!

St. Martin in the Fields

Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 4JJ
Tel: 020 7766 1100
Web: www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

St Martin-in-the-Fields is at the north eastern corner of Trafalgar Square and is a landmark. Its fine architecture and prominent location place it at the heart of the nation. Its work has valued historic tradition, but St Martin's has always been innovative in response to changing needs. From London's first free lending library to the first religious broadcast, St Martin's has broken new ground in defining what it means to be a church. The first church on this site stood here in the thirteenth century, quite literally 'in the fields' between London and Westminster. The present incarnation of the church was built one hundred years before Trafalgar Square, where it now stands, and was designed by James Gibbs. The design of the church was revolutionary and became the template for colonial churches right across America. The dominating steeple and columned face of the building were unique design features. The interior is galleried, like many Georgian churches and has two tiers of windows. The ceiling consists of gilded and painted plaster panels. St. Martins is the official church of Buckingham Palace and St. James Palace. St. Martins is still at the forefront of charity and provides meals for London's homeless. St. Martins has an acclaimed choir an often hold concerts with visiting musicians and orchestras. Admission is free and in the crypt visitors will find a café, gift shop and the London Brass Rubbing Centre.

London Brass Rubbing Centre

St. Martin In The Fields Church, St. Martins Place, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 4JJ
Tel: 020 7930 9306

If you've ever wanted to learn how to rub medieval plates together than this sightseeing adventure is for you. Within the scary depths of St Martin-in-Fields, you can purchase your own brass rubbing kit, choose a pattern and rub to your heart's delight. Or you can choose a finished rubbing from St Martin's wide selection. It usually runs to about £2.90 for the materials A word of caution to overzealous adults - children must be over five-years old.

Southwark Cathedral

London Bridge, London, SE1 9DA
Tel: 020 7367 6700
Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge

There has been a place of worship on the site of Southwark Cathedral for more than 1,000 years, situated in the heart of a burgeoning business community, Southwark Cathedral's parish is small: only a handful of people are actually resident in the parish which comprises offices, two hospitals, the Cathedral Primary School and the Borough Market. Southwark is London's oldest Gothic building and is considered an architectural treasure. The title of Cathedral was bestowed upon Southwark in 1905. The Cathedral is an architectural marvel, a place of worship and a living historical monument.

St. Paul's Church

Covent Garden, Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9ED
Tel: 020 7836 5221
Web: www.actorschurch.org

St. Paul's Church is located in the busy West End of London and as well as being the Parish Church of Covent Garden, we are also affectionately known as The Actors' Church because of our long association with the theatre community. This beautiful church, built by Inigo Jones, has been here since 1633 and we are also proud to have an attractive
churchyard where people can rest and find some peace and quiet in what can be a stressful and busy part of the city. We have regular worship, concerts, literary and theatrical events, and seek to further conversation and local partnerships wherever possible and in whatever ways we can. In 1631 the Earl of Bedford commissioned celebrated architect Inigo Jones to build a square and encircle it with mansions and a chapel. The Church was completed in 1633 and consecrated for worship five years later. In 1645 the church was given its own parish and was dedicated to St. Paul that same year. In 1665 the daughter of a local doctor was buried in the graveyard- unbeknown that she was the first recorded victim of the great Plague that swept through London soon after. In 1795 a fire devastated St. Paul's and considerable restoration work followed.
Worth a visit if you're in the Covent Garden Area.

Westminster Cathedral

42 Francis Street, London, SW1P 1QW
Tel: 020 7798 9055
Web: www.westminstercathedral.org.uk

Westminster Cathedral is one of the greatest secrets of London; people heading down Victoria Street on the well-trodden route to more famous sites are astonished to come across a piazza opening up the view to an extraordinary facade of towers, balconies and domes. The architecture of Westminster Cathedral certainly sets it apart from other London landmarks, owing more to the Byzantine style of the eastern Roman Empire than the familiar Gothic of our native cathedrals. Its uniqueness is, however, not merely in its external form. Visitors find in Westminster Cathedral a very special place of prayer, a refuge from the busy city, a space to find one's own thoughts. This spiritual atmosphere, shaped through the silence as well as through the music of its celebrated choir, is the chief glory of the Cathedral, and the most extraordinary treasure to be discovered by visitors.

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Kensington Palace

Kensington Gardens, London, W8 4PX
Information Line: 0870 751 5170
Web: www.hrp.org.uk
Nearest Tube Station: Kensington

Generations of royal women have shaped this stylish palace and elegant gardens from Queen Mary to Victoria and, more recently Diana, Princess of Wales. Today the palace also houses a stunning collection of fashionable and formal dress worn for state and royal occasions.   Opening Times: Open daily 1 March – 31 October 10.00 until 17.00 (last entry) 1 November – 28 February 10.00 until 16.00 (last entry) Closed 24 – 26 December

Hampton Court Palace

East Molesley, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Information Line: 0870 752 7777
Web: www.hrp.org.uk
Nearest Tube Station: Hampton Court

Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage

Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB
Information Line: 0870 751 5179
Web: www.hrp.org.uk

The most intimate of the five royal palaces, Kew was built as a private house but became a royal residence between 1728 and 1818. Both the palace and the nearby Queen Charlotte’s cottage, built in 1770, are most closely associated with King George III and his family.

Hogarth House

Kenwood House

Marble Hill House: Retreat for a Royal Mistress (or two)

Kensington Gardens

The Magazine Storeyard, Magazine Gate, Kensington Gardens, London, W2 2UH
Tel: 020 7298 2100
Web: www.royalparks.org.uk
Nearest Tube Stations: Kensington High Street / Lancaster Gate & Queensway / Bayswater

Covering 111 hectares (275 acres), Kensington Gardens is planted with formal avenues of magnificent trees and ornamental flower beds. It is a perfect setting for Kensington Palace, peaceful Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial, Peter Pan statue and the Serpentine Gallery.

Eltham Palace

Court Yard, Off Court Road, London, SE9 5QE
Tel: 020 8294 2548
Web: www.elthampalace.org.uk
Nearest Tube Stations: North Greenwich / Docklands Light Railway

Magnificent Medieval Palace with Art Deco extension. Visit Eltham Palace, one of the country's most fabulous and extraordinary homes. A masterpiece of modern design, it dramatically shows the glamour and allure of 1930's style. Restored by English Heritage, Eltham Palace captures wonderfully the elegant lifestyle of its creators - Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. The grounds at Eltham Palace have a fascinating story to tell about the sites past inhabitants. Visitors are invited to explore the mix of medieval and modern design features, which typify this entire site. From the medieval remains of Queen Isabella's apartments (c.1315) to the Courtaulds' exotic rock garden, the grounds host a rich tapestry of design, which has evolved to the present day. English Heritage is undertaking ongoing restoration work to return the gardens to their 1930's splendour.

Royal Botanical Gardens Kew

Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB
Tel: 020 8940 1171
Web: www.kew.org

Kew Gardens covers over 300 acres, and has a vast array of displays. Housing a simply amazing collection of plants from al over the globe. There is so much to see on this vast site that we recommend that you see their website prior to your visit so that you can plan your day before you arrive.

Carlyle's House

24 Cheyne Row, London, SW3 5HL
Tel: 020 7352 7087
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

From 1834 to 1881, Thomas Carlyle, the famous historian, philosopher, social writer and public speaker lived in this 1708 Queen Anne terraced house, located near to the Thames in Chelsea. Opened in 1895 as a literary shrine, it contains some of the Carlyle's' furniture, books, portraits and personal possessions, along with memorabilia collected over the years. There is a small walled garden within the grounds and the surrounding streets are steeped in literary history and associations.