5 days in London: museums, palaces, and art adventures

This magnificent Tudor palace looks like it was plucked from the pages of a storybook. Hampton Court was Henry VIII’s favourite royal hangout, and it was lavishly decorated by two luxury-loving kings, so you can expect priceless paintings, fine tapestries and gold just about everywhere. There are even a couple of resident ghosts to look out for as you’re touring the haunted rooms.Explore the private royal apartments, the chapel, and the Tudor kitchens which were built to feed over 1,000 court staff. See a replica of Henry VIII’s crown in the Royal Pew and step into the Great Hall where some of Shakespeare’s plays were performed for the first time. Once you’ve explored the palace interiors, head outside to enjoy the impressive manicured gardens and get lost in the world-famous hedge maze.

It’s easy to see why Windsor Castle, with its peaceful courts, expansive grounds and stunning circular tower, is such a popular place to visit!Built in the 11th Century following the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle has survived sieges, wars, fires and even some of Henry VIII’s more extravagant feasting parties.The castle has undergone many alterations and renovations over the years, not least under Edward III, who lavished huge amounts of money on new buildings and rich furnishings during his reign in the Middle Ages.Enjoy a free self-guided multimedia tour that brings the castle’s history to life, from the picturesque Round Tower to the masterpieces by Rubens, Brueghel, Van Dyck and more that adorn the walls of the opulent State Apartments.Visit St George’s Chapel, an architectural masterpiece that’s considered one of the finest examples of the Gothic style in the UK, and which contains the tombs of 11 former monarchs, including Henry VIII. And don’t miss the Changing of the Guard, which begins with a march through the town center and culminates with the traditional guard-changing ceremony in the castle’s Lower Ward.

The iconic Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse in which Shakespeare worked, and for which he wrote many of his most famous plays!Their expert guide-storytellers provide a fascinating 50-minute tour of the Globe Theatre auditorium, vividly recreating colourful stories of the 1599 Playhouse, the London Shakespeare would have known and the Globe reconstruction process in the 1990s. Their guides will also bring the theatre to life for visitors, exploring how the ‘wooden ‘O’ works today as an imaginative and experimental space for performance.You’ll hear stories of the 1599 Globe, learn all about its reconstruction process in the 1990s, and find out how the building works today as an experimental theatre space. Take a seat, listen, absorb and ask questions as the secrets of the Globe unfold.Tours are available in English only, with written information available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, or Simplified Chinese.

Avoid the crowds on this spectacular walking tour and snap the best photos of the changeover of the Royal Guard.Watch the Royal Guards and Household Cavalry march towards Buckingham Palace as your local guide tells you everything there is to know about the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It’s one of the most inspiring British events so be prepared to witness it in all its glorious pomp and pageantry.Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will talk you through the ceremony, so you’re sure to know what’s going on at each stage and they’ll give you an insight into the history of this memorable parade. Along the way, you’ll get clued up on all the significant buildings in the area so you’re sure to leave with everything you need to know!

Explore everything astronomy at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. You’ll see where east meets west, discover how the seas and the stars were first mapped out by scientific pioneers, and explore the historic home of the first Astronomer Royal.One of the most important historical scientific sites in the world, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, offers an educational and entertaining visit back in time. There’s a host of things to see in this fascinating museum, learn how time was standardized, how the first telescope was made, and how science and astronomy have changed through the ages. You’ll also get to explore legendary inventions such as the UK’s largest refracting telescope and get hands-on with a 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid.And while you’re there, don’t forget to take in one of the best views in the city outside of the Observatory.

Explore Greenwich’s Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper in the world.Part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, the Cutty Sark is a historic sailing ship that was once the fastest and greatest of her time. You’ll discover what life was like onboard the ship, touch a piece of world history, and learn about this striking vessel. A truly immersive experience, multi-sensory interactive displays will bring the ship to life with sights, smells and sounds of what life at sea would have been like.The Cutty Sark was built in Scotland in 1869 and designed to carry tea from China to England in record-time. In her heyday, the ship circumnavigated the globe and visited every major port around the world.Since being preserved as a museum ship, the Cutty Sark has been raised above the ground, allowing you to walk underneath the hull while touching the original planks and iron framework.Board the clipper and discover the sailors’ quarters and the ship’s wheel, meet famous Cutty Sark characters and learn about their incredible stories while enjoying beautiful views up and down the Thames.Be sure to pop by the Even Keel Café, located directly underneath the ship’s hull, for Cutty Sark-inspired cup of tea, Clipper Lunch or book in for an indulgent and traditional Afternoon Tea complete with scones and cakes.

As one of London’s most famous sights, this imposing fortress sits proudly on the banks of the Thames in the historic heart of the city.This striking UNESCO World Heritage Site was built under the instruction of William the Conqueror in the 1070s to demonstrate the power of the Normans following a successful battle on English shores.Since its time as an imposing fortress, the Tower of London has served as a palace, an armory, a prison, and even a zoo! These days, however, it’s the brilliant Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters as they are known, that people come to see, as they give fascinating tours of the grounds all the while safeguarding the sensational British Crown Jewels.

Robots, space suits, steam turbines and early computers are just some of the marvels on display in this extraordinary museum of human achievement and ingenuity.Visit the Energy Zone to see huge steam engines, including the oldest surviving James Watt beam engine, Old Bess, which dates to the 18th Century. The Apollo 10 lunar command module, the very first Apple computer and Crick and Watson’s DNA double helix are among the highlights in the Making the Modern World gallery, while the Flight zone features a cross-section of a Boeing 747 and pioneering aviator Amy Johnson's Gipsy Moth, the plane in which she became the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930.It’s easy to see why the Science Museum is one of London’s top attractions. There are dozens more things to see and do here across several different zones, including stacks of interactive areas. Wonderlab has over 50 exhibits that explore the incredible in the everyday. Here you can see live demonstrations, ride on a giant rotating model of our solar system, make lightning strike and experience opposing forces on a massive friction slide. For information on current exhibitions and to book tickets for Wonderlab (charges apply) check out the official attraction website.Your pass gets you into the futuristic IMAX cinema, which boasts an enormous screen and cutting-edge immersive technology with 10 times the image and sound quality of normal cinemas. Prepare to have your mind blown by recently released blockbusters, eye-popping educational films and classic movies.

As one of central London’s royal residences, Kensington Palace has been a home and refuge to the royal family since the 17th century. Now, it is the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Built in 1605, it has roots in Jacobean architecture and was first known as Nottingham House. William III and Mary II were crowned jointly in 1689, and were instrumental in transforming Nottingham House into Kensington Palace.When Queen Mary died from smallpox in 1694, William was overcome with grief. Despite this he finished the building with a grand gallery at the south of the Palace, enlarging Sir Christopher Wren’s original plan. Now it is one of London’s most exquisite palaces and comes with acres of manicured gardens and the world-famous Orangery.Once you’ve seen all there is to see inside, take a wander around the 30-acres of Palace Garden and explore this oasis right in the heart of the capital. Check out the sunken garden which is home to impressive floral displays all year round. The palace also hosts an ever-changing array of exhibitions, so be sure to check out the website before you go to make the most of your visit.

Enter the King’s Gallery nestled beside Buckingham Palace and begin your mesmerizing voyage through the annals of art and history. As a hub for changing exhibitions from the renowned Royal Collection, one of the globe’s most significant art repositories, the King’s Gallery offers a panoramic view of royal heritage. Traverse diverse mediums, from paintings to sculptures, and immerse yourself in their stories.Originally Queen Victoria’s private chapel, the gallery became an artistic haven after being destroyed in a 1940 air raid. Since then, it has stood as a bastion of cultural enrichment, inviting visitors to engage with unparalleled treasures from the trove of art history.Whether you’re a connoisseur of art, a student of history, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience in London, the King’s Gallery beckons with promises of inspiration and wonder.Don't miss the new exhibition Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style running from April–October! Explore the late Queen’s style across ten decades through this exhibition that marks the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth.

Step into an immersive, cutting-edge art experience and journey through some of the greatest works of art, brought to life in breathtaking new ways.You’ll see jaw-dropping, immersive interpretations of iconic art pieces, accompanied by a stirring soundtrack, to bring each celebrated masterpiece to life. Travel through four themed galleries and enjoy the work of world-famous artists including Van Gogh, Monet, Dali, Rembrandt, Kandisky and many more. A must-do for art lovers visiting London.

After captivating more than 6 million visitors in Amsterdam and Barcelona, Moco Museum has brought its bold, boundary-pushing art to the heart of London.Moco Museum is a leading museum dedicated to making art accessible for everyone. Discover an iconic collection of modern, contemporary, digital and immersive art, featuring world-famous artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, and many more.Explore over 100 bold artworks by 35+ visionary artists, spanning paintings, sculptures, installations, and immersive digital spaces. Every ticket includes a free audio guide in 6 languages, so you can fully experience the stories behind the art.Step into 1980s New York and experience Voice of the Street – Keith Haring’s Subway Drawings, a major temporary exhibition at Moco Museum London. For the first time, Moco Museum London is transformed into a fully immersive New York subway environment, bringing the urgency, energy and rebellious spirit of Haring’s underground years to life.Featuring 30 original subway drawings created between 1980 and 1985, the exhibition explores the raw beginnings of Haring’s practice, when he transformed blacked-out advertising panels into powerful, uncommissioned works of public art.A must-do for art lovers and those looking for unforgettable things to do when visiting London! Even better? Go City customers receive an exclusive Moco Museum gift bag, so don’t miss a visit to one of the coolest art museums!

The walls of the Royal Albert Hall have plenty of stories to tell. You may think of the place as just a music hall, but did you know it once hosted a séance? Or that the auditorium was flooded with 56,000 litres of water for an opera? Or that criminals have even taken to the stage? And this is just a few examples of what you can expect on a tour of the Royal Albert Hall! With a friendly, knowledgeable guide, you’ll journey through the venue and see its best bits. Feel fancy in the royal areas of the Hall, marvel at the stunning auditorium, and witness the stage that’s hosted some of the globe’s most inspiring performers and personalities – from Arctic Monkeys to Muhammad Ali, BBC Proms to Beyoncé, Suffragettes to Winston Churchill, and Albert Einstein to Ed Sheeran. Delve into the building’s 150-year history, from its highs and lows to fascinating challenges like the Royal Albert Hall echo. If luck’s on your side when you visit, you may even hear an artist during their soundcheck!