7 days in London: must-see sights, royals, and river fun

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.

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 jewel in the crown of a visit to the Royal Borough of Greenwich is the magnificent Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, which is one of Europe’s most impressive interiors.This iconic landmark is steeped in 600 years of history and was the birthplace of Henry VIII. In addition to the fascinating history behind the site, it is Britain’s no.1 Heritage film location, with the opportunity to step behind-the-scenes to discover how this stunning site has featured in everything from Bridgerton to Bond.Departing hourly from the Visitor Centre, your pass also includes the award-winning site tour, which is optional. Covering the Visitor Centre, the grounds and the stunning Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, you can learn the estate’s fascinating 600 year history from its origins as a 1420s manor house, rebuilt as Greenwich Palace for Henry VII; to the commissioning of Sir Christopher Wren in 1694 for the design of a Royal Hospital for Seamen which it remained, up until 1873 when it became the Royal Naval College.

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.

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.

Easily one of London’s most recognizable buildings, St Paul’s Cathedral has played a major role in the city’s history.You’ll recognise St Paul’s Cathedral instantly thanks to the stunning dome that dominates the London skyline. It’s not just striking on the outside – explore a visually impressive interior too that’s filled with mystery and wonder. Think whispering walls, a frescoed ceiling and unique effigies of former kings and queens.With a visit to St Paul’s, you’ll learn all about its unique history and the famous weddings that have taken place there, including Prince Charles and Diana’s back in 1981. Want to hear hymns too? Then catch choral evensong, taking place at 5PM on most weekdays and hear St Paul’s acoustics put to the test.

Commissioned by Edward III around 1365, Jewel Tower was originally built to house the King’s personal treasures – hence the name – and had a moat dug around it for extra protection. It was also known as the King’s Privy Wardrobe.Located right across the road from the Houses Of Parliament, the Jewel Tower is right in the middle of one of the key tourist locations with Westminster Abbey and Big Ben both only minutes away by foot.You can explore 3 floors of fantastic exhibitions showcasing artifacts, paintings, and much more. The tower remains virtually unaltered today and is one of the only two complete buildings remaining from the medieval Palace Of Westminster, the other being Westminster Hall.

This 1-hour guided tour will bring you even closer to the matchday experience as you go behind the scenes into the most exclusive areas of Stamford Bridge.Chelsea’s live tour guides lead you through Stamford Bridge on a fantastic 60-minute experience, including Dressing Rooms, Press Room, players’ tunnel, pitch-side and much more.The Chelsea FC Museum, home to the most complete collection of football silverware in London, can be visited either before or after the tour and is included in the price of the visit.Each guest receives a free Chelsea FC lanyard and the opportunity for an official photograph with both the 2012 and 2021 UEFA Champions League trophies on arrival (photos must be purchased separately).You’ll be able to download a digital guide to your device, which features stunning videos, 360-degree films, historical footage and quiz content to enhance your visit at the start of the tour.The guide is available in 12 languages: English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Hebrew, Mandarin, Japanese, Thai and Arabic, and tells the full history of the club from 1905 to the present day.

Sit back, relax, and take in the views of London with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. Tick off Central London’s top attractions and get to know the city a little better.

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!

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.

The Natural History Museum is home to 300 scientists and a whopping 80 million objects.See a triceratops skull in the famous Dinosaurs gallery, marvel at the 4.5 billion-year-old Imilac meteorite and learn about out our planet’s amazing biodiversity.Your free guidebook explores each of the different exhibition areas and includes a handy map. Packed with color photos, it’s a great way to navigate your way around the museum and a lovely memento 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.