7 days exploring London’s museums, art, and royal history

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.

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.

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.

Tower Bridge is one of the finest and most recognizable bridges in the world. The commanding gothic towers have stood over the River Thames since 1894, becoming one of the most symbolic landmarks of the city.Discover the history of the bridge, learn about the stages of its construction and discover the stories attached to its uniquely distinctive design. You can head to the top of one of the bridge towers to enjoy panoramic views of the city too, from the Tower of London and HMS Belfast to St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge and much more.Once you’ve taken in the incredible view, explore fascinating exhibits and displays outlining the history of the bridge and why it was built. It’s an exciting place for anyone interested in history, architecture, and engineering.

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.

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.

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!

Kings and queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets and priests, heroes and villains - Westminster Abbey has witnessed them all. This must-see living pageant of British history is the spiritual home of British royal events – a place where 16 royal weddings have taken place and almost every British monarch has been coronated. Step into the glorious Gothic abbey church and walk in the footsteps of many kings and queens throughout history.You’ll explore the venue’s opulent period architecture – think dramatic vaulted ceilings, striking sculptures and stained-glass windows that throw rainbow-colored light across the room. Tour Poets’ Corner and the Nave and see strange life-like effigies on the tombs of famous poets, scientists and royals. The free multimedia guide will give you all the facts, history and information you need while you explore, and it’s available in 14 languages. After you’ve ticked off the otherworldly interiors, head outside to take some time out in the pretty College Garden, which are said to be the oldest cultivated gardens in the UK.

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.

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!