2 days in London: must-see sights with the Explorer pass

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Step inside one of London’s most striking landmarks and ride the high-speed lifts up through the clouds to The View from The Shard.The experience unfolds across multiple levels, starting with spacious indoor viewing galleries on Levels 68 and 69, where floor-to-ceiling glass gives you sweeping 360-degree views across the capital. Interactive telescopes and digital displays help you pick out everything from Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral to Canary Wharf and the curve of the Thames below.Then comes the showstopper: Level 72’s open-air Skydeck, where you can feel the breeze and take in London without glass between you and the skyline.Whether you visit on a clear blue day, at golden hour or after dark when the city sparkles, it’s a memorable way to see London from a completely new perspective.