Four Days in London: Uncover the City’s Secrets

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The London Eye is an architectural marvel and a true symbol of the modern city. As Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, it’s a must-do on your London vacation.Standing at an impressive 135 metres (443ft) high, the London Eye boasts 32 glass pods that represent each one of London’s boroughs. Step into the spacious capsule, that’s completely enclosed and climate-controlled, and be transported to the heights of the city.Originally constructed as a temporary exhibit to celebrate the new millennium in 2000, the London Eye offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline that stretches as far as 25 miles on a clear day. That’s all the way to Windsor Castle! Spot the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the clock tower housing Big Ben, and the gothic structures of the Houses of Parliament. Gaze out at other famous silhouettes such as the Shard, the winding River Thames, and the majestic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. These sights become even more magical at sunset or when night falls, and the city lights begin to twinkle.

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.

Step behind the scenes at one of London’s most iconic football clubs and experience Arsenal FC like never before.Walk down the players’ tunnel, stand in the home changing room and soak up the atmosphere of a stadium that hosts 60,000 roaring fans on match days. Take in the pitchside views, peek inside the Directors’ Box and Diamond Club, and imagine the pre-match adrenaline.Newly added areas, including the Head Coach’s office and the Physio Room, give you a glimpse into where strategy is planned and players are prepped before a game. As you explore, interactive video features allow you to hear from players, watch behind-the-scenes footage and even try out the Arsenal interactive shirt cam.The Arsenal Museum complements the tour, showcasing iconic memorabilia from the club’s history. Highlights include Jens Lehmann’s goalkeeper gloves from the unbeaten Invincibles season, Michael Thomas’s boots from the legendary 1989 Anfield match, and shirts from FA Cup finals across the decades.With video theatres, twenty major displays, and a collection of historic kits, this tour is a must for football fans and sports history enthusiasts alike.