World Book Day 2020: A Guide to Literary London

By Megan Hills

Celebrate World Book Day 2020 and read your way around the capital with our book lover's guide to London

From Shakespeare and Dickens to Keats, Holmes and Potter, London has been home to some of the finest literary minds and most cherished fictional characters. A city steeped in literary history, with famous writers creating master works in the capital throughout the ages, you'll want to bookmark this page - we've put together a book lover's guide to London. We've assembled this lineup of London literary hotspots to celebrate World Book Day 2020, which falls on March 5th. So follow us on a literary tour of London, taking in writer haunts, literary attractions and settings from some of the country’s top tales, including...

  • The recreation of Shakespeare's Globe
  • A walking tour dedicated to some of the most famous movie adaptations of classic books
  • A guide to the London pubs favoured by some of the country's most lauded writers, thinkers and drinkers
  • The homes of three literary figures (two real, one fictional), now operating as world class museums
  • And much, much more

Shakespeare's Globe

See The Bard's masterpieces performed as was intended at London's most famous theatre. The 16th century playhouse has been rebuilt to capture its former glory, close to its original location near the Thames. Shakespeare was a member of The Globe's resident theatre troupe and wrote many of his greatest works to debut at the 'wooden O'. The circular structure with a glorious thatched roof puts on Shakespeare plays during the summer. Audiences choose between the seating and a standing areas. The latter is worth the cheaper price tag, if you can stomach standing for a few hours. Outside the summer season, catch a play at the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. They're putting on The Taming of the Shrew on World Book Day 2020. With guided tours and exhibitions dedicated to spreading the love of Shakespeare, the Globe is a must-visit for any theatre lover on World Book Day 2020. Access the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour with The London Pass. To find out more about the pass, click below.

Keats House

Visit the Hampstead home where legendary Romantic poet John Keats lived and wrote. Now a museum dedicated to this giant of Romantic poetry, see his drafts and glimmers of his personal life at the site. Take a self-guided tour of the home's restored rooms, learning about the man's life and work. And the garden is alive, a showcase of the natural world that so inspired him. But this was a tragic place too. As Keats grew ill, he was kept isolated from his love, Fanny Brawne, who was literary the girl next door. Keep an eye on their events calendar as Keats House host many cultural happenings, ranging from touring exhibitions to poetry readings. On World Book Day 2020, join a guided tour of Keats House. They run at 13.00 and 15.00 daily, subject to availability. Access to the tour and the rest of Keats House is included with The London Pass. Find out more below.

The Charles Dickens Museum

With over 100,000 of his personal items and even original manuscripts preserved and put on display, this is the most extensive Charles Dickens exhibit in the entire world. Housed in one of Dickens' former homes and teeming with quirky antiquities, the permanent collection embodies the lifetime of the literary great and paints a full picture of his character, lifestyle and works. It's the kind of place that betters even the greatest of expectations. His writing desk is a true highlight. And make sure you stay for a slice of cake and tea afterwards to round off your tour. Explore the only surviving London home of Charles Dickens. And do so with The London Pass. You see, if you have The London Pass, entry to The Charles Dickens Museum is included. If you want to know more about the pass, click the button below.

Fitzroy Tavern

The creative types sure knew how to party/drink/write whilst full of wine...and Fitzroy Tavern has long been a favourite pub of the best of them, with the likes of Dylan Thomas and George Orwell gracing its bar. Teeming with personality and covered in British artwork, slip out of the front room when it starts getting packed...head downstairs to the quieter Writers and Artists Bar for a dose of much needed inspiration to accompany your libations.

Brit Movie Tours

Okay, okay, we know, we know. But please hear us out. Behind most good movies is a book. And that's certainly true of many London-set movies covered by Brit Movie Tours. Sign up for their Harry Potter Walking Tour of London for heaps of Potter-related surprises. You'll see plenty of locations from the movies, sure to delight even the most avidly 'the films are nowhere near as good as the books' Potter Head. And the Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour of London will make detectives of you all. Join your guide to piece together the mysteries of Holmes's London, featuring settings from the books and the many big screen and small screen adaptations that have followed. A walking tour with Brit Movie Tours is included with The London Pass. Simply book your tour in advance, then show your pass when you arrive. Click below for more details.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

A visit to the Sherlock Holmes Museum is elementary, my dear Watson. Located close to Baker Street tube station (which has been fittingly decorated to honour the super sleuth), the museum is full of Holmes memorabilia. It's even got Holmes's study, carefully replicated from descriptions in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books. With a fantastic gift shop for fans to take a memento of the detective home with them, you'll find the museum between 237 and 241 Baker Street. However, of course, the door says 221b, in tribute to the unlikely detective pairing and their digs. [caption id="attachment_6402" align="alignnone" width="1000"]

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The George Inn

Another drinking establishment on the list, The George Inn is just around the corner from Shakespeare's Globe. It's thought to be where the famous playwright would go for a pint after work. This 400 year old inn has seen the twists and turns of British history, including its near destruction during the Fire of London. Today, it's deliberately preserved to remain true to its original 16th century spirit. Charles Dickens was one of its many patrons and loved it so much he included it in his novel Little Dorritt. [caption id="attachment_6401" align="alignnone" width="1000"]

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Poets' Corner

Pay tribute to some of the biggest names in British literary history at Westminster Abbey, where a section of the South Transept is dedicated to those who have significantly contributed to Britain's cultural heritage. Over 100 writers and poets are buried or commemorated here. With tributes to a huge range of authors and poets, including Jane Austen, W.H. Auden, William Blake, the Bronte sisters, Lord Byron and more, it's worth braving the Westminster Abbey tourist crowds to see the greats for yourself. And, don't forget, entry to Westminster Abbey is included with The London Pass. Yes, it's true. So are many other big gun London attractions. To find out which ones, click the button below.

The Hercules Pillars

Located in the heart of Soho's rich nightlife, the Hercules Pillars is a reconstruction of a previous pub with the same name dating all the way back to 1730. It was mentioned in A Tale of Two Cities by regular patron Charles Dickens. In fact, adjacent Manette Street owes its name to Dickens' character Dr. Manette. With a distinctly Victorian feel to the interiors, it has since continued to be an important literary site for more contemporary authors. We're talking the likes of Ian McEwan, Martin Amis and Julian Barnes. So head there, make a scene, and you could be immortalised in a bestseller. Or just have a drink and look at the sculptures.

A Conversation with Oscar Wilde

It's only fitting that a writer with as big a personality as Oscar Wilde should have a statue dedicated to him. To find this unique sculpture, head to Adelaide Street, close to Trafalgar Square. Part bench and part artwork, fans of Oscar Wilde can sit and converse with a bust of his head as the London crowds pass by. Completed in 1998, it features one of Oscar Wilde's best known lines. It comes from Lady Windermere's Fan: 'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.' Perhaps the bronze statue isn't to everyone's taste. Perhaps it isn't to anyone's taste. But it's nice to have a bit of London dedicated to a man of such talents. And it's nice to take the load off whilst exploring London's literary sites on World Book Day 2020. So go for a chat with Wilde on World Book Day 2020. You probably won't be the only one making the pilgrimage. [caption id="attachment_6400" align="alignnone" width="1000"]

atlasobscura.com[/caption] So, that's it for our World Book Day 2020 guide to London's literary sites. However, if you have any to add, let us know in the comments below. And, of course, don't forget to check out The London Pass. See how it can help you see the very best of literary London. To find out more, click below. The button that says Find Out More. There it is. You've got it. Now click.

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The Boat Race 2020: A Guide

All you could possibly ever need to know about The Boat Race 2020, including... What it is When it is Where it is What The Goat Race is When that is Where that is And much much more... What is The Boat Race 2020? It’s this year’s iteration of the famous Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. It’s sometimes called the University Boat Race, sometimes the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. But you and I can call it, simply, The Boat Race. And what is The Boat Race? The Boat Race is an annual rowing race between the Oxbridge universities’ men’s and women’s boat clubs. It’s rowed by teams of eight and is taken very, very seriously. The men’s race traces its history back to 1829, and has been held annually since 1856. The women’s race was first introduced in 1927, and started being held annually from 1964. It wasn’t until 2015 that the two races were held in the same place and on the same day. Nowadays, both events are referred to collectively as The Boat Race. It’s got a whole load of history, it’s a fierce sporting rivalry, it’s quintessentially British and it takes place in London. Where in London does it take place? On the River Thames, of course. You probably could have guessed that. The course runs from Putney to Mortlake in West London, running from east to west along the river, traveling upstream. It’s known as The Championship Course and is just over 4 miles long, following an S shape with three main bends. When is The Boat Race 2020 taking place? The Boat Race 2020 is taking place on Sunday 29th March. The men’s event begins at 15.44, the women’s at 16.44. Can I watch The Boat Race 2020 in person? You absolutely can. Over a quarter of a million people watch the race in person each year, from either side of the Thames. Millions more watch it on television, where it’s broadcast by the BBC. Where can I watch it from? You’ve got option after option when it comes to perches from which to watch The Boat Race 2020. Each one offers something different, giving you a different stage of the stage, a different perspective on the unfolding battle. Putney Bridge offers great views of the starting line. You can watch the teams try to get an early advantage as they head up to The Fulham Bend. Then head over to Bishop’s Park to watch the rest of the race on the big screen. Later on in the race, Hammersmith Bridge and Chiswick Pier offer good vantage points from which to see the rowers. At these mid-points, the crews make decisive moves to try and put this thing to (river) bed. If you want to see one team snatch glory, try the Emanuel School Boathouse or Dukes Meadow. These two are towards the end of the race, so you’ll see the whole thing decided. [caption id="attachment_6381" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash[/caption] Is there a fan park where I can watch the race on a big screen? You know, like with football? You’ve got a couple of choices in this department too. And many of them are located close to viewing areas along the course. So, you can see some of it in real life. Then you can enjoy the rest on the big screen. First off, you’ve got Bishop’s Park. There’ll be a big screen, bars, food and funfair attractions. It’s located on the northern end of Putney Bridge, right bang at the start of the race. It’s free to enter, opens at noon, and wraps up around 18.30. Then there’s the Wainwright Fan Park, located in Hammersmith’s Furnivall Gardens. You can catch the teams IRL as they pass through the Hammersmith Bend. And you can catch them URL on the big screen, which’ll be broadcasting both races as covered by the BBC. It’s free to enter, family friendly and ideally situated just a 10 minute walk from Hammersmith Station. There’ll be plenty of street food to choose from and drinks provided by the Wainwright brewery. Soft drinks too. St Mary’s Church, close to the start of the race, is the ideal spot for families looking to enjoy the day together. They host The Boat Race 2020 Family Day from noon, with a big screen showing the BBC coverage, Boat Race-themed games for the kids, a bouncy castle, face painting, a barbecue and plenty of stalls. You can see the teams set off down The Thames from the church, located at the southern end of Putney Bridge. [caption id="attachment_6383" align="alignnone" width="1000"] theboatrace.org[/caption] Any other ways of getting involved? Head to a pub. Plenty will be showing The Boat Race 2020 action unfold. There’s something deliciously enticing about sinking a couple of late-March pints whilst watching world class athletes compete. For our guide to the best sports pubs and bars in West London, get yourself over HERE. Give me some stats... In the men’s event, Oxford University Boat Club have won 80 of the bouts. Cambridge University Boat Club are ahead on 84. There was a dead heat too, way back in 1877. But more on that below. In the women’s race, Oxford University Women’s Boat Club have won 30 of the races so far, with Cambridge ahead there too, with 44 victories to date. The reigning champions, in both the men’s and women’s races, are Cambridge. The Cambridge men’s team are looking to make it three victories in a row at The Boat Race 2020, the women’s team are looking to make it four on the bounce. The course record in the men’s event was set in 1998. The time? 16 minutes, 19 seconds. The winners? Cambridge. The course record in the women’s event was set in 2017. The time? 18 minutes, 33 seconds. The winners? Cambridge. Basically, Cambridge are the team to beat at the moment, and can claim most of the main records going back. Still, it’s been a topsy-turvy contest between the two unis since the tradition started. Both have put together periods of dominance and come to seem unbeatable. Then they get beaten. That’s why it keeps the public interested, the viewers tuning in and the supporters turning up. [caption id="attachment_6382" align="alignnone" width="1000"] theboatrace.org[/caption] Anything else I should be aware of?It's a charitable event The official charity of The Boat Race 2020 is the RNLI. All donations taken at the event benefit the Chiswick lifeboat crew. Funds raised go towards training and equipment for the Chiswick crew, helping them have the skills and kit they need to save lives on the Thames. There's an alternative event that's really taken off in recent years There is an alternative event taking place on the same date. It takes just a little inspiration from The Boat Race 2020. Its name? The Goat Race. Yes, The Goat Race is exactly what it sounds like. Two goats, one called Oxford, the other called Cambridge, in canoes, thrusting their way down the Thames—. No, unfortunately it’s a land race, goat on goat, with no oars necessary. It’s still a blast though. They run around a farm. It’s held at Spitalfields City Farm and raises money for said farm. It’s a pleasant day out too, with drinks and eats and everyone’s tongues firmly in their cheeks, fully aware they’ve chosen to do something with their Sunday that’s based solely on the quality of a punny name. To find out more, head HERE. Boat Race is cockney rhyming slang for... In cockney rhyming slang, ‘Boat Race’ means face. As in: “Are you going to watch The Boat Race 2020?” “Well, I’m pretty busy on Sunday 29th March 2020, what with The Goat Race and all, but maybe I’ll show my boat race.” The dead heat As mentioned above, there was once a dead heat in the men’s race. Both teams finished in 24 minutes, 8 seconds in poor weather. Stories persist that the race judge, John Phelps, was unable to call the result with any authority as he was over 70 and blind in one eye, and possibly biased against Oxford. Others conjure up tales of him being drunk under a bush when the teams finished. This is all probably untrue, and the result was more likely indicative of the fact the judge had no technology to assist him with his judgements. There've been plenty of famous participants over the years Famous sportsperson participants over the years have included Olympians Matthew Pinsent (Oxford 1990, 1991 and 1993) and James Cracknell (Cambridge 2019) who, at the age of 46, became the oldest competitor to take part in The Boat Race. Others to have taken part in The Boat Race include TV presenter and historian Dan Snow (for Oxford in 1999, 2000 and 2001), photographer and royal by marriage Lord Snowdon (for Cambridge in 1950) and the comedian and actor Hugh Laurie (for Cambridge in 1980). So, we reckon that’s all you could possibly need to know about The Boat Race 2020. Maybe a little more than you need to know about The Boat Race 2020. But if you have anything to add or ask, let us know in the comments below. Have you been before? And will you be turning out this year? Do you have a horse in the race? What’s your horse doing out there? It’s meant to be a race between human adults. Your horse can’t row can it? It can? WHAT.
Matthew Pearson
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Free Fun in London

The London Pass saves you on attraction entry costs for museums, landmarks and sights that charge. But if you're a local who just wants to while away some time or a sightseer who wants to save as much money as possible (let's be honest, who doesn't), then you're in luck here. From art galleries and museums to gigs and street art, there are plenty of places to find free fun in London. And now you'll know where they're all located, thanks to our top 15 free fun things to do in London list. British Museum Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DD It's one of the most famous museums in the world for a reason. Expect a uniquely engaging day out at the British Museum, with its collection of over 8 million items. It’s a must-visit for all culture fiends and those with a keen interest in history. Some of its most famous exhibits include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures and the Egyptian Mummies. Virtual experiences, previews and exclusive online experiences are also available here. https://www.instagram.com/p/BycqvUsnoKR/ 2. Check out the local talent in Covent Garden Cranbourn St, Covent Garden, London WC2H 7AR Covent Garden’s famous Piazza has played host to performers from all over the world since the 1660s. Expect everything from knife jugglers to mimes and contortionists. Whether you’re shopping for exquisite products from world-class brands, trying one of over 20 Al Fresco dining spots in the square or simply ambling by, taking in one of these performances is the perfect pitstop from. And you’ll be preserving a long-held tradition too. 3. Explore on foot or in the saddle Lockdown has taught many of us the value of the simple things in life. So whether you’re a London local or new to the city, you'll enjoy the unadorned pleasure of fresh air on foot or on a bike. Our recommendations: if you want to take in the best sights on your journey, start from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This 67-kilometre (37-mile) walk will allow you to see London's major Olympic sites while taking you past some of the most popular attractions in London, including Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and Shakespeare’s Globe theatre. Cyclists: enjoy the towpath that goes north from Hackney Wick up the River Lea and past the canal locks straight to Epping Forest. 4. Sky Garden Cityscapes 20 Fenchurch St, EC3M 8AF Some of the best free views of London are from the viewing gallery at Sky Garden, opened in early 2015 on the top three floors of 20 Fenchurch Street, colloquially known as the ‘Walkie Talkie’. At 155m high, walk among the exotic plants in this high-rise greenhouse and take in the 360-degree views over the city. Whether during the day or at night, you can’t help to be impressed. If you fancy a drink there’s an upmarket bar and restaurant to have a splurge, or a small café if you want a quick bite. 5. Classical Concerts St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ St Martin-in-the-Fields is a go-to spot for lunchtime culture. This English Anglican Church dates back to the medieval period and offers free classical concerts at 1pm on most Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Their programme ranges from piano recitals to solo singers and is anything but amateur. Check the schedule on their website and head down for free - doors open at 12. Donations are welcome. 6. National Galleries Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN & St Martin’s Place, London WC2H 0HE Just across from St Martin-in-the-Fields are the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery (closed until Spring 2023. Check out their digital exhibits here). Two of the most popular galleries in London, the National Gallery contains over 2,000 Western European paintings from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt; while the National Portrait Gallery boasts the world’s largest collection of portraiture, more than any other gallery in the world with over 10,000 portraits! 7. Deer Spotting Richmond Park, Holly Lodge, TW10 5HS There’s nowhere quite like Richmond Park in London. It’s the largest of the eight Royal Parks in London and classified as a National Nature Reserve – and there’s nowhere like it in London to enjoy a bit of deer spotting! With a herd of 650 red and fallow deer, you can’t help but spot them grazing around the park. Bring a picnic in the warmer weather, or detour and drive through it on your way back to London. 8. Changing of the Guard Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA Catch one of the most iconic royal traditions at Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard. This tradition showcases British pomp and military ceremony with immaculate guards and stirring bands. It happens at 11am daily during the summer, and alternate days during the rest of the year but schedules may change until further notice, so it's always best to check the site. The Palace is also offering virtual viewings during this time, so be sure to check those out if you can't make it down in person. 9. Hampstead Heath London Borough of Camden One of the best-loved green spaces in London, for Londoners and visitors in the know, Hampstead Heath is a hilly, varied and historic wonderland in North London. You get a great view of the London skyline from Parliament Hill, and there’s a real natural abundance and biodiversity here that you won’t find in many other places around the capital. It can get busy during the summer, sure, but it’s so big that you’ll always find a lovely, secluded spot for a picnic. 10. Platform 9 3⁄4 1, Kings Cross Station, Euston Rd, N1 9AP Calling all Harry Potter fans, this is perhaps one of the best free Harry Potter experiences there is. Stand at the iconic Platform 9 3⁄4 and grip onto the trolley as it speeds through the wall from the world of Muggles into the world of Magic. Don’t forget to take a photo! 11. Street Art Around East London, particularly Shoreditch and the streets off Brick Lane With walls and end of terraces filled with street art and graffiti, East London is a vibrant, colourful and fascinating place to explore on foot. Naturally, it doesn’t cost a thing to see and snap these works of art in their natural setting and admire the way they work together to create an ever-changing, constantly-evolving and beautiful whole. From political statements and protests to straight-up weirdness, the murals and smaller pieces that mark the walls of Shoreditch, Bethnal Green, Regents Canal and Dalston are vital to the feel of the East End, as well as the look. 12. Free films BFI South Bank, South Block, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT Going to the cinema these days is no cheap thing. Popular during the summer months are pop up screens in public places like parks, squares and rooftops, but you can catch iconic films all year round – and without paying a penny – at the BFI Mediatheque. Just remember to save your spot online. With over 2,500 films on file, choose which one best suits your mood, sit back and slip on some headphones to immerse yourself in the moment. The collection is specially curated into different areas of interest, meaning you can easily find something that appeals to you. And if you don't feel ready to venture into a cinema just yet, you can also enjoy the BFI's free archives remotely. 13. Royal Air Force Museum Royal Air Force Museum, Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL A great one for kids, veterans and aeroplane enthusiasts alike, the Royal Air Force Museum is home to over 100 aircraft and tells the story of the role and development of the RAF. Alongside some of the most famous and iconic military aircraft, there are fascinating artefacts, including medals, letters and uniforms, as well as a number of interactive features, such as simulators and the chance to hop up into a Spitfire. 14. Be a member of the audience BBC Studios, various locations Ever wanted to see your favourite presenter live? Do you dream of being in the audience of a chat show? TV shows are always looking for audience members to fill their studios, both in person and virtually. And none more so than the BBC who is great at handing out free seats to most of their top shows. Be prepared for a few re-takes and clapping on demand, but it’ll be an experience to remember! 15. Modern Art Bankside, London SE1 9TG The Tate Modern is considered one of the most influential galleries in the world, showcasing works from all the modern movements, and featuring names like Lichtenstein, Warhol, Picasso, Dali and Rothko. It is located in a disused power station, which adds to its unique character, right on the River Thames. With so much to see, it’s no wonder it’s considered one of the best free things to do in London - just remember to book ahead.
Vanessa Teo
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Royal family facts: Kendra’s Royal experience in London

Royal family facts are a huge part of London’s appeal. US TV travel expert Kendra Thornton offers her advice on where to go for a truly regal experience. On my recent visit to London I was struck by the incredible excitement about the Queen’s 90th birthday. There were big celebrations happening at the time and it really brought home just how much of the city’s appeal is rooted in the Royal Family and how much people want to find out royal family facts. In fact, whenever folks ask me about visiting London, they pretty much always want to talk about the Royals and how they can get a glimpse into their lives. Well, the good news is that there is no need to cruise Prince Harry’s favourite night clubs - although it might be fun trying! You can learn so much about the Royals simply by visiting the right London attractions. Where do I start? For me, there is only one place to begin: Westminster Abbey. This is where Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten, the Duke of Edinburgh in November 1947, but less than six years later she returned for an even more important ceremony - her coronation as Queen Elizabeth II. Just to the right as you go inside the Abbey is the famous Coronation chair itself. Known correctly as King Edward’s Chair, it has been used in every English and British coronation ceremony since 1308. This is where the Queen actually sat while being crowned - wow. But don’t get any ideas. It’s protected behind glass and very solid iron bars. You can get close, but you’ll need to find another place to sit down! The other highlight of the Abbey is, of course, the spot where Prince William and Kate Middleton got married in 2011 - an unmissable treat for lovers of the younger Royals. The Queen didn’t walk to her coronation, right? No sir. But you have to go to the magnificent working stables of the Royal Mews to see just how she did get there. She travelled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach, drawn by eight horses. Used at every Coronation since 1821, this dazzling coach shares pride of place at the Mews with the Glass Coach, which was used during the 1947 wedding. Got it. So where does she keep the Crown? Not by the side of the bed! You need a fortress to guard something that valuable. Luckily they have a great one. It’s the Tower of London, of course. Originally started on the orders of William the Conqueror in the early 1080s, the Tower has loomed large in Royal history ever since. Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII, was executed here, while the first Queen Elizabeth was a prisoner here for a time before gaining the throne. Today it’s less dangerous, and the highlight of any visit is the chance to get up close and personal with the Crown Jewels. There are over 23,000 gems in total, but center stage is St Edward’s Crown, which was placed on Her Majesty’s head that day in 1953. Just as impressive are the Imperial State Crown, worn by the Queen each year as she officially opens the British Parliament, and the Sovereign’s Sceptre. Great! But how do I see where she lives? Well, actually she has several different homes. The most famous one is Buckingham Palace, of course. It’s been the official London residence of the British monarch since Queen Victoria came here in 1837. The most important thing you need to know is that the Palace is only open to the public during August and September (and a handful of days either side), so make sure you get your timing right. Inside, there are 19 State Rooms which are used by the Royal family to entertain guests on official visits to the UK. You get to see all of these, and if you really want to play at being a Royal make the most of the lavish White Drawing Room - this is where the Queen and other members of the family gather before official occasions. Just stroll in, close your eyes and imagine you’re important! Where else can I go? Why not visit Her Majesty’s favorite home - Windsor Castle? It’s the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it’s full of Royal history, and it’s only a short journey outside central London. The castle plays an important role in the Queen’s life. She spends most weekends here, so it’s a private home as well as an official Royal residence where formal duties take place. Another one of the royal family facts is that each year Her Majesty takes up residence at Windsor for a month around the Easter holiday, and she can also be found here for a week every June when the castle serves as the perfect base for attending the famous Royal Ascot horse racing. Want to throw yourself into Royal life past and present? Windsor is the place. Not only do the State Apartments act as a journey through time with their changing décor, reflecting the different tastes of the 39 different monarchs who have lived here, but the stunning St George’s Chapel is the resting place of 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII. And just a half-mile down the road is Eton College, where Prince William and Prince Harry were both educated. That reminds me: what about the younger Royals? If you are a fan of the younger Royals then I would absolutely recommend Kensington Palace. This was famously the home of Princess Diana for many years, and it is now the London home of William and Kate, while Harry also has an apartment here. It’s set in over 30 acres of gardens, which include the stunning Sunken Garden, and the Palace itself is exceptionally beautiful - the 16th century King’s Staircase took my breath away! And it’s also the place to look at Royal fashion over the years, with the ‘Fashion Rules Restyled’ exhibit showing a collection of dresses worn by the Queen, as well as others from the collections of Princess Diana and Princess Margaret. A glamorous way to end your Royal tour of London and immersion of royal family facts!
Vanessa Teo

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