Discover London: a three-day relaxing escape

Admire the exotic plants in the Palm House and Temperate House and visit The Hive in the beautiful surroundings of Kew GardensWhen you purchase Kew Gardens tickets, you're not accessing any ordinary park; you're stepping into the Royal Botanic Gardens in London- a global leader in plant diversity and historical significance. The grounds are filled with unique features such as the Palm House, a verdant, climate-controlled glasshouse, and the Great Pagoda, offering panoramic views of London.Seasonal events, educational exhibits like the bee-inspired hive structure, and engaging tours on the Kew Explorer road train create an experience that far exceeds a typical visit to a green space.What sets Kew Gardens apart from other botanical offerings in London is its wide-ranging appeal. This isn't just for the botanically inclined. With amenities like the Treetop Walkway, elevating visitors 59 feet above the ground, and children's log trails, Kew engages all ages and interests.Kew Gardens offers a unique experience that combines history and science. The Kew Palace adds a historical element while the garden's research facilities and botanical library show its commitment to education. There are also workshops and yoga sessions available, making it a truly diverse and interesting attraction.

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 Palaces.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.Kensington Palace historyHome to the British Royal Family since the 17th century, Kensington Palace was once an unassuming villa known as Nottingham House. The Stuart and Georgian monarchs who lived there, however, transformed Nottingham House into the Kensington Palace visitors can enjoy today. The newly-crowned monarchs William III and Mary II (1689-1702) first sought out Kensington as a much-needed retreat from the smoke and damp of the city; their first home was Whitehall Palace, in the heart of London. In 1689, the King and Queen commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to draw up the plans for transforming Nottingham House into Kensington Palace. Queen Mary project managed the renewal of the building herself. While the Palace was in progress, the royals spurred on an era of magnificent balls, showcasing their new ornate rooms, opulent staircases and impressive halls. Once or twice a week, the King and Queen also held Drawing Rooms, which became the focal point of court life. In all their finery, the King and Queen would meet and mingle with ambassadors and foreign princes. However, when Queen Mary died from smallpox in 1694, William ceased these decadent evenings in favour of more sedate concerts and gatherings. Despite his grief, William finished the building with a grand gallery at the south of the Palace, enlarging Sir Christopher Wren’s original plan. The Swan Lake at Kensington GardenA popular London attraction is the Swan Lake at Kensington Gardens. It's like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. You'll find elegant swans gracefully cruising on the water, while ducks waddle around near the banks. If you're lucky, you might even catch a swan stretching its wings in the sunlight which make for quite the photo opportunity. A lot of visitors simply sit on a bench and watch the world go by. Very peaceful.The Peter Pan StatueIf you've ever been a fan of Peter Pan, you can't miss the statue dedicated to him in Kensington Garden. It can be found near the Long Water, this bronze statue is a fun surprise among the trees and pathways. Kids and adults alike love it. Some people even hang little trinkets or notes on it, making it feel like a community treasure chest of sorts. 

The walls of the Royal Albert Hall have plenty of stories to tell. You may think of the place as just a music hall, but did you know it once hosted a séance? Or that the auditorium was flooded with 56,000 litres of water for an opera? Or that criminals have even taken to the stage? And this is just a few examples of what you can expect on a tour of the Royal Albert Hall! With a friendly, knowledgeable guide, you’ll journey through the venue and see its best bits. Feel fancy in the royal areas of the Hall, marvel at the stunning auditorium, and witness the stage that’s hosted some of the globe’s most inspiring performers and personalities – from Arctic Monkeys to Muhammad Ali, BBC Proms to Beyoncé, Suffragettes to Winston Churchill, and Albert Einstein to Ed Sheeran. Delve into the building’s 150-year history, from its highs and lows to fascinating challenges like the Royal Albert Hall echo. If luck’s on your side when you visit, you may even hear an artist during their soundcheck! 

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is a truly unique and exotic palace that stands as a testament to both regal opulence and architectural creativity. Located right in the centre of the city, this iconic landmark was originally built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, and it reflects his extravagant taste and flair for the dramatic. With its stunning blend of Regency grandeur and the lavish visual styles of India and China, the Royal Pavilion is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience something extraordinary.As you step inside, you’ll be transported to a world of luxury and splendour. The palace’s interiors are nothing short of breathtaking, with richly decorated rooms that showcase an eclectic mix of styles. From the dazzling Banqueting Room, with its enormous chandelier and dragon motifs, to the vibrant Music Room, where ornate domes and gilded details create an air of exotic fantasy.But the Royal Pavilion is more than just a visual masterpiece – it’s a place steeped in history. Originally conceived as a retreat for King George IV, it later became a royal residence for his successors before eventually being opened to the public. Today, it stands as one of Brighton’s most beloved landmarks, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich past while marvelling at its unique beauty.

The Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and culture. As one of Britain’s oldest public museums, it stands proudly in the Royal Pavilion Estate, right in the heart of Brighton’s vibrant cultural quarter. This iconic museum offers a fascinating journey through time, showcasing a diverse collection that spans the globe and stretches from Ancient Egypt to the modern-day city of Brighton.Step inside and you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of creativity and craftsmanship. The museum’s extensive collection of art and design includes everything from ancient treasures to contemporary works. Marvel at exquisite artefacts from Ancient Egypt, explore stunning examples of fine art and discover fascinating exhibits that reflect the city’s rich and colourful history. Each gallery tells its own story, offering a unique perspective on the world through art, culture, and history.Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for an inspiring day out, this museum has something to offer.

From royal weddings and state funerals to famous burials and more, St Paul’s Cathedral has played a major role in London’s history.Situated near the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the capital’s most iconic buildings. Sir Christopher Wren, one of Britain’s famed architects, designed the cathedral as part of a major rebuilding of the City after the 1666 Great Fire of London. The present St Paul’s Cathedral was built between 1675 and 1710 and is one of London’s most popular places of interest.Sitting on the highest point of the City of London, St Paul’s Cathedral has frequently been at the centre of national events throughout history from its consecration and surviving the Blitz to state funerals, royal weddings, and more. Step inside and discover the cathedral’s spectacular interiors, architectural design, and breath-taking panoramic views across London from the Stone and Golden Galleries.

Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic sights, its striking gothic towers spanning the River Thames since 1894.Step inside to uncover the story behind this engineering marvel, from its design and construction to the fascinating history that shaped it. Take a stroll along the high-level walkways for panoramic city views – spotting the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge and more along the way.Beyond the vistas, explore interactive exhibits that reveal how the bridge was built and maintained over the years. It’s a must-visit for fans of history, architecture and engineering, offering a mix of breathtaking views and captivating stories.

From his public dramas to his private life, King Henry VIII is one of the most compelling kings in history. Explore Hampton Court Palace - the former home of this remarkable royal. Henry VIII extended and developed this grand palace after acquiring it in the 1520s. Its many royal occupants have furnished the palace with decadent tapestries and paintings throughout the centuries.Set in 60 acres of formal gardens, including the famous maze and Great Vine, this palace is well worth a visit. It was Cardinal Wolsey, Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, who began Hampton Court Palace’s transformation from an ordinary country house to a magnificent palace in 1514, on the north bank of the River Thames. The location of the Palace was significant in allowing fresh water to flow throughout the building - a rarity at the time. Wolsey’s ambitions to create a grand building where he could host the King, the royal court, and monarchs from across Europe was a resounding success, as Henry VIII loved the Palace so much, he eventually took Hampton Court for himself.The King used the Palace as a symbol of his status, demonstrating his power through lavish banquets, decadent court life, and extravagant works of art. By the 1530s, the Palace was also a hotel, a theatre, and a sprawling leisure complex. And the 17th century saw the Palace as a venue of firsts. Hamlet and Macbeth were first performed at Hampton Court Palace by Shakespeare’s ‘King’s Men’ for the new Stuart king, James I.

After impressing more than six million art fans in Amsterdam and Barcelona, Moco Museum has arrived in central London — bringing its fearless, conversation-starting art along for the ride.With a mission to make art accessible to all, Moco Museum showcases thought-provoking exhibitions, interactive installations and show-stopping works from artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, and many more.Explore 100+ dynamic works by over 35 visionary creatives, spanning paintings, sculptures, installations and immersive digital experiences. The ever-evolving displays blend classic and cutting-edge styles in a space designed to spark imagination and discussion. Plus, a free audio guide (available in six languages) helps bring every piece to life.Step into 1980s New York with Voice of the Street – Keith Haring’s Subway Drawings, a major temporary exhibition at Moco Museum London. For the first time, the museum is transformed into a fully immersive subway environment, capturing the energy, urgency, and rebellious spirit of Haring’s early years.Featuring 30 original subway drawings created between 1980 and 1985, the exhibition highlights the origins of Haring’s practice, when he turned blacked-out advertising panels into powerful, uncommissioned works of public art.A top pick for art lovers and anyone searching for memorable things to do in London! Even better, Go City customers receive an exclusive Moco Museum gift bag, making your visit even more special.