Royal heritage weekend in London

See the world-famous Crown Jewels and meet the Beefeaters on a tour of the highlights at the Tower of London.Fortress, prison, royal mint, and now a tourist attraction. The Tower of London has seen many lives over the past centuries and persists to this day as a powerful symbol of British heritage. A seemingly permanent fixture on London's skyline, the question of why and when the Tower of London was built still prevails to this day.This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site started off life as an imposing river fortress for the formidable force that was William the Conqueror, dating back to the 1070s. In the 1200s, the Tower was expanded by King Henry III and Edward I - adding a moat and more defensive structures to prepare for the possibility of battle.It famously became one of the most secure places in the country after it was appointed the home of the Tower Mint in the 1800s. All the money in the nation began here. Shortly after, the Royal Family also began storing its most precious jewels and possessions under the eye of some of the monarch’s personal bodyguards - the Yeoman Warders. The Warders have lived there since the 1500s and now serve as kindly tour operators.The Tower has also famously been the site of many high-profile executions, the chopping block for which still stands on the grounds to this day. King Henry VIII famously had his wife Anne Boleyn executed there three years into their marriage on the grounds of adultery and treason. She was buried at the Tower's Chapel Royal alongside her fellow queens, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey. However, rumor has it that she continues to haunt the execution grounds and unwitting tourists...The Tower of London is a big deal for many reasons. First off, it's quite old—close to a thousand years old! Over the years, it's been a royal palace, a prison, and even a zoo. It has some pretty juicy stories, too. Kings and queens lived there, and some even lost their heads there. Plus, it's home to the Crown Jewels, those sparkly treasures that are basically the bling of British royalty. So, between the history, the stories, and the gems, there's a little something for everyone!With your ticket, you get a guided tour led by Yeoman Warder, and these tours kick off every half hour. The tours are about an hour long and start close to the main entrance. It's all part of the package!This historic fortress has so much to offer- from the spectacular Crown Jewels to the fascinating history of the British monarchy. It's the perfect opportunity to take a Tower of London tour and truly dive into England's past. With The London Pass®, you can enjoy incredible savings while exploring over 100+ popular London attractions, such as Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Hampton Court Palace.

Just a short walk from the Thames, Westminster Abbey is a must-see and a significant structure in British history. This beautiful gothic church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site popular with many visitors to London. Complete with paintings, stained glass windows, and other religious artifacts, Westminster Abbey owns the most important collection of monumental sculpture anywhere in Britain.

The Royal Mews is one of the finest working stables anywhere in the world and home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages, as well as the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays – the horses that pull the carriages. To this day, the stables are still responsible for all road travel arrangements for His Majesty The King and other members of the Royal Family.The Royal Mews has been the location of the sovereign's road transport since 1760 when George III moved his carriage collection closer to his new home at Buckingham Palace. Since then, it has been updated by several monarchs in keeping with their changing transport needs.Among the historic coaches and carriages on display are the spectacular Diamond Jubilee State Coach, and the Australian State Coach, which was given to Queen Elizabeth II as a gift from the Australian people. The most dazzling of all is the Gold State Coach, however, which has been used at every coronation since that of George IV in 1821, and which played a central role in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.

Step into the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace and embark on a captivating journey through centuries of art and history. Nestled adjacent to the iconic palace, the King’s Gallery showcases changing exhibitions from the esteemed Royal Collection, one of the world's largest and most important art collections. Delve into the rich royal heritage as you explore masterpieces spanning various mediums, from paintings to sculptures, and immerse yourself in the stories they tell.Originally a private chapel for Queen Victoria, the gallery was transformed into an art space following its destruction in an air raid in 1940. Since then, it has stood as a beacon of cultural enrichment, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with unparalleled artistic treasures.Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a memorable experience in the heart of London, a visit to the King’s Gallery promises to inspire and delight.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.

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.

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! 

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. 

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.