3-day outdoor adventure in London

Delve into the adventures of the Cutty Sark and her crew in an immersive experience that brings her fascinating history to life. Follow in the footsteps of those who sailed her, explore interactive displays that evoke the sights, smells, and sounds of life at sea, enjoy sweeping views of the Thames, and walk right underneath the ship’s gleaming hull to touch a piece of world history.Cutty Sark historyClipper Ships were first introduced to the seas in the 1840s by American shipbuilders in response to booming commerce and the need for faster transportation of cargo to meet its demands. Commissioned by the British shipping magnate Jock ‘Whitehat’ Willis, the Cutty Sark was launched from Dumbarton in 1869. She was a masterpiece - a showcase of expert sailing ship design. Her three masts set the ship forwards at an incredible speed of 17 knots, making her one of the fastest ships on the sea in the 1870s.Her speed made her a highly profitable vessel as she traversed the globe, bringing crops of tea from China - an incredibly fashionable commodity in the tearooms and parlours of Victorian Britain. Inflated by the stories of her prowess on water and her success in trade, the Cutty Sark’s owners put her forward for a tea race in 1872. The stakes were high as people put huge bets on her sure-fire victory. She ran neck and neck with a competing boat, Thermopylae, in the Indian Ocean, until the Cutty Sark’s rudder broke loose, costing her the race, but nevertheless cementing her legend on the water.However, there were dark times ahead. Industry spurred on the advent of steamships on the water, setting a new standard of speed for merchant ships around the world. And in 1880, when the Cutty Sark set off on a voyage to Japan, a fight amongst the crew left one man dead and a mutinous crew on board. The captain committed suicide thinking his career was ruined. The Cutty Sark was held to account and soon a new reputation was assigned to her as a ‘hellship’: a cursed vessel. Her fortunes, however, were not to be consigned to superstition for long.For a decade, she would preserve her legend on water through lightning voyages and the careful and generous attention of her owner, Jock Willis. After ceasing to be profitable, she spent 25 years transporting cargo, managing to avoid German U-boats during World War I, and in 1936, she spent her time at a Training College at Greenhithe by British naval cadets. Cutty Sark Greenwich - A New ChapterIn her later years, the Cutty Sark found a permanent home in Greenwich, London, where she is docked. This ship at Greenwich has become an iconic landmark, drawing visitors from around the world.

Step into the world of astronomy and navigation at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, one of the most important scientific sites in history.Explore the home of the first Astronomer Royal, learn how the stars and seas were mapped, and discover how time was standardized across the globe. See iconic instruments like the UK’s largest refracting telescope, get hands-on with a 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid, and journey through centuries of scientific innovation in a fun, interactive way.While you’re there, don’t forget to enjoy one of the best views in London from the Observatory grounds. 

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.

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. 

Jason’s Original Canal Boat Trip is the first Regent’s Canal boat trip, operating since 1951. Jason—the vessel—is an authentic canal boat London has cherished for over 100 years. Now fitted with a diesel engine, he takes you past the picturesque and interesting sights of this historic waterway.

The longest established botanic garden in London, Chelsea Physic Garden dates back to 1673 and today houses over 5,000 different edible, medicinal, herbal, and useful plants. Situated on a four-acre plot by the Thames River, the garden’s microclimate allows it to grow many plants not often found outside in the UK.Chelsea Physic Garden historyChelsea Physic Garden was initially established in 1673 by The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries. Conducting research into plants which might cure and those that might kill, the society required a site within close proximity to the River Thames, so they could make the most of the river’s warm air currents. Allowing access to the river for expeditions, with a south facing aspect and good quality soil, the Chelsea site was ideal for the society.The world renown of Chelsea Physic Garden developed throughout the 17th Century with the establishment of the Index Seminum, the global seed exchange system created by the garden. Initially founded following a visit from Dutch botanist Paul Hermann in 1682, the seed exchange program continues to the present day. Another key organisational feature of the garden is the Florilegium Society. Focusing on botanical illustration for both scientific and artistic purposes, the society have helped develop the practice across the UK and abroad.Today, Chelsea Physic Garden still possesses a strong voice in British and international horticulture and botany. In more recent years, it has developed as a visitor attraction, establishing itself as one of the most cherished and visited gardens in the city, and a real paradise of escape, hidden away in Chelsea.

For over 1,000 years, Windsor Castle has been the English royal residence. This stunning castle, occupying 10.5 hectares/26.5 acres of land, is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world.William the Conqueror first made use of this vast space after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, crafting the castle out of wood in what was known as a motte-and-bailey style. The castle served as an excellent watchtower over the River Thames and Windsor Forest. Henry I was the first monarch to use the castle as a home. But various alterations to the site have since been made by his royal successors, including the addition of the beguiling Round Tower and a stone keep by Henry II. Perhaps no monarch worked on the castle as extensively as Edward III, however, who spent a vast amount of money on adding and improving it during his reign.As well as private apartments for monarchs and visitors, the Castle contains an upper ward, which houses the royal library. This room contains priceless works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, to name but a few. However, when a fire broke out across the Castle in November 1992, a few works were sadly destroyed or damaged, along with more than 100 rooms. These rooms were restored in 1997 at a cost of almost £40 million.