Maximize Your Stay: A 5-Day London Exploration

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

If you don’t fancy the crowds at Buckingham Palace and you’re looking to get clued up about one of the most inspiring British events, then this is the London walking tour for you!Watch the Royal Guards and Household Cavalry march toward Buckingham Palace and get a real close-up of the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. Your local guide will make sure you get the VIP treatment as you’re in one of the best spots, so be prepared to be the envy of all with the perfect snaps of the occasion!You’ll be guided through the ceremony by your experienced and knowledgeable guide, so you’ll know what’s going on at each stage and also get a good understanding of the history behind this glorious pomp.

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.

Sit back, relax, and take in the views of London with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour and tick off Central London's top attractions and get to know the city a little better.If you’re ready to explore all that London has to offer, look no further than the Hop On Hop Off London tour. This London bus tour allows you to see all the iconic landmarks and attractions at your own pace. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace, the London Tour Bus ensures that you won’t miss a thing.

Explore this faithful recreation of William Shakespeare's iconic Globe Theatre: once the centre of London's famous Bankside entertainment district. It’s more than just a historical site; the Globe Theater London continues to function as a vibrant performing arts venue. Grab your tickets now to catch a play or join a guided tour.The original Shakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of Shakespeare's original Globe Theatre. It was built by the actor and director Sam Wanamaker close to the original site - just 230 metres away. More Globe Theatre Facts here!Throughout the year, expert guides bring this extraordinary open-air theatre to life in a 50-minute Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour. You'll hear stories of the original Globe, learn all about its reconstruction process in the 1990s, and find out how the building works today as an experimental theatre space. Reserve your guided tour now and take the journey of a lifetime through theatre history. Take a seat 'within this wooden O' – listen, absorb and ask questions as the secrets of the Globe unfold.Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a Shakespeare fan, the Globe Theatre in London and its tours provide an enchanting step back in time. So, if you find yourself in the area, don’t hesitate! 

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.

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.