"Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."
— Samuel Johnson in a conversation with Boswell
"By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can shew."
Boswell: Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides.
So, what about a long weekend in this very accessible city?
Things to see and do:
First take a look at this map of central London with the most important monuments.
The Tower of London
See the crown jewels and the white tower with a collection of royal armouries.The ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and pampered ravens strut the grounds. The Tower of London is one of the world’s most famous fortresses and has seen service as royal palace, prison, armoury and even zoo! It is still home to the Crown Jewels and Beefeaters.
Hampton Court Palace
Henry VIII’s majestic riverside palace, with beautiful gardens and famous maze
Kensington PalaceGenerations of royal women have shaped this stylish palace and elegant gardens from Queen Mary to Victoria and, more recently Diana, Princess of Wales.
From spring 2010 Kensington will be transformed into the Enchanted Palace. Take a journey through the spellbound palace and explore the tale of transformation that lies within. Encounter a series of stunning installations of contemporary fashion inspired by royal dress and tradition as you walk through the State Apartments. Representing different fairy tales from around the world, these installations will be woven with dress from leading designers and up and coming fashion talent. Discover the intriguing and mysterious characters moving through the apartments who will help you to navigate your way. The Enchanted Palace is a unique opportunity to experience a surprising and magical Kensington filled with an intriguing combination of cutting edge fashion and sumptuous design.
Kew GardensThe Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London grows more species in its 121 hectares than any other garden in the world and has a long and distinguished history. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these magnificent London gardens, glasshouses and galleries are a living exhibit as well as an important historical legacy.
Shakespeare's Globe TheatreLondon sightseeing visitors can enjoy a trip back in time with a visit to the spectacular Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Situated on London’s Bankside, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre reconstruction the original building that housed Shakespeare's theatre in London, an open-air playhouse where the playwright penned many of his greatest plays.
The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham PalaceThe Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a permanent space dedicated to changing exhibitions from the Royal collection – an astonishing and wide-ranging collection of paintings, sculpture and other works of art as well as a glittering array of priceless treasure held in trust for the National by Her Majesty the Queen.
St Paul's Cathedral
Majesty and glory inside and breathtaking, panoramic views of the capital from the Golden Gallery
Tate Britain and Tate ModernTate Britain, located on the north bank of the River Thames at Millbank, London, is the UK and world centre for British art.
On a visit to Tate Britain you will be treated to an unrivalled collection of art from Britain, covering everything from the art of the Tudor period to today.
The Tate Britain collection is displayed in chronological order from 1500 to the present day. Break out rooms concentrate on specific themes, genres or artists, while displays on the whole are changed annually to ensure the full breadth of the collection is enjoyed.
Highlights within the Tate Britain collection include the work of William Hogarth, sometimes called the father of English painting; the eighteenth-century portraitists Gainsborough and Reynolds and the animal painter George Stubbs. Special attention is also given to three outstanding British artists from the Romantic age: Blake, Constable and Turner.
Tower BridgeOne the most impressive structures and sites in the capital, Tower Bridge in London has stood over the River Thames since 1894 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Learn about the history of the Bridge and how it was built. Interactive displays and videos provide an entertaining and informative guide to Tower Bridge in London and its place in the history of the River Thames
Windsor CastleA must see for London visitors, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and official residence her majesty the Queen. The magnificent State Apartments are lavishly furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, including masterpieces by Rubens, Holbein, Brueghel and Van Dyck. You can get there from London Paddington in around 30 minutes
Thames River Cruise
The Monument
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built to commemorate the Great Fire of London, the Monument is one of the best ways to enjoy the spectacular views of the City.
