Discovering London: A Guide to the Heart of England

• The Key Ceremony at The Tower of London is one of the coolest and cheapest things you can do at only five pounds per ticket. It is a tradition that takes place every night.

• Visit The Tower of London, where visitors can explore centuries of history, view the Crown Jewels, walk along the iconic walls, discover medieval architecture and learn about the tower's role in British history, including its use as a royal palace, prison, and fortress.

• Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, a magnificent architectural masterpiece located in London, England, renowned for its iconic dome and rich history as a symbol of resilience, faith and British heritage.

• Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guards. The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is a quintessential London experience, featuring immaculately uniformed soldiers performing a meticulously choreographed ceremony that symbolizes the transfer of responsibilities between the old and new guard.

• Visit the Royal Mews which is a working stable located in London, serving as the home to the royal collection of carriages and coaches, as well as the horses used in official ceremonies, providing visitors with a glimpse into the fascinating world of royal transportation and equestrian traditions.

• Take a ride on the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline and landmarks from enclosed glass capsules.

• Tour Westminster Abbey, which holds immense significance as one of Britain's most iconic religious buildings, serving as a coronation site for English monarchs since 1066, a venue for royal weddings and a final resting place for numerous historical figures, including kings, queens, statesmen and poets. Don’t forget to go up and see the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries before you leave.

• Swing by The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben. It's an iconic symbol of London and holds historical significance, housing the famous clock and bell and standing as a testament to the city's rich heritage and architectural splendor.

• The British Museum is a world-renowned institution located in London, housing a vast and diverse collection of art, artifacts and cultural treasures spanning thousands of years and representing civilizations from around the globe, making it a beacon of knowledge and cultural exchange.

• The Churchill War Rooms in London are a historic underground complex that served as the nerve center for Britain's wartime government during World War II, offering visitors a fascinating insight into the life and work of Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his inner circle, as well as the strategic decisions that shaped the course of the war.

• A Thames River cruise offers a scenic and leisurely way to explore London, providing passengers with stunning views of iconic landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament while sailing along the historic River Thames, offering a unique perspective of the city's rich history and architectural splendor.

• Kensington Palace is a historic royal residence located in London, renowned for its beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and its association with members of the British royal family, past and present, including Queen Victoria, Princess Diana and currently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

• Notting Hill is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in West London, famous for its colorful houses, bustling Portobello Road Market, charming cafes, trendy boutiques and the annual Notting Hill Carnival, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike seeking a blend of culture, shopping and entertainment.

Shopping

• Oxford Street, the heart of London's shopping area, is known best for its international chains and the fashion boutiques off the pedestrian streets of South Molton and St. Christopher's Place.

• Regent Street brings together the very best of classic clothes, beautiful fashions and fine gifts.

• Bond Street is renowned for exclusive designer clothes boutiques, well-known jewelers, museums, art galleries and the auction houses of Sotheby's.

• Piccadilly is a popular and colorful spot for perusing and purchasing arts and crafts from local artists.

Day Trips

• Windsor Castle: Visit the official residence of the Queen and explore its magnificent State Apartments and St. George's Chapel.

• Stonehenge: Witness the enigmatic prehistoric monument and marvel at its ancient mysteries.

• Oxford: Discover the historic university city, famous for its stunning architecture and rich academic heritage.

• Cambridge: Explore another prestigious university city, renowned for its picturesque riverside setting and beautiful colleges.

• Bath: Immerse yourself in the Georgian elegance of this UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its Roman Baths and stunning architecture.

• Stratford-upon-Avon: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare and explore his charming hometown.

• Canterbury: Delve into the medieval history of this historic city, home to Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Brighton: Enjoy a day by the sea in this vibrant coastal town, known for its iconic pier, lively atmosphere and eclectic arts scene.

• The Cotswolds: Experience the idyllic English countryside with a visit to the picturesque villages, rolling hills and historic landmarks of this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Step into the magical world of Harry Potter with a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, located just outside London, where you can explore the sets, props and costumes from the beloved film series.

• The Ivy: The Ivy Tower Bridge is a stylish and elegant restaurant situated near Tower Bridge in London, offering a sophisticated dining experience with a diverse menu featuring modern British cuisine and classic cocktails, all served in a chic and glamorous setting, making it a sought-after destination for both locals and visitors alike.

• Padella: Padella is a highly acclaimed pasta restaurant located in London, renowned for its authentic Italian dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and its minimalist yet inviting atmosphere, making it a popular dining destination for pasta lovers in the city.

• The Coal Shed: The Coal Shed London is a renowned steak and seafood restaurant located near Tower Bridge, offering a unique dining experience centered around expertly grilled meats, fresh seafood and seasonal British produce, all served in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular choice for those seeking a memorable culinary experience in the heart of the city.

• Bustronome: Bustronome in London offers a unique dining experience aboard a luxury double-decker bus, allowing guests to enjoy gourmet meals while sightseeing through the city's iconic landmarks, combining fine dining with a scenic tour for an unforgettable culinary adventure in London.

• Mayfair Chippy: For a casual, quintessential British meal made with responsibly sourced seafood and homemade sauces, including their award-winning fish and chips, Mayfair Chippy is a favorite of tourists and locals alike.

• Ask Italian: From a modern, Italian family of restaurants, Ask draws on the warm and spirited Italian traditions for its menu of classic Italian dishes with bold and playful touches.

• Delfino Mayfair: Family-owned since 1953, Delfino offers a relaxed, comfortable setting to enjoy traditional family recipes using authentic Italian ingredients in their dishes, including gourmet pizzas with a modern, avant-garde twist.

• Grazing Goat: This traditional British gastro pub, located in the heart of Marylebone, offers an a-la carte menu of high-end pub fare crafted from locally and seasonally sourced ingredients in a warm, cozy atmosphere.

• L'Artiste Muscle: This charming wine bar and bistro in Shepherd Market serves traditional, hearty French fare paired with an exclusively French wine list.

• Mercato Mayfair: Located within the renovated St. Mark's Cathedral, Mercato Mayfair is a dramatic setting for enjoying fresh, artisanal and sustainably sourced ingredients crafted into authentic, approachable cuisine.

• Mount St. Restaurant: A modern reinvention of the space on the first level of the landmark Mayfair hotel, The Audley, Mount St. is part restaurant, part art gallery. The menu features London classics for the 21st century, while the décor features specially commissioned artwork, including a stunning, mosaic floor.

• The Barley Mow: This traditional neighborhood pub offers classic, homemade British dishes and real ales from London breweries with several big-screen TVs for catching the day's sporting events.

• The Ivy Asia Mayfair: Dinner and a little theater are on the menu at The Ivy Asia, where a dramatic setting of colorful décor and energetic music spun by the resident DJ perfectly complement the artfully prepared Asian-inspired cuisine and creative cocktails.

• The Punchbowl: One of London's oldest pubs, The Punchbowl offers an authentic British dining experience in one of the area's most elegant and fashionable settings.