London

Take a tour of the Palace of Westminster, also referred to as the Houses of Parliament, and experience 1,000 years of history. Visitors are welcomed into the building through Westminster Hall, before following in the footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament. Marvel at the Victorian splendour of the Lords Chamber and see the famous green benches in the Commons Chamber. Audioguides and tours are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Mandarin.

At a staggering height of 135 metres (443 ft), The London Eye offers a superb view of the capital's most famous attractions. A full rotation around the observational wheel in one of the glass capsules lasts some 30 minutes and it is so popular that each year it receives more visitors than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Giza. And once you've taken a 360-degree ride on the wheel you'll understand why.

See London from a different angle by taking a cruise along the famous River Thames. Glide by some of London’s top attractions from Westminster to Greenwich, and listen to the entertaining live commentary as you pass sights such as the Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London.

Discover three gems outside of London on a fun day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and the historic town of Bath. First, pay a visit to Windsor Castle, home to the British royal family, for a tour of the State Apartments and St George's Chapel. Then, continue to Salisbury, where you'll get to see the enigmatic Stonehenge rock formations. Later, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Bath, known for its elegant Georgian architecture and Roman baths.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original open-air theatre where playwright, William Shakespeare, first staged many of his famous plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Midsummer Night’s Dream. On the banks of the Thames, just a few hundred yards away from its original location, the Globe stages classic and modern interpretations of Shakespeare's works as well as of brand new plays. There is also an exhibition with audio guides available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese as well as expert guided tours.

London's Chinatown is a vibrant neighbourhood full of authentic Asian restaurants, shops, supermarkets and secret bars, adorned with red lanterns and red arches. Try some authentic buns at BaoziInn Romilly Street, Cantonese staples such as roast duck on rice at Café TPT or drop by Gerrard’s Corner for a generous portion of nostalgia and the adorable retro vibe. There is always something new to explore here!

The Natural History Museum houses hundreds of amazing exhibits from the natural world in one of London's most beautiful landmark buildings. Highlights include the popular Dinosaurs gallery, the model blue whale and the Cocoon specimen centre special. Events and debates are held in the Darwin Centre high-tech Attenborough Studio, where you'll have the chance to meet important scientists.

Leave the hustle and bustle of London behind to discover England’s storybook villages as you tour the charming Cotswolds and the medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Walk in the footsteps of England’s most iconic playwright as you tour Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon. Revel in the quintessentially English villages and thatched-roof cottages of the Cotswolds as you visit Bibury, Burford, and Bourton-on-the-water.

You will find vast collections of some of the most famous, beautiful and awe-inspiring paintings in the world at the National Gallery. Treat yourself to some of the best artistic production there is and ever has been. Feast your eyes on masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Monet or Van Gogh.

Leicester Square is a pedestrianised square surrounded by a number of nationally significant cinemas with some of the city’s biggest screens, as well as a variety of restaurants. The Odeon Leicester Square, Empire, Leicester Square is often used for film premieres, so why not do a bit of Hollywood star-spotting while you're in London. The lush garden in the middle of the square is the perfect spot for cooling off in summer or resting your feet. Cinephiles should definitely check out the programme of the Prince Charles Cinema. This independent cinema does screenings of cult films and marathon film runs.

Enjoy the Perfect Introduction to London. Embark on an adventure with Big Bus Tours. Our Non-stop London sightseeing tour allows you to soak up the city's atmosphere with ease. Relax and enjoy fascinating facts about London's rich culture and dramatic history as you pass its famous landmarks and attractions. And, on selected Red Tour buses, pick up top tips from our experienced guides to help you uncover London’s secrets and stories. Our bus route has been carefully planned to ensure that you'll capture all the best sights of London, including Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.

Brixton's Electric Avenue got its name for being the first market street in London to be lit with electric lights. Today, the avenue is a diverse and eclectic food market, mostly specialising in African and Caribbean cuisine. Apart from the food, the area attracts bargain hunters in search of cameras, audio equipment, all manner of household goods, hair and beauty products and services, wigs, fishmongers, butchers, bakers, fruit and flower shops — you name it. Brixton Village is a covered arcaded area of the market that brims with quirky shops, fruit and vegetable stands, and a plethora of cafés and restaurants. Brixton Academy is an iconic venue that hosts some of the biggest rock and pop acts in the world. The venue was originally opened as a theatre and cinema called the Astoria, but has since evolved into a concert venue: Madonna, Sex Pistols and The Smiths have all performed here.

The official home of the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes is 221b Baker Street. According to the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he lived here from 1881 to 1904. The museum features Holmes' detailed study, life-size waxworks representing scenes from Holmes and Watson's adventures and a souvenir shop.

Hampstead Heath is one of the largest parks in London. It sits atop one of the highest points in London, offering excellent views of the London skyline. The skyscrapers of Canary Wharf can be seen along with St Paul's Cathedral and other landmarks. The Heath features grassy fields, wooded areas, and a number of large ponds. The water is never particularly warm, but do pack swimwear just in case the mood strikes you.

Housed in a large former power station, Tate Modern is Britain's leading art gallery when it comes to modern and contemporary art. As well as the Tate's much anticipated exhibitions, there's a fantastic permanent collection to explore. It features works by artists as diverse as Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois.

The British Film Institute (BFI) is an absolute must for film aficionados. This film and television charitable organisation shows films every day: from the latest and biggest blockbusters screened in their spectacular IMAX theatre, to old-time classics and indie darlings in their smaller, more intimate halls. The renovated BFI venue is located in Southbank, which is the perfect spot to take in the riverfront views and hang out in the creative company of local film and theatre lovers. The BFI's waterfront restaurant and bar is great for dates or discussing the latest movie with friends.

Hampton Court Palace was King Henry VIII's favourite royal residence. It is brimming with thrilling stories and beautiful sights. Inside the building you can visit the medieval Great Hall where William Shakespeare’s company once performed, as well as the huge Tudor kitchens and the Haunted Gallery. There is also much to see on the outside of the palace, what with the puzzling maze, the palace's beautiful gardens and a large park. Other highlights include daily tours and talks, as well as the annual Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

The 105-acre WWT London Wetland Centre is a wildlife reserve on the outskirts of Central London. Here you will find plenty of rare birds, beautiful lakes, tranquil gardens and calming meadows to walk amongst and admire. Keep your eyes open because you might be lucky enough to spot a family of otters. You can also take a free guided tour before relaxing at the Water's Edge Cafe. There are indoor and outdoor adventure areas for kids.

London's history is filled with gruesome tales and scary characters. The London Dungeon attraction on the south bank of the Thames retells some of those bloody stories. Using costumes, 360° sets and a multitude of special effects, London Dungeon takes you through 1000 years of the city's gory, gruesome and terrifying past in 90 minutes. Look out for Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd along the way. This is not an attraction for those of nervous disposition.

Discover the story of one of the world's greatest cities at The Museum of London. The tale begins with prehistoric London, moving on to the influence of the Romans and Saxons on the city, and then on towards Medieval London. Along the way, you will encounter civil wars, deathly plagues and rampant fires. Journey through the Galleries of Modern London along Victorian streets and marvel at the lavish Lord Mayor's Coach display.

Reopened recently at the very site of its original discovery, the ruins of this Roman Temple of Mithras are open for public visits in the basement of Bloomberg's European headquarters at number 12 Walbrook. There are also a few other exhibitions that include both historic artefacts and contemporary artwork. Entrance is free of charge.

The National Portrait Gallery in Central London harbours more than 195,000 portraits of famous men and women who have shaped British history from the 16th century to the present day. Painted by acclaimed artists such as Holbein, David Hockney, Cecil Beaton and Lucian Freud, sitters include kings, queens, film stars, politicians, musicians and many more. The gallery's rolling calendar of exhibitions is worth investigating as well, particularly the annual BP Portrait Awards.