London

Despite the Tower of London's grim reputation as a place of torture and death, within these walls you will also discover the history of a royal palace, an armoury and a powerful fortress. Don't miss Royal Beasts and learn about the wild and wonderous animals that have inhabited the Tower, making it the first London Zoo.

Discover a working cathedral steeped in history when you visit St Paul's Cathedral.

Destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666, the current building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710. Its iconic dome is 111 metres (364ft) high and is one of the largest cathedral domes in the world.

Experience 360-degree views over London with a visit to The View from The Shard. At more than 1,000ft (300 metres) tall, The Shard in London Bridge is almost twice as high as any other building in the city.

The View from The Shard allows you to go inside The Shard building and look out over London from the viewing platforms on levels 68 and 69. You can also head up to the Skydeck on level 72 – an open-air platform offering spectacular views over London.

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. A royal home and fortress for more than 900 years, it remains a working palace to this day.

Your ticket to Windsor Castle allows entry to the magnificent State Apartments, decorated with some of the finest works of art in the Royal Collection. Spot stunning Van Dyck paintings, works by Rubens and Wedgewood porcelain.

Waterloo Station is a major railway and underground station in London. The station is in central London and close to Lambeth and Southwark.

Waterloo Underground Station is on the Jubilee Line, the Bakerloo Line and the Northern Line. Railway trains are operated by South West Trains.

Based in Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum showcases transport icons and ground-breaking design, from the red London bus to the first ever Tube map design.

Explore how London’s growth, culture and society have been intertwined with its transport system, from 1800 to today.

Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of images and iconic brands at the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill.

The Museum of Brands is located on Lancaster Road in Notting Hill.

The closest underground station is Ladbroke Grove which is served by the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines.

IWM London is the world's leading museum of war. Founded during the First World War, it gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people forced to live their lives in a world torn apart by conflict.

Piccadilly Circus is one of London's most popular tourist destinations.

Sit by the famous statue of Eros (a popular meeting point), or take some photos in front of the iconic advertising screens.

Enjoy a panoramic view of city life from the Glass Floors and high-level Walkways, 42 metres (138ft) above the river. Time your visit to coincide with a Bridge Lift and see the roadway rise beneath your feet.

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Visit one of the world’s leading museums of art, design and performance with a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The V&A is a treasure trove of objects celebrating many forms of craftsmanship. It also plays host to a stellar lineup of temporary exhibitions, including blockbuster shows on fashion designers and cultural trends.

Explore the story of European art at the National Gallery, masterpiece by masterpiece, with its collection belonging to the public which includes inspiring works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir and Van Gogh. There are free guided tours, audio guides available in multiple languages and free family activities for children of all ages.

First for fashion, entertainment, technology and innovation, Oxford Street is the world's biggest high street.

It offers 1.5 miles of unrivalled shopping, with more than 90 flagship stores, from fashion and beauty, to tech and homeware.

Hyde Park encompasses 350 acres of green space including 400 trees and a large lake. Start your trail of the park’s landmarks with the Diana Memorial Fountain, a tranquil monument built to honour the late Princess of Wales made from 545 pieces of Cornish granite.

Trafalgar Square is a public square that features some of London’s top attractions, from galleries and historic buildings to statues and monuments. It also plays host to a range of events throughout the year that are supported by the Greater London Authority, who manage the square.

Enjoy amazing 360-degree views over London from the lastminute.com London Eye - the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.

During the summer and on selected dates from November to December and at Easter, visitors can tour the 19 State Rooms, which form the heart of the Palace. These magnificent rooms are decorated with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto. Read about the top 10 things to see on a Buckingham Palace tour.

Marvel at the incredible architecture of Westminster Abbey, an active place of worship and UNESCO World Heritage Site in London.

Founded by Benedictine monks in 960 AD, the abbey is Britain's coronation church and the setting for many special ceremonies, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.

The Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834. In 1844, it was decided the new buildings for the Houses of Parliament should include a tower and a clock. 

A massive bell was required and the first attempt (made by John Warner & Sons at Stockton-on-Tees) cracked irreparably. The metal was melted down and the bell recast in Whitechapel in 1858.