London

Royal London

Some of London's main attractions throughout the centuries have always been its amazing palaces. Monarchs over the years have left their mark on the capital - Henry VIII and his numerous palaces, James I and his follies through to the present day, Buckingham Palace (the best known royal palace in the world) built in 1703 and bought 60 years later by George III.

Buckingham Palace (August - September) is the official London residence of The Queen and serves both as home and office. Its 19 staterooms form the heart of the working palace and are lavishly furnished with some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection. The 42-acre garden is an oasis for wildlife, and visitors can enjoy a garden walk, which offers superb views of the garden, front of the Palace and the 19th century lake.

The Queen's Gallery (Open daily) at Buckingham Palace provides a year-round showcase for displays from the Royal Collection, ranging from paintings, prints, drawings and watercolours to decorative art such as furniture, porcelain, miniatures, enamels and jewellery.

Royal Mews (March-October) is a working establishment and the number of horses and carriages on show may vary from time to time. Opening arrangements are subject to change at short notice.

The Banqueting House (Open daily) is the only remaining complete building of Whitehall Palace, the sovereigns' principal residence from 1530 until 1698 when it was destroyed by fire. The Banqueting House was originally built for occasions of state, plays and masques. It later became the scene of Charles I's execution.

Clarence House (August-September) which stands beside St James's Palace, was built between 1825 and 1827 to the designs of John Nash for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, who resided there as King William IV from 1830 until 1837. Now the Prince of Wales's official London residence, it was formerly the London home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1953 until her death in 2002.

Hampton Court Palace (Open daily) is set in delightful gardens and was famously one of Henry VIII's favourites. Explore his State Apartments and those of King William III where history is brought to life with costumed guides. The Tudor Kitchens offer an insight to life below stairs and the splendid gardens are not to be missed.

Houses of Parliament (August-September) Guests can usually sit in the visitor's galleries during debates when Parliament is in session. Tours typically cover the House of Lords and the House of Commons, St. Stephen's Hall and Westminster Hall, the Peers Lobby, Central Lobby and Commons Lobby. Tours also stop at the Prince's Chamber, the Royal Gallery, the Queen's Robing Room and Victoria Tower.
Kensington Palace (Open daily) home to the Royal Ceremonial Dress collection, which includes some of Queen Elizabeth II, dresses worn throughout her reign, as well as 14 of Diana Princess of Wales evening dresses. Tour the State Apartments which include the Kings Gallery hung with paintings from the Royal Collection and don't miss afternoon tea in Queen Anne's Orangery (not included in prices).

Tower of London (Open daily) spans over 900 years of British history. Fortress, palace, prison, arsenal and garrison, it is one of the best-preserved and most famous fortified buildings in the world, and houses the priceless Crown Jewels, armouries, Yeoman Warders and ravens.

Windsor Castle (February-November) is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and the home of The Queen. The castle encapsulates 900 years of history and its magnificent State Apartments and works of art reflect the tastes of successive kings and queens. Visit includes Queen Mary's Dolls' House and St George's Chapel, the burial place of ten sovereigns.

Tours based on:

• 3 or 4 star central London accommodation with breakfast
• Prices are per person sharing a twin room, extra nights available for all tours.
• Reductions are available for August.

Mix and Match: you can always combine any of these to create your own tour