London 9-day Itinerary

The world’s most notorious medieval fortress, rich in gruesome history dating back to the 11th century. Now home to the Crown Jewels and the enigmatic, colourful Beefeaters.

This iconic, domed cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and a highlight of London’s skyline, designed by the great Sir Christopher Wren.

This atmospheric indoor garden, occupying 3 floors at the top of a skyscraper, offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the city. There’s an observation deck and several dining options – a fine dining restaurant, an Italian restaurant and a brasserie – all with views.  A great place to break from sightseeing.

An awe-inspiring collection of more than seven million artefacts spanning two million years, from prehistory to the present day. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles and a granite head of King Rameses II.

Fascinating museum offering an insight into the remarkable transport heritage of the city that pioneered the underground railway. Trains, iconic black cabs, scarlet double-decker buses and more.

See the world’s best theatre and musical theatre, staged in 40 magnificent, history-laden venues known as the ‘West End’.

Jaw-dropping neo-Gothic buildings by the Thames, home to the UK parliament – the original home of democracy – and the iconic Big Ben clock.

A thousand-year-old Gothic abbey, and the grand resting place of monarchs, politicians and poets.

A secret subterranean bunker from which Churchill directed operations during WWII – exactly as it was during the blitz of 1945 – offering a fascinating historical insight to the war and Churchill himself.

The world’s most famous royal palace and home of the British monarchy since Queen Victoria, is a fairly bland affair. Go in summer months to see the State Rooms and gardens, and stay to see the Changing of the Guard with enjoyable, entertaining fanfare.

The main public art gallery of Buckingham Palace, the Queens Gallery exhibits works of art from the Royal collection on a rotating basis – there are usually around 450 works on show.

Introduced by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840 to stave off hunger until dinner, afternoon tea is one of England’s greatest traditions – and there is no better way to experience it than in one of London’s historic, grand dame hotels.

In the palatial surroundings of the Ritz’s white-and-gold Palm Court, this is London’s only afternoon tea to have a certified tea sommelier on hand to help you with your choices.

Grocer to the queen, this glorious foodie emporium on Piccadilly has been supplying the great and good of London since 1705. A Fortnum’s hamper – perfect for a picnic in Hyde Park – is a thing of beauty.

One of the world’s greatest collections of Western European paintings, with more than 2,300 works on display from Da Vinci to Monet.

A pictorial ‘who’s who’ of British culture past and present, from royals to pop icons, showcasing hundreds of years of history.

Located in the elegant surroundings of Somerset House, the Courtauld combines temporary exhibitions with a permanent collection including works by Manet and Van Gogh.

Introduced by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840 to stave off hunger until dinner, afternoon tea is one of England’s greatest traditions – and there is no better way to experience it than in one of London’s historic, grand dame hotels.

Sky-scraping observation wheel taking passengers on a stately ride, 450 feet above the Thames.

London’s impressive aquarium, set on the South Bank, is home to hundreds of species of fish and a selection of sharks. Great for families and nature lovers, but nothing especially unique.

From classic drama to musical comedy, the National’s three stages (the Olivier, Lyttleton and Dorfman) epitomise the best of British theatre. Boundary-pushing, and world-class quality.

This iconic, renovated power station on London’s South Bank showcases headline-grabbing Modern and contemporary art.

London’s premier gastro hub, with over 100 stalls in a historic covered market, offering everything from artisan breads and cheeses to street food, hand-made chocolates and vegan cakes.

Shakespeare’s works are brought vividly to life at this half-timbered, riverside replica of the Bard’s Elizabethan theatre. A pilgrimage for Shakespeare fans.

A gallows humour romp through London’s most gruesome periods of history, encountering its shadiest characters, via live action, rides and special effects.

Step into Renzo Piano’s iconic Shard, and ride up to the 72nd floor, to stand 800ft above London for the loftiest views in the capital.

Dinosaur skeletons, blue whales and chunks of meteorite set in a Romanesque, cathedral-like building – the world’s biggest and best such museum is a treasure trove of natural history.

The world’s largest science museum, with 40 galleries celebrating three centuries of major scientific advances.

Known nationwide as ‘the V&A’, this museum focuses on the decorative arts, from fashion to furniture and interior design.

The world’s most famous department store – touristy, yes, but also glamorous, glitzy, and unmissable.

The original, flagship store in Britain’s upscale department store chain, still a destination for the best in international luxury brands.

England’s greatest Tudor estate and the former home of Henry VIII and his succession of wives, preserved for the public to explore.

Legendary botanical gardens dating back to 1759, now housing more than 30,000 species of plant. The original, biggest and best botanical garden in the world.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren at the behest of Charles II back in 1675, this, the world’s oldest and most famous observatory, is where scientists pinned down the concept of time and space.

Right on the Thames where the Cutty Sark museum ship is moored, you’ll find this grand royal park, home to 17th-century landscaping, the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum and one of London’s oldest deer enclosures.

Britain’s last surviving tea clipper, this beautifully-preserved vessel was the fastest and greatest ship of the late 1800s.

Tour the studios and see the real sets where it was filmed. Also now a Gringotts-worthy treasure trove of thousands of intricate artefacts, props, costumes, and sets used in the eight movies.

One of the oldest and best toy shops in the world, complete with costumed staff and huge-scale, techy toys, this is heaven for kids (grown-up ones too).