Build Your Own 10-hour Private Tour in a London

An unusual historyPopularly known as ‘Buck House,’ this extraordinary building was built in 1702 as the Duke of Buckingham’s city residence - scandalously, the site was constructed over the site of an infamous brothel. After some political shenanigans and a little regal manipulation, the building has been the official royal home from the time of Queen Victoria in the early 1800s. Here’s another peculiar fact: the lovely Queen Elizabeth doesn’t actually own the palace – the state does. Fortunately for good Queen Liz, most British people have a soft spot for the monarchy and so it remains her home. Watch for the flagWhen visiting the palace, it’s worth standing before The Forecourt, which is the site of the Changing of the Guard – a popular tourist attraction in the summer. During the sometimes-sunny summer season, when the Queen is up in Scotland, it’s possible to visit some of the palace’s 660 rooms. The flagpole will let you know whether the Queen is ‘at home’ or not. If you can see the flag, then you’ll know she’s inside doing whatever Queens do best – sipping tea, eating scones, and talking to other important dignitaries. If the flag isn’t flying, then Her Royal Highness and her entourage are off on important matters of state elsewhere.

What’s in a name?For years this iconic timepiece had no official title and was known simply as Clock Tower, which is probably why it quickly earned a nickname - and a good thing it did, too: ‘Clock Tower’ doesn’t exactly cut it as the name of a world-famous landmark. There are two people from the 1850s who may be the source of the name: either First Commissioner for Works Benjamin Hall, or champion boxer Ben Caunt. Its official name is now the Elizabeth Tower, after the current Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 for her Diamond Jubilee. The nickname Big Ben was originally given only to the Great Bell of the clock, but now the whole tower has come to be known fondly as Big Ben. Tells more than the timeToday, Big Ben is one of the most iconic emblems of London and a crucial part of its skyline. Indeed, it is one of the first images that comes to mind when you think of the great city. It is located on the north side of the Palace of Westminster which is the headquarters of Parliament in England. Construction was completed in 1859, and followed a tradition of nicknamed clock towers on Parliament’s grounds. The first was built in the 13th century by Edward I, and its bell named ‘Edward of Westminster’; it later became known as Great Tom. After a fire destroyed the Palace of Westminster in 1834 the palace was redesigned and the clock tower we know today as Big Ben was included in the project by Charles Barry. The neo-Gothic clock itself was expertly designed by Edmund Beckett Denison (who managed to steal the commission away from the Queen’s own clock maker) and is the second largest four-faced chiming clock in the world. A grand emblem of London history, Big Ben is without doubt on the must-see list for anyone visiting.

Norman power Since 1066 AD, the year of the momentous Norman invasion, the Tower of London has stood as a sign of the strength of England and a fearsome reminder to anyone who challenges the security of the realm or the authority of the king. When the Norman Duke William the Conqueror took control of England he went about establishing his authority across his new kingdom. He immediately began building castles throughout the country, bringing the impressive fort-building skills of Normandy with him, the likes of which England had never seen. These huge stone structures represented the might of the Norman lords and their armies, and struck fear and awe into the conquered English. The most important of these castles was the Tower of London. Around 1078 the Conqueror added what has come to be known as the White Tower, which is also where the castle gets its name. Located on the north bank of the River Thames, surrounded by a moat and high stone walls, it was in an ideal location to defend from attack, and, at least for the first century or two, also reminded rebellious Londoners who their new overlords were. Princes, wives and twins For over 800 years the Tower was also England’s most dreaded prison, and in its time has held some of the most high-profile names in European history. During the Wars of the Roses, the Tower was the site of the mystery of ‘The Princes in the Tower.’ When King Edward IV died his 12-year-old son became Edward V. However, young Edward’s uncle and guardian went to Parliament, had Edward and his younger brother legally declared illegitimate, and took the crown for himself, becoming Richard III. The young princes still had many powerful supporters, so in order to prevent them becoming a figurehead of rebellion Richard had the boys locked in the Tower. Shortly after they were imprisoned it was reported that the boys had mysteriously disappeared. They were never to be seen again. To this day historians still argue over the fate of the Princes in the Tower. Was Richard III the murderous hunchback of Shakespeare or did the conspiracy go even deeper? The Tower is also where Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were notoriously executed along with their alleged lovers. In 1952, East End gangsters the Kray twins were among the last prisoners to be held here. Ravens, jewels and poppies Despite its often grim history, the castle has always been primarily a royal palace. During the Middle Ages it was tradition that before the coronation ceremony of a new monarch the next king or queen would spend the night in the Tower of London in preparation for the big day. It was also probably the first zoo in England, housing the royal menagerie, which visitors can see today. The menagerie has been empty since 1835, but there are still seven ravens - cared for by the resident Raven Master - to be found living next to Wakefield tower. Legend has it that if the birds leave, the Tower will fall. Visitors may also see the magnificent Crown Jewels of England, which have been on public display since 1960. From November 2014 the Tower has been the site of Paul Cummins and Tom Piper’s Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, a deeply moving installation of 888,246 ceramic poppies in commemoration of the lives lost in WW1. The castle, host to compelling historical mystery and brimming with stories of kingship, romance, and murder, remains a vibrant and fascinating destination.

A place of suspenseTower Bridge is a Victorian bascule suspension bridge crossing the River Thames. Designed by Horace Jones in 1884, it is a beautiful construction with two tall fortified bridge-towers: this distinctive silhouette has become one of the major emblems of the city. The bascule operating machinery which raises and lowers the bridge to allow river traffic through is located in the base of each tower. One famous incident occurred in 1952 when one of London’s red buses became stuck on the bridge as it began to lift, forcing driver Albert Gunton to make an audacious jump across the rising levels. The 3ft leap resulted only in minor injuries for some passengers, and Gunton received a £10 award for bravery. Climb on top and get inside Since 1982, the Tower Bridge Exhibition has offered visitors the chance to climb up to the walkways at the top level of the bridge which connect its twin towers, as well as to learn the history of the bridge and take guided tours of the various rooms. From the high walkways you will be treated to amazing panoramic views of London which rival even those from the London Eye. With the recent addition of the glass floor on the walkways visitors can watch life go by literally beneath their feet, adding to the thrilling experience of being above the city. The walkways are also available to book for private receptions, corporate dinners and weddings: the maximum capacity over both halls is 250 people. The Exhibition also includes the Victorian Engine Rooms, which house the bridge’s original steam engines and hydraulic machinery (now replaced by modern motors), and also may be reserved for special functions of up to 120 guests. The beautifully decorated North Tower Lounge, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, likewise offers a truly unique venue for daytime and evening events. This is a smaller space with spectacular views of the city and river which can hold about 50 guests and is licensed to host wedding and civil partnership ceremonies. Tower Bridge is a London icon; even if you don’t fancy the height of its famous gangways, it is well worth a trip to the riverbank for a glimpse before you leave the city.

Crowning glory Westminster Abbey is perhaps the most important church in England. It is traditionally the one most associated with the monarch, as royal coronations have been held here since the arrival of William the Conqueror from Normandy in 1066. It has also held at least 16 royal weddings, including the recent nuptials of Prince William and Kate. The church of Westminster had already existed prior to the Norman Conquest, as the Abbey of St. Peter. According to legend a fisherman witnessed a vision of St. Peter on Thorny Island (the old name for the site) and a church was built in his honour. To this day, the Fishmongers Company traditionally gives a salmon to the Abbey every year. St. Dunstan is said to have set up an order of Benedictine monks at the abbey in the 900s and this church was rebuilt by the sainted Anglo-Saxon King Edward the Confessor in the 11th century for his burial.  Henry III, idolising the Confessor, had the church rebuilt once more in 1245 as a lavish shrine to Edward. While additions and alterations have been made, the imposing Gothic building we see today is Henry’s original 13th century abbey. Many of the earliest English churches were dismantled and destroyed during the Reformation of Henry VIII; however, given the long-standing and ritual association of the Abbey and the Crown, the King granted Westminster Abbey temporary cathedral status in order to avoid sacking this particularly special site. His daughter, Queen Elizabeth I, later established the Abbey as a ‘Royal Peculiar’ and until the 19th century it was the third seat of learning in the country after Oxford and Cambridge; it was here that the first third of the King James Bible was translated. Fabulous treasures The interior of the building is awesome in size and grandeur. The ceiling of the nave is an incredible 100 feet high, and the many chapels and sanctified spaces are richly decorated with architectural embellishments and religious objects. The West Window is the oldest in the Abbey and depicts Abraham, Isaac and Jacob with 14 other prophets as well as the coats of arms of some of England’s most prominent monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth I.  Underneath this window is the Grave of an Unknown Soldier in remembrance of the unnamed dead in WWI, and Waterford Crystal chandeliers have adorned the ceiling above since 1965 when they were gifted to the Abbey by Guinness family for its 900th anniversary. Near the entrance to St. George’s Chapel is the oldest known painting of an English King, depicting Richard II in 1395. Inside the Chapel is the ancient Coronation Chair.  In the Sanctuary in the heart of the Abbey is where you will find the High Altar dating from 1867. This is decorated with a Last Supper mosaic and is flanked by four statues of Saints Peter and Paul, Moses and King David. In front of the altar is a fabulous marble pavement decorated with a Cosmati style inlay of precious stone and glass, dating from 1268.  Illustrious tombs The Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor is in an eastern chapel of the Abbey and screened by a 15th century stone wall carved with scenes from his life. Henry III had the shrine decorated with exquisite Cosmati work, bringing over artists from Italy, and installed a gold feretory to hold Edward's relics. Sadly, the monks dismantled and hid the feretory during the Reformation and thus the shrine lost some of its lustre. Nonetheless, pilgrims would come from all over the country to pray at the Confessor’s shrine. Visitors can still see where the stones have been worn down by their knees.  One of the most spectacular parts of the Abbey is Henry VII’s Lady Chapel. It is a beautiful example of late medieval architecture, lined round with 95 statues and featuring a fan-vaulted carved roof. Here lie the tombs of Henry VII and his Queen Elizabeth of York. Other important royals buried here include Henry’s indomitable mother Lady Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Charles II.  The chapel in Poets' Corner is a resting place of renowned poets, artists and musicians. It was established after the famous English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was buried here due to his association with the Abbey. After him many other artists and writers were honoured by being entombed close to Chaucer, or simply commemorated by stone memorials - other famous names include Edmund Spencer, Lord Byron and William Shakespeare. With an impressive lineage and a royal reputation, Westminster Abbey is one of the most magnificent churches in England. It is packed with grand spectacle and fascinating details alike.

A serious spectacleThe Changing of the King's Guard at Buckingham Palace, formally known as Guard Mounting, is a tradition going back to the beginning of the 17th century. It is an elaborately choreographed military ceremony in which troops of the King's personal guard march out, accompanied by a traditional band, and exchange posts as well as the palace keys with a royal degree of pomp and formality. While the King or Queen has always had their own troops, a household guard has only protected the sovereign and their palaces since the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 under Charles II. This was deemed necessary after the brief revolution of Cromwell saw Charles’ predecessor and father King Charles I deposed and killed. When Queen Victoria made Buckingham Palace her London residence in 1837 she took a detachment of the Guard with her for protection and left the remainder to guard St. James’s Palace in Westminster - still the oldest palace of the monarchy, though it is no longer the primary residence. Out with the old?The Changing of the Guard takes place at 11.15 am every day in summer and every second day in winter. Two detachments of the ‘Old Guard’ form into tight groups at St. James’s and at Buckingham Palace. After a thorough inspection, the ‘Old Guard’ at St. James’s and the ‘New Guard’ which forms at Wellington Square with the band march out towards the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, regimental banners flying. Both groups present their arms and then the commanders solemnly exchange the palace keys. Today, the Changing of the Guard ceremony appears to be a piece of military theatre; a spectacle for the crowds of tourists outside the palace gates. The Guard Band even depart from traditional music sometimes and play contemporary pop songs. Yet the King's Guard performs the ceremony with a deep sense of pride, exerting the same focus and precision each day, and sees it as an honour to keep this tradition alive.

History and mystery Stonehenge is a fascinating monument. The earliest archaeological finds here indicate that the area has held significance since about 8000 or 7500 BC. The first known incarnation of Stonehenge was a huge earthwork ditch built about 3000 BC, which circled an area of 100 square metres including two entrances and some wooden structures. The massive stones we see today were placed there around 2500 BC atop a sacred burial ground for the cremated dead of the Neolithic era. Sarsens – the larger stones – are arranged in two concentric formations; an outer circle and inner horseshoe, with the smaller ‘bluestones’ set up around them in a double arc. Four Station Stones are also located on the outside. An earthwork avenue was created connecting Stonehenge to the Avon River a few hundred years later. Stonehenge retained its importance throughout the early Bronze Age. Four of the sarsens were carved with pictures of Bronze Age weapons like axes and daggers, marking the change in burial traditions during this era as people began to be buried with their belongings, and many round barrow burial mounds began popping up nearby. The site remained in use throughout the Roman occupation and many Roman artefacts have also been found there.  Enigmatic stones Stonehenge is the most sophisticated prehistoric monument of its type anywhere in the world, and surrounding Avebury the largest prehistoric burial site. It was clearly a project of dedication and mass importance, as construction would have required huge numbers of organised and skilled workers.  Although we have dates for its creation and we know that people were buried here, exactly who built this spectacular monument and why remains unknown. What was the importance of its layout? Its location? How were these huge stones transported and erected from 150 miles in the north with such primitive technology? Some theories as to its function and significance have included a druidic temple, a pagan ritual arena, an astronomical observatory, a place for worshipping ancestors or a site of healing. During the Middle Ages it was widely believed that Merlin, the famous enchanter of King Arthur’s court, had brought the stones over from Ireland. The modern contention is that it is some kind of prehistoric temple aligned with the movement of the sun - but it seems that it will forever be shrouded in mystery.  Megalithic museum In addition to the stones themselves there is plenty more to see at the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. The Neolithic Houses in the visitor centre explain how people lived in Neolithic times. These recreations inspire the imagination and further highlight the grandeur of human achievement in Stonehenge. Experts talk about methods of building and primitive tools and techniques and also provide demonstrations of Neolithic domestic skills using natural materials, such as flint knapping, grinding grain and making rope out of rushes.  There is a great audiovisual show inside the visitors’ centre. This gives visitors a 360° display of the changes of the seasons from the perspective of inside the stone circle, including the winter and summer solstices. These were sacred times of year in the druidic calendar and the mysterious positioning of this ancient monument catches the light at these times in such a way that the sun lights a path through it (the summer solstice continues to attract around 20,000 worshippers a year). Visitors may also experience the changing landscape throughout the ages with an interactive map and can enjoy coffee or a bite to eat in the local café.  This ancient and deeply mysterious site never fails to inspire wonder in all who visit. It is a truly unique place and one of the most memorable attractions in the whole of the UK - do not miss your chance to pay a visit.

Taking the watersBath is one of the most historic and charming towns in England. The town takes its name from the ancient Roman baths in its centre; they were constructed over a natural hot spring around 70 AD with huge pools, mosaicked walkways, steam rooms and changing areas for Romano-Britons to bathe and socialise. Visitors may walk through the ancient complex which still fills with hot water to this day - the baths are in fact among the best preserved Roman remains in the world. This apparently miraculous place was also believed to have healing powers, and a temple to the Romano-Celtic goddess Sulis-Minerva was built overlooking the baths. Here visitors can see the carving of a Gorgon’s head and watch a visual recreation of what it looked like to the Romans, as well as listen to stories from costumed experts. Tea with Mr. DarcyAdjoining the baths is the Grand Pump Room, one of the best places to enjoy fine British dining and high tea for over two centuries. Here you can even taste the healing waters from the Roman spa beyond! The Pump Room will be familiar to fans of Jane Austen, as it features in two of her novels. Due to her strong connection to the city, there is also a Jane Austen Centre where visitors can learn about the literary icon and her time in Bath. This is just one of an impressive 17 museums in the city centre, including the Holborne Museum, the Fashion Museum, the Bath Royal Literature and Scientific Institution, the Fairfield Museum and many more. A little outside the city visitors will find the excellent open-air wildlife habitat Longleat Safari and Adventure Park. Other great outdoor activities include visits to Dirham Park, Lacock Abbey, Bowood House and Gardens and Prior Park Landscape Garden, to name just a few of the fabulous estates nearby. Friendly facesThe Royal Crescent is one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks. This stunning 18th century group of terraced Georgian buildings is now home to a five-star hotel, as well as a museum of Georgian life and some lavish private housing. Another unique city landmark is the Great Wall of Walcot, on Walcot Street in the Artisan corner. This is a long wall with over thirty grotesque, mythic and comic faces carved in stone. The features of several living Bath locals were added to the wall in 2013 as part of an art project. If you walk along Walcot Street you will come across many quaint and traditional local shops and traders, including cheese and wine shops, furniture and framers, art galleries, cafés and pubs - you might even recognise a face from the wall.

Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world. It has been an official residence of the English Royal Family for nearly 1,000 years, and the Queen stays here most weekends, and for a month during Easter. Even when she is not in residence, nearly 500 people live or work in the castle, a testament to its classic medieval combination of palace, fortress and small town. As an international symbol of British heritage, and one of the country’s most evocative and recognisable historic landmarks, Windsor Castle rarely fails to impress. Military Beginnings The castle was built by William the Conqueror shortly after his 1066 invasion, in an effort to consolidate his territorial gains and assert his rule over the land. Originally a simple motte and bailey construction, over the years its strategic proximity to the Thames led to several rounds of addition and reinforcement, notably by Henry II, King John and Edward III. Onward and Upward Visiting the castle today, the great walls loom above you from atop their 15m chalk outcrop. In the very centre of the motte stands the keep, the Round Tower, a colossal fortification in which the medieval garrison would once have been able to make their last stand. Around the tower are three “Wards”, or sections, which you can visit. Particularly impressive are the sumptuous state apartments in the Upper Ward. They were mostly designed by Jeffry Wyatville, who wanted each room to reflect a different school of design. The result is a kaleidoscope of opulence which both showcases the wealth of the generations of royals who have lived here, and also illustrates the changing styles of the times.

The Royal Exchange is one of The City's most iconic buildings, built over five centuries ago and formerly housing London's first stock exchange.