The Best of London in an Iconic Black Cab: Private Driving Tour

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.

A seat of powerDowning Street is known the world over as home to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom: ‘Number 10’ has been the official ministerial residence for almost 300 years. Less famously, the Chancellor of the Exchequer lives just next door at Number 11; other senior members of the Cabinet, like the Chief Whip, frequently reside there in Number 9 or Number 12. Downing Street was built in the 1680s and named after its Anglo-Irish creator Sir George Downing, 1st Baronet, who had amassed a substantial fortune as a soldier and spy for Oliver Cromwell and later King Charles II. He purchased the land near St. James’s Park which once held the Hampden Mansion, a townhouse and a cottage, which he tore down in order to build a set of townhouses for esteemed British noblemen – or ‘persons of good quality’. In later years the houses served not only as official residences but also as the offices of certain branches of government such as the Treasury Office, the War Office, the Privy Council Office and the Colonial Office. Number 10 has always been home to the First Lord of the Treasury, which since 1735 has been a role fulfilled by the Prime Minister (though before 1787 it was actually Number 5). A ‘vast, awkward house’The modest front edifice of this Georgian building - unchanged since the 18th century - belies an interior of around one hundred rooms. A portrait of Sir George Downing hangs inside the door of Number 10, though the Baronet probably never actually lived on the street at all, spending his remaining years in Cambridge. The building’s longest-standing resident, William Pitt the Younger, fondly called it ‘my vast, awkward house.’ As the residence of the Prime Minister it serves an important political function, and the beautiful state rooms have received some of the most important figures in world history as guests - though its status as a seat of power has also attracted protestors. In recent years it has been adopted as the official Twitter handle of David Cameron’s office, @Number10gov. Interestingly, the door to Number 10 cannot be opened from the outside, so there is always someone waiting indoors to open it, as well as at least one policeman posted outside the door at all times. The distinctive white lettering of Number 10 has featured in many films, including Love Actually, where Hugh Grant’s down-to-earth Prime Minister dances his way through its halls and finds love (actually!). Today, Downing Street is gated and there are armed security guards standing by; yet you will always see tourists peering through the iron bars at this famous London cul-de-sac. A visit provides a thrilling glimpse at the heart of the English Government - and, of course, at one of of the most famous doors in the world.

Norman powerSince 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 twinsFor 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 poppiesDespite 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.

Trafalgar where?Trafalgar Square is one of the most celebrated spots in London for its history and architectural beauty. Located in the centre of London near Charing Cross, this huge open space is one of the prettiest and most popular squares in town with loads to offer the curious tourist. The location of the Square is of symbolic importance as it was once the location of the Royal Mews (grand stables), and it is named after the British victory in the 1805 naval battle off the Cape of Trafalgar. In the centre of the plaza is a huge Corinthian column dedicated to Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was killed in the Battle’s victory, and topped with a statue of the man himself. It is surrounded by four lions made from the bronze cannons of the Spanish and French ships which were melted down after the battle. To either side of Nelson’s Column are two large and beautiful fountains which replaced smaller ones in 1937. The square is surrounded by many impressive buildings. The National Gallery is located on the north side, with the National Portrait Gallery just a stone’s throw further in St. Martin’s Place; the Saint Martin-in-the-Fields Church is situated in the east corner, and the Square is also home to South Africa House and Canada House. Heroic statureThe Square holds a number of other statues of important figures in British history, including four main plinths for the most important statues – those of King George IV, General Charles James Napier and Major-General Henry Havelock. The ‘Fourth Plinth’ is special as it remained empty for over 100 years until 1988; today, it is a coveted pedestal that displays commissioned works for 18-month stints. Its current resident is Hans Haacke’s skeletal Gift Horse, a wry comment on austerity and City excess. A bustling site where Londons old and new collide, Trafalgar Square is a vital stop for any visitor.

Not that kind of circusPiccadilly Circus is one of the liveliest spots in London, and one of the best places for tourists to get a sense of the city's vivid atmosphere. This large open plaza in the heart of city is always pulsing with activity, from both the rumbling London traffic and the hundreds of people who gather here on a daily basis. Although not quite the circus you might be expecting, Piccadilly is a prime location for all things theatrical. Just off the plaza you will find Shaftesbury Avenue, a grand street full of the world’s best theatres and bursting with the most popular shows around. Many visitors also opt for a pre-theatre meal at one of the dozens of fantastic restaurants nearby. Music halls and shopping mallsThe Statue of Eros in the south end of Piccadilly Circus is one of the most popular meeting places in the city, and you will find tourists and Londoners alike sitting and chatting around the beautiful fountain while the Greek god of love flutters above, arrow at the ready. Eros is not the only piece of art to admire: Piccadilly Circus is lined round with some stunning architecture, such as the London Pavilion and the Byzantine-inspired Criterion Theatre. The Circus was constructed in 1818 to connect Regent Street, one of the best streets for London shopping, with Piccadilly, which runs down to Hyde Park and Westminster. A natural hub of activity, its energetic atmosphere has since made it one of the most celebrated places in the city. Looking for a great day or night out but can’t decide what exactly you’re in the mood for? Head straight to Piccadilly Circus and have your pick of the lot: great food, great pubs, great shopping and great shows.

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 insideSince 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.

Bridging the gapLondon Bridge – not to be confused with the more extravagant Tower Bridge – has perhaps the richest history of any bridge in London. Nearly 2000 years ago, the Romans constructed a succession of wooden crossings over the river and established the settlement called Londinium which became the Roman-British capital. With the end of Roman rule in the early 5th century, this early incarnation of our bridge fell into disrepair; it was rebuilt some time during the 9th or 10th centuries, possibly by Alfred the Great or Ethelred the Unready, and played an important role in conflicts with the Danish invaders. Throughout the early years following the Norman conquest of England the bridge was destroyed - by a tornado in 1091, and a fire in 1136 - and was rebuilt and strengthened with timber a number of times. Eventually, Henry II had it rebuilt in stone and created a special guild known as the Brethren of the Bridge to be responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This arched structure had a drawbridge to allow large vessels to pass through, defensive gates at each end, and a chapel in the centre dedicated to the martyr Thomas Becket. Within a few years many shops and houses took up residence there and flourished. By the year 1500 there were about 200 buildings on the Bridge, making it look more like a floating town between London and Southwark. Murders and martyrsFrom the reign of Edward I until the reinstatement of King Charles in 1660, the south gate of the Bridge gruesomely displayed the spiked heads of executed criminals. The Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace was the first head to be placed there. This medieval bridge remained in use for an impressive 622 years until it was deemed necessary to rebuild in the 19th century. The resulting ‘New Bridge’ was then packed up and sold in sections to an American oil and motor tycoon in 1968, after it was decided that the location needed to change when the bridge started sinking. It remains in use in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to this day. The London Bridge we see now, a concrete and steel box girder construction, was opened in 1973 and is about 30 meters upstream from the original location. Tombs and restaurantsOne of the best features the Bridge has to offer is ‘The London Bridge Experience’. This celebrated attraction gives tourists the history of the Bridge and takes you through the eerie hidden tunnels where actors will impersonate historical figures like the Keeper of Heads, who was responsible for displaying traitors’ heads on spikes during medieval times. This unique tour also takes you through the tombs underneath London. Terrifying ghouls and creeps of all kinds will jump out at you as you make your way through the underground labyrinth. The 19th century Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret is also located just by the bridge and is an interesting attraction for anyone keen on the history of modern surgery. Borough Market on Bankside is open Wednesday to Sunday and is always buzzing with people. It is the oldest food market in this ancient city, where you can find the best fresh produce from around the country, including cakes, cheeses, ciders, vegetables, meat and fish. There are also fantastic English restaurants close by such as Londinium, Roast, and Blueprint Café, which boasts excellent views. Many of the most famous buildings on the London skyline are accessible from London Bridge, including the Shard, a pyramidal glass structure which is the tallest building in Western Europe. Visitors to the Shard can climb to the top floors for exceptional views over London in all directions. Close by you can also find Southwark Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church in London, and celebrated wine-tasting centre Vinopolis.

Crowning gloryWestminster 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 treasuresThe 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 tombsThe 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.

All eyes on youMany a visitor to London will take a spin on this famous wheel, which takes you high above the skyline and provides the best views of the buzzing metropolis. At a towering 135m, the London Eye is in the top five tallest Ferris wheels in the world and has won numerous awards for tourism. It is currently sponsored by Coca-Cola. The Eye was first launched in 2000. It replaced the Great Wheel, which was a late Victorian Ferris wheel modelled on the famous Chicago wheel. This Great Wheel was built for the Empire of India Exhibition in 1895 and later demolished in 1907. The observation pods or capsules, which can hold up to 25 people at a time, represent each of the 32 London boroughs. As the pods rotate around the wheel they look out over London city, which is the 33rd and final division of Greater London, providing exceptional panoramic views – an eye over London. More than meets the eyeThe obvious attraction of the London Eye is taking a trip around the Ferris wheel itself for the breathtaking skyline sights. However, this is not the only activity offered by the London Eye. Visitors are also offered a River Cruise. This lasts about 40 minutes and includes a trip past some of London’s other most popular tourist attractions including Big Ben, Westminster Palace and the Tower of London, with commentary from an expert guide. It is also possible to book private capsules for couples and groups. Visitors may rent a capsule for one or more rotations to enjoy a unique and romantic date, or share a glass of champagne and hors-d’oeuvres with friends. Decadent fun in a fantastic setting; what more could you want?

Although the Royal Family has chosen to live in Buckingham Palace since Victoria became queen, nearby St. James’ is actually the official royal residence. As a result, all official correspondence, as well as royal envoys, are still accredited to “The Court of St. James’”, giving a stately dignity to this nearly-500-year-old building. Lepers to LordsIt was commissioned by Henry VIII in 1530, and the majority of construction work was completed over the following six years. It was built on the site of a former leper’s hospital for women which had been dedicated to St. James, and despite this rather unroyal association, it was considered a snub to the sainthood to change the patron of the location. Upon completion, it was one of the country’s grandest buildings, featuring four courtyards, a chapel, a gatehouse, and a set of state apartments that were later greatly expanded by Sir Christopher Wren after a devastating fire in 1809. The Royal GuardThese days, the palace is often used by the Royal Family for official receptions, but sadly it is closed to the public. It does still make for impressive viewing from the outside, though, and is only a five minute walk from Buckingham Palace. Unlike its more famous counterpart, though, St. James’ receives considerably fewer visitors, and is a lesser known venue of the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. Here, with much pomp and ceremony, and blistering military precision, you can watch the Queen’s royal guard, elite regular army soldiers all, enacting the traditional handover of responsibility for her protection.

Nestled between Downing Street, Whitehall and St. James’ Park, Horse Guards Parade occupies a prime location in central London and is just a five minute walk from the Houses of Parliament. The vast parade ground has been an important venue for English royalty for centuries, and it continues to dazzle visitors with regular military spectacles that showcase the best that the British Army has to offer.In the time of Henry VIII, Horse Guards Parade was an enclosed courtyard attached to the enormous Palace of Whitehall, and it played host to a number of jousting tournaments during his reign. The palace burned to the ground in 1698, but the Parade remained in use as a military facility, and was once the headquarters of the Duke of Wellington. Marching as to WarThese days, Horse Guards Parade is London’s primary military parade ground, and is used for some of the armed forces’ most important events. It is sometimes thought that the Changing of the Guard only occurs outside Buckingham Palace, but in fact the same ceremony that is put on here every day is in many ways even more impressive. It is an astonishing display of military discipline and organisation. Every inch of the soldiers’ uniforms has been scrubbed, brushed or polished to perfection, and the result is a gleaming mass of bright-scarlet men marching precisely as one. Horses are often involved, always immaculately trained and presented. You aren’t allowed too close to these, but there are usually police horses positioned immediately outside the parade ground, and the friendly officers on top will often let children or adults pat them.

Borough market is one of the oldest and largest markets in the UK, having celebrated its 1,000th birthday in 2014. You can find it on the southern side of Southwark cathedral, near London Bridge – you’ll often be able to hear it before you can see it. Fresh off the ShipsThe market has had a rollercoaster ride of riots, closures and changes of fortune over the centuries, but it was in the early 19th century that it really came into its own. Having recently been abolished by an act of parliament, local parishioners took the opportunity to move it to a nearby location. Their chosen site was near the burgeoning wharves near the Thames’ Pool of London, and trade soon began to flourish as tons of fresh produce were brought in from the ships every day. To cope with the boom, a grand set of market buildings was completed in 1851, and are still in use today. The famous Art-Deco entrance on Southwark Street was added in 1932. Taster TimeThese days, Borough Market is a prime location for foodies of all stripes, especially if you’re into speciality foods. Take wander down its crooked little streets and labyrinthine alleyways and you’ll find rare-breed meats from all over the world, as well as a superb range of fresh fish, fantastic cheese and, of course, the usual high-quality produce. Be sure to come with an appetite – there’s an excellent range of hot food traders here, and many of the stalls selling fresh stuff put out enticing trays of tasters to draw you in

The seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the Diocese of London.

The second longest river in the UK the Thames is an iconic piece of London culture. Don't be put off by its murky colour it is actually one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in European.