Silverjet recommended sightseeing in London

Greenwich

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Greenwich hosts a number of attractions, all paying tribute to the central importance of the sea in British history.

Greenwich

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Greenwich hosts a number of attractions all paying tribute to the central importance of the sea in British history.

The most famous is the Royal Observatory, designed by eminent architect Sir Christopher Wren in 1675 and home of the Greenwich Meridian, the prime meridian of the world at zero degrees longitude, from which the world’s different time zones are calculated. Other attractions include the Cutty Sark Clipper Ship, the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College.

Greenwich is also the location of the infamous Millennium Dome, and the redevelopment which took place in the build-up to 2000 turned the area into a bustling retail hub with beautiful parklands and an excellent selection of bars and restaurants.

Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

Founded in 1759, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew cover more than 300 acres and are home to over 38,000 species of flora and fauna. It is estimated that one in eight of all known plant species can be found here.

Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

Founded in 1759, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew cover more than 300 acres and are home to over 38,000 species of flora and fauna. It is estimated that one in eight of all known plant species can be found here.

The beautiful parkland, situated beside the River Thames in south-west London, offers vast expanses of lawn and formal gardens and two magnificent Victorian conservatories. Visitors can view the world’s oldest pot plant, the tallest indoor plant and the largest seeds, and venture across arid desert and through the steamy rainforest – all without leaving London.

The stunning surroundings are the biggest draw, but the Gardens are also an important site for botanical research. The regular tours are highly informative and educational, and led by knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides. Alternatively, visitors can follow one of several themed trails, or wander around the attractions at their own pace.

Cabinet War Rooms

The Cabinet War Rooms were the underground headquarters of Winston Churchill and the British High Command during World War II, serving as the nerve center of Britain's war effort.

Cabinet War Rooms

The Cabinet War Rooms were the underground headquarters of Winston Churchill and the British High Command during World War II, serving as the nerve center of Britain's war effort.

Converted from a storage basement in 1938, this labyrinthine cellar north of Parliament Square has been preserved exactly as it was during the war, and features original photos and wartime memorabilia. The centrepiece is the Cabinet Room itself, where Churchill's War Cabinet met; located nearby is the Map Room, where Britain’s campaign was planned.

All rooms have been kept exactly as they were during the war, with the original maps lining on the walls and telephones still in place. It was from the Map Room that Churchill broadcast to the nations of the world during the darkest days of the war, after the majority of central Europe had fallen to Hitler's armies.

The Cabinet War Rooms were abandoned in 1945, before opening to the public in 1984. They now give a fascinating insight into the conditions under which Britain’s war effort was conducted.

Hampton Court

Built in the early 1500s, Hampton Court is one of Britain’s most magnificent royal palaces. It was the favourite residence of Henry VIII, who lived here with several of his ill-fated wives; he and Anne Boleyn spent their honeymoon at Hampton Court in 1533. The palace was opened to the public in 1838 by Queen Victoria and has remained one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions ever since.

Hampton Court

Built in the early 1500s, Hampton Court is one of Britain’s most magnificent royal palaces. It was the favourite residence of Henry VIII, who lived here with several of his ill-fated wives; he and Anne Boleyn spent their honeymoon at Hampton Court in 1533. The palace was opened to the public in 1838 by Queen Victoria and has remained one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions ever since.

The palace boasts a dazzling blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture and covers a spectacular six acres alongside the River Thames. Visitors can see Henry VIII's Great Hall, William III's State Apartments and the fabulous Tudor Kitchens, which have remained largely unchanged since the 16th century. However, the undisputed star attraction is the Hampton Court Maze, where visitors have been losing themselves since 1702.

London Eye

Originally built to celebrate the turn of the millennium, the London Eye has become an iconic landmark and the UK’s most popular tourist attraction.

London Eye

Originally built to celebrate the turn of the millennium, the London Eye has become an iconic landmark and the UK’s most popular tourist attraction.

This gigantic ferris wheel stretches 135m into the air, making it the fourth tallest structure in London. On a clear day, passengers can see up to 40km (25 miles), offering a breathtaking view over the city. Each high-tech capsule can accommodate up to 25 people and takes 30 minutes to do a full rotation.

The London Eye lies at the western end of Jubilee Gardens, opposite the Houses of Parliament. It is usually necessary to book your ‘flight’ in advance.

National Portrait Gallery

Opened to the public in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery houses portraits of historically important and famous British people from the Tudor period to the present day.

National Portrait Gallery

Opened to the public in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery houses portraits of historically important and famous British people from the Tudor period to the present day.

Selection is based on the eminence of the sitter rather than the quality of the portrait, so many of the exhibits have historical rather than aesthetic value, although the gallery does feature work by renowned artists such as William Hogarth and Joshua Reynolds. There are no restrictions on the medium used; the gallery features traditional oil paintings and watercolours, drawings, miniatures, sculptures, silhouettes, caricatures and photographs.

The exhibits are set out chronologically over several floors, with the newest portraits on the ground floor and the oldest at the top. Sitters range from Henry VIII to Mick Jagger.

Admission to the National Portrait Gallery is free, although you may have to pay for particular exhibitions.

Original London Walks

London is teeming with fascinating sights and stories, and there are few better ways of getting to know them than embarking on one of the Original London Walks.

Original London Walks

London is teeming with fascinating sights and stories, and there are few better ways of getting to know them than embarking on one of the Original London Walks.

This private company offers guided tours of all aspects of the city; whatever your interest – archeology, history, biography – there is bound to be a London walk that will help you explore it. The most popular options include the Haunted London Walk, where you’ll go ghost-hunting around the streets of London Bridge, and the Jack the Ripper tour, which will take you to the scene of the grisly Victorian murders.

The tour guides are carefully chosen, and famously knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subjects.