The Tower of London is the oldest palace, fortress and prison in Europe. William the Conqueror chose the same site as Claudius, the Roman Emperor, who had built a fort here over a thousand years before. Its strategic position on the north river bank immediately within the south east boundary of the City Wall controls the Thames, London Bridge and the defends the City.
According to the
Domesday Book of 1086, East London had a population of 700 people. The Constable of the Tower exercised certain rights over the eleven hamlets to the east for the recruitment and pressing of labour. These became known as 'Tower Hamlets'.
The original tower, known as the White Tower derives its name from the fact that in 1240 Henry III had the building whitewashed ! As king succeeded king the fortress was continuously enlarged and towards the end of the 12th century Richard I added to its might by encircling it with a moat fed by the River Thames. When the moat was drained in 1830, many human bones were found.
Location: Tower of London, London
The City Of Bath
Looking for a beautiful and unique destination to enjoy the perfect city break? Wanting somewhere that’s brimming with things to do, a fantastic city centre, where you can shop until you drop but also relax and unwind?
Then welcome to Bath, a city so beautiful and special that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Independent, creative, unique and stylish, Bath is the only place in the UK where you can bathe in naturally hot spa water and original roman style baths, making it the ultimate spa break destination for thousands of years.
Windsor Castle
Catch the traditional military parade and Changing of the Guards up the high street and into the castle to the Lower Ward. The ceremony lasts 30 minutes and starts at 11:00 (but you can catch the march up the hill at 10:50) and weather permitting they’re accompanied by a band. The Guard March takes place all year round on alternate days from August to March and daily during April, May, June and July (apart from Sundays).
Note: The Changing of the Guards schedule is set by the British Army. Best check the Royal Collection's website for latest information
State Apartments
Home to over 39 monarchs, Windsor Castle has seen the tastes and décor vary hugely over the centuries. The State Apartments pay homage to the differing tastes of the royal occupants from lavish furnishings and treasures from the Royal Collection, including masterpieces by Rubens, Holbein, Brueghel and Van Dyck.
Queen Mary’s Dolls House
Built by the leading architect Sir Edwin Lutyens for Queen Mary in the early 1920s, this dolls house is the largest and most intricate in the world. The scale is tiny, at 1:12, and the house is filled with one-off specially commissioned pieces from leading artists and craftsmen. Observe the minute detail of the library, wine cellar and marvel at the facilities, including running water and electricity.