London Historic Landmarks and Royal Stories

People say that history is boring.
Did you know that the spark that started the English civil war was a row between a husband and wife?
Or that Henry VIII secretly married Anne Boleyn in the Whitehall Palace before he was officially divorced?
And that many people consider the builder of Downing Street to be a scoundrel?
The great buildings of London are here too, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Westminster Abbey and we will talk about them.
But we will also recall the human events that make us who we are and the story of a small island kingdom that became a global empire will be seen in these stones and buildings.

Meeting Point

5 Trafalgar Sq

5 Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DS, UK

By the Empty Plinth, top-left corner of Trafalgar Square. (Top left as you face the National Gallery).

What's included:

• The history of Whitehall brought to life.

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Trafalgar Square

London, WC2N 5DS

One of the great London squares, see the lions, the smallest police station and hear how the small village of Charing is transformed into what we see today.

10 minutes

Whitehall

London, SW1A 2BX

The road from the City to the Royal Palaces of Westminster and Whitehall. Home to the Civil Service and the Ministry of Magic. A great deal of history along one small road.

30 minutes

10 Downing Street

Downing Street, , London, SW1A 2AL

The dark heart of power in this country, home to numerous Prime Ministers. Built by," perfidious rogue", Sir George Downing.

5 minutes

Banqueting House

Whitehall Palace Whitehall, Horse Guards Avenue, London, SW1A 2ER

One of the last surviving buildings of Henry VIII's Whitehall Palace. The site of the execution of Charles I

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Houses of Parliament

Parliament Square, London, SW1A 0AA

From a ford across the river to the heart of a world empire, this is where it all starts.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Westminster Abbey

20 Dean's Yard, Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3PA

A church fit for a King and where almost all of our Kings and Queens have been crowned and where many are buried. A religious city within the city and home to Geoffrey Chaucer and William Caxton.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

St. James's Park

Horse Guards Road, The Storeyard, London, SW1A 2BJ

Come meet the Pelicans, descendants of birds given to Charles II by the Emperor of Russia. Royal gardens that have become a most beautiful public garden and sanctuary for water birds.

10 minutes

Buckingham Palace

Spur Road, London, SW1A 1AA

The centre of royal power since the time of Queen Victoria, home, office and grand statement about the power and influence of the British Royal family.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included