Sightseeing in London
Tower of London
Off with his head
Since William the Conqueror in 1066, monarchs have lived, feasted and jailed their enemies behind the great stone walls of the Tower of London. Let a Beefeater take you on a free guided tour and bring the building's dramatic and macabre past to life. See the place where Ann Boleyn lost her head and visit the precious Jewel House. Be sure to spot the Koh-i-Noor, the legendarily large diamond once worn by Moghul emperors of India, now part of the Crown Jewels. Daily Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB Tel: 0870 756 6060
Madame Tussaud's
Even better than the real thing
Rub shoulders with the rich and famous, or at least their waxy counterparts, in the creepy world of Madame Tussaud's. Square up to Muhammad Ali, ogle at Kylie's perfect behind and swoon at James Dean. Have a go on the Spirit of London ride as it takes you through 400 years of the city's history, or visit the terrifying Chamber of Horrors. Daily Marylebone Rd, NW1 5LR Tel: 0870 400 3000
Windsor Castle
Ancient Royal Splendor
Take a trip to Windsor Castle, one of the Queen's official residences and the oldest occupied castle in the world. With over 900 years of history to discover, fabulous gardens and parkland, a visit here is a great family day out. Inside are paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens, while outside you can explore the lovely Savill Gardens or take home a pie from the Windsor Farm shop. Daily SL4 1NJ Tel: 020 7766 7304
London Eye
Get a bird's eye view
Designed to celebrate the arrival of the new Millennium in the year 2000, the 135 -metre high London Eye dominates the skyline as it slowly rotates over the capital, providing breathtaking views. Take a ride in one of the space-age glass pods and rise slowly above Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visit during the day for views of up to 25 miles or at night for a beautiful spectacle of lights. Daily South Bank, SE1 7PB Tel: 0870 5000 600
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Synchronise your watches
Visit the official starting point for each new day, year and millennium at the Royal Observatory, the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Experience the odd sensation of standing in both the eastern and western hemispheres by placing one foot either side of the Prime Meridian Line. Daily Greenwich Park, SE10 9NF Tel: 020 8312 6565
Kew Gardens
A Botanist's Dream
This wonderful haven for all things botanical is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pioneering centre for research as well as a glorious day out away from the hustle of central London. Make sure you visit in early spring for the magical bluebell woods and crocus carpet. Daily Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB Tel: 020 8332 5655