The capital is a whirlwind of glitzy West End theatres, energetic East End markets, green swathes of royal parkland and architectural feats. Think gothic spires, Georgian townhouses and abstract skyscrapers resembling razors and shards – even gherkins. Step outside the 'big smoke' and relax in green spaces including Kent's (known as the Garden of England), the undulating Sussex downs and Hampshire's lush New Forest – pack your bike and riding hat. History lessons in the Home Counties transport you back in time with Irons Age forts, motte-and-bailey castles and Jacobean mansions. The scenic southeast coastline is a Hollywood star, making cameos in iconic films like Brighton Rock and The White Cliffs of Dover.
London and South East England
Rainy Day Activities: Enter the magical Warner Bros Studio Tour
Step inside the wizarding world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and feel the films magically come to life.
Location: Leavesden, Hertfordshire
See a play under the stars
Experience theatre performed in the open air, amid the beautiful, green surroundings of Regent's Park.
Location: Regent's Park, Greater London
Indulge with Champagne on the London Eye
Whisk someone special away on a sunset 'flight' on board the London Eye, gazing at the cityscape below as you sip Champagne.
Location: Waterloo, Greater London
Discover the mystery of the Rosetta Stone
Visit the British Museum for free and see the famous Rosetta Stone. Dating back to ancient Egypt, the stone was key in the deciphering of hieroglyphs.
Location: London, Greater London
Learn about Jack the Ripper at City of London Police Museum
This museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the men, women and animals who have guarded the City since 1839.
Location: London, Greater London
Take a Notting Hill Walking Tour
Walk in the footsteps of the rich and famous.
Location: London, Greater London
Take a London Film Locations Tour
A whizz around London's famous film backdrops, visiting around 40 different locations.
Location: London, Greater London
October events: Watch a world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival
Book tickets to a wide variety of new and award-winning films at London’s most accessible and exciting film festival.
Location: London, Greater London
Explore Alexander Fleming's Laboratory
Discover the story of the father of penicillin in his lab in Paddington.
Location: Paddington, London
Paint the town red with a London hotel and theatre break
Take in the bright lights of London’s prestigious West End and its many fantastic musicals on a short break in the capital.
Location: London
Fly with The Red Arrows aerial team at the RAF Museum
Take a ride on The Red Arrow flight simulators or go on a low-flying mission through valleys in a Tornado Jet at London’s Royal Air Force Museum.
Location: Barnet, Greater London
Rainy Day Activities: Step into history in the Churchill War Rooms
Delve underground into Churchill’s War Cabinet Rooms and uncover the secret location which housed the Prime Minister during WWII.
Location: Westminster, London
Uncover the mysterious world of Sherlock Holmes
Spend a day on the trail in London of the world’s most famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his sidekick, Dr Watson.
Location: London
December events: Visit Hyde Park at Christmas and witness a Winter Wonderland
Gather the family and get your skates on for the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink at London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Location: London
June events: Revel in the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
Visit Greenwich this summer for amazing sights and sounds at London's biggest festival of free theatre and performing arts.
Location: Greenwich, London
Rainy Day Activities: Explore the spectacular Science Museum
Known around the world for its historic collections and inspirational exhibitions, London's Science Museum is a treat for all the family.
Location: South Kensington, London
Rainy Day Activities: Get hands on at the Natural History Museum
See hundreds of exciting, interactive exhibits in one of London’s most beautiful landmark buildings.
Location: South Kensington, London
Celebrate 200 years of John Keats's poetry at Keats House
Enjoy a varied programme of events from guided walks, tours and poetry readings to family days and music recitals in the peaceful setting of Keats House.
Location: Hampstead, London