London - capital city of the United Kingdom - with a population of nearly 9 million people. Festivals, Museums, Theatre, Art, Night Life & Sport - London has it all! Would you like to see many of the highlights on a 2 day trip - mainly on foot? Read on! On this tour, we'll visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites: The Tower of London & The Palace of Westminster / Westminster Abbey. We'll see Buckingham Palace and 2 Royal Parks. And we'll experience the wonders of the National Gallery, the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Churchill War Rooms and the Natural History Museum. We'll view the city from the highest building in London - The Shard. And we'll get up close with Tower Bridge. Want entertainment? We'll be dropping by the West End including Leicester Square, Soho and Covent Garden. This is a tried and tested tour that I've done with friends & family - bring your best walking shoes :) You'll likely be tired from all the combined walking and culture at the end of Day 2 - however you'll definitely have made the most of your trip to London. I'm making the assumption that you're travelling to London on a Friday evening. If this is the case - I'd recommend heading to your accommodation, and dropping off your bags before heading out to a local eatery for refreshments. Make sure you're fresh for an early start the next day! I recommend booking a theatre performance in the West End for the end of Day 1. There are loads of theatres showing fabulous plays and musicals. Photo Credits: Marcin Nowak - unsplash.com

A stunning virtual tour around cultural sites & national parks of Europe and North America Photo Credit: Bharat Patil

Westminster Abbey (more formally Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster) has been used as the place of coronation for monarchs since 1066 (starting with William the Conqueror). It is the resting place of more that 3,000 famous Britains - including monarchs, scientists, politicians and poets. The abbey is a place for celebration, worship and ceremony. The last Royal Wedding at the abbey was the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, in 2011. The Abbey was completed in 960AD - and today it has over 1 million annual visitors. It is located right next to the Houses of Parliament. Of note to see: 1. The Lady Chapel 2. The Coronation Chair 3. Poet's Corner 4. The Queen's Window 5. Pyx Chamber 6. Royal Tombs 7. The Quire 8. The Cloisters 9. Chapel House 10. Abbey Gardens 11. Modern Martyrs Children under 5 get free entrance. Purchasing tickets online (see the website link on this page) - gets you a discount. Photo credits: Amy-Leigh Barnard, unsplash.com Jenny Marvin, unsplash.com

Tower Bridge is arguably London's definitive landmark. Arching over the River Thames, it connects the north with the south. On the north side, the Tower of London looks on. There are 5 areas to explore within the bridge: 1. The North Tower - which highlights the architects, thinkers, engineers & technicians who built the bridge. 2. The Walkways - with panoramic views and a glass floor 42 meters up. 3. The South Tower 4. The Blue Line 5. The Engine Rooms - where you'll find the original steam engines which powered the bridge If you buy tickets on the website (see link on this page), you can get discounted prices. Photo credits: Raul Varzar, unsplash.com Charles Postiaux, unsplash.com Jean Carlo Emer, unsplash.com

Click on the website button for the virtual tour Photo credit Sebastian Pichler, unspash.com

The View From The Shard gives visitors arguably one of the best views of London. At 68 floors into the air, visitors are whisked upward at 6 metres per second - reaching the top in under a minute. The view really is spectacular - especially as London has very few truly high-rise buildings. Get ready for a winning Instagram selfie-moment! The Shard visit also includes a virtual reality experience. 'The Slide' takes 'passengers' on a 100mph ride over the city's skyline. The open air Skydeck (found on level 72) is also available to visit - but must be booked separately. Other offerings include a lesson in cocktail making - including a gin masterclass. Photo Credits: Genevieve Perron-Migneron, unsplash.com Fred Moon, unsplash.com

You might think the London Eye was a huge ferris wheel - but according to the architects, David Marks and Julia Barfield, it's a "cantilevered observation wheel". Originally a submission to the Millennium Competition, hosted by The Sunday Times and The Architecture Foundation, it took 6 years for the couple to make their dream a reality. It opened in March 2000. 33 pods take riders up to 325 metres in height. Originally, The Eye was intended to be decommissioned after 5 years, its lifetime has been extended - as the tourists just keep coming. You can save 10% when you book tickets online. See the website link on this page. Photo Credits: David Henderson, unsplash.com Marc Wieland, unsplash.com

The National Gallery in London houses one of the greatest painting collections in the world - including paintings from Cezanne, Monet, Seurat, Gainsborough, van Gogh, Rembrandt and da Vinci - to name but a few. There are over 2,600 paintings on display - so there is something for everyone. The gallery is open 361 days per year. There are virtual tours available on the gallery's website (see website link on this page). Entrance is free - since the artwork belongs to the public. The cloakroom charge is 2 GBP (free for members). Photo credits: Anas Miah, Unsplash.com

Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, or, more commonly, The Tower of London, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom. Located on the north bank of the Thames in London, the castle was founded in 1066, following the Norman conquest of England. Here, you can find the Crown Jewels (all 23,578 of them), which have been on display since 1669. Even back in the 19th century, half a million visitors flocked to see them. An ancient belief states that at least 6 ravens must be kept in the tower at all times - otherwise the kingdom will fall - and so they are kept there to this day. A tour to see the ravens is included in the ticket price. The castle has had a number of uses over the years, including as a grim prison, and as a site of execution - including of that of Anne Boleyn - wife of Henry VIII. Enjoy the many characters dressed in period clothing, who wander the castle and grounds. Check out the Yeoman Warder tours - which begin every hour. Photo credits: Jospeh Gilby, unsplash.com Amy-Leigh Bernard, unsplash.com Devin Kleu, unsplash.com

The British Museum in central London houses more than 60 free galleries, as well as exhibitions and events. This is a truly incredible museum - and if you are remotely interested in history, then it is not to be missed. The galleries include Egyptian sculpture, Medieval Europe, Enlightenment, Mexico, Africa, Greek artefacts, Chinese and other Asian artefacts, clocks, the Romans, and many more. Some of the galleries are available as a virtual tour online - please check the website link for the museum on this page. Admission is free - however booking is required for groups of 10 or more. Photo Credit: Viktor Forgacs, unsplash.com Tamara Menzi, unsplash.com

One of the quintessential images associated with London is the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. A cathedral has stood on this site (Ludgate Hill - the highest point in the City of London) for more than 1,400 years. The present cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren - to replace the previous cathedral which burnt down in the Great Fire of London. Work commenced in 1675, and the cathedral was completed in 1710. An Anglican cathedral - this is the main place of work for the Bishop of London. There are guided tours available, at no extra charge above admission - Monday to Saturday - 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm. Private group tours are also available. There is an entry charge for tourists - but worshippers can enter for free. Sightseeing is not permitted on Sundays. Photo credits: Alex Tai, unsplash.com Robert Bye, unsplash.com Nick Fewings, unsplash.com

Soho is a 1-square-mile bustling and lively entertainment district in the West End of London. It's bursting with up-market restaurants, bars, clubs, theatres and media industry headquarters. Soho also borders Chinatown, although the Soho Society believes Chinatown is also part of Soho. London's gay community is based around Old Compton Street in Soho. Theatres in the area include the Soho Theatre and Windmill Theatre. Walking around the streets of Soho, you'll be among tourists and locals alike - enjoying the atmosphere day and night. The name Soho was possibly derived from a hunting cry in the 17th century. Photo Credits: Moujib Aghrout, unsplash.com Laura Chouette, unsplash.com Mark Hayward, unsplash.com

Towards the east of London's vibrant West End lies the district of Covent Garden. In days-gone-by, Covent Garden housed a fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square, but nowadays this is a popular tourist and entertainment site with shops, restaurants, bars, theatres and historical buildings. Lookout for and enjoy the regular street performances which surround the main square. The Royal Opera House is also found at the site. Photo Credits Nick Page, unsplash.com Rudy Isa, unsplash.com David Sury, unsplash.com

Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence to the UK Monarch. At a height of 24 metres, its front is 108 metres long, and depth is 120 metres. There are 775 rooms, including 188 bedrooms for staff, 78 bathrooms, 92 offices and 52 bedrooms for royalty and guests. Official guests annually number some 50,000 people - for garden parties, lunches, dinners and state banquets. Perhaps the most famous balcony in the world, the balcony at the Palace was first used in 1851 by Queen Victoria - for the Great Exhibition. Today it's used on occasions such as Royal Weddings, the annual official birthday celebrations of The Queen and other grand occasions. During the summer months, the Palace is open to the public. A limited number of tours are available during Easter, December and January. Check the website link on this page for more information. Many tourists come to stand at the gates of the Palace where Changing the Guard takes place. Photo credits: Jean Carlo Emer, unsplash.com Luke Ow, unsplash.com Romeo A, unsplash.com

Borough Market is no museum - it's a living, breathing, dynamic market-place. Many of the stallholders are actual producers - farmers, fishermen, bakers. As well as food, there are small-scale artisan producers and restaurants. Prepare for an experience of tastes, smells, colours and human interactivity. Look out for cookery demonstrations, public debates and educational activities. Photo Credits: Hulki Okan Tobak, unsplash.com Frank Albrecht, unsplash.com

The V&A Museum houses a world-leading collection of performance, art & design - and over 2.3 million objects spanning over 5,000 years. Many of the UK's national collections are held here - as well as study resources for the fields of theatre, performance, furniture, fashions, textiles, photography, sculpture, glass and other arts. Beginning as a Museum of Manufactures back in 1852, it was renamed in 1899 when Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone. The building is also considered one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in Great Britain. Admission is free. The museum has 3 cafes: The Main Cafe, The Garden Cafe and The Courtyard Cafe. Cloakrooms are available: £1 coats, £3 cabin bags, £5 large bags. Photo credits: Amy-Leigh Barnard, unsplash.com

Beneath the streets of Westminster in London lies the bunker used by Prime Minister Churchill and his staff during the Second World War. Protected from the German air-raids above, it is in these rooms that the allied victory was planned. The 3 main exhibits are the Life Underground exhibit - with historical images, interviews and an insight into life in the war, the Churchill Museum - housing personal items and artefacts, and the Cabinet War Rooms that housed the staff and state secrets. Give yourself around 90 minutes to explore, plus any additional time at the cafe and shop. Buying tickets in advance and online gets you priority entry. See the website link on this page.

Covering an area of some 112,476 square metres, The Palace of Westminster houses the two Houses of Parliament to the UK: The House of Commons (lower house) and The House of Lords (upper house). The "Houses of Parliament" is the informal name for The Palace of Westminster. The Palace, along with Westminster Abbey and the borough of Westminster, has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. A free 75 minute tour is available - but only to UK residents - who must book the tour through their local Member of Parliament, or Member of House of Lords. Paid for tours are available to anyone - but only on Saturdays, or during the summer recess of the parliament. Located along the River Thames in central London, the Palace of Westminster got its original name from Westminster Abbey, which lies next-door. There are 3 towers that accompany the palace, the most famous of which is Elizabeth tower - which houses the bell known as Big Ben. This iconic clock tower is famous around the world as a symbol of London. The palace as 1,100 rooms, nearly 5 km of passageways and 100 staircases. Tours and tickets may be purchased from the official website - see the link on this page. Photo Credits: Marcin Nowak, unsplash.com Adi Ulici, unsplash.com Heidi Fin, unsplash.com

St. James's Park adjoins Buckingham Palace - residence of the British Royal Family. The Park includes The Mall and Horse Guards Parade. Don't miss the Pelicans in the park - which have been resident for almost 400 years - and were originally a gift from Russia. You can see the Pelicans being fed daily. At St. James's Cafe, you can enjoy views of the fountain and lake and laze the afternoon away in a deckchair. In front of Buckingham Palace, you'll find immaculately tendered flower beds. St. James's Park covers 57 acres and is 1 of 8 Royal Parks in London. Photo Credits: Sapan Patel, unsplash.com Semina Psichogiopoulou, unsplash.com Mike Benna, unsplash.com

The O2 in London is an entertainment district to the east of the City of London - which hosts concerts, houses an indoor arena, a music club, bars, restaurants, a cinema and exhibition space. It includes the former Millennium Dome. "Up at The O2" is a 90 minute climb over the roof of this unique venue - giving a spectacular and different view of this side of London. 360 degree views include Historic Greenwich, Canary Wharf & Olympic Park. Suit up with boots harness and latch - you'll be provided with a guide for every step of the way. There are 4 categories of climb: 1. Daytime Climb 2. Sunset Climb 3. Celebration Climb 4. Twilight Climb Bookings can be made on the website (see link on this page) - and should be done so in advance. Minimum age is 8 years old, and minimum height is 1.2m. Maximum weight is 130kg. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled climb. Photo Credits: Claus Grünstäudl, unsplash.com Charlie Seaman, unsplash.com

Located in the heart of London, Hyde Park offers a little peace and a place to relax and rest. The Park is a venue for concerts, from time to time. Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is one of 8 Royal Parks to be found in London. The park is popular with joggers & cyclists. You can also go boating, play tennis, or try horse-riding in the park. A popular place for rallies, marches and protests over history, you can still attend Speaker's Corner on Sundays - to hear people vent and express their share of views. Photo Credits: Rishabh Agarwal, unsplash.com Alla Art, unsplash.com Marco Chilese, unsplash.com

The site of Trafalgar Square was officially named in 1830. In 1832, work began on the National Gallery - located right on the Square. The famous landmark Nelson's Column was erected here in 1843 - to celebrate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Today Trafalgar square includes fountains and statues - and it is surrounded by museums, galleries and historical buildings. It is also famous for its pigeons! It is a popular place for protests, cultural celebrations, rallies and demonstrations. Photo Credits: Paul Sivan, unsplash.com Anthony Ingham, unsplash.com

The Natural History Museum in London is found on Cromwell Road in South Kensington - close to the V&A Museum and the Science Museum. Focusing on life and earth science, the museum houses over 80 Million specimens - although only a small proportion are on display. The museum's displays are numerous, but include: 1. Space 2. Dinosaurs 3. British Wildlife 4. Human Evolution 5. Treasures 6. The Works of Charles Darwin 7. Oceans 8. Geology The museum is divided into 4 coloured zones - grab a free map to ensure you don't miss anything! Admission is free. Photo Credits: Kevin Mueller, unsplash.com Russel Meller, unsplash.com

Leicester square is famous as the location for many film premiers that open with red-carpet in London. Located in London's West End district, it's a pedestrianised square surrounded by bars and eateries. The 2 big cinemas on the square are the Odeon Leicester Square and the Empire Leicester Square - and nearby you can find the Prince Charles cinema which often screens cult movies. The London Film Festival is hosted in Leicester Square every year. Chinese New Year is celebrated in Leicester Square - with London's chinatown connecting to the square. The world's largest Lego Store can be found in Leicester Square. The square has a small park in the centre. Photo Credits: Hulku Okan Tabak, unsplash.com Luca Vavassori, unsplash.com