SIGHTSEEING The Charterhouse
Hampton Court Palace
Hever Castle and Gardens
Dating back to 1348, The Charterhouse was a burial site during the Black Death, before becoming an almshouse in 1611. It has only been open to the public since 2017 and now contains a fascinating museum about its history, while visitors can also attend evening services in its tiny, curious chapel. Tours must be booked to visit the rest of the site. Please check for times and prices. www.the charterhouse.org. Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6AN. T: 020-3818 8873. C9. Station: Barbican.
Once the favourite royal residence of King Henry VIII, this magnificent Tudor palace and 300-yearold maze is set in 60 acres of parkland on the river. Visit the huge Tudor kitchens, where 200 cooks would have prepared food for the royal household, then see Henry’s grand state apartments including the Great Hall (which is also a theatre), adorned with a huge and impressive tapestry. To 6 Jan: Ice Rink. Glide around the ice in a spectacular setting at this annual event. Daily 10am-4.30pm. Adult £22.70; child £11.35. www.hrp.org.uk. Hampton Court, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU. T: 0844-482 7777. Off map. Station: Waterloo to Hampton Court.
Dating back to the 13th century, this beautiful castle was the childhood home of King Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. The Tudor castle has magnificent interiors. Outside, the castle’s gardens feature statues and a lake. Please check for times. Adult £17.25; child £9.75. www.hever castle.co.uk. Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG. T: 01732-865224. Off map. Station: London Victoria or London Bridge to Edenbridge.
The London Mithraeum On the site of Bloomberg’s European headquarters, this cultural hub showcases an ancient Roman temple which was built here nearly 2,000 years ago, to honour the god Mithras. The remains are brought to life through an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Discover more than 600 objects left by the very first Londoners, as well as modern art on the ground floor, at Bloomberg SPACE. Please check for times. Admission free. www.londonmithraeum.com. 12 Walbrook, EC4N 8AA. T: 020-7330 7500. D10. Station: Bank.
Twizy Tours Hire a two-seater electric Renault Twizy, then drive yourself through the streets of London accompanied by an entertaining, GPS-guided audio tour. Alternatively, rent an adorable Twizy without the audio tour and roam freely at your own pace. Prices from £29.99 per tour. www.twizytours.com. Apcoa Parking Car Park, 21 Bryanston St, W1H 7AB. T: 07376-428363. D5. Station: Marble Arch.
Leeds Castle This fairy-tale, 900-year-old castle has a moat, gardens and parkland. Lose yourself in the spiralling yew maze, visit the Birds of Prey Centre
Three domes. Five floors. And Europe’s greatest crypt. See an other side of St Paul’s.
Wembley Stadium Tours Go behind the scenes at this famous football stadium and concert venue. The 75-minute tour takes you inside the dressing rooms and through the players’ tunnel. Have your photo taken with a replica of the FA Cup. From 10am; please check for dates. Adult £20; child £12. www.wembleystadium.com/tours. Wembley Stadium, HA9 0WS. T: 0800-169 9933. Off map. Station: Wembley Park.
Westways Carriage Horses Get collected from your hotel and experience the sights from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Tours last up to two hours in either a four- or six-seater carriage, with a hood to accommodate any weather. £550 per carriage. www.westways carriagehorses.co.uk. T: 020-8572 3155.
OUT OF TOWN Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology Britain’s first public museum dates back to 1683 and contains archaeological artefacts, pre-Raphaelite paintings, Egyptian mummies and Oliver Cromwell’s death mask. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free admission, charges for special exhibitions. www.ashmolean.org. Beaumont St, Oxford, OX1 2PH. T: 01865-278 000. Off map. Station: Paddington to Oxford.
Blenheim Palace See three centuries of treasures in magnificent state rooms at this Baroque palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace is set in 2,100 acres of stunning ‘Capability’ Brown parkland and formal gardens. Please check for times. Adult £27; child £15.50. www.blenheimpalace.com. Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP. T: 01993-810 530. Off map. Station: Paddington to Oxford, then bus S3.
Climb one dome for the best 360º views in London. Step beneath another to experience the unforgettable. Enrich your visit with an acclaimed multimedia guide, available in nine languages.
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