English Culture from London to Bath

Westminster Abbey stands next to the magnificent Houses of Parliament and is steeped in more than 1,000 years of history. It has been the setting for every coronation since 1066, as well as 16 royal weddings. It is one of Britain's most important religious buildings, and here you'll discover a panorama of British history. Please note that the abbey is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.

Whitehall, which links Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square, also lends its name to the sprawling government offices that line one side of the road. It is near here, at 10 Downing Street, that Prime Minister of the United Kingdom resides. Trafalgar Square has witnessed some of the most important moments in British history and today is dominated by the imposing Nelson’s Column.

Buried deep under the government buildings of Whitehall are the historic Churchill War Rooms. This is the place from which Churchill strategized during World War II and it remains incredibly atmospheric today.

One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it saw several phases of expansion, mainly under Kings Richard the Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. Although not its primary purpose, the Tower is perhaps best known as a prison, a function it performed from 1100 right up until 1952. A highlight for many are the Crown Jewels. Still regularly used by The King in important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament, they are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy, holding deep religious and cultural significance in the nation’s history.

Spitalfields is the heart of East London's street art scene. Its roads and alleyways are an open-air gallery and the old brick walls form a unique canvas for both famous names and up-and-coming talent. What makes this art form so special is its organic nature: murals appear and disappear constantly, so there is always something new to discover. Follow your guide around one of the most exciting quarters of London and gain an insight into the lives and personalities of those who live and work here.

Discover the narrow streets around Brick Lane, a vibrant part of town in London's East End, a traditional working-class district that has continually reinvented itself over the centuries. Home to generations of immigrants from 18th-century French Huguenots, a Jewish community and, in the late 20th century, the South Asian community, each have left their mark on the area. This mark is seen in the form of the bagel houses to the row of Bangladeshi-run Indian restaurants: London's very own Curry Mile. Over the last decade, Brick Lane has attracted a young creative crowd and now the area is adorned with street art, vintage shops, cafes, lively bars and market stalls. With your guide, get a feel for its vibe, its street art, and its history - a stark contrast to the gleaming glass skyscrapers that loom overhead from just yards away

London’s unofficial culture mile, the Southbank, boasts free exhibitions, movies at the British Film Institute and shows at the National Theatre. To escape the crowds, either dive into Southwark Cathedral where Shakespeare worshipped or head around the corner to the George Inn, the only remaining galleried inn in London.

Tate Modern is one of Europe's premier art institutions, showcasing some of the most famous modern and contemporary art. The architectural centerpiece is the iconic turbine hall and the recent extension has added a new dimension to the experience. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions and is a gathering point for visitors and locals alike.

Head over to the Southbank which is lined with world-class cultural institutions, including Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Step back in time as you enter into this reconstruction of Shakespeare's premier venue, where people still flock to see productions of the Bard's work.

Windsor Castle is still very much a working castle, and is the favourite home of Her Majesty the Queen. The magnificent state rooms provide an overview of architectural and interior design over the centuries and there is no shortage of stories about the characters who once filled these rooms. Windsor town is also a perfect place for some souvenir shopping. Please note that the castle is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.

Recognised as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding Neolithic and Bronze Age landscape, Avebury is a place where you can connect with history and take time to imagine what life might have been like thousands of years ago. The stone circles and henge monument are particularly unusual, not just because it is the largest stone circle in the world but also for the fact that it is the only stone circle with a village built within it.

Bath has always been a city of pleasure. From the time of the Romans, the famous hot springs have attracted folk looking to relax and socialise. The Georgians developed the city to become a harmonious architectural ensemble that is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many ways to discover this charming city, whether it's through its Jane Austen connections, indulgent foodie scene, graceful architecture, parks and gardens, or simply relaxing in the world’s best-preserved Roman bathhouses.