Top England Arts & Design - page 2

The church as we know it today was founded by Henry III in the 13th century, who ordered the demolition of Edward the Confessor’s royal palace and a monastery situated on the site. In its place, a new Gothic cathedral was built that was consecrated in 1269: From now on, by decree of the King of England, Westminster Abbey was to be a place for the coronation and burial of monarchs. - Royal Tombs, Today, over 3,000 people are buried or memorialised at Westminster Abbey, including 30 monarchs and notable historical figures such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking and Geoffrey Chaucer. - The Coronation Chair in St George’s Chapel is perhaps the most famous piece of furniture in the world. - Poet’s Corner - Explore the Lady Chapel & Chapter House - Royal Tombs - Unknown Warrior - Pyx Chamber - The Quire - Cloisters

Enjoy a more rewarding visit to London's Tate Modern on this guided tour. Visiting in a small group of no more than eight people provides plenty of opportunity to ask questions about the artworks and the 19th-century power plant that houses the modern art museum. See works by Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol in the permanent collection and also learn about the many temporary exhibits that the museum has displayed in its relatively short history.

See more of London as you pedal around the sights of London in style on this small-group bike tour, which reveals some of the capital's top sights along a relaxed cycling route. Hop on board your classic English bike with an optional basket and follow your guide down quiet backstreets, past famous landmarks, and along the Thames River, then get off the beaten track as you discover the street art of Banksy and even have a go at your own graffiti tag.

Go off the tourist trail and immerse yourself in London's street art scene on this walking tour of East London with a local artist as a guide. Explore Spitalfields Markets, Brick Lane, and Shoreditch, and discover ever-changing murals and artwork you may not find on your own. Plus, learn more about their meanings and the artists behind them.

Avoid tickets selling out and guarantee your glimpse into the lives of the royal family by prebooking your ticket to the State Apartments of Buckingham Palace, which are only open two months per year. Get two experiences in one: In addition to entry, you'll also get a walking tour of royal London monuments such as St. James’ Park and The Mall.

Avoid piecing together a Beatles-era-inspired route in London without direction; this private walking tour has a guide that'll do it for you. Stroll through central areas to see key sites such as Carnaby Street, Abbey Road crossing, Denmark Street, and other Beatles landmarks. As you walk, your guide shares stories behind Paul, John, Ringo, and George—both as individuals and as a group.

Beat the typical National Gallery crowds and enjoy a small-group tour with a guide to share the stories behind the artworks—stories that don’t make it into your average guidebook. With their help, you filter out the noise and focus on the most essential parts of the gallery, from da Vinci to Michelangelo, and Monet to Van Gogh.

A walk-up visit to Shrek's Adventure! London can mean queueing for tickets with restless kids in tow. This prebooked admission ticket sets your entry time in advance, so you can head straight in as soon as you arrive. Inside, the attraction runs on interactive performances, a 4D DreamWorks bus ride through London, and walk-through themed areas, with characters from the films appearing along the way.

One of London’s most recognizable and in-demand attractions, the Lastminute.com London Eye welcomes millions of visitors every year. Save yourself any sightseeing hassle, and secure your admission before you travel, when you book your tickets in advance. Upon arrival, step into a large, air-conditioned capsule and take to the skies for impeccable views of Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and other key landmarks.

Discover the highlights of the world-renowned Victoria and Albert Museum during this bespoke private tour. Avoid getting lost as you are guided through one of London's biggest and most iconic art collections. Follow a customized itinerary through the museum, tailored to reflect your interests, as you listen to little-known anecdotes from the collections on display. Note that food, drink, and gratuities are not included.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or a lover of quirky niche museums, don’t miss The Postal Museum in the heart of London. It’s dedicated to telling the story of worldwide postal communication and Britain’s role in it. Highlights include the extraordinary narrow-gauge Mail Rail. Save time and beat the lines by pre-booking tickets so you can get straight to the exhibits after your arrival.

Often called 'London's Sistine Chapel,' the Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College—part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a must-see London highlight for history buffs and art lovers. With this seamless option, book tickets before you travel and enjoy skip-the-line access upon arrival. Once inside, marvel at the Christopher Wren-designed complex and explore at your own pace with an audio guide or join a scheduled tour or talk. Afterwards, try your hand at Victorian Bowling in Skittle Hall.

Make like a VIP in London with a private guide, personal chauffeur, and an itinerary tailor-made for you. Choose a tour duration to suit you and opt to include admission tickets to certain landmarks. Choose between ticking off Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London; hit the shops at Harrods or Oxford Street; or explore the local neighborhoods. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Fans of the Beatles, and anyone interested in London pop culture, will love this private Beatles tour of the city in a classic London cab. Visit locations associated with the 1960s band, including Abbey Road Studios and Savile Row, where they performed their last gig, and learn more about the Beatles and the swinging ‘60s from your entertaining guide.

To maximize limited time in London, combine a British tradition with a sightseeing excursion on an afternoon tea cruise on the Thames River. As you sail from Tower Pier to Westminster, admire London landmarks including the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye—without having to navigate or jostle among the large crowds that gather at the monuments. Plus, indulge in tea, freshly prepared cakes, and sandwiches.

The British Museum is one of the largest museums of its kind in the world, with more than eight million items on display. With this tour, make the most of your time with an experienced guide and an itinerary customized to your interests and preferences. Take in the highlights or pick and choose the exhibitions that interest you most, and take a fascinating journey through human history, art, and culture.

See the best of Liverpool and its Beatles landmarks in one day—and leave the planning to someone else—on this full-day excursion from London. Make your own way to Euston Station, travel via train to Liverpool, and begin by visiting the Beatles Story exhibition at the Albert Dock. Next, embark on a coach tour to see the Beatles' houses and other key Liverpool landmarks, finish with a trip to the Cavern Club before returning to London.

Explore beyond London and combine two classic itinerary stops without the hassle of planning. First, explore Oxford’s historic landmarks, including the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, along with other university sites. Then, immerse yourself in the magic of Harry Potter™ on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour. View costumes worn by beloved characters and walk through real movie sets.

Make your visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour seamless on a full-day tour that includes round-trip transportation from the coach station at King's Cross and St. Pancras. Skip the hassle of trying to find your own way there; instead, relax on the luxury coach during the journey to the studios in Watford. Your tickets to the experience are included in the tour cost, so you don't have to worry about any logistics.

This family-friendly tour reveals London locations used to film scenes from the world-renowned Harry Potter™ movies, including King's Cross Station, Goodwin's Court, Borough Market, and Westminster. Exploring the city with a guide means that you’ll be party to insider info and movie trivia that you won’t find in the guidebooks, and you don't have to worry about getting lost among the central London crowds.

The British Museum in London houses more than eight million artifacts, making it difficult to find the top attractions on your own. This small-group or private tour does the work for you, with a guide to show you around some carefully curated highlights. View important pieces such as the Mummy of Katebet, the Rosetta Stone, and more, as you uncover their significance and history.

Make the most of your time in London with tours of two of its flagship museums—the National Gallery and British Museum—with just a small group. Explore the National Gallery, home to one of the world’s greatest painting collections, seeing masterpieces such as Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers.’ Plus, let your guide introduce you to some of the must-see ancient and medieval treasures at the British Museum.

Delve into London’s rich musical history, without getting lost, on a bus tour of the capital’s rock ‘n’ roll sites. Tour the vibrant city in a comfortable vehicle, starting from South Kensington, and see the exteriors of renowned clubs, famous hotels, and record labels associated with music legends, including The Beatles, Jimmy Page, and Bill Wyman. Make a few stops for photo ops, including the Abbey Road street crossing made famous by The Beatles.

Gain deeper insight into the works at London’s Tate Modern art gallery than you would independently, all thanks to this guided museum tour. Explore with just a guide and small group for company, or upgrade for a completely private tour. Either way, look forward to seeing everything from Mondrian’s geometric compositions to Warhol’s pop art, as well as ever-changing temporary installations.