From the world-famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to quirky traditions at the Tower of London, there is a spectacular calendar of ceremonial events in London. But what does this symbol-laden pageantry reveal about the city’s past? Words by Neil Jones Ceremonial events in London Changing of the Guard Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Credit:m Karol Kozlowski/AWL Images Foot Guards from the Household Division marching in their red tunics and bearskin hats for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a must-see for any visitor to London. Household Troops have gua ..read more

The National Gallery celebrates its 200th birthday in 2024. Discover the evolution of this London icon, from its surprising origins to its plans for this landmark year London’s National Gallery, which celebrates its 200th birthday this spring, boasts one of the world’s most magnificent art collections, its 2,600 works (and counting) treasured by Britons, and its iconic Trafalgar Square home a magnet for tourists. But this giant of galleries, in fact, started very small.  The history of The National Gallery    Gabrielli’s The National Gallery 1886, Interior of Room 32. Credit: Th ..read more

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a life-long Londoner, London is always a vibrant place to be – and with an array of spectacular shows on stage this year, 2024 is going to be very exciting. Here’s our guide to the best London shows for 2024… The best London shows for 2024 Ballet and Opera at the Royal Opera House For ballet fans, seeing Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House is a treat and it will always be one of the best London shows of all time. Tchaikovsky’s quintessential ballet classic returns to the stage this spring (6 March to 11 May & 12-28 June). Other highlights include  ..read more

Britain’s Best Luxury Hotels 2024 is a brand-new annual guide celebrating the pinnacle of British hospitality, get your copy now! When it comes to British hotels, service is everything. From the old-world approach to hospitality offered by liveried butlers to barely-there discretion that enables guests to fully switch off, there’s a style to suit everyone. In this guide, the expert teams at BRITAIN – The Official Magazine, Discover Britain, Scotland, and The London Magazine, have handpicked the best places to stay across the British Isles that will appeal to even the most discerning of tastes ..read more

Immersive experiences in London, from playing a life-sized version of an iconic board game to stepping into a famous painting, are hugely popular. Get ready to dive in… The best immersive experiences in London The Twist Museum Twist Museum. Credit: Dan Weill Photography. Situated on Oxford Street, London’s main shopping thoroughfare, the Twist Museum (the name is an acronym of The Way I See Things) was developed in collaboration with artists, neuroscientists and philosophers. An immersive and absorbing experience, the museum takes you through a series of mind-bending optical illusions and puzz ..read more

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a life-long Londoner, London is always a vibrant place to be – and with an array of new openings, shows and events coming up, 2024 is set to be an exciting year. As part of LONDON 2024, here’s our pick of what’s on in London in 2024… What’s on in London in 2024?  A big birthday for the National Gallery Van Gogh’s Oleanders is at The National Gallery. Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York The National Gallery celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2024, and a year-long celebration is planned. Starting on 10 May, the festivities will include a ..read more

LONDON 2024 IS THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION OF THE VERY BEST THAT OUR CAPITAL CITY HAS TO OFFER Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a life-long Londoner, London is always a vibrant place to be – and with an array of new openings, shows and events coming up, 2024 is set to be an exciting year. Whether you’re a first-timer taking in the sights, from Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to the collections of the National Gallery and the Tate, or a seasoned visitor seeking out the city’s hidden gems, London always surpasses expectations. Then there are the shows, the shops, the restaurants: enough choice t ..read more

We’re offering one lucky reader and their guest the chance to win a one night’s stay at London’s luxurious The Mayfair Townhouse The Mayfair Townhouse is a new high-end neighbourhood hotel overlooking London’s Green Park that made its debut in 2021. Curious, engaging, witty – The Mayfair Townhouse delivers the unexpected and redefines what it means to be a London hotel. The Garden Suite at The Mayfair Townhouse One lucky reader and their guest will win a one night’s stay for two, including breakfast and dinner, at this luxurious and characterful bolthole in the heart of one of the capital’s mo ..read more

Tower Bridge is a familiar feature of the London skyline, but the people that lived and worked on this iconic structure had long been forgotten – until a new initiative revealed their stories Words by Sandra Lawrence Supported by grand castle-like towers clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone, Tower Bridge is as much a part of London as black taxis and beefeaters. It might seem as though it’s been a part of the capital for centuries, but this much-loved landmark is a relatively recent addition to the London skyline. By the middle of Queen Victoria’s reign there were plenty of river crossin ..read more

During the Little Ice Age Britain’s cold winters were a time of hardship, but our resourceful forebears found ways to make the best of the icy conditions What was the Little Ice Age? Ensconced in our warm homes, or perhaps enjoying a toe-tingling walk before sitting beside a glowing log fire in a village pub, it can be difficult to appreciate the forebodings felt by our ancestors at the first flutters of snow. The period known as the Little Ice Age – roughly from the 14th to mid-19th centuries – brought more frequent severe cold winters to Britain than today, heralding hardships for many. The ..read more