1. Visit the London Wall
London Wall is a remnant of the Roman wall that once formed part of the eastern defences of Roman Londinium. The wall was built in AD 200 and defined the shape and size of London for more than a millennium.
Fenchurch Street, Tower Bridge EC3N 4DJ
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/london-wall/
2. Visit the Bank of England Museum
Housed within the Bank of England, the Bank of England Museum traces the history of the Bank from its foundation by Royal Charter in 1694 to its role today as the nation’s central bank. There are gold bars dating from ancient to modern times, coins and a unique collection of banknotes, as well as the pikes and muskets used to defend the Bank, the Roman pottery and mosaics uncovered when it was rebuilt in 1930 and documents relating to famous customers such as Horatio Nelson, George Washington and the Duchess of Marlborough. Free entry.
Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH (Bank underground)
www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/Pages/museum/default.aspx
3. Watch the Ceremony of the Keys for free at the Tower of London
The 700-year-old ceremony of the locking of the main gate of the Tower of London is carried out each evening by the Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower accompanied by an escort of guards. Passes are essential and must be obtained in advance upon written application. Quote name, date required and alternatives, number of people and enclose a stamped, addressed envelope.
Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB (Tower Hill underground)
www.hrp.org.uk
4. Explore Richmond Park
Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London (1,000 hectares/2,500 acres) and is home to 650 deer. This pastoral landscape of hills and woodlands set amongst ancient trees, with plants, animals and butterflies, offers a peaceful respite to visitors. The park boasts playgrounds at Kingston and Petersham gates, and two golf courses near Roehampton Gate. There is fishing available at Pen Ponds, plus horse-riding tracks and a cycling path. The Isabella Plantation is an organic woodland garden. For eating, choose from Pembroke Lodge, a Georgian mansion with spectacular views and garden seating, Roehampton Café or refreshment kiosks located at main car parks.
Richmond, TW10 5HS (Richmond underground/rail)
www.royalparks.gov.uk
Beautiful Richmond Park
5. Visit the National Army Museum
Find out how Britain’s past has shaped our present and future. Discover the impact the Army has had on the story of Britain, Europe and the world, and see how the actions of a few can affect the futures of many. As well as four gallery displays, there’s an events programme offering a range of changing exhibitions and children’s activities. Free entry.
Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT (Sloane Square underground)
www.nam.ac.uk
