Top Stops on the Tudor Trail

St James's Palace

This palace, one of London's oldest, was commissioned by Henry VIII and is still in use as an official royal residence. Secondary in importance to Henry's Whitehall Palace, it is memorable due to its 16h-century red brick in characteristic "diaper" pattern and for the number of royalty who have stayed here - including Anne Boleyn on the night of her coronation, Bloody Mary and Elizabeth I. Don't miss the gatehouse on the north side, flanked by polygonal turrets.

Hampton Court Palace

This magnificent palace, developed by Cardinal Wolsey, then confiscated and expanded by Henry VIII, is the site of 2009's celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of Henry VIII's acension to the throne. View the fascinating exhibits of Henry as a child and several restored rooms - now open for the first time in centuries. Get more info at http://www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace/.

Tudor Kitchen

It's fascinating to watch skilled demonstrators in the Tudor Kitchen at Hampton Court Palace recreate old recipes from the Tudor era and even earlier. Later, head to the cafe to sample cuisine inspired by history.

Tower Of London

Execution inside the Tower walls was a privilege for those of high rank. Tower Green contains the modern memorial to the people who died here. Circle the memorial by foot and you'll find poignant reminders of people such as Anne Boleyn (Henry VIII's second wife), Catherine Howard (Henry VIII's fifth wife) and Lady Jane Grey who was only 16 at the time she was executed.

Westminster Abbey

This striking abbey is the coronation site and burial home for many British royalty since 1066. Those on the Tudor trail should search its monument-stuffed interior for the gravestones of Anne of Cleves, Edward VI and the tombs of Henry VIII's parents, Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. The Lady Chapel, in delicate perpendicular Gothic style, holds the tomb of Queen Elizabeth I, her marble effigy on top; her sister Mary is buried beneath her. Shakespeare fans will want to visit his monument in Poets' Corner.