Warming up for the Games
The year has arrived; as London prepares to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games there is so much to see and do – and it’s not all confined to sport either.
Art & Culture
Globe Theatre Exhibition and Tour
Swot-up on Shakespeare in time for London 2012’s World Shakespeare Festival: a major international programme celebrating the great British Bard.
The Globe Theatre Tour and Exhibition is the world’s largest Shakespeare exhibit and a 40-minute guided tour of the most famous theatre in the world. Guide-storytellers entertain with tales of the Globe past and present and even give you the chance to tread the boards yourself...
Olympic Venues
London Olympic Site Guided Walking Tour
Before the Athletes move in, why not take a guided tour of the London Olympic Site? You will discover why this historic area was chosen as well as what will happen after the Games are over. There are spectacular views to be had and the professional guides will update you on all the latest London 2012 venues and Athletes.
Wimbledon Tennis Museum & Tour
The historic Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club will be hosting the the 30th Olympiad tennis tournament this summer. Take a tour of the home of tennis and explore the state-of-the-art museum where you can enjoy the new Olympic themed exhibition and meet 'Pepper's ghost...'
Greenwich Royal Walking Tours
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and London 2012 equestrian venue, Greenwich is also home to London’s oldest royal park and the world-famous Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum.
Listed a Frommers 'Top Destination' for 2012, you can discover all Greenwich has to offer on a Greenwich Royal Walking Tour.
History & Heritage
Hampton Court Palace
500 years of royal history, beautiful architecture and mystifying mazes, Hampton Court Palace is not only one of the UK’s most popular royal palaces; it is also hosting the men and women’s Road Cycling Time Trials this summer.
?Did you know? Hampton Court’s notorious resident King Henry VIII was a passionate sportsman and had the first real Tennis Court built on the palace grounds. It is even said that the lusty monarch indulged in a spot of tennis during the execution of second wife Anne Boleyn.
Wenlock Priory (Part of the English Heritage Pass)
The impressive remains of Wenlock Priory fringe the picturesque town of Much Wenlock, home of the still-continuing Wenlock-Olympics; a major inspiration for the modern Olympic Games (and London 2012 mascot).
A significant Christian Heritage Site, the priory is a peaceful place to explore and relax - the collection of well-groomed topiary adding a curious dimension.
Stonehenge
Another English Heritage property is this iconic World Heritage Site, and illuminating Stonehenge’s magnificence in July is Compagnie Carabosse’s Fire Garden - part of the London 2012 Festival. For more information visit Salisbury International Arts Festival.