Page 183 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

retrospective, and The Making of Rodin, displaying the master sculptor’s experimental
works.

Just a few steps away, visitors with a thirst for theatre can dream of visiting Shakespeare’s
Globe – a world-renowned replica of Shakespeare’s original open-air venue. As well as
unforgettable Shakespeare plays, there are also guided tours from April until the end of
October 2021, while those looking to visit from home can enjoy this online virtual tour.

Royalty by the river
Crossing London Bridge to the other side of the Thames, visitors can delve into history at
the Tower of London. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been pivotal in events that
shaped Britain and has housed key figures including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes. Having
acted as prison, palace and fortress over its near 1,000-year history, it is now home to
the Crown Jewels. Those keen to witness British tradition first hand can look forward to
watching the historic Ceremony of the Keys and meeting the ‘Beefeaters’ on a future guided
tour.

Heading south-west along the Thames, visitors can dream of exploring Hampton Court
Palace. The former home of King Henry VIII, who would often travel the river in his royal
barge, the palace is wonderfully preserved and houses the Tudor monarch’s private
apartments, the Chapel Royal, kitchens and vast formal gardens.

Further along the River Thames lies Windsor Castle – a ‘working palace’ and the weekend
home of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout its 900-year history it has housed countless
monarchs, as well as many items from the Royal Collection Trust and major artworks kept in
the baroque State Apartments.

The banks of the Thames are also home to a number of dream-worthy stately homes, from
the 17th century splendour of Ham House and Garden, home to historic art and textiles, to
the Bridgerton filming location, Syon House. Fans of the Arts and Crafts movement can
dream of soaking up the magic of William Morris’ countryside retreat at Kelmscott Manor,
which sits along the Thames Path, a National Trail that follows the entire river from the
Cotswolds to central London.

Historic sporting events
Visitors can look forward to an almost 200-year-old riverside tradition at the annual Boat
Race, where Oxford and Cambridge Universities’ rival rowing clubs go head-to-head.
Although moved to the Great Ouse at Ely in Cambridgeshire for April 2021, this sporting
tradition would usually take place on the River Thames’ four-mile Championship Course, a
winding route from Putney to Mortlake.

Established in 1839, the Henley Royal Regatta is another famous Thames rowing
competition. Although subject to potential changes for 2021, Henley Royal Regatta is known
for being one of the biggest sporting and social events in the British calendar. With more
than 300 races being held across five days, crowds gather to cheer on battling rowers, often
while enjoying a traditional picnic and glass of Pimms.

Restrictions on travel to and around Britain are in place due to Covid-19. Visitors are
encouraged to always check individual attraction websites for the latest information, as
events and details are subject to change

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Website: www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/