Yew Tree Cottage

Red House in Bexleyheath, south-east London, is the only house designed, built and lived in by William Morris, a pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement. Morris and the architect Philip Webb designed it, and it was completed in 1860. It became a haven for Pre-Raphaelite artists, including Edward Burne-Jones.

Tip: Visits to the house are by pre-booked guided tour only, so book your ticket ahead. The nearest parking is Danson Park, about a mile away.

London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo, on the northern edge of Regent's Park, with the Regent's Canal running through it. It is run by ZSL, a conservation charity, and its animals range from tiny leafcutter ants to a giant silverback gorilla.

Tip: Check the daily animal talks when you arrive and plan your route around the ones you want to catch.

Brands Hatch is a motor racing circuit at West Kingsdown in Kent. It began as a grassy hollow used by cyclists and motorcyclists in the 1920s and 1930s, and became a tarmac car and motorbike circuit in 1950. It later hosted 12 runnings of the British Grand Prix between 1964 and 1986.

Tip: Check the event calendar on the Brands Hatch website before you go, as the track activity changes day to day and each event has its own Book Now link.

The Tower of London is a historic castle and World Heritage Site on the north bank of the River Thames. William the Conqueror built the White Tower in the 1070s, and over the centuries the Tower has served as a royal palace, an armoury, a treasury and a prison. Today it is cared for by the charity Historic Royal Palaces.

Tip: The Tower is quieter in the afternoons, after midday. Check the website for temporary route closures before you visit.

The Queen's House in Greenwich was designed by Inigo Jones and completed in the 1630s as a private retreat for the queens of the Stuart royal family. It is England's first classical building, and its white, elegantly proportioned style stands out against the red-brick Tudor palace that once stood here. Today it is an art gallery, part of Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tip: Book free tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, and head first for the Armada Portrait in the Queen's Presence Chamber.

Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed bridge over the Thames, built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge deck is free to cross on foot, but the Tower Bridge Exhibition lets you go inside. You climb the North Tower, cross the High-Level Walkways 42 metres above the river for views east and west over London, and step out on the Glass Floors.

Tip: Pre-book your tickets, as everyone queues outside on arrival. Wear comfortable shoes for the Towers, though lifts are available.

St Paul's is Sir Christopher Wren's Grade I listed Baroque cathedral on Ludgate Hill, the highest point of the City of London. Its dome stands 111 metres high and was the tallest building in London for more than 250 years. It is still a working church, and has hosted the funerals of Nelson, Wellington and Churchill.

Tip: Leave large bags behind: nothing over 45cm x 30cm x 25cm is allowed in, and there is no cloakroom.

The British Museum in Bloomsbury, London, is a public museum of human history, art and culture. Founded in 1753, it was the world's first public national museum, and it opened its doors in 1759. Its permanent collection is the largest in the world and follows the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.