When in London and in need of some royal history, Buckingham Palace is the first one that comes to mind. There's no surprise there - it not only certifies history, it takes an active part in creating it as well (vide the recent Royal Wedding and the unprecedented, breathtaking double balcony kiss!). However there are a few more palaces to be discovered while traveling to London and Historic Royal Palaces is an independent charity which took care of not only maintaining them but also making them exciting destinations. So once you step outside of one of the London hotels, feel free to wander around the city and explore.

The Tower of London will be the perfect destination for a Halloween visit - the home of the Crown Jewels, it is a magnificent place, but sure a spooky one too. For over 900 years The Tower had held captive kings, queens, saints, sinners and traitors. From Guy Fawkes to Edward V, there are some stories to be told about the prisoners and a Yeoman Warder (or Beefeater as they are commonly called) will be more than happy to have the pleasure - his tour is included in the ticket. The Warders are well educated about the spooky stories and some of them even became tour guides for Jack the Ripper walks which depart from the nearby tube station. If you're brave enough, take the Twilight Tour - it will give you an after-hours access to sights such as Traitor's Gate or Bloody Wall as well as royal secrets and gossip.

Located not too far away, the Banqueting House, the only remaining part of The Palace of Whitehall, has been home to royal receptions, ceremonies, performances of masques - and the banquets. The entertainment offered by the palace was one of the finest in Europe and it continues to play host to concerts representing music from across the centuries. The sight not to miss in the house it the Ruben's ceiling - the only surviving on-site masterpiece depicting The Union of the Crowns, The Apotheosis of James I and The Peaceful Reign of James I. The Palace also offers learning programmes - at one of the upcoming sessions you can learn everything you always wanted to know about King Charles I.

If you enjoyed watching 'The Tudors' on TV and fancy a trip a little bit outside London, Hampton Court Palace is the place to pay a little visit to. The favourite palace of King Henry and his family will offer you a chance to step back in time and see how life as a Tudor would look like. You can meet all of Henry VIII's wives, learn how to greet the king, getting dressed appropriately for the occasion first, admire his famous magnificent tapestries and even cook him a feast! Live Tudor cookery is included in the ticket, however if you feel inspired, you can also try to cook like a Tudor at home!

If you like fashion and royal families, pop in to see the Enchanted Palace exhibition at the Kensington Palace - it will take you on a magical journey through lives of princesses who used to live there, and their wardrobes. Royal wedding dressed are also on show, sadly the famous McQueen dress worn by Kate Middleton didn't join the collection yet as it has just left the Buckingham Palace. Just give it some time...

Magda Wrzeszcz