Make a day out of 'SIX' in London

Immerse yourself in the glory of Westminster Abbey and the terrors of the Tower of London, and venture further afield to Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle.

The Tudors are among the most colourful and blood-stained dynasties Britain has ever produced, and it’s extremely easy to become fascinated by them. It's also easy to be entertained thanks to Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s megahit musical SIX, in which Henry VIII's infamous ex-wives — Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr — form a girl band.

The award-winning, original pop songs are all so much fun, and you’ll leave uplifted and inspired by the Queens' stories. Want to discover even more of London's history and have fun doing it? There are all kinds of places in the city and its surrounding areas to explore the tales from this period of history. You could have several packed days out with all the attractions on this list!

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National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery has an excellent collection of Tudor portraits. There’s the defining image of Anne Boleyn with a “B” pendant (actually painted in the late 16th century after her death, as all traces of her existence were destroyed following her execution).

Another highlight is the gorgeous full-length portrait of Katherine Parr by Master John, dressed in a sumptuous fur-trimmed gown. You can also see Henry himself at different stages of his life, as well as other monarchs such as Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I.

The National Portrait Gallery recently had a major refurbishment and rehang. You can also see works by Hans Holbein, a famous Tudor-era painter with a SIX song dedicated to him. Look for his double portrait The Ambassadors at the National Gallery around the corner — it’s a wonder how much art is available to see for free in London.

Address: St Martin's Place, London WC2H

Price: Free

Westminster Abbey

The site of 40 coronations since the Norman Conquest of 1066, Westminster Abbey is a gothic masterpiece that’s swathed in royal history. Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon (a truly regal queen in every sense) were jointly crowned here in 1509, followed by a magnificent feast “greater than any Caesar had known”. In 1533, the pregnant and considerably less popular Anne Boleyn was crowned. None of the other wives received a coronation.

Over 3,300 people are buried in the Abbey, including Anne of Cleves – a fitting spot for arguably the true survivor of the six. It is also the resting place of her former stepchildren Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, with whom she remained on good terms following the annulment.

Address: Dean's Yard, London SW1P

Price: ££

Tower of London

Also established in 1066, the Tower of London has a varied history as an armoury, treasury, public records office, prison, and now a tourist attraction. The Tower is steeped in superstition: If there aren’t at least six ravens in residence at all times, it’s believed that the kingdom will fall.

“Don’t lose your head” sings Anne Boleyn in SIX, but, sadly, that’s exactly what happened at Tower Hill on 19 May 1536. Her cousin Katherine Howard suffered the same fate at Henry's hands a few years later. Both are buried in the Tower’s Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula. Unsurprisingly, there are many ghost stories that permeate the Tower.

Lest a visit sound too gloomy, don’t miss the sparkling Crown Jewels (dating from after the Tudors as the original medieval items were destroyed after the execution of Charles I in 1649). The breathtaking collection includes more than 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones.

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Address: London EC3

Price: ££

Hampton Court Palace

Located by the Thames, Hampton Court Palace is in an idyllic spot and one of the loveliest tourist sites in the country. Seasonal attractions include a tulip festival and ice skating – and of course there’s the famous maze! All the six wives spent time here. The Palace is part Tudor and part late Stuart baroque.

It would have been the perfect love nest for Henry to share with Anne Boleyn, but that didn’t last. It’s where the future Edward VI was born, an event that was mixed with sadness as his mother and Henry's third wife, Jane Seymour, died shortly afterwards. Wife no. 6, Katherine Parr, married Henry here, but it wasn’t a particularly happy event for the bride (and if you listen to her SIX song, you'll discover why).

Tragically, it’s also where Katherine Howard was arrested. She allegedly broke free of her guards and tried to beg Henry for mercy. There have been several sightings of her ghost in the “Haunted Gallery” over the years.

The train journey from London to Waterloo takes about 40 minutes.

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Address: East Molesey KT8

Price: ££

Windsor Castle

Another one of Britain’s iconic tourist attractions, Windsor Castle is still very much a royal residence and embodies almost 1,000 years of history since the Norman Conquest. The athletic young Henry VIII enjoyed hunting, wrestling, and dancing at Windsor. Later on, Catherine of Aragon was confined to Windsor during the divorce proceedings.

The glorious St George’s Chapel was enlarged under Henry’s reign and has hosted many royal weddings (including Harry and Meghan’s). It’s where Henry is buried with Jane Seymour (“The only one he truly loved?”).

The journey from Paddington on the fast train takes 28 minutes, with a change in Slough.

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Address: Windsor SL4

Price: ££

Madame Tussauds

Marie Tussaud was a remarkable woman who arrived in London as a refugee from the French Revolution and founded her waxworks museum in 1835. The attraction had a strong macabre streak with its “chamber of horrors”, as well as waxworks of the leading public figures of the day.

Get up close with members of the British royal family, as well as pop royalty. Strike a pose with Ariana Grande, Amy Winehouse, and Dua Lipa – all of whom would easily find common ground with the SIX ladies!

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Address: Marylebone Road, London NW1

Price: ££

Royal Albert Hall

SIX takes the form of a rock concert in which the wives form their own unique girl group. The Royal Albert Hall is a major music venue with a royal connection. Established by Queen Victoria in 1871 in memory of her beloved husband Albert, this spectacular building has been nicknamed “the nation’s village hall” – albeit one that seats 5,272 people.

The Royal Albert Hall is perhaps best known for holding the BBC Proms every summer, but it hosts all sorts of concerts, including rock and pop. Welsh diva Shirley Bassey is the venue’s most prolific female headliner.

Address: Kensington Gore, London SW7

Price: ££

SIX

You’ll be an expert on the six wives following all this historical exploring! Originally conceived as a student project for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, SIX has become an international phenomenon that makes history contemporary and accessible. It’s also short and sweet at 75 minutes long.

The score is inspired by Rihanna, Avril Lavigne, Beyoncé, Celine Dion, and more, and all the songs are infectiously catchy. With fabulous costumes, contemporary references, and plenty of female empowerment, you’ll never think of the six wives of Henry VIII in quite the same way again!

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