Whatever
you're interested in, you'll find something fun and fascinating
to do in London town. Record the news for the world famous BBC television
network, come face to face with sharks, ride the world's highest
observation wheel or even face the torture chambers in London's
most notorious dungeons... From art galleries to waxworks and opera,
we've reviewed the most popular attractions in the capital to ensure
you get the most out of your stay. Enjoy!
Barbican
Centre
The
Barbican is comprised of businesses, exclusive residential flats,
the Museum of London and the Barbican Arts Centre. It is probably
the ugliest building in London, although the new British Library
may be another contender for the title. To be fair, some parts of
The Barbican are very pleasantly landscaped with fountains and plants,
but (with the exception of the roof conservatory) you are never
far way from grey 1960’s concrete slabs.
The buildings are connected by a maze of raised multi-level walkways.
Even the locals get lost, so allow plenty of time to navigate. Wherever
you’re going in the Barbican, the best plan is to enter the
centre by the nearest entrance. Once inside all locations are clearly
signposted, unlike the street outside, which is very pedestrian-unfriendly.
Around some of the concrete corners there are unexpected surprises,
like a couple of ancient churches that survived the bulldozer, and
even sections of the old London wall. Set in the heart of The Barbican
is The Barbican Arts Centre, which boasts an art gallery, concert
hall, cinema and two theatres.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7638 8891
Opening Days: Mon-Sat 09:00 - 23:00. Sun 12:00 - 23:00.
Box Office: 09:00 - 20:00
Nearest Tube: Barbican /Moorgate
BBC
Experience
At the BBC Experience, visitors can see how the famous broadcasting
corporation, the BBC. operates, using plenty of 'hands-on' displays.
There's the chance to take part in a radio play, watch great TV
clips from across the years, and even direct an episode of Eastenders.
Phone: +44 (0)870 6030304
Open daily.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus or Great Portland Street
BFI London
IMAX Cinema
At the new BFI London IMAX Cinema you can be transported from
the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space, via 3D
and 2D films.
For screening times and booking: +44 (0)20 7902 1234
Open daily.
Nearest Tube: Waterloo.
British
Airways London Eye
Standing 135-metres high on the South Bank of the River Thames,
opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament the British Airways
London Eye is the world's highest observation wheel and its 30-minute
slow-moving flight gives unrivalled views over London. From its
steel and glass capsules, you can peek into the back garden of Buckingham
Palace and, on a clear day, see across seven counties.
Phone: +44 (0)20 0870 5000 600
Open daily, admission charge
Tube: Waterloo or Westminster
Cabaret Mechanical
Theatre
A unique exhibition of hand-made automata, all of which move, either
by push-button or by coin operation.
33/34 The Market, Covent Garden, WC2
Phone: +44 (020) 7379 7961
Tube: Covent Garden
Centre for
the Magic Arts
Unique living museum of magic and arts. Meet the Magic Circle Events.
Open by appointment only.
12 Stephenson Way, NW1
Phone: +44 (020) 7387 2222
Tube: Euston
Chislehurst
Caves
Twenty-two miles of caves with parts dating from 2000BC. Features
include carvings, giant fossil, Druid's Altar, Roman Well, Haunted
Pool and World War II exhibits. There are also lamplight tours.
Old Hill, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7
Phone: +44 (020) 8467 3264
Rail: Chislehurst
Clock Museum
The collection of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers is the oldest
collection specifically of horology in the world. Includes historic
clocks, watches and marine timekeepers, including John Harrison's
'H5' clock, designed to rewind itself by manufacturing hydrogen
gas.
The Clock Room, Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury, EC2
Phone: +44 (020) 7332 1865
Tube: Bank/St Paul's
Tube/Rail: Moorgate
Clowns International
Clowns' Gallery and Archive
Collection contains photographs, prints, paintings, posters, costumes
and props. Audio-visual corner showing live clowning and a small
library archive of clown related literature. The earliest exhibits
are around 200 years old. Open first Friday of every month.
1 Hillman Street, E8
Phone: +44 (020) 7608 0312
Rail: Hackney Central
Dickens
House
Charles Dickens' home from 1837-1839. Displays of letters, pictures,
first editions, furniture, memorabilia and restored rooms.
48 Doughty Street, WC1
Phone: +44 (020) 7405 2127
Tube: Russell Square/Chancery Lane
Golden Hinde
Full-scale reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake's world-famous sailing
galleon. The crew, dressed in period costume, guide visitors around
the 5 decks and give a true insight into 16th-century life at sea.
St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, SE1
Phone: +44 (020) 7403 0123
Tube: London Bridge
Jewel Tower
Built in 1365 to house King Edward III's personal jewels and wardrobe,
this is one of the two surviving buildings of the medieval Palace
of Westminster. It houses an exhibition tracing the history of English
parliaments from their origins to the present day.
Abingdon Street, Westminster, SW1
Phone: +44 (020) 7222 2219
Tube: Westminster
London
Aquarium
The London Aquarium features hundreds of varieties of fish and sea
life from all over the world, displayed around two huge tanks representing
the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Come face-to-face with sharks,
and watch divers feeding gigantic conger eels. Seahorses, rays,
starfish and piranhas are on show, too.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7967 8000
Open daily.
Nearest Tube: Waterloo or Westminster.
London Brass Rubbing Centre
At the London Brass Rubbing Centre visitors can make rubbings of
subjects including knights, unicorns and kings. Admission is free
although there is a small charge to make rubbings. No experience
is necessary and materials are provided.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7930 9306
Open daily.
Nearest Tube: Charing Cross and Embankment
Madame Tussaud's
Exhibition Centre
Museum
Madame Tussaud's Waxwork Museum is the world famous collection of
figures of the famous - and infamous. New for this year is a 'Superstars'
area in a glamorous Hollywood setting, where Marilyn Monroe rubs
shoulders with James Dean and Nicholas Cage. Also new for this summer
are Who Wants to Be a Millionnaire? Host, Chris Tarrant, and American
President, George W Bush.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7935 6861
Open every day from 9.00am - 5.30pm
Nearest Tube: Baker Street / Marylebone
London Balloon
First and largest gas-filled tethered balloon ride to be installed
in the UK. Lifts up to 30 people to a height of over 500ft, giving
panoramic views of London.
Spring Gardens, Vauxhall, SE11
Phone: +44 (0)20 7587 1111
Tube: Vauxhall
London Brass
Rubbing Centre
Knight, unicorns and kings are traditional brass rubbings for visitors
to buy or make themselves. Also unusual Celtic designs. No experience
needed - materials and help provided.
The Crypt, St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, WC2
Phone: +44 (0)20 7930 9306
Tube: Charing Cross
London Butterfly
House
Free flying butterflies in tropical greenhouse garden. Visit insect
gallery with giant spiders, lizards, scorpions and leaf-cutting
ants.
Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex
Phone: +44 (0)20 8560 7272
Tube: Gunnersbury then bus
London Planetarium
For
over 40 years this world famous Planetarium has enthralled visitors
with star shows in the great green dome. Today the experience is
more exciting and fun than ever, with plenty to offer children,
adults and all would-be astronomers! With a unique star show and
two interactive zones, the London Planetarium offers mankind a voyage
of discovery. Take a cosmic sightseeing tour now and see the stars.Or
better still book on-line now to take an intergalactic trek across
the universe and then mingle with the stars at Madame Tussaud's.
Marylebone Road, NW1
Phone: +44 (0)20 7935 6861
Opening Hours: 12.20pm - 5pm, Open on Bank Holidays
Nearest Tube: Baker Street
London
Zoo
London
Zoo is one of the world's most famous zoos and is home to over 12,000
animals. 'Meet the Animals' shows are held daily, giving visitors
the opportunity to learn more about the animals from their keepers.
Rare and beautiful animals can be seen in the Aquarium, Elephant
House, Penguin Pool, Snowdon Aviary and the new 'Web of Life' exhibition.
Highlights include glimpses of the Sloth Bears and cub on Bear Mountain.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7722 3333
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am-5.30pm, Winter 4pm
Nearest Tube: Baker Street / Camden Town
National
Maritime Museum - Greenwich
The
modern National Maritime Museum features exhibits about the future
of the sea, exploration, passenger liners and trade. Special exhibitions:
‘South – race to the Pole’; ‘Views from the
Edge’ and ‘Nelson’. See the Royal Observatory’s
Meridian Line, Time Ball and Harrison clocks from this beautiful
Wren building that gives fine views over London and Docklands. Inside
the Queen’s House art gallery is the impressive ‘Sea of
Faces’
portrait exhibition.
Open daily 1000-1800 (summer), 1000-1700 (winter).
Phone: +44 (0)20 8312 6565.
Photographer's
Gallery
This is the UK's primary venue for contemporary photography. There's
a year-round programme of exhibitions and educational events and
a broad range of photographic work is on show, with the emphasis
on developments in the art. There is also a bookshop and print sales
area.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7831 1772
Open daily, admission free
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square
Rock Circus
Rock Circus tells the story of rock and pop music from the 1950s
to the present day, using spectacular robotic figures, lasers and
videos.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7734 7203
Open daily.
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew Gardens)
At Kew Gardens, there are 300 acres containing living collections
of over 40,000 varieties of plants. The Palm House is world-famous
and there are other magnificent tropical, alpine and temperate houses.
The Princess of Wales Conservatory recreates ten different kinds
of environments, with appropriate plants in natural settings.
Open daily from 9.30am.
Phone: +44 (0)20 8940 1171
Nearest Tube: Kew Gardens
Shakespeare's
Globe Exhibition
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Exhibition is the fascinating story
of the re-creation of Shakespeare's Globe. Visitors can see the
reconstructed Elizabethan theatre, built with materials, techniques
and craftsmanship of 400 years ago. The largest exhibition in the
world devoted to Shakespeare explores the playwright's London, Elizabethan
theatre and the Shakespeare's influence around the world. The summer
season of plays sees Shakespeare performed in an authentic setting.
Exhibition open mornings daily, and some afternoons, theatre season
runs May-September, admission charge
Phone: +44 (0)20 7902 1500
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Somerset
House
Within the elegant 18th century walls of this former tax office,
there are three attractions, the Courtauld Gallery of Impressionist
Art, the Gilbert Collection and Hermitage Rooms. There's also a
restaurant and riverside café.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7845 4600
Open daily, admission to House free, charge for attractions
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden / Temple
Tate Modern
The gallery shows international modern art from 1900 to present
day - Dali, Picasso, Matisse and Warhol, plus contemporary works
by Gilbert and George. The breathtaking Turbine Hall runs length
of building, creating a massive exhibition space, designed by Swiss
architects Hertzog and de Meuron. There are special exhibitions
and a cafe with outstanding views over the river.
Open daily, admission free
Phone: +44 (0)20 7887 8734
Nearest Tube: Southwark
The London
Dungeon
The London Dungeon is setting the streets on fire with a brand new
'hot' attraction - The Great Fire of London. You can also take a
barge trip down the River Thames on the 'Judgement Day' ride ...
to face a firing squad, after being sentenced to death by a sombre
18th century judge! There's also a torture chamber and the chance
to unmask 'Jack the Ripper' - the infamous serial killer. It's not
suitable for very young children or those of a nervous disposition!
Phone: +44 (0)20 7403 7221
Open daily, admission charge
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
The Lord's
Tour (Lord's Cricket Ground)
This is the home of cricket and on the Lord's Tour visitors can
see behind-the-scenes at Lord's Cricket Ground. Highlights include
the Long Room, The Ashes fought over by England and Australia and
the MCC museum.
Open daily except for Test Match and cup final days.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7432 1033 for exact tour times.
Nearest Tube: St. John's Wood
Trocadero
Centre
The
Trocadero offers the latest in hi-tech interactive entertainment
in one huge complex in the heart of London. The attractions include:
Alien War - based on the Alien films,
Finland - amusement centre with the latest in video game technology,
Madam Tussaud's Rock Circus - the world's No.1 rock exhibition,
SegaWorld - 100,00 sq ft. urban theme park with the latest in hi-tech
interactive technology.
The Emaginator - a revolutionary cinematic experience,
Virtual World - embark upon a unique adventure on Solaris VII or
the Red Planet,
Planet Hollywood - dining experience inspired by the film world.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7439 1791
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Vinopolis,
City of Wine
Vinopolis, City of Wine is dedicated to the entire world of wine
and related pleasures - including demonstrations and tasting sessions.
Phone: +44 (0)20 870 4444 777
Open daily, admission charge
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
