Things to do in London – the best list
London Car Rental
The Great London area is full of attractions for all ages. Huge, multicultural and cosmopolitan London 33 districts spread over 600 square kilometers so it's a good thing there are about 20,000 licensed taxis, double decker buses and other public transport, in addition to the probe to move underground. London without prim and proper but the perception is far from senile, since a large 47.3 percent of its 7.5 million population is between 16 and 44, with one in five residents of an ethnic minority. No wonder that more than 200 languages are spoken here, with coffee culture encompassing cuisines from more than 70 countries in some 6,000 restaurants and 5,000 pubs and bars. Historic gardens and 123 over 30 historic buildings, London also has over 200 museums, 600 cinemas, and 108 music halls. Within an hour of London are 95 golf courses, 2,000 tennis courts, seven ice rinks, and six race courses. London has no known founder, but the historical aspect King Lud record of Fame Ludgate Hill. Shortly after the Roman conquest in 43 AD, the invaders realized the strategic importance of the River Thames, which flows through the flat and fertile continent. The Norman invasion of 1066 was marked by the construction of the imposing Tower of London, which is the London Bridge to protect against invaders from upstream. As in Europe, London was hard hit by the bubonic plague known as Black Death, which killed one third of its population in 1348-49. However, the population tripled in the Tudor, and in 1700, had spent half a million, ranking with Paris and Naples as one of three cities largest in Europe. When Edward VII ascended the throne in 1901, London was the largest city in the world and remains the largest in Europe.
Bank Museum England
Also known as the "Old Lady of Threadneedle Street Museum", Bank of England Museum Bank's history tracks from 1694 to its role current and central bank in the nation. Gold bars dating from ancient times, and pikes and muskets used to defend the bank are also on display. History including an attack by the mob at the Bank during the Gordon riots in 1780, and the introduction of paper money in 1797. Some documents refer to the well-known customers such as George Washington and the Duchess of Marlborough. In March 2003, the museum welcomed its millionth visitor.
Threadneedle Street. (020) 7601-5545
Banqueting House
Famous for its ceiling paintings by Rubens, the Banqueting House (the only part of Whitehall Palace) was designed by Inigo Jones, commissioned by James I in 1619.
Whitehall, SW1. (020) 7930-4179
British Airways London Eye
The London Eye Ferris wheel is a class with 32 high-tech glass in wagons, each with a capacity of 25 passengers who turn up and turn continuous live wire. Each air-conditioned transportation turns into a device designed to keep vertical position worldwide as the wheel turns slowly. On a clear day, the panorama can stretch up to Heathrow Airport and Windsor Castle. At night, places London attractions are illuminated against the darkness, showing the Gothic houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Tate Museum and the Tower Bridge, along with stretches of the Thames.
On the south side of the River Thames, opposite Big Ben.
The British Museum
Displays in the museum world's oldest, Founded in 1753 by an Act of Parliament, are the Assyrian treasures, Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase. The spectacular Great Court, opened in 2000, includes 12 of the most famous exhibits of the museum and serves as the largest square in Europe under one roof. It covers the Reading Room, restored to former glory, when readers including Marx and Lenin.
Great Russell Street. (020) 7323-8000
Buckingham Palace
Residence of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace opened first time in public in 1993 to fund repairs to Windsor Castle. The Edwardian facade palace dates back to the early 19th century. In summer, nearly 6,000 visitors per day tour 19 rooms of the state, including the Throne Room, Picture Gallery and Ballroom (the largest room in the Palace) used for investiture and banquets. The extended visitor route includes a walk along the south side of the Palace garden. In the Royal Mews, Queen's horses and carriages, including the coach the coronation, are shown. The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a permanent space dedicated to temporary exhibitions of art from the Royal Collection and treasures. Built 40 years ago in the west facade of the former private chapel ruins, damaged by bombs, the Gallery was opened by the Queen in 2002 to receive the public daily.
Buckingham Palace Road, SW1. (020) 7321-2233
Cabinet War Rooms
Sir Winston Churchill, his cabinet and the chiefs of staff used this complex underground during World War II bombing. Exhibits include the Map Room, Trans-Atlantic telephone room, and the Map Room, and in 2003, Churchill's bedroom, kitchen and dining room were added to the tour. An audio guide includes firsthand accounts of life on the Boards of the war.
Clive Steps, King Charles Street. (020) 7930-6961
Camden Market
Among the London tourist magnets, attracting crowds of around 500,000 per week, the markets of Camden specializes alternative fashion, vintage and emerging designers, funky furnishings, and international cuisine in a variety of restaurants, bars and stalls.
At Camden High Street & Chalk Farm Road.
Changing of the Guard
At Buckingham Palace, the royal ceremony takes place at 11:30 hours, a duration 40 minutes inside the gate of the palace. Queen's Guard, accompanied by a band, leaves Wellington Barracks and marches via Birdcage Walk to the Palace. The ceremony only scratched a very wet climate. Underground stations are Victoria, St. James Park and Green Park. A separate ceremony is held every day around Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, at 11 pm, Monday through Saturday and 1 pm on Sunday. Queen's Life Guard leaves Hyde Park Barracks and rides at Horse Guards Parade in the Hyde Park Corner, Constitution Hill and the Mall Him Underground Stations are Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster.
Clarence House
Clarence House, now the official residence of the Prince of Wales in London, opened to the public in 2003 of August 16 through October 17 with plans for future access the public at intervals. The house was the London home of Queen Mother until her death in 2002 and has been renovated. In 2003, the tours had five rooms on the ground floor which are carried out official engagements. Much of the Queen Mother's collection of art and furniture remain, with examples of Fabergé, English porcelain and silver, and works John Piper. Tours must be booked in advance.
The Mall. (020) 7766 7303
Cutty Sark Clipper Ship
The last and most famous tea-clipper, breaking all records in 1885, is open for exploration, including the lower expected total, a collection of figureheads, and Tween deck, counting the history of the Cutty Sark with the exhibition of photos of ships and models. Rural have been reconstructed to show life at sea in the 1870s.
King William Walk, Greenwich. (020) 8858-3445
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain "in Hyde Park
Opened in July 2004 with the final two years of Diana and royal family including Queen Elizabeth II present the $ 6,500,000 memorial to the late Princess of Wales was designed by American architect Karen Gustafson. The oval dish of 545 blocks of Cornish granite – a ring of water compared to a miniature race course near the Serpentine Bridge – has water flowing both sides, both agitated and calming effects. Hyde Park (London's largest) is 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide retreat with 350 acres of woods, meadows, lakes and gardens. Admission is free from 5 am until midnight.
Hyde Park. (020) 7298-2100
Dickens House
Victorian London found its perfect chronicler in Charles Dickens, whose house in Doughty Street survives as a museum, the site were some of Oliver Twist was written. The house offers a journey through the life of Charles Dickens in his early years more prosperous.
48 Doughty Street. (020) 7405-2127
Downing House
This location is world-renowned home of the Prime Minister's official residence (No. 10) and the Minister of Finance (No. 11).
10 Downing Street.
Freud Museum
After fleeing Nazi Austria in 1938, the Freud family lived in this house until the death of Ann in 1982. Among the antiquities are Sigmund Freud, oriental rugs, research, and, yes, psychoanalysis couch.
20 Maresfield Gardens via Finchley Road. (020) 7435-2002
Hampton Court Palace
apartments of King Henry VIII is shown outside the guidelines in period costume. The tour includes the Tudor kitchens, the Chapel Royal and the mythical labyrinth or garden fountain.
East Molesey, Surrey
Highgate Cemetery
Victorian Gothic atmosphere of a big cypress and covered include Egyptian-style catacombs. The cemetery is closed during the funeral. No children children under 8 years are allowed on the west side, and photography is by permission.
Lane, Swain. (020) 8340-1834
Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum Finchley traces the history of Jewish immigration and settlement in London, including reconstructions of East End furniture and clothing shops. education the Holocaust is an important feature, and displays include memories of London-born survivor Leon Greenman. The Jewish Military Museum and Memorial Room illustrates the contribution Judaism British armed forces of the Crown of Crimea to the present. Camden Town is awarded at the Jewish Museum Raymond Burton House, an elegant Victorian building has an art gallery illustrating ceremonial religious Jewish life objects rarity.
Jewish Museum, Finchley, 80 East End Road. (020) 8349-1143
Museum Jewish Military, Stamford Hill. (020) 8800-2844
Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street. (020) 7284-1997
Kensington Palace
This Jacobean building enlarged by William and Mary in 1702, became the residence of Queen Anne, King George I and George II. Queen Victoria was born here and remained in residence until I was 18. Parts of the palace remain a private residence for members of the Royal Family today. Kensington's best known resident in recent years was Diana, Princess of Wales, who occupied apartments in the north-west part of the Palace from 1981 to 1997. The State Apartments and Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, including dresses worn by Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, are open to the public.
Kensington Gardens, W8. (0870) 751-5170
Royal Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1761 and covering 288 hectares, Kew Gardens living collections contain more than 40,000 varieties of plants Seven spectacular greenhouses and two galleries art, along with a Japanese rock garden. Open all year, closing depends on the sunset.
Kew, Richmond TW9 3AB. (020) 8332-5655
London Aquarius
In front of Big Ben, London Aquarium is the only place where visitors can come on sharks considerable, see seahorses, and comply with piranhas frantic. Touching is allowed to be friendly rays, starfish and crabs.
County Hall, Riverside Building, SE1 7PB. (020) 7967-8000
London Dungeon
heavy medieval torture in gory details prevail in this site buried beneath the paving stones of historic Southwark. London Dungeon has more than 2,000 years of history gruesome twisted perspective, with 2003 debuted the Great Plague of remedies apothecary shop frog skins and toasted chopped snake at the foot of the hare, bat wings and leeches. Other popular unpleasantry focuses on the interpretation of Section Ecclesiastical death of Thomas Becket while in prayer at the altar, 1665 the Great Fire of London, Jack the Ripper, and the day of the trial run of ships, where some 2,000 victims were transported from the docks, bound together, and thrown into the turbulent waters. Gift shop merchandise includes clothing brand perfectly horrible for all occasions and a library of reference books disgusting. London, buried beneath the paving
28-34 Tooley Street, SE1. (020) 0891-6000
London for Free
the British capital has many attractions happily free: The British Library, Euston Road houses the Gutenberg Bible, Shakespeare first edition of 1623, King John's Magna Carta, Handel's Messiah and manuscripts Beatles' original. "Kenwood House, a good example of the architect Robert Adam, and a place to shoot scenes from Notting Hill, has important paintings and furniture neoclassical style. The National Gallery is home to the cartoon by Leonardo da Vinci and Constable's Hay Wain. The National Portrait Gallery charts British history through portraits of eminent poets, statesmen and athletes. royal portraits include Queen and Princess Diana of Wales. The Tate Britain in a classical building 100 years old, contains sculptures, drawings, oil paintings, watercolors and works of William Blake. The Tate Modern, in the former Bankside Power Station, showcasing art from the 20th century, is open until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
British Library, Euston Road, NW1. (020) 7412-7332
Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane NW3. (020) 8348-1286
Gallery National Trafalgar Square. (020) 7747-2885
National Portrait Gallery, St Martin's Place, WC2. (020) 7306-0055
Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1. (020) 7887-8008
Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1. (020) 7887-8008
London Pass
Visitors can use the London Pass Free entry to 50 attractions including: The Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum, Cutty Sark, Florence Nightingale Museum, Jewel Tower, Kew Gardens, London Aquarium, London Zoo, Tower of London, the Castle Windsor and more. It includes a travel card for use on public transport in zones 1-6. The travel card is the date of a stamp, and can not make changes. Available online and through travel agents.
London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo has over 12,000 amazing animals for you to see. The Zoo has been "down the bars" to allow visitors to get close to an amazing 650 species of animals. Meet highlights monkeys, butterflies and Paradise in Africa, while may also experience an 'Animals in Action display' – 30 minutes of flying, foraging and leaping action with animals exhibit their natural skills and amazing abilities. Young visitors (or young at heart!) Can enjoy a favorite meeting with poultry in touch paddock in the zoo for children. Two major attractions, Gorilla Kingdom and Clore Forest Mirador are incredibly popular – both get you closer to never to primates of Africa and South America. income ranges from £ 12.50 to £ 16. Children under 3 free.
Regent's Park, London NW1. (020) 7722-3333
Madame Tussaud's
Things have gotten much, much more lively in the Madame Tussaud's with the arrival of a picture of Jennifer Lopez, whose cheeks turn pink when someone whispers in his ear. Live actors present the work of the room, joining visitors in celebrity gossip, even in the toilet. Visitors also may be interviewed by a reporter, or made by a stylist in vivo. Another new attraction is the Hulk of 15 feet, inspired by the film version Universal Pictures. The Queen is on display, along with Henry VIII and his six wives, Queen Elizabeth I and Diana, Princess of Wales.
West End, Marylebone Road. NW1 5LR. (020) 7935-6861
Museum in Docklands
Among London's newest attractions, the Museum in Docklands explores the story Galleries London River, port and people from Roman times through to recent regeneration. A dozen galleries showcase artifacts, paintings, engravings, and photographs.
Gallery 1 West India Quay, Hertsmere Road. (0870) 444-3857
London Museum
Exhibits cover more than 2,000 years of London history gallery highlighting the Roman, a few reconstructed Victorian shops, Newgate prison, the experience of the great fire, and an exhibition of Elizabethan jewelry. The galleries are arranged in chronological order, but are designed so that visitors can start anywhere.
150 Wall Street, London. (020) 7600-3699
Natural History Museum
First opened in 1881 and one of the largest museums in Europe, the Museum of Natural History serves as Britain's national museum of history natural. Exhibits include dinosaurs, mammals balcony exposure of a blue whale and the moonlit forest in the gallery of ecology.
Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD. (020) 7942-5011
Parliament
Built between 1675 and 1710, this magnificent structure is located on the site of two previous cathedrals dating from 604. The whispering gallery in the main dome is so named because a whisper can be heard anywhere in the dome by pressing an ear to the wall. Open every summer, visitors are guided tour of the Tower from Victoria, through the process of robing room, Royal Gallery, the Houses of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, Central Lobby, St. Stephen's Chapel and Westminster Hall. Westminster, with an exhibition of cartoons, and store Parliamentary gifts can be accessed for free through the entrance of San Esteban.
Parliament Square, Westminster. SW1A0AA. (0870) 906-3773
Pub Grub
5000 London pubs and bars make it look like there is literally one in each corner. Brew varies from "real ale" derived from barrels to bottled lagers. Most bars offer wines and spirits, some even exotic cocktails. Once only for drinking, most now serve food from snacks to banquets with prices often cheaper than in restaurants. In an institution peculiar historical background: The Albert, 52 Victoria Street, near the Houses of Parliament where the bell is rung in the division bar to summon Members back to work. Samuel Johnson wrote reports, part of his diary in The Anchor Bankside, 34 Park Street, a pub 18th century near the Globe Theatre. Bunch of Grapes, 207 Brompton Road, is decorated including original Victorian snob screens gentlemen separation working stiffs.
Ragged School Museum
Originally a lemon juice storage facility, Dr. Thomas Bernard is transformed in 1868 to become in the first and largest Roto School in London, until 1908 when all the buildings were condemned Copperfield. The stores have become a virtual classroom as children showing Victorian learned.
46-50 Copperfield Road London. (020) 8980-6405
Royal Courts of Justice
In a Victorian Gothic building completed in 1882, the Courts Royals are the centerpiece of the British legal system. An exhibition of legal costumes is on the first floor overlooking the main room where there is also a small display legal copies. Neither the camera nor children under 14 are allowed in court. Mobile phones must be turned off.
The Strand, WC2A. (020) 7947-6000
Museum of Science
Opening in 1868, the Science Museum has 10,000 exhibits ranging from the cathedral Well (1392) still sounding of hours to the launch pad of Apollo 10, where children can play. Admission is free.
Exhibition Road, South Kensington. (020) 7942-4455
Spencer House
Built in 1756-66 for the first Earl Spencer, ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), eight state rooms with 18th century interiors are open to public and are decorated with antique and neoclassical interior. Designed by John Vardy and James Stuart, the rooms were some of the first neoclassical interior in Europe. Stuart gilded furniture has been returned to its original location in the room painted.
27 St. James's Place. (020) 7499-8620
Making Tea pm
Taking tea has been a tradition in London for over 150 years. The practice was started by the Duchess of Bedford in 1830 when she asked for some something to avoid pain between lunch and dinner. In the 1840s, wafer thin slices of bread spread with chopped cucumber with light cakes and freshly brewed pots of tea is being served with gossip gossip around London. Afternoon tea became hot and high during the Edwardian period (1901-1910). With the arrival of Tango Argentino, grand hotels of London began to receive the tea dances, so entrenched by the 1920s, which continued to reign as a social event to War World. The prospect of pastries and a cup of tea is still sufficient to restore power for any weary traveler. For many tea at the Ritz Palm Court (jacket necessary for men, and early booking is recommended) is the ultimate indulgence in any of the three seats. Food emporium Fortnum & Mason, in the business since 1707, beckons traditional tea, a champagne tea or tea in a tea room of St. James. At Kensington Palace, where the gardens are a favorite haunt Diana, Princess of Wales, the Orangery was built by Queen Anne in 1705, and the tea includes fresh strawberries and double cream in season. Pre-booking is essential at Hotel Brown, opened in 1837 by James Brown (a former servant of Lord Byron), and a favorite of Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie, which serves sandwiches and pastries in the near Wedgwood a fireplace.
Brown's Hotel, Albemarle Street, Mayfair. (020) 7518-4108
Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly, Mayfair. (020) 7734-8040
Greenhouse in Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens. (The reservation is not possible.)
Ritz Hotel, Palm Court, 150 Piccadilly, Mayfair. (020) 7493-8181
Tower of London
According to Shakespeare, Edward IV's young princes and heirs were murdered here by his wicked uncle, Richard III. In 1066, William the Conqueror built the first wooden fort on this site have been replaced by a stone keep, later known as the White Tower. Launched in 1078, the Tower of London is a one of the most the world famous fortified complex built over several centuries. Families were provided with a Royal residence for more than five centuries, and was a prison for other characters real, including Lady Jane Grey. The tower housed the Royal Mint until 1810. Armor worn by Henry VIII remains. La Torre is the repository of the Crown Jewels and regalia, as it has been for nearly 700 years. Also on view are the Medieval Palace, the infamous Bloody Tower and over 90 inscriptions made by prisoners in the Beauchamp Tower. Martin Tower free guided tours, and crowns and Exhibition Diamonds.
Tower Hill, EC3. (0870) 756-7070
Victoria and Albert Museum
Inaugurated in 1852, the world's largest museum of decorative arts became known as South Kensington Museum in 1857, and renamed again in 1899 after Queen Victoria and Prince Alberto. The 145 galleries, with 3,000 years worth of artifacts from many of the richest cultures of the world are the Cast Courts, the national collection of paintings Constable and the largest collection of Italian Renaissance sculpture outside Italy. Jewelery, photography, sculpture, textiles and paintings are part of the mix extraordinary. Admission is free.
Cromwell Road, South Kensington. (020) 7942-2000
Waterloo
Various places in London associated with the campaign of Waterloo 1815, considered the most famous 19th century. It culminated in the overthrow of Napoleon by Wellington and the end of 25 years of war.
Wellington Arch, Hyde Park. (020) 7930-2726
Wesley House and the Chapel
18th century house is part of the John Wesley Chapel site which also includes the Museum of Methodism in the crypt. The house has many personal effects of the founder of Methodism. The museum traces the history of Methodism in the 18th century to the present. Wesley tomb is in the back of the chapel.
47 City Road. (020) 7253-2260
Westminster Abbey
One of the most visited churches in the world, Westminster Abbey is the setting for coronations, marriages and burials of British monarchs. Visitors can see the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Royal Tombs and Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, and chair coronation.
Parliament Square. (020) 7222-5152
Westminster Cathedral
An example of neo-Byzantine architecture and the seat of the Catholic Church Britain, the 14 Stations of the Cross were beautifully sculpted by Eric Gill. Launched in 1895, Westminster Cathedral is characterized by an unusual architecture, mosaics and marble decorations. It was designed to be built quickly with interior decoration added as funds became available. The structure, completed in 1903, the widest, tallest nave in England.
Victoria Street SW1P 1QW. (020) 7798-9055
Windsor Castle
Windsor, one of the largest castles and ancient, inhabited the world, has been home to the Royal Family for over 900 years. Largely rebuilt by George IV, the castle covers some 13 acres. Visitors can see the St George's Chapel and the Albert Memorial Chapel. The castle complex there are many additional attractions. In the Drawings Gallery regular exhibitions of treasures from the Library Real are mounted. Another popular feature is Queen Mary's Dolls House, a miniature mansion built to perfection. The 14th century Chapel of St. George is the place burial of 10 sovereigns, home of the Order of the Garter, and the scene of many royal marriages. Nearby on the Windsor estate is Frogmore House, an attractive country house with strong ties to the Queen Charlotte, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary.
Windsor. (020) 7321-2233
Whipsnade Zoo
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is one of the largest parks wildlife conservation. The Zoo is home to over 2,500 animals, many of which are endangered in the wild. Add to tigers, elephants, hippos and giraffes in huge outdoor enclosures. Come to the Lions of the Serengeti, check out the cheeky chimps. Drive your car round the scenic park, or up and down the free shuttle program Safari. With daily live talks, demonstrations and feeds, and beautiful picnic areas, there is something for everyone at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. income ranges from £ 12.50 to £ 16. Children under 3 free.
Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 2LF. (01582) 872171
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