PLACES OF INTEREST IN LONDON
Founded by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago, London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and is rich in heritage.There are many places of interest to visit, which are listed below in alphabetical order.
BANQUETING HOUSE
Whitehall, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 930 4179. Tube:
Westminster. Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 (last admission 16.00).
Built between 1619-1622, and the only remaining part of
the original Palace of Whitehall, destroyed by fire in 1698.
BRASS RUBBING CENTRE
Crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, London WC2.Telephone: (0207) 930 9306.Tube: Charing Cross.Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun 12.00-18.00.
Follow a British tradition by rubbing replicas of medieval
church brasses.
BRITAIN AT WAR EXPERIENCE
Tooley Street, London SE1. Telephone: (0207) 403 3171. Tube: London Bridge. Daily 10.00-17.30 (last admission).
Journey back in time and experience the war years by sheltering from the air raids, dodging falling masonry and crouching in an Anderson Shelter. Special feature 8 May VE Day Events: visitors receive a free wartime news bulletin, a Union Jack flag and mystery gifts.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1. Tube: Victoria.
Originally built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, this has been the London residence of the Royal Family since 1837. The Royal Standard flies above the Palace when the Queen is in residence. State Rooms open 7 August-28 September only (See Future Events section for details).
Changing of the Guard takes place here.
CABINET WAR ROOMS
Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 930 6961. Tube: Westminster. Daily 19.30-18.00 (last admission 17.15).
The underground suite of 21 rooms used by Churchill and
the War Cabinet to protect them against air attack between
1939 and 1945. Preserved exactly as they were left.
CHISWICK HOUSE
Burlington Lane, London W4. Telephone: (0208) 995 0508. BR: Chiswick. Daily 10.00-13.00, 14.00-18.00.
Outstanding example of classical 18th century architecture
designed by the Earl of Burlington.
COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE
Kensington High Street, London W8. Telephone: (0207) 603 4535. Tube: High Street Kensington. Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00; Sun 14.00-17.00.
Over 50 countries of the Commonwealth organises their own
exhibition, presenting a fasci nating look at their history,
landscape, wildlife, crafts and culture.
CRYSTAL PALACE FARM
Crystal Palace Park,London SE20. Telephone: (0208) 778 4487. BR: Crystal Palace. Daily 11.00-17.00 (last admission).
DOCKLANDS VISITOR CENTRE
3 Limeharbour, Docklands, London E14. Telephone: (0207) 512 1111. DLR: Crossharbour. Mon-Fri 08.30-18.00; Sat, Sun 09.30-17.00.
Exhibition area and audio display provides information
on the seafaring history of the London docklands area. Tours
to Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf and Royal Docks (2 hrs).
GREENWICH
Maze Hill or Greenwich. Thameside area famous for its maritime
history. Royal Naval College with magnificent Painted Hall
and beautiful chapel. Telephone: (0208) 858 2154. Fri-Wed
14.30-17.00 (last admission 16.30).
The 'Cutty Sark' is the last of the clipper ships. Telephone: (0208) 858 3445. Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun 12.00-18.00.
The Queen's House, splendidly restored to its former glory
as Queen Henrietta Maria's royal palace. The interior is
lavishly decorated. Telephone: (0208) 858 4422. Mon-Sat
10.00-17.00; Sun 14.00-17.00.
The Old Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park, founded by Charles
II in 1675, has the Greenwich Meridian Line and historical
astronomical instruments. Telephone: (0208) 858 4422. Mon-Sat
10.00-17.00; Sun 14.00-17.00.
Passport tickets to all attractions 7.95, child 5.45.
HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Hampton Court, East Molesey, Surrey. Telephone: (0208) 781 9500. BR: Hampton Court. Mon 10.15-18.00; Tue-Sun 09.30-18.00.
The grandest Tudor residence in England, the Royal Palace,
was begun in 1514 by Wolsey and developed by Henry VIII
who created the magnificent roof of the Chapel Royal. In
the late 17th century Wren designed the State apartments
for William III. The King's apartments, badly damaged by
fire in 1986, are now restored to their former glory. Wander
through the ornamental gardens and the famous William III's
maze
Also see the Great Vine and Henry VIII's Real Tennis Court.
HAY'S GALLERIA
London Bridge City, Tooley Street, London SE1. Tel: (0207) 403 5939. Tube: London Bridge.
A beautiful conversion of one of London's most famous wharfs,
now fully restored and crowned by a soaring barrel-vaulted
roof. Provides a lovely riverside setting for eating, shopping
and relaxing near other famous attractions.
HMS BELFAST
Morgan's Lane, Tooley Street, London SE1. Telephone: (0207) 407 6434. Tube: London Bridge. Daily 10.00-18.00.
This 1938, 11,500 ton Royal Navy cruiser is now permanently moored on the River Thames as a floating museum.
HOUSE OF DETENTION
Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell Green, London EC1. Telephone: (0207) 253 9494. Tube: Farringdon. Daily 10.00-18.00.
Prisons on this site date back over 300 years. Thirteen
underground cells are now restored and open to view.
HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
Westminster, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 219 4272. Tube: Westminster.
This superb mock-Gothic building replaced the original
Palace of Westminster which burnt down in 1834. The Clock
Tower houses the famous bell 'Big Ben', which chimes every
hour, with four smaller ones ringing on the quarter hour.
For debates queue outside St Stephen's entrance - House
of Commons: Mon-Thu 14.30-22.00; Fri 09.30-15.00. House
of Lords: Debate times vary.
JEWEL TOWER
Abingdon Street, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 222 2219. Tube: Westminster. Daily 10.00-13.00, 14.00-18.00
.Built in 1365 to house the personal treasures of Edward
III, it is now a museum containing relics relating to the
palace and pottery rescued from the moat.
KENSINGTON PALACE STATE APARTMENTS
Kensington Gardens, London W8. Telephone: (0207) 937 9561. Tube: Queensway or High Street Kensington. Mon-Sat 09.00-17.00; Sun 11.00-17.00 (last admission 16.15).
Visits by guided tour only, every 15 mins daily. William
III and Mary took up residence here in 1689. Includes the
breathtaking Queen's Court Dress Collection and furniture
from the Stuart and Hanoverian periods.
KENWOOD HOUSE
Hampstead Lane, London NW3. Telephone: (0208) 348 1286. Tube: Archway. Daily 10.00-18.00.
An outstanding neo-classical house remodelled by Robert
Adam who created the magnificent library. It contains the
most important private collection of paintings ever bequeathed
to the nation. The house stands in an historic landscaped
park which is open daily 08.00 till dusk.
LONDON BUTTERFLY HOUSE
Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex. Telephone: (0208) 560 7272. Tube: Gunnersbury + bus 237 or 267. Daily 10.00-17.00.
Housed in the extensive grounds of Syon Park, you can see
hundreds of free-flying butterflies in an exotic jungle
setting. Plus an aquarium and insect gallery.
LONDON DUNGEON
28-34 Tooley Street, London SE1. Telephone: (0207) 403 0606. Tube: London Bridge. Daily 10.00-18.30 (last admission 17.30).
Wander at will through the dark slimy vastness of the London
Dungeon which depicts the gorier aspects of British history.
LONDON ZOO
Regent's Park, London NW1. Telephone: (0207) 722 3333. Tube: Baker Street + bus 274. Daily 10.00-17.30.
One of the world's great zoos, it has approximately 8,000
animals from the British countryside and all corners of
the world.
MADAME TUSSAUDS
Marylebone Road, London NW1. Telephone: (0207) 935 6861. Tube: Baker Street. Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat, Sun 09.30-17.30.
Renowned life-size waxworks museum features the famous and infamous. Includes the Chamber of Horrors and the 'Spirit of London' dark ride which takes you on a journey through London's history in a 'time-taxi'.
THE MONUMENT
Monument Street, London EC3. Telephone: (0207) 626 2717. Tube: Monument. Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00; Sat,Sun 14.00-18.00.
This 202 foot high Roman Doric column, designed by Christopher
Wren was erected between 1671-1677 to commemorate the Great
Fire of London of 1666.
QUASAR
Trocadero Centre, Coventry Street, London W1. Telephone: (0207) 734 8151. Tube: Piccadilly Circus. Sun-Thu 10.00-23.00; Fri.Sat 10.00-00.00.
Live action laser game where up to 40 people at one time
enter the futuristic fantasy game arena and escape from
the real world.
RANGERS HOUSE
Chesterfield Walk, London SE10. Telephone: (0208) 853 0035. Tube: New Cross + bus 53. Daily 10.00-18.00.
This 18th century red brick villa houses Suffolk collections
of Jacobean and Stuart portraits and the Dolmetsch collection
of musical instruments.
ROCK CIRCUS
London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus, London W1. Telephone: (0207) 734 7203. Tube: Piccadilly Circus. Sun-Thu 11.00-21.00; Tue 12.00-21.00; Fri 11.00-22.00.
Award-winning attraction telling the story of rock and
pop music by using videos, archive film and personal stereo
sound. Moving and static wax figures help to revive the
performances of the stars.
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW
Kew Green, Kew, Richmond, Surrey. Telephone: (0208) 940 1171. Tube: Kew Gardens. Daily 09.30-16.00.
As well as being famous world-wide as a botanical research centre, the gardens offer beautiful displays of plants and trees.
THE ROYAL MEWS
Buckingham Palace, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 799 2331. Tube: Victoria. Tue-Thu 12.00-16.00 (last admission 15.30).
View Her Majesty The Queen's carriage horses, carriages
and harness used on State occasions, also the Coronation
Coach which was built in 1761.
RUSSIAN SUBMARINE FOXTROT U-475
Thames Barrier, Woolwich, London SE18. Telephone: (0208) 855 7560. BR: Charlton. Daily 10.00-17.00.
At 92 metres in length, the rubber-coated Foxtrot was the
Soviet Navy's largest conventional submarine. U-475 was
built in 1967 and was in active service until 1976.
ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4. Telephone: (0207) 236 0752. Tube: St Paul's. Mon-Sat 08.30-16.00, Galleries from 10.00-16.15. Tours available.
Designed by Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666,
St Paul's has been the scene of many historic and national
occasions. The nave, transepts and choir are arranged in
the shape of a cross, as in a medieval cathedral. Wren created
an interior of majesty and Baroque splendour.Climb to the
Whispering Gallery for fine views of the paintings on the
inside of the dome.
SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE THEATRE EXHIBITION
New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1. Telephone: (0207) 928 6406. Tube: London Bridge. Daily 10.00-17.00.
The fascinating story of the re-creation of Shakespeare's
Globe. Opportunity of seeing an Elizabethan theatre building
being reconstructed using materials, techniques and craftsmanship
of 400 years ago.
SPENCER HOUSE
27 St James's Place, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 409 0526. Tube: Green Park. Open Sun 10.45-17.30 (last tour 16.45). Tours begin every 15 mins.
A private palace built between 1756-66 by John Vardy for
the first Earl Spencer (ancestor of Princess Diana). The
nine state rooms were the first in the neo-classical style
to be designed in England.
SYON HOUSE
Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex. Telephone: (0208) 560 0881. Tube: Gunnersbury + bus 237 or 267. Sat, Sun and Bank Holiday Mondays 11.00-17.00.
This elegant London home of the Duke of Northumberland,
re-modelled from its Tudor original (formerly a monastery)
by Robert Adam, is considered to be one of his finest works.
Gardens, landscaped by 'Capability' Brown open daily 10.00-18.00,
THAMES BARRIER VISITORS CENTRE
Unity Way, Woolwich, London SE18. Telephone: (0208) 854 1373. BR: Charlton. Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat, Sun 10.30-17.30.
The world's largest movable flood barrier, built in 1982
to protect London against rising water levels and tidal
surges of the Thames. The unique structure consists of 10
separate movable steel gates each weighing 3,700 tonnes.
The Visitor's Centre has scale working models of the construction.
TOWER BRIDGE
London SE1. Telephone: (0207) 378 1928. Tube: Tower Hill. Daily 10.00-17.15.
Completed in 1894, this piece of unique Victorian engineering
has become an international symbol of London. Its pinnacled
towers and linking catwalk support the mechanism for raising
the roadway when big ships have to pass through. The bridge
now houses its own museum with a fascinating exhibition
'The Celebration Story' which traces its 100 year history,
whilst the Victorian winding machinery is also on display.Take
the lift to the enclosed high walkways for magnificent panoramic
views of the Thames and London.
TOWER HILL PAGEANT
Tower Hill, London EC3. Telephone: (0207) 709 0081. Tube: Tower Hill. Daily 09.30-17.30
London's first dark-ride takes visitors through 2,000 years
of London's history by seeing, hearing and smelling the
past. Includes three of Europe's largest holograms appearing
in a scene which captures medieval life along the first
stone London Bridge. The accompanying award-winning exhibition
displays over 1,000 fascinating archaeological finds.
TOWER OF LONDON
Tower Hill, London EC3. Telephone: (0207) 709 0765. Tube: Tower Hill. Mon-Sat 09.00-17.00; Sun 10.00-17.00.
Since work was begun by William the Conqueror in the 11th
century, this prestigious historical landmark has been a
fortress, a prison, a treasury and a palace. Principal attractions
include the White Tower, the Bloody Tower, the 'Beefeaters'
and the Jewel House containing the precious Crown Jewels.
TRAFALGAR SQUARE
London WC2. Tube: Charing Cross. Conceived by John Nash and constructed during the 1830s.
This beautiful square is dominated by a central 165 foot
Corinthian column commemorating Admiral Nelson, who died
at the Battle of Trafalgar against Napoleon in 1805. Four
huge bronze lions guard the base of the column, whilst two
fountains designed by Lutyens play nearby.
WESLEY'S HOUSE
47 City Road, London EC1. Telephone: (0207) 253 2262. Tube: Old Street. Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00, Sun 12.00-14.00.
Original 18th century house in which John Wesley lived.
WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Broad Sanctuary, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 222 5152. Tube: St James's Park. Royal Chapels: Mon-Fri 09.20-16.45 (last admission 16.00); Sat 09.20-14.45 (last admission 14.00) & 15.45-17.45 (last admission 17.00). Closed Sun. Nave and Clo isters: Daily 08.00-18.00, (Wed 19.45). Chapter House: 09.30-16.00. Pyx Chamber, Undercroft Museum: Daily 10.30-16.00.
Not only an architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, this medieval cathedral also presents a unique pageant of British history as it has been the crowning and burial place of Kings and Queens since 1066.
WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL
Victoria Street, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 798 9055. Tube: Victoria. Daily 07.00-20.00.
This Christian Byzantine style cathedral contains magnificent
columns, mosaics and sculptures. Special feature 17-20 May
International Festival of Flowers with Music: the centenary
of the foundation of the Cathedral is celebrated, drawing
on the creative talents of many of the world's finest flower
artists. Mon-Fri 09.30-18.00; Sat 09.30-16.30.
PAGEANTRY CEREMONY OF THE KEYS
Tower of London, Tower Hill, London EC3. Tube: Tower Hill
This 700 year old ceremony of locking-up the Tower of
London takes place daily at 21.35-22.05. You can request
free admission to the ceremony by writing to The Ceremony
of the Keys, Queen's House, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB
at least two months in advance. Enclose an international
reply coupon or stamped addressed envelope and state alternative
dates and the number of tickets required (maximum of fifteen
tickets per person).
CHANGING THE GUARD.
Buckingham Palace: The Mall, London SW1. Tube: St James's Park or Green Park. Daily at 11.30.
For confirmation Telephone: Visitorcall (01839) 123456. This famous ceremony involves the trooping of the Queen's colour from St James's Palace to Buckingham Palace. The best views are from the Queen Victoria Memorial, or near the centre gates. Musicians do not play in very wet weather.
Horse Guards: Whitehall, SW1. Tube: Charing Cross. The Mounted Guard Changing Ceremony takes place daily Mon-Sat 11.00; Sun 10.00. No tickets required for either ceremony.
