Attractions
Madame Tussaud's
Madame Tussaud's is the most famous wax museum gallery in the world, with more than 400 life-sized models of stars, famous politicians, royals and sportsmen, as well as the most infamous criminals the world has known. Inside the Museum the 'Spirit of London' ride will take you through the city's history, introducing you to those figures that have shaped the London of today, while The Chamber of Horrors challenges visitors to enter and be terrified. Also at the site is Tussaud's Auditorium, one of the biggest in the world, ready to amaze visitors with its views of the universe.
Address: Marylebone Road
Telephone: (0)870 999 0046
Email: csc@madame-tussauds.com
Web site: www.madame-tussauds.com
Transport: Baker Street underground station, or buses 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 159 and 274
Opening time: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm. Auditorium: weekdays 12.30pm to 5.30pm, weekends 10.30am to 6pm
Admission: £23.99 (adults) and £19.99 (children), but cheaper after 5pm; includes The Chamber and a show in the Auditorium
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The Tower of London
The Tower of London is perhaps as famous for its traditions as its imposing structure. It is guarded by a special band of Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, and dotted with several large, black birds - the Ravens. Legend has it that if the Ravens ever leave the Tower, a great tragedy will befall England, and to this day the birds are protected by Royal decree. The Tower's history dates back to the 11th century, and each new Monarch has played a role in its growth and development. It also houses Britain's crown jewels, a spectacular display of some of the world's finest gems and workmanship. The Tower is next to Tower Bridge, another famous London Landmark.
Address: Tower Hill
Telephone: (0)870 756 6060
Web site: www.hrp.org.uk
Transport: Tower Hill tube station, or buses 15, 42,78 or 100
Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday and Monday 10am to 6pm (March to October); Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday and Monday 10am to 5pm (November to February). Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
Admission: £14.50 (adults), £9.50 (children under 16); concessions and discounts for advance booking available
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The Houses of Parliament
Originally built for Edward the Confessor more than 1,000 years ago, the Houses of Parliament, or Palace of Westminster, remained the principal residence of Britain's monarchs for the next 400 years. Thereafter it became the administrative center of the country. In 1834 the great fire burnt everything except Westminster Hall, and the present Gothic building was completed in the 1840s. It is perhaps most famous for the clock tower, St Stephens, which is commonly, but mistakenly called Big Ben, after the name of the bell inside. Although Parliament is closed to visitors during session, it is still a popular attraction to tourists for its exterior architecture.
Address: Westminster
Telephone: (0)20 7219 3000
Email: hcinfo@parliament.uk
Web site: www.parliament.uk
Transport: Westminster underground station
Opening time: Open during summer recess, usually between August and October, with tours departing every few minutes. It is advised that visitors check the web site for opening times, but generally tours are offered daily except Sunday between 9.15am and 4.30pm
Admission: £7 (adults), £5 (concessions)
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Tate Modern
Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, which has been transformed by Swiss Architects Herzog & de Meuron into a spectacular new modern building, the Tate Modern is Britain's new National Museum of Modern Art. It showcases an exhaustive collection from 1900 to the present day, including works by Dalí, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko and Warhol, as well as exhibitions by contemporary artists. There is also a roof café, which affords spectacular views over London.
Address: Bankside
Telephone: (0)20 7887 8000
Web site: www.tate.org.uk/modern/default.htm
Transport: Southwark or Blackfriars underground stations, bus or the Tate Boat on the Thames
Opening time: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm; Friday and Saturday 10am to 10pm. Closed 24, 25, 26 December
Admission: Free, but donations appreciated
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National Gallery
The National Gallery has an imposing and regal façade stretching across the northern side of Trafalgar Square, and houses over 2,000 paintings from every major European school of painting from the 13th to the 19th century. It was opened in 1938 at its present location, which was chosen for its situation between London's wealthier West End and poorer East End, as a 'gallery for all'.
Address: Trafalgar Square
Telephone: (0)20 7747 2885
Email: information@ng-london.org.uk
Web site: www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Transport: Charing Cross rail station, or Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Embankment underground stations. Numerous buses also service Trafalgar Square
Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm; Wednesday until 9pm. Closed on 1 January, 24, 25 and 26 December
Admission: Free for entry to the permanent collection; admission is charged for major temporary exhibitions
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British Museum
With more than 6,000 historical objects from all around the globe, the British Museum houses one of the world's greatest collections of antiquities, including the Parthenon Frieze or Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone and the Roman Portland Vase dating from the 1st century AD. In 2000 the great court was reopened with an incredible glass roof covering two acres, and stairwells leading down to the Reading Room, which has been completely restored.
Address: Great Russell Street
Telephone: (0)20 7323 8299 or (0)20 7323 8000
Email: visitorinformation@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
Web site: www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
Transport: Russell Square underground station
Opening time: Saturday to Wednesday 10am to 5.30pm; Thursday and Friday 10am to 8.30pm; closed 24, 25 and 26 December, 1 January and Good Friday
Admission: Free, although charges may be levied for some temporary exhibitions
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London Eye
At 443ft (135m) tall, and weighing more than 250 double-decker buses, the London Eye is the most spectacular new addition to London's skyline. With incredible views of most of London's major attractions, and an opportunity to put the city's geography into perspective, it is a must see for all visitors. Originally conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield as an entry for a millennium landmark competition, the project took six years and the expertise of hundreds of people from five European countries to turn it into a reality.
Address: Thames South Bank
Telephone: (0)870 990 8883
Email: customer.services@ba-londoneye.com
Web site: www.ba-londoneye.com
Transport: Westminster, Waterloo or Embankment underground stations, or bus RV1, 211, 24 or 11
Opening time: Daily 10am to 9pm (June to September), 10am to 8pm (May to October). Closed 3-8 January and 25 December
Admission: £12.50 (adults), £6.50 (children). Discount for advance booking online
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Shakespeare's Globe
Situated on the bank of the Thames, just 656ft (200m) from the site of Shakespeare's original Globe theater, this fantastic recreation will transport visitors back to the time of the very first productions of Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Twelfth Night. The reconstruction took a total of 10 years to complete at a cost of over £40 million, and now houses a professional theater company responsible for regular productions of Shakespeare's plays at the new Globe. Adjacent to the theater is the Globe Exhibition, presenting graphic information about the reconstruction of the theater and brings the life and works of Shakespeare to life with interactive displays and live demonstrations. Visits to the Exhibition include a tour of the theater.
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside
Telephone: (0)20 7902 1400, or (0)20 7401 9919 (box office)
Email: info@shakespearesglobe.com
Web site: www.shakespeares-globe.org
Transport: Mansion House underground station, with a ten-minute walk over the Millennium Bridge
Opening time: Theatre tour and exhibition: daily 10am to 5pm (October to 5 May), 9am to 12pm (6 May to September). There is no access to the theatre during performances. Theatre performances from May to October
Admission: £9 (adults), £6.50 (children); concessions available. Performance tickets range from £13 to £29 (£5 standing)
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Buckingham Palace and the Queen's Gallery
No visit to London would be complete without experiencing the pomp and ceremony of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, but now visitors can actually get a peek inside during the annual summer opening of the State Rooms, and see some of the Queen's private art collection at the newly opened Queen's Gallery. Originally the town house of the Dukes of Buckingham, Buckingham Palace has served as the official London home of Britain's monarchs since 1837. Look to see whether the Royal Standard (not the Union Flag) is flying, which indicates that the Queen is in residence.
Address: Buckingham Palace Road
Telephone: (0)20 7766 7300 (State Rooms), or (0)20 7766 7301 (Queen's Gallery)
Email: bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk
Web site: www.royal.gov.uk
Transport: Green Park underground station
Opening time: State Rooms open daily 9.45am to 6pm (August to 24 September); Queen's Gallery 10am to 5.30pm, 9.30am to 5pm (August to 24 September). Closed 25 and 26 December
Admission: State Rooms: £14 (adults), £8 (children); Queen's Gallery: £7.50 (adults), £4 (children); concessions available. Advance booking advised
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Harrods
Harrod's, which proprietor Mohamed Al Fayed calls his 'Palace in Knightsbridge', promises one of the most extravagant and luxurious shopping experiences in the world. With 22 restaurants, and a wide range of departments and services across its seven floors, it is easy to see why this is the shopping choice of London's social elite. Its prominent position on Brompton Road, Harrod's is hard to miss, especially at night, when the entire façade is illuminated with a grand total of 11,500 light bulbs.
Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge
Telephone: (0)20 7730 1234
Web site: www.harrods.com
Transport: Knightsbridge underground station, or bus 14, 74, C1 or A1
Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Admission: Free
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Camden Market
Camden Market is one of the most exciting shopping experiences London has to offer. Even if you're just browsing, the market is definitely worth a visit with its huge variety of food, antiques, bric-a-brac and clothing stalls, bars, nightspots and crowds of people ranging from the beautiful to the bizarre. Although the punk scene in London has gone underground, it still seems to flourish here, and you're sure to bump into some interesting characters.
Address: Camden Lock, Chalk Farm Road
Telephone: (0)20 7284 2084
Email: info@camdenlockmarket.com
Web site: www.camdenmarkets.org
Transport: Camden Town and Chalk Farm underground stations (Camden Town is closed Sunday afternoons during summer: use Chalk Farm station instead). Numerous buses also pass Camden Lock
Opening time: The market is open daily from 10am to 6pm
Admission: Free
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Greenwich
This is the home of the Greenwich Meridian, which splits the globe into East and West and is responsible for setting the world clock on zero degrees latitude. Greenwich has a host of attractions including the famous Cutty Sark, Greenwich Market with its variety of arts, crafts, food and bric-a-brac, Sir Christopher Wren's Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum. Greenwich Park is beautifully landscaped and is ideal for a picnic lunch.
Telephone: (0)870 608 2000
Website: www.greenwichengland.com
Transport: Docklands Light Railway to Greenwich, Cutty Sark underground stations, or a Thames boat
Opening time: Greenwich Market: daily 9am to 5:30pm; Cutty Sark: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm (until 5pm in winter), from 12pm on Sundays; National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich: daily 10am to 5pm. Closed 24-26 December
Admission: Cutty Sark £4.50 (adults), £3.20 (children); National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory and Queen's House all free
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London Dungeon
Take a trip through London's dark and gruesome history, meet Jack the Ripper and see what became of his victims, or see the chaos and destruction caused by the great fire of London. The London Dungeon brings history's most notorious killers and evildoers back to life in an experience definitely not for the faint-hearted. Beware: some of the exhibitions have a nasty way of coming alive and jumping out at the unsuspecting visitor.
Address: 28-34 Tooley Street
Telephone: (0)20 7403 7221
Web site: www.thedungeons.com
Transport: London Bridge underground station
Opening time: Daily 10.30am to 5.30pm (5 September to 21 October), 9.30am to 5.30pm (22-31 October), 10.30am to 5pm (November to 21 December), 10am to 5pm (21 December to 3 January). Closed 25 December
Admission: £14.50 (adults); £10.95 (children); other concessions available
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St Paul's Cathedral
The great dome of St Paul's Cathedral has been a distinctive landmark on the London skyline for centuries. Built in 1673 by Sir Christopher Wren, after the previous St Paul's was burnt to the ground during the Great Fire of London, it is the greatest of several cathedrals dedicated to St Paul that have occupied the site for more than 1,400 years. The crypt at St Paul's is one of the largest in Europe, and it houses more than 200 tombs, including those of Admiral Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Wren himself. The Cathedral has hosted many significant ceremonies in London's history, including the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill, the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and most recently the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
Address: St Paul's Churchyard
Telephone: (0)20 7246 8357
Email: visits@stpaulscathedral.org.uk
Web site: www.stpauls.co.uk
Transport: St Paul's underground station
Opening time: Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 4pm. Note that the Cathedral may be closed to visitors at any time due to special services or events, so it is always advisable to enquire beforehand
Admission: £9 (adults); £3.50 (children 7-16); family and group tickets discounted
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Piccadilly Circus
One of London's best known, but most overrated sights, locals have no idea why Piccadilly Circus is an attraction for tourists - it is simply the junction of some busy roads, surrounded by neon lights and fast-food restaurants. It does however give easy access to the excellent shopping in Regent Street and Bond Street and to London's theaters on Shaftsbury Avenue. Soho and China Town are also within easy walking distance.
Transport: Piccadilly Circus underground station
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Hampton Court Palace
Situated on the banks of the Thames, 14 miles (23km) southwest of London, Hampton Court is perhaps the most spectacular royal palace in England and makes a great day-trip from London. The palace was built by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 1500s, it later became King Henry VIII's principal residence and remained the center of royal and political life in England until 1737 where many important events took place. Visitors can see King Henry VIII's Great Hall, King William III's State Apartments, designed by Wren and completed in 1700, and the unmissable Tudor Kitchens, which remain largely unchanged since the 16th century and no doubt used to cater for raucous banquets. The palace is probably most famous for its grounds and the famous maze, which has entertained children since it was planted in 1705.
Address: East Molesey, Surrey
Telephone: (0)870 752 7777
Web site: www.hrp.org.uk
Transport: Train from Waterloo (25 minutes), or by the underground; for a more scenic ride take a boat along the Thames from Westminster, Richmond or Kingston
Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm (26 March to 29 October); 10am to 4.30pm (30 October to 25 March). Closed 24-26 December. Gardens open daily 7am to dusk
Admission: £12.30 (adults), £8 (children); discounted tickets are available if booking in advance over the Internet
