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London Maps & Attractions Guide
London maps & Attractions - Things to do
in London
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London
Attractions - Things to do
1. Madame Tussauds
Marylebone Road
www.madame-tussauds.com |
What is it? Madame Tussauds 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.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday and
Sunday 9am to 6pm (off peak) and daily 9am to 6pm (peak).
Auditorium: weekdays 12.30pm to 5.30pm, weekends 10.30am to
6pm
Phone:(0)870 999 0046 |
2. The Tower of London
Tower Hill
www.hrp.org.uk |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: 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
Phone:(0)870 756 6060 |
3. The Houses of Parliament
Westminster
www.parliament.uk |
What is it? 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
centre 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.
Hours of Operation: Open during summer recess, usually between August and
October, with tours departing every few minutes. It is advised that
visitors check the website for opening times, but generally tours
are offered daily except Sunday between 9.15am and
4.30pm
Phone:(0)20 7219 3000 |
4. Tate Modern
Bankside
www.tate.org.uk/modern/default.htm |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm; Friday and Saturday
10am to 10pm. Closed 24, 25, 26 December
Phone:(0)20 7887 8000 |
5. National Gallery
Trafalgar Square
www.nationalgallery.org.uk |
What is it? 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'.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 6pm; Wednesday until 9pm. Closed on 1
January, 24, 25 and 26 December
Phone:(0)20 7747 2885 |
6. British Museum
Great Russell Street
www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: 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
Phone:(0)20 7323 8299 or (0)20 7323 8000 |
7. London Eye
Thames South Bank
www.ba-londoneye.com |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 9pm (June to September), 10am to 8pm
(May to October). Closed 3-8 January and 25 December
Phone:(0)870 990 8883 |
8. Shakespeare's Globe
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside
www.shakespeares-globe.org |
What is it? Situated on the bank of the Thames, just
656ft (200m) from the site of Shakespeare's original Globe theatre,
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 theatre company responsible for regular productions of
Shakespeare's plays at the new Globe. Adjacent to the theatre is
the Globe Exhibition, presenting graphic information about the
reconstruction of the theatre 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
theatre.
Hours of Operation: 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
Phone:(0)20 7902 1400, or (0)20 7401 9919 (box
office) |
9. Buckingham Palace and the Queen's Gallery
Buckingham Palace Road
www.royal.gov.uk |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: State Rooms open daily 9.45am to 6pm. Closed 25 and
26 December. Queens Gallery open daily 10am to 5.30pm. Closed 25
and 26 December, 12 February to 29 March, 6 April
Phone:(0)20 7766 7300 (State Rooms), or (0)20 7766 7301
(Queen's Gallery) |
10. Harrods
87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge
www.harrods.com |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 12pm to
6pm
Phone:(0)20 7730 1234 |
11. Camden Market
Camden Lock, Chalk Farm Road
www.camdenmarkets.org |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: The market is open daily from 10am to
6pm
Phone:(0)20 7284 2084 |
12. Greenwich
wwp.greenwichengland.com |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: 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
Phone:(0)870 608 2000 |
13. London Dungeon
28-34 Tooley Street
www.thedungeons.com |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10.30am to 5.30pm (4 September to 20 October),
9.30am to 6pm (21-29 October), 10.30am to 5pm (30 October to 15
December) Closed 25 December
Phone:(0)20 7403 7221 |
14. St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Churchyard
www.stpauls.co.uk |
What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation: 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
Phone:(0)20 7246 8357 |
15. Piccadilly Circus
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What is it? 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 theatres on Shaftsbury Avenue. Soho
and China Town are also within easy walking
distance.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
16. Brighton
www.brighton.co.uk |
What is it? Brighton is unquestionably England's most
spectacular seaside resort town. Made popular in the 18th century,
when the Prince Regent (later King George IV) chose it as the site
for his holiday palace, the bizarre and fantastic onion-shaped
Brighton Pavilion, it is still famous for its frivolous
entertainment venues and enviable nightlife. An eclectic
combination of Regency and Victorian architecture gives Brighton a
unique air, with winding village lanes crammed with antique and
jewellery shops and its flamboyant East Pier stretching out over
the sea sparkling with thousands of lights from its funfair and
amusement arcades.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
17. Canterbury
www.canterbury.co.uk |
What is it? The historical cathedral city of Canterbury,
with its narrow streets and walkways, is best explored on foot. It
is the home of Christianity in England, and has been the ultimate
destination for pilgrimages in England for centuries, as described
in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The famous Canterbury Cathedral is
one of the most impressive and evocative in England, it was here of
course that Thomas à Becket was martyred in 1170. Visitors can
explore the ruins of the original abbey of St Augustine, who
brought Christianity to England more than 1,400 years ago, or visit
the Canterbury Tales Pageant and meet some of Chaucer's famous
characters. For an insight into the cities of medieval England
climb the original West Gate Tower, which is still intact, for
breathtaking views across the city.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(0)1227 378 100 |
18. Leeds Castle
Maidstone, Kent
www.leeds-castle.com |
What is it? Set atop a lake in a picturesque valley in
Kent, with imposing battlements and a 500-hectare Tudor garden,
Leeds Castle has been described as 'the most beautiful castle in
all the world'. Once a residence of British Queens and a playground
for King Henry VIII, it has been open to the public for 25 years,
revealing the majesty of a bygone age. With so much to explore,
Leeds Castle requires a full day for visitors to tour the castle,
get lost in the maze and picnic in the gardens or dine in one of
the restaurants and tea rooms.
Hours of Operation: Grounds: Daily 10am (last ticket sold at 3pm, gates
close at 5pm). Castle: 10.30am to 4pm (last admission at
3.30pm)
Phone:(0)1622 765 400 |
19. Windsor
www.royalcollection.org.uk |
What is it? The charming town of Windsor sits on the
River Thames, 20 miles (32km) west of London, and is dominated by
the magnificent Windsor Castle, the world's largest and oldest
occupied castle. The castle was built by William the Conqueror
almost a thousand years ago and has been lived in by English
monarchs ever since; although Buckingham Palace is the Queen's best
known residence, Windsor is her favourite and is where the Royal
Family spend their weekends. Highlights in the castle include the
wonderful State Apartments, and the Waterloo Chamber, built to
commemorate the British victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. St
George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Perpendicular
Gothic architecture in the world and contains the tombs of numerous
English sovereigns including King Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, Charles
I and King George V. Many of the castle's rooms contain priceless
works of art, including works by Rubens, Holbein, Van Dyke,
Rembrandt and Lawrence, as well as fine tapestries and porcelain,
sculpture and armour. The 500-acre (200 ha.) Home Park, sits at the
back of the castle and includes the site of Frogmore, where Queen
Victoria and Prince Albert were laid to rest. Beyond is the vast
expanse of Windsor Great Park, a popular place for walkers. Over
the river from Windsor is Eton College, the world famous school
founded by Henry VI in 1440, and today you can still see students
walking around in their tails.
Hours of Operation: Windsor Castle 9.45am to 5.15pm (March to October);
9.45am to 4.15pm (November to February). Eton College 2pm to 4.30pm
(21 April to 1 July and 6 September to 1 October), 10.30am to
4.30pm (25 March to 20 April and 2 July to 5
September)
Phone:(020) 7766 7304 (ticket sales and Information
office) |
20. Hampton Court Palace
East Molesey, Surrey
www.hrp.org.uk |
What is it? 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 centre 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.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 6pm (26 March to 28 October); 10am to
4.30pm (29 October to 24 March). Closed 24-26 December. Gardens
open daily 7am to dusk
Phone:(0)870 752 7777 |
London Holidays guide
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Transport -London's legendary Tube network remains
the quickest and easiest way to get around the city, though it is
best avoided during rush hour.
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