This guide has been compile to give you some ideas of what to do around London. Whilst all care has been taken to ensure the information is correct the Hotel Home can not be held responsible for any mistakes but we have tried to give you the free or low cost options rather than organised tours. Whilst we do recommend many of the wonderful tours available to you, we know that you would probably also like to find your own way around, so here are a few options:
Buckingham Palace Road
St James's
London
SW1A 1AA
Buckingham Palace tops many a must-see list and has become perhaps the symbol of the Royal Family -- although the building itself is no masterpiece and has housed the monarch only since Victoria (1819-1901) moved here from Kensington Palace on her accession in 1837. In terms of other great houses and palaces in London, it is a more modern affair. Originally Buckingham House and the home of George III, John Nash was employed for its remodeling on the accession of George IV in 1820. Nash overspent his budget by about half a million pounds and was dismissed by Parliament after George's death. Although Queen Victoria added the east front (by Edward Blore, facing the Mall) to accommodate her prodigious state entertaining, Nash's gorgeous designs can still be enjoyed at the core of the palace. The Portland stone facade dates only from 1913 (the same stone used for the Victoria Memorial outside the Palace and Admiralty Arch at the foot of the Mall), and the interior was renovated and redecorated only after it sustained World War II bomb damage.
The palace contains 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms -- a prerequisite for the 450 people who work there, and the mere 50,000 who are entertained during the year. The private royal apartments are in the north wing; when the Queen is in residence, the royal standard is raised. The state rooms are where much of the business of royalty is played out -- investitures, state banquets, and receptions for the great and good -- and these are open to the public while the Royal Family is away during the summer. A visit makes for a fascinating glimpse into another world: the fabulously gilt interiors are not merely museum pieces but pomp and pageantry at work. Highlights of the tour include the Quadrangle, bordered by the many offices and apartments for employers in this extraordinary miniature village. Beyond the gates you may see the changing of the guard, which adds to the experience. The Grand Hall, followed by the Grand Staircase and Guard Room, gives a taste of what's to follow: lines of cool marble pillars, gold leaf galore on ceilings and walls, and light, bright rooms with massive, twinkling chandeliers. Nash's ornate designs unfold through the numerous drawing rooms -- beginning with the Green Drawing Room -- each equally spectacular, filled with treasures brought from the Prince Regent's original palatial home, Carlton House. (Some of the most exquisite pieces in the world, such as the cabinet with gemstone-decorated panels and the precious Sèvres porcelain, found their way to the palace after the French Revolution.) The Throne Room, in opulent theatrical baroque style, has the original 1953 coronation throne, among others. The Picture Gallery is a feast of renowned art. The collection was begun by Charles I, and includes masterpieces by Rubens, Vermeer, Van Dyck, Cuyp, and Canaletto. (More from the Royal Collection can be seen in the Queen's Gallery, near the south side of the palace.) The Ballroom has videos of royal events, and you can also see the dubbing sword used in the investitures held here, where the Queen touches those to become "Sirs" and "Dames." The State Dining Room, with its elaborate ceiling and walls of kingly portraits, has views over the palace gardens. The Blue Drawing Room is splendor in overkill and the scene for prebanquet drinks. The bow-shape Music Room features lapiz lazuli columns between arched floor-to-ceiling windows, while the White Drawing Room is a sensation of white-and-gold plasterwork: a crescendo on which to end the tour.
Big Ben is one of London's best-known landmarks, and looks most spectacular at night when the clock faces are illuminated. You even know when parliament is in session, because a light shines above the clock face.
The four dials of the clock are 23 feet square, the minute hand is 14 feet long and the figures are 2 feet high. Minutely regulated with a stack of coins placed on the huge pendulum, Big Ben is an excellent timekeeper, which has rarely stopped.
The name Big Ben actually refers not to the clock-tower itself, but to the thirteen ton bell hung within. The bell was named after the first commissioner of works, Sir Benjamin Hall.
This bell came originally from the old Palace of Westminster, it was given to the Dean of St. Paul's by William III. Before returning to Westminster to hang in its present home, it was refashioned in Whitechapel in 1858. The BBC first broadcast the chimes on the 31st December 1923 - there is a microphone in the turret connected to Broadcasting House.
During the second world war in 1941, an incendiary bomb destroyed the Commons chamber of the Houses of Parliament, but the clock tower remained intact and Big Ben continued to keep time and strike away the hours, its unique sound was broadcast to the nation and around the world, a welcome reassurance of hope to all who heard it.
There are even cells within the clock tower where Members of Parliament can be imprisoned for a breach of parliamentary privilege, though this is rare; the last recorded case was in 1880.
The tower is not open to the general public, but those with a "special interest" may arrange a visit to the top of the Clock Tower through their local (UK) MP.
The symbolic heart of London, St. Paul's will take your breath away even more so now that it has been spruced up for its 300th anniversary in 2008. In fact, its dome -- the world's third largest -- will already be familiar, since you see it peeping through on the skyline from many an angle, riding high (although now nudged by skyscrapers) over the rooftops of the City, just as it does in Canaletto's 18th-century views of the Thames. The cathedral is, of course, the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), completed in 1710 after 35 years of building and much argument with the Royal Commission, then, much later, miraculously (mostly) spared by the World War II bombs. Wren had originally been commissioned to restore Old St. Paul's, the Norman cathedral that had replaced, in its turn, three earlier versions, but the Great Fire left so little of it standing that a new cathedral was deemed necessary.
Wren's first plan, known as the "New Model," did not make it past the drawing board; the second, known as the "Great Model," got as far as the 20-foot oak rendering you can see here today before it, too, was rejected, whereupon Wren is said to have burst into tears. The third, however, known as the Warrant Design (because it received the royal warrant), was accepted, with the fortunate coda that the architect be allowed to make changes as he saw fit. Without that, there would be no dome, because the approved design had featured a steeple. Parliament felt that building was proceeding too slowly (in fact, 35 years is lightning speed, as cathedrals go) and withheld half of Wren's pay for the last 13 years of work. He was pushing 80 when Queen Anne finally coughed up the arrears.
Despite its venerable, nay, medieval, appearance, this is a Victorian youngster. Constructed of steel, then clothed in Portland stone, it was deliberately styled in the Gothic persuasion to complement the Tower next door, and it's famous for its enormous bascules -- the "arms," which open to allow large ships through. Nowadays this rarely happens, but when river traffic was dense, the bascules were raised about five times a day.
The exhibition, Tower Bridge Experience, is a fun tour inside the building to discover how one of the world's most famous bridges actually works, and to see the fantastic views on the outside. First, take in the romance of the panoramas from the east and west walkways between those grand turrets. On the east, the modern super structures and ships of Docklands, and west, the best look at the steel and glass "futuristic mushroom" that is Greater London Assembly's City Hall, the Tower of London, St. Paul's, and the Monument. Then back down to the nitty gritty of the inner workings, which you learn about through hands-on displays and films. www.towerbridge.org.uk. COST: £5.50; joint ticket available for the Monument. OPEN: Daily 9:30-5:30, last entry at 5. Tube: Tower Hill.
Nowhere else does London's history come to life so vividly as in this minicity of 20 towers oozing heraldry and treasure, the intimate details of lords and dukes and princes and sovereigns etched in the walls (literally in some places, as you'll see), and quite a few pints of royal blood spilled on the stones. Make the visitor center your first stop as an introduction to the Tower; for a free, fact-filled tour by one of the gloriously red-and-blue uniformed Yeomen Warders, make your way to the Middle Tower.
The Yeoman Warders -- known as Beefeaters -- have been guarding the Tower since Henry VII appointed them in 1485. Even though Henry was the last monarch to live here, it has kept its place as a royal palace. The Tower has also housed the Royal Mint, the Public Records, the Royal Menagerie (which formed the basis of London Zoo), and the Royal Observatory, although its most renowned and titillating function has been, of course, as a jail and place of torture and execution.
A person was mighty privileged to be beheaded in the peace and seclusion of Tower Green instead of before the mob at Tower Hill. In fact, only seven people were ever important enough -- among them Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, wives two and five, respectively, of Henry VIII's six; Elizabeth I's friend Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex; and the nine-day queen, Lady Jane Grey, aged 17. Tower Green's other function was as a corpse dumping ground when the chapel just got too full. The executioner's block -- with its bathetic forehead-size dent -- and his axe, along with assorted other instruments of torture, have moved to the Royal Armouries in Leeds, Yorkshire.
In prime position stands the oldest part of the Tower and the most conspicuous of its buildings, the White Tower. This central keep was begun in 1078 by William the Conqueror; by the time it was completed, in 1097, it was the tallest building in London, underlining the might of those victorious Normans. Henry III (1207-72) had it whitewashed, hence its name, then used it as a barracks and as housing for his menagerie, including the first elephant ever seen in the land.
This is an experience unique to London: a giant ferris-wheel where you sit encapsulated in transparent pods and look out all over London. However, it is an expensive ride (nearly $22) and a short hike to the top of St. Paul's Cathedral could give you the same incredible view, minus the claustraphobia.
The Tower is one of London's most popular visitor attractions and forms a stunning riverside backdrop. The Tower of London came into existence following the Norman conquest (1066) and the need to colonise and defend England. Since then it has been used as a prison, palace, place of execution and a showcase for the Crown Jewels.
After King Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church it housed religious prisoners including two of Henry VIII's six wives - Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, both of whom were beheaded on the scaffolds at Tower Green. Visitors can also see the Crown Jewels which are still used by the Royal family today, the Yeoman Warders ('Beefeaters') who have been protecting the tower since the fourteenth-century and the infamous ravens. Legend has it that Charles II was told that if the ravens left the Tower then the monarchy would fall.
The Tower of London opens Tues-Sat 09:00-17:00, Sun-Mon 10:00-17:00 (Nov-Feb). Tues-Sat 09:00-18:00, Sun-Mon 10:00-18:00 (Mar-Oct). Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan.
Nearest Station: Tower Hill Tube
Enquiries: 0870 752 7777
Entrance: Adult: £13.50 Students and Senior Citizens £10.50 Child: £9 Under 5s: FREE
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the world famous BBC Television Centre. Experience the excitement and thrill of a working TV centre where you could see the News Centre, production galleries, studios or even the odd star! Every tour is different, depending on filming that day, so you never know where it could take you! Visitors must be 14 years or over.
Address: Wood Lane, W12 7RJ
Information: 0870 603 0304
Entrance: Adults £7.95, Snr Citizens: £6.95, Students: £5.95, Children £5.95
Tube/Rail: White City Tube
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.
Address: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, SE1 8XR
Information: 020 7902 1234
Admission: £7.50, £4.95
Nearest Station: Waterloo Tube/Rail
Hampton Court Palace is the oldest Tudor palace in England and was where King Henry VIII courted his queens. Visitors can see the State Apartments, Tudor kitchens and the famous maze. The sumptuous interiors are brought alive by costumed guides. Outside there's over 60 acres of riverside gardens and surrounding parkland.
Address: East Molesey, KT8 9AU
Telephone: 0870 752 7777
Entrance: Adult: £11.50, Child: £7.50
Nearest Station: Hampton Court Rail (30 minutes from Waterloo).
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.
Address: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB
Telephone: 020 7967 8000
Admission: £8.75 adult, £5.25 children
Nearest Station: Waterloo / Westminster Tube
Get into London Aquarium and sixty other attractions with the London Pass
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!
Address: 28/34 Tooley Street, SE1 2SZ
Telephone: 020 7403 7221
Admission: £14.50 adults, £10.45 children
Nearest Station: London Bridge Tube
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 Gaint Anteater, Sloth Bears and cub on Bear Mountain.
Address: Regent's Park, NW1 4RY
Telephone: 020 7722 3333
Opening Times: 10:00-16.00 (Nov-Feb) and 10:00-17:30 (Mar-Oct).
Entrance: Adult £12.00, Students £10.20, Child £9.00
Nearest Station: Baker Street / Camden Town.
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.
Address: St John's Wood, NW8 8QN
Telephone: 020 7616 8500
Nearest Station: St. John's Wood Tube
Madame Tussaud's Waxwork Museum is the world famous collection of wax figures of the notable and notorious, everyone from Sigmund Freud to Madonna. Recent additions include their new interactive experiences section where you can try out as a Pop Idol, be snapped by the paparazzi, get up close and personal to serial killers and explore the galaxy. Relive David Beckham’s moment of glory as he scores against Greece to qualify in dramatic fashion for the World Cup and squeeze Brad Pitt’s beguiling biceps.
Address: Marylebone Road, NW1 5LR
Telephone: 0870 400 3000
Opening Times: Weekdays 09:00-17:30
Weekends 09:00-18:00
Admission: £19.99 adults, £15.99 children
Nearest Station: Baker Street tube
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.
Address: 5 & 8 Great Newport Street, WC2H 7HY
Telephone: 020 7831 1772
Admission: free
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 11.00 -18.00
Sunday 12.00 - 18.00
Nearest Station: Leicester Square Tube
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.
Address: Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB
Information: 020 8332 5655
Opening times: Open daily 09:30-17:30, 18:30 (March-Sept)
Nearest Station: Kew Gardens tube/rail
The Royal Opera House re-opened in December 1999 as a theatre at the heart of the nation's artistic and cultural life. It is open to the public Monday to Saturday from 1000 (10am), allowing visitors to take advantage of a wide range of daily free events, while in the evenings, there is a programme of world class opera and ballet. During the day, a programme of backstage tours and open ballet classes offers visitors the opportunity to experience the behind-the-scenes life of the theatre.
Address:
Box Office: 020 7304 4000
Nearest Station: Covent Garden Tube
St Paul's Cathedral is one of the world's most famous cathedrals, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. This classical cathedral represents inspiration and craftsmanship on a grand scale. The Light of the World by Holman Hunt is its most famous work of art, but it also contains fabulous carvings, statues and mosaics.
Address: Ludgate Hill, EC4
Telephone: 0 20 7236 4128
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 08:30-16:00
Admission: £7 adults, £6 concs, £3 kids
Nearest Station: St Paul's Tube
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Exhibition is the fascinating story of the re-creation of Shakespeare's beloved playhouse. Visitors can see the reconstructed Elizabethan theatre, built with materials, techniques and craftsmanship of 400 years ago. The world's largest Shakesperian exhibition 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.
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT <
Information: 020 7902 1400
Opening Hours: Oct-April open daily 10:00-17:00
May-Sept open daily 09:00-12:00
Admission: adult £8.00, students £6.50, child £5.50.
Nearest Station: London Bridge Tube/Rail
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 the exclusive Admiralty restaurant, riverside café and the ever popular winter ice rink.
Address: The Strand, WC2
Telephone: 020 7845 4600
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
Admission: free
Nearest Station: Covent Garden / Temple Tube
This impressive gallery shows international modern art from 1900 to present day including Dali, Picasso, Matisse and Warhol, plus contemporary works by Gilbert and George. The breathtaking Turbine Hall runs the 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.
Address: Bankside, SE1 9TG
Information: 020 7887 8000
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10.00-18.00
Friday, Saturday 10.00-22.00
Nearest Station: Southwark Tube
Vinopolis, City of Wine is dedicated to the entire world of wine and related pleasures - including demonstrations and tasting sessions. Lately it has been the scene for the dating sensation, Chemistry and is a popular and versatile venue.
Address: No 1 Bank End, SE1 9BU
Telephone: 0870 4444 777
Opening hours: Mon, Fri, Sat 12:00-21:00
Tues, Thurs, Sun 12:00-18:00
Admission: £12.50, snr citizens £11.50
Nearest Station: London Bridge Tube/Rail
Westminster Abbey is one of Europe's finest Gothic buildings and the scene of coronations, marriages and burials of British monarchs. It dates back to the 11th century, and highlights include the Coronation Chair made in 1300, Poets' Corner and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
Address: Parliament Square, SW1P 3PA
Telephone: 020 7222 5152
Opening Hours: Monday- Friday 0900 - 1645 (Last admission 1545)<
Saturdays 0900 - 1445 (Last admission 1345)
Admission: adults £7.50, under 10 free
Nearest Station: Westminster Tube
With thanks to http://www.londontown.com/London/Attractions