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There are hundreds of museums, galleries, parks, and sights to see in London. Here are a few that you should definitely see. Big Ben Look kids, Big Ben! This world-famous clock tower is the symbol of London. Located at the Houses of Parliament, the history of the clock is not as sweet as the sound of its bells. The construction faced many difficulties, including arguments on time accuracy and tower name. The first bell to be placed in the tower cracked. A month after it was installed, the refitted bell cracked. It was turned so that the crack was away from the hammer. The crack gives Big Ben its significant sound. Tours of the clock tower are only available to UK residents. British Airways London Eye Known as "The Eye" to many residents, this enormous stand-up Ferris wheel gives visitors an amazing view of London, including over 50 famous landmarks like Parliament and Big Ben. The ride costs £11.50 per adult and takes about thirty minutes. Located at Westminster Bridge Road. British Museum Sculptures from the Parthenon, treasures from Mildenhall, and the famed Rosetta Stone are just a few of the amazing artifacts housed at the British Museum. Whether you take a guided tour or wander on your own, this museum is a must-see. Located on Great Russell Street, the museum is entirely free. Closed New Years Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Eve and Day. Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen. Visitors can tour many of the State rooms including the Throne Room, Picture Gallery, and Ballroom. Entry is £12.50 per adult and £6.50 per child. The Changing of the Guard takes place every day at 11:30 AM in the summer and every other day in the winter. The ceremony is 45 minutes long and quite a sight to see. Dali Universe The Dali Universe exhibition is located at the County Hall Gallery. A maze of rooms display over 500 paintings and sculptures by the famed surrealist, Salvador Dali. The gallery is open from 10 AM to 6:30 pm, with the last entry at 5:30 pm. Admission is £8.50 per adult. Located next to the BA London Eye. Geffrye Museum Set in an 18th Century almshouse, the Geffrye Museum is an interior design wonderland. Rooms display style and décor from the 17th Century to today. Located at Kingsland Road, entry is free. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre The great playwright, William Shakespeare, saw his plays come to life on the stage of the Globe Theatre. Today, visitors can explore the Globe Exhibition and find out about the playwright, the plays, and the theatre. Located on Upper Thames Street across from St. Paul's Cathedral, admission is £8.50 for adults and £6.00 for children. Hampstead Heath Eight hundred acres of meadows and forest make up Hampstead Heath. The park is located just four miles from the city center and is open year round. During the summer there are puppet and magic shows for children. As with any park, take care after dark. Located at North End Way in Hampstead. Houses of Parliament The House of Lords and House of Commons create laws and protect the public. Visitors wishing to glimpse the British political process can be admitted to the Strangers' Gallery. There is a gallery for each house and admission time depends on the day. Visitors can also tour the Palace of Westminster determinate on nationality and time-of-year. Non-UK citizens can only tour the Palace during the Summer Opening of Parliament. UK residents can tour the Palace in the mornings of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and all day during Friday as long as the Commons are not sitting. Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens As one of London's most famous parks, locals and visitors enjoy a strolling around the grounds and stopping at the statue of Peter Pan. Kensington Gardens covers almost 300 acres of land and was once part of Hyde Park. Both parks are full of brilliant trees, flowers and numerous bird species. Both parks are open year round from dawn to dusk. Imperial War Museum The Imperial War Museum displays tanks, aircraft, and firearms from World Wars I and II. Memorabilia include personal letters from soldiers and ration books. Located on Lambeth Road, admission is £3 for adults. Kensington Palace Kensington Palace has been a royal residence since the 17th Century. It was the birthplace and of Queen Victoria. Visitors can tour the palace and see the Ceremonial Dress collection, including gowns worn by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Diana Princess of Wales. Located in Kensington Gardens, admission varies depending on tour type. Kenwood House This neoclassical manor, bordered by Hampstead Heath, was built in the 18th Century. The house displays an impressive collection of paintings by artists including Vermeer and Rembrandt. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. During the summer months of July and August outdoor concerts are held on the grounds. Located on Kenwood Lane in Hampstead. London Bridge and Tower Bridge First built by the Romans, the London Bridge has been destroyed and rebuilt three times. The Tower Bridge is far more impressive to see as it is the only bridge in London that can be raised to allow the passing of ships. Madame Tussauds This wax museum is by far the most famous in the world. Walk past molds of superstars or get a glimpse of London's frightful past in the Chamber. The Blush exhibit allows visitors to feel like a celebrity with paparazzi snapping away, interviewers begging for quips and sound-bites, and fashion experts critiquing the styles on the red carpet. Located at Marylebone Road, £21.99 per adult, child prices are a bit lower. Museum of London The Museum of London covers over two thousand years of city history. It is the largest city-based museum in the world. Here you can find out about the Great Fire, examine ruins and artifacts left behind by the Romans, and walk through reconstructed Victorian shops. Located at the London Wall near Aldersgate Street. Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly Circus is one of the most happening places in all of London. Five streets join at its center and are lit up by electric advertisements. In the center is a statue of Eros, god of love, atop a fountain. Erected in 1893, the monument was built to commemorate Lord Shaftesbury. The Reduced Shakespeare Company is located at the Criterion Theatre on the south side of Piccadilly Circus. On the north side you will find the London Pavilion shopping arcade. You will also find the Virgin Megastore on the west side of Piccadilly, for all your music needs. Royal Academy of Arts The Royal Academy of Arts contains a massive collection of art from a variety of different eras, including classical, post-impressionist, and art deco. Located at Burlington House in Piccadilly, entry is £8.00 per adult, £3.00 per child. The Royal Opera House Home to the Royal Ballet as well as other productions, the Royal Opera House was built in the 1700s as the Theatre Royal. Twice destroyed by fire in the 1800s, the theatre became the Royal Opera House in 1892 and showed a number of French and German operas and ballets. Today you can tour the backstage and learn the history of the theatre and all of its performances. Admission for a backstage tour is £8. Located in Covent Garden. Saatchi Gallery The Saatchi Gallery presents collections of contemporary art by young, new artists. Established artists occasionally show rare and never-before-seen work at the gallery. Located at the Southbank, the museum is accessible by the Waterloo and Westminster tube lines. Admission is £8.75 for adults. Tate Britain & Tate Modern The Tate Britain houses the largest collection of British art, from the 16th Century to present day. Admission is free as are guided tours and gallery walks. The Tate Britain is located on Millbank next to the Thames. The Tate Modern houses some of the world's best examples of modern art. Paintings and sculptures include works by Picasso and Rothko. Located at 53 Bankside, next to the Thames, admission is free. Tower of London & the Crown Jewels The Tower of London is the most popular tourist attraction in London. Founded by William the Conqueror, the Tower was home to every monarch from Willliam to Henry VIII. Many malevolent acts occurred in the Tower, including the beheading of three queens and the murder of Edward V and his brother. The Crown Jewels are one of the world's most impressive collections of precious stones. Located on the Thames next to the Tower Bridge, admission is £13.50 for adults and £9.00 for children. Trafalgar Square Complete in 1841, Trafalgar Square features statue of Nelson in commemoration of his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. The statue rests atop a 185 foot column and is surrounded by four giant lions. This square is a popular tourist attraction and meeting spot for locals. The National Gallery faces one side of the square and houses many great works of art. Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum As one of the four principle tournaments, Wimbledon hosts the best players in the world on its grass courts each year. The museum, located within the grounds of Centre Court, gives the history of tennis and displays some of the trophies won by the masters. Located on Church Road, entry to the museum cost £5.50 per adult. If you will be London while the tournament is on and would like to purchase tickets, do so well in advance. |