London Tourist Guide – Visitors guide to London's Attractions listed A - Z Get a feel for London, and also as an easy way to travel around See London's major sights on an open-top double-decker bus. Join one of four circular tours at any one of their pick up points and see every major sight in London including the Tower of London, St. Pauls Cathedral and Piccadilly. Simply 'Hop on and Hop off' at your choice of famous landmarks to enhance your visit to London. Please Visit The Original London Sightseeing Tour With so much to see and do, you need London’s only pre paid sightseeing card – The London Pass. You have over 50 attractions and sights to select from and can jump the queues at key locations, saving you time that may now be spent seeing more of London. Now combined with an all London unlimited use Travelcard valid on the Underground and Buses so you have all you need to get around and get in to London. Please visit The London Pass BBC Experience Located at Broadcasting House London W1, see the history of the British Broadcasting Corporation, try your hand at Sports Commenting, be a Weather Forecaster or get a feel for being a TV or Radio presenter, tours are every 15 minutes Monday 1300 to 1630 hours Tuesday to Friday 0930 hours to 1630 hours and weekends 0930 to 1730 hours. Admission charge. Closest Underground stations Oxford Circus/Great Portland Street Big Ben - see the Houses of Parliament British Museum
Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury
Monday-Saturday 10am-5 pm, Sunday 2:30 to 6 pm. Guided tours Monday-Saturday at 10:45 am.
Established in 1753 the museum now contains artefacts spanning thousands of years of world culture The depth of each gallery and the variety of attractions is almost overpowering,. Its 94 galleries contain the world’s finest collection of antiquities covering amongst others Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Western Asiatic, Oriental and Mexican cultures. For more information or to book tickets please visit http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/ Buckingham Palace The Queen's London residence It was built in 1703 by the Duke of Buckingham & Chandos, and bought by George III in 1761. In 1826-30 John Nash made alterations for George IV, and further alterations were made for Queen Victoria and George V. It was opened to visitors for the first time in 1993. The tour takes visitors up the grand staircase and through the state rooms, but not into the royal family's private apartments, 18 rooms are available to view including the Throne Room. Open early August to late September.
for more information or to book tickets on line visit Timesaver on line ticketing or Timesaver on line ticketing for Buckingham Palace State Rooms and the Royal Mews Closest Underground Stations St James Park/Green Park The famous changing of the Palace Guard is at 11.30am daily from mid April to the end of July (on alternate days during the rest of the year). Information telephone number 0891 505 452 Queen's Gallery This small building at the side of Buckingham Palace was used as a conservatory until 1962. A selection of works is displayed here in themed exhibitions that change once or twice a year. Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
Clive Steps
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AQ
United Kingdom Open daily except 24, 25 and 26 December. 9:30am - 6.00pm (last admission 5.00 pm) For more information please visit http://cwr.iwm.org.uk/ Closest Undergound Station Westminster Changing of the Guard. The display by the Queen's Foot Guards occurs daily at 11:30 am April-July and on alternate days the rest of the year at Buckingham Palace. No ceremonies take place in extremely wet weather. The time sometimes varies on days when state events occur, The Guard departs from Wellington Barracks with its Band and Marches along Bird Cage Walk to the Palace, when the Palace Keys are passed from the Old Guard to the new. Information telephone number 0891 505 452, for more information please visit http://www.changing-the-guard.com/ Closest Underground Stations St James Park/Green Park Changing of the Horse Guards Parade. Whitehall SW1 The mounted Queen's Life Guard leaves Hyde Park Barracks and rides to the Horse Guard Parade grounds at Whitehall, travelling via Hyde Park Corner, Constitution Hill and The Mall, Monday-Saturday at 11 am, Sunday at 10 am, daily during the summer and on alternating days the rest of the year. The time sometimes varies on days when state events occur Closest Underground Stations Embankment/Charing Cross/Westminster Chessington World of Adventure and Zoo Timesaver on line ticketing
Chessington, Surrey (one-half hour from London’s Waterloo Station by train)
This 65-acre theme park offers rides and attractions galore. Think...Disney and think all ages! Hampton Court Palace On the A308 East Molesey Surrey For almost 200 years Hampton Court Palace was at the centre of court life and politics. Although it is often identified with Henry VIII, its present appearance owes as much to the elegant buildings commissioned by William III and Mary II. There are various rooms you can visit including Henry VIII's State Apartments, The Tudor Kitchen, The King's Apartments and the Queen's State Apartments. In the grounds The Baroque Maze is one of the garden's most famous features. There is a sunken garden with neatly trimmed bushes and lovely flowers. Timesaver online ticketing or buy a Historic Royal Pass which will provide admission to three or all four of the palaces at a special price. Palaces include: Hampton Court Palace, Tower of London, Kensington Palace and The Banqueting House Nearest Underground station Hampton Court – from Waterloo 30 minutes HMS Belfast Morgan’s Lane Tooley SE1 HMS Belfast served throughout the Second World War, playing a leading part in the destruction of the battle cruiser Scharnhorst, and also the Normandy Landings. In service with the Royal Navy until 1965, she was saved for the nation in 1971 as a unique reminder of Britain’s naval heritage, explore all nine decks from the bridge to the engine rooms. For more information please visit http://hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk/ Nearest Underground station Tower Hill Houses of Parliament & Big Ben There has been a Palace of Westminster here since the 11th century, though only Westminster Hall remains from that time. Since the 16th century it has been the seat of the two Houses of Parliament, The Lords and the Commons. The seat of Government is dominated by the clock tower, holding the 14 tonne bell Big Ben. When Parliament is in session you may be able to watch the debates, either by queuing at St Stephens entrance for The Strangers Gallery, alternatively by applying to you MP or Consulate/High Commission, (be prepared for several weeks waiting time) For more information please visit http://www.parliament.uk/index.cfm Nearest Underground station Westminster. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens Hyde Park closes at midnight.
Some 360 acres of landscaped park, tree-lined avenues and lakes in the heart of the city attract visitors from around the world, these constitute the largest open area in the centre of the city. the statue of Peter Pan stands near the Italian Fountains on the Serpentine's west bank. Sunday mornings find street-corner orators is fine form at Speaker’s Corner near Marble Arch Kensington Palace State Apartments
Kensington Gardens
London
W8 4PX
England Open Daily March to October 10.00am to 1800hrs, and 10.00am to 1700hours rest of year, closed Xmas Day and Boxing Day
The Palace contains furniture from the period of the Stuarts/Hanovarians with splendid ceiling paintings, and rooms reflecting the Victorian era, there are works of art and examples of ceremonial dress from the Royal Collection, for more information please visit Timesaver on line ticketing or buy a Historic Royal Pass which will provide admission to three or all four of the palaces at a special price. Palaces include: Hampton Court Palace, Tower of London, Kensington Palace and The Banqueting House
Information line: +44 (0)870 751 5170 Nearest Underground station Queensway/High Street Kensington Kew Gardens Richmond – 10km from London Many of the plants here were first planted in the 17th and 18th centuries, including more than a few that were sent back home to London from England’s colonies overseas. The Gardens cover more than 300 acres and the world-famous hothouses maintain a staggering variety of warm-weather and tropical species. Other attractions in the Gardens include a pagoda, an aquatic gardens and a scenic lake,the steamy Tropical House, the Temperate House. The Princess of Wales Conservatory all allow a browse through different tropical climates; from a rainforest to an arid desert. Easiest way to get there, either by car or The "Tube" (London Underground) is the best way to get to Kew from the centre or West End of London to Kew Garden Station, District Line (the green one, take a Richmond train, not Ealing Broadway or Wimbledon) For more information please visit http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ London Aquarium County Hall, Riverside Building Westminster Bridge Rd. The £25 million London Aquarium is the first attraction of its kind in the capital, and is one of Europe's largest exhibitions of global aquatic life, displayed in over 2 million litres of water. The London Aquarium combines education, relaxation and entertainment through a multi-sensory voyage of discovery through the rivers, lakes and oceans of the world. Nowhere else in London can visitors come face-to-face with sabre-toothed sharks, encounter a frenzied piranha feed, and stroke friendly rays and starfish For more information please visit http://www.londonaquarium.co.uk/index.html Nearest Tube Station Westminster/Blackfriars London Dungeon 28/34 Tooley Street This museum depicts terrible scenes of torture and murder, along with executions, travel the judgement day ride on your last journey on a barge to where your fate awaits. Live actors and various realistic tableaux recreate the hard and seamy life of the underside of London in its past days. Historic representations of the tortures in the Tower and Old Gaol join Jack the Ripper. Not recommended for the faint of heart or for younger children for more inforamtion or to purchase tickets please visit Timesaver on line ticketing Opening times April to Sept each day 1000hrs to 1830hrs, the rest of the year 1000hrs to 1730hrs. Closed Xmas Day Nearest underground station London Bridge London Eye South Bank of the River Thames Next to the County Hall and opposite Big Ben The British Airways London Eye is an Amazing feat of design engineering and construction, this remarkable Ferris wheel whisks its riders high into the air for the most remarkable views of London and some amazing sunsets, for more information and advance ticket bookings to avoid the long queues at peak periods please visit our link Timesaver on line ticketing Opening times may vary but generally are Feb to April 0930 to 2000hrs, May June & September 0930 to 2100hrs, July & August 0930 to 2200hrs October and December 0930 to 2000hrs Closed Jan 6th to Feb 9th for maintenenance. Closed Xmas day Nearest underground stations Waterloo/Westminster London Planetarium
Marylebone Road
phone number 020 7486 1121 (call for times, which vary by season)
Travel on a journey to the stars, guided by world-celebrated experts. The Spirit of London ride is a fascinating attraction and is updated frequently Nearest underground station Baker Street London Zoo Regent's Park - 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. See the Sloth Bears and cub on Bear Mountain. The children's zoo, designed to educate children aged 4-8 years, includes rabbits, hamsters and llamas (phone to ensure it is open) for ticketing information please visit Timesaver online ticketing Madame Tussaud's Marylebone Rd. NW1 Opening times Monday to Friday 1000hrs to 1730 hours Week Ends 0930hrs to 1730hrs During Easter and June to August 0900hrs to 1730hrs Closed Xmas Day Madame Tussaud began her wax-modelling making death masks of victims of the French Revolution. In 1835 she moved to England. The main sections of the exhibition are The Garden Party, the Grand Hall with its collection of royalty and world leaders. The Spirit of London and the Chamber of Horrors with recreations of murders, or ticketing information please visit Timesaver online ticketing Nearest underground station Baker Street The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square
London WC2N 5DN The National Gallery, London houses the national collection of Western European painting: over 2,300 pictures dating from 1250 to 1900. The collection includes all the major European schools of painting and masterpieces by many great artists Open daily 10am-6pm, Wednesday 10am-9pm. Closed 1 January and 24-26 December Nearest underground Stations Leicester Square/Charing Cross Natural History Museum Cromwell Rd SW7 The museum is divided into the Life and Earth Galleries. The life galleries most popular exhibits here are in the Dinosaur section which has a moving roaring tableau of three life-sized beasts devouring a dead Dinosaur. The Earth Galleries explore the history of Earth and its wealth of natural resources. Opening times Monday to Saturday 1000 to 1750hrs Sunday 1100 to 1750hrs closed 24/26th December. TROCADERO
Piccadilly Circus Opening hours:
Sunday - Thursday, 10 am - 12:00 midnight
Friday & Saturday, 10 am - 1:00 Am
The London Trocadero is a grand centre of leisure, shopping and entertainment located in the heart of the West end. Having opened in the late 1700’s it has always had a reputation as a famous landmark with changing faces, a variety of entertainment that attracts tourists, teenagers, local office workers and families. The centre is linked to Piccadilly underground station and the main entrance is on Coventry Street. A vibrant place where you can meet, shop, eat and have endless fun. Free events and activities take place within the centre so regularly check out www.troc.co.uk or phone 020 7434 0030
Follow the signs for London Trocadero from Piccadilly Circus Underground station and enter the building at basement level. Nearest overground station is Charing Cross - go to Leicester Square and you can see Planet Hollywood on the corner
This multi-attraction entertainment complex is popular with everyone, especially teenagers.
Call for times and prices, which vary.
Planet Hollywood restaurant (phone 287-1000) offers dining amidst the film world’s glamour.
Sega World (phone 020 7734-2777) puts video game players in the center of the action, this entertainment complex has 6 floors of futuristic themed ares with interactive rides, and video games
Rock Circus (phone 020 7734-7203) portrays the royalty of rock stars in wax, a history of the Pop music World from the 1950’s onwards
Alien War is a multimedia monster experience.
Imaginator offers stomach-wrenching rides.
Virtual World is a virtual reality system second to none St. Paul's Cathedral St Pauls Churchyard The old St. Paul's was destroyed in the great fire of London in 1666. Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to rebuild it. He created a magnificent Baroque cathedral, which was built between 1675 and 1710. Don't forget to visit the whispering gallery 100ft above the ground were the dome's unusual acoustics create the effect that words whispered against the wall can be heard clearly on the opposite side. Cathedral sightseeing hours Monday to Saturday 0830 to 1600hrs, special services and events may close all or part of the Cathedral to sightseeing For more information please visit http://www.stpauls.co.uk Nearest underground station St Pauls Science Museum Exhibition Road (South Kensington SW7) Open seven days a week, from 10.00 to 18.00. The Museum is closed from 24 to 26 December.First established in 1856. The collection brings entertainment with many interactive displays some aimed at children, with staff on hand to give further explanations. Sections include flight and space, power and land transport with displays of working steam engines, vintage trains, and cars, the top floor houses the history of medicine. For more information please visit http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/index.asp Nearest underground station South Kensington Sherlock Holmes Museum Baker St NW1 Open daily 0930 to 1800hrs, closed Xmas day The museum labelled 221B, actually stands between nos 237 and 239 as 221B did not exist. There is a reconstruction of Holmes' front room. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson lived at 221b Baker Street between 1881-1904, according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The house was last used as a lodging house in 1936 and the famous 1st floor study overlooking Baker Street is still faithfully maintained as it was kept in Victorian Times You can buy Holmes hats, Toby jugs and meerschaum pipes. For more information please visit http://www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk/ Nearest underground station Baker Street Tate Britain
Millbank
Founded in 1897, the Gallery is known for Turner Bequest (he left his works to the nation, on the condition that they were kept together) and its international collection of late 19th and 20th century art. Opening times 1000 to 1650hrs daily, closed 24/25/26th December. There is a boat which cruises to thames “the Tate Boat” every 40 minutes linking Tate Britain The London Eye and Tate Modern Nearest underground stations Pimlico/Vauxhall/Westminster Tower Bridge London Opening times, April to October 1000 to 1830hrs rest of Year .930 to 1800, closed 24th to 26th December London's best-known bridge. Its centre span is formed by two drawbridges which are raised several times a day to allow ships to pass to and from the Pool of London. The Tower Bridge now houses The Tower Bridge Experience bringing the bridge's history to life, marvel at the wonders of Victorian engineering and take a stroll 140ft above the Thames on its high level walkways Nearest underground stations Tower Hill/London Bridge Tower of London Tower Hill Opening times 1st March to 31st October Tuesday to Saturday 0900to 1800hrs, Sunday and Monday 1000 to 1800hrs, 1st of November to end of February Tuesday to Saturday 0900 to 1700hrs Sunday and Monday 1000 to 1700hrs. Closed 24/25th December and January 1st The Tower has been a fortress, palace, mint, menagerie, prison and a place of execution. Soon after William the Conqueror became King in 1066 he built a fortress here to guard the entrance to London from the Thames Estuary. At the core of the whole system stands the White Tower, a massive Norman keep. Other fine buildings have been added over the centuries. Its most celebrated residents are eight ravens whose presence is protected by the legend that the kingdom will fall if they desert the tower. Forty yeoman warders (or Beefeaters) guard the Tower and live there. Their uniforms hark back to Tudor Times. Things to see include the Jewel House, Traitors' Gate (The entrance that was used for prisoner brought from trial in Westminster Hall), The Bloody Tower ( Edward IV's two sons were put here by their uncle Richard of Gloucester) and St. John's Chapel. Timesaver online ticketing or buy a Historic Royal Pass which will provide admission to three or all four of the palaces at a special price. Palaces include: Hampton Court Palace, Tower of London, Kensington Palace and The Banqueting House Nearest underground station Tower Hill Trafalgar Square This famous square was designed by John Nash early in the 19th century, and was named for the great naval victory of 1805. Its chief monument is the column with Nelson's statue, the base of which is guarded by Landser's four bronze lions. On its north side is the National Gallery. Westminster Abbey Since the 11th century Westminster Abbey has been the usual place for the coronation of English monarchs, and most of the medieval English Kings from the time of Henry III were buried there. The present abbey was begun by Henry III on the site of the 11th century building erected by the royal saint, Edward the Confessor. In St. Edward's Chapel is the Coronation Chair, Edward the Confessor's shrine and the tombs of many medieval monarchs. Henry VII Chapel built in 1503-12 has Perpendicular vaulting and choir stalls. Here you will also find well known Poets Corner The Knave and Cloisters open to tourists daily 0800 to 1800hrs Nearest underground station Westminster | 
