UK London Attractions listing
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London attractions alphabetically open to the publicLondon Attractions
Barbican Art Gallery
Since its opening in 1982, Barbican Art Gallery has staged major exhibitions by leading international figures, most recently the controversial Japanese photographer, Araki, world-renowned architect, Daniel Libeskind and Turner prize winners, Jeremy Deller and Grayson Perry. Barbican Art Gallery (Level 3, admission £8/£6) shows a varied programme of work from 20th century art and photography, to modern design and architectureBritish Museum
Free to the world since 1753, the British Museum houses one of the greatest collections of human cultural history. Whether you’re coming to see real-life legends like the Rosetta Stone and Easter Island statue, or iconic objects such as the earliest known image of ChristBrixton Art Gallery
Our aim is twofold. To bring the international arts community to this vibrant multicultural area. And to showcase the dynamism and energy of Brixton culture to the international arts communityBuckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. It evolved from a town house that was owned from the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham. Today it is The Queen's official residence. Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, areas of Buckingham Palace are opened to visitors on a regular basis. The State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September. They are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude; sculpture by Canova and Chantrey; exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a permanent space dedicated to changing exhibitions of items from the Royal CollectionCabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum
Shortly after becoming Prime Minister in May 1940, Winston Churchill visited the Cabinet War Rooms to see for himself what preparations had been made to allow him and his War Cabinet to continue working throughout the expected air raids on London. It was there, in the underground Cabinet Room, he announced 'This is the room from which I will direct the war'.Clock Museum
The clock museum is situated within the Guildhall Library building (Aldermanbury, London EC2) and is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 4.45pm. The collection was begun in 1814 and is the oldest collection specifically of watches and clocks in the world. It represents the fruits of years of research, planning, conservation and acquisitions by the Clockmakers' Company.Courtauld Gallery
The Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery has one of the most important collections in Britain, including world-famous Old Master, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, and an outstanding prints and drawings collection featuring works by Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Cézanne and Turner. The collection includes around 530 paintings, 7000 drawings and 15,000 prints as well as significant holdings of medieval, Renaissance and modern sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, furniture and textiles.Covent Garden
Covent Garden restaurants, pubs, shops, opera, theatre and street performers make it the entertainment centre of London.Cutty Sark
It’s 1880 and the Cutty Sark’s Captain has just jumped overboard, you’re 1000 miles from home and there is a 100ft wave in front of you. Now, what do you do? Actually, you’re in Maritime Greenwich overlooking the River Thames, holding the wheel of the fastest tea clipper ever built; The Cutty Sark. The Cutty Sark has delighted generations of visitors since her opening in 1957. Visiting this historic and atmospheric ship is an unforgettable experience for all ages The Worlds Last tea ClipperCharles Dickens Museum
The Charles Dickens Museum in London is the world's most important collection of material relating to the great Victorian novelist and social commentator. The only surviving London home of Dickens (from 1837 until 1839) was opened as a Museum in 1925 and is still welcoming visitors from all over the world in an authentic and inspiring surroundingDulwich Picture Gallery
A magnificent collection of old masters, including works by Poussin, Claude, Rubens, Murillo, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Watteau, Gainsborough and many others, was originally assembled for the King of Poland in the 1790s. When Poland was partitioned, an alternative home was found for the paintings in the "clean air of Dulwich". The Gallery was designed by Sir John Soane - with a new extension recently completed by Rick Mather - and the founders lie, to this day, in their Mausoleum at the centre of the Gallery.Florence Nightingale Museum
The Centre has two main functions: to provide access to the collections stored at the Museum and to guide researchers to sources of information outside the Museum. The Museum's Collections 1. Artefacts The Museum has three classes of artifacts in a collection numbering less than 1000 items: Artefacts owned or used by Florence Nightingale Material connected with the Crimean War (1854-56): military, hospital and nursing Objects conected with the Nightingale School and St. Thomas' Hospital (1860-1910) 2. Archives A collection of 63 letters from Florence Nightingale and, on deposit at the London Metropolitan Archives, a further collection of 700 letters from Florence Nightingale and related papers 3. Library Collections Books written by Florence Nightingale. 53 of the 200 printed works in their original form · Books owned by Florence Nightingale Books given and inscribed by Florence Nightingale, mainly to nurses 4. Pictures Portraits of Florence Nightingale Images of Crimean hospitals, army camps and battles Images of nurses and hospitals connected with Florence Nightingale. Principally the Nightingale Training School for Nurses and St. Thomas' Hospital.Freud Museum
The Freud Museum, at 20 Maresfield Gardens in Hampstead, was the home of Sigmund Freud and his family when they escaped Nazi annexation of Austria in 1938. It remained the family home until Anna Freud, the youngest daughter, died in 1982. The centrepiece of the museum is Freud's library and study, preserved just as it was during his lifetime.Harrods
Since the store first opened its doors in 1849, Harrods has always prided itself on a reputation for excellence, that nothing is too much trouble to our customers, and finding the finest-quality merchandise. But this is just part of the Harrods story. The store is much more than a shopping destination, more than just a splendid building. Its story is tied up in the people who have passed through its doors, worked here, written about it and added to its magnificent architecture.Hayward Gallery
The Hayward Gallery plays a vital role in the visual arts in the UK and internationally. For over 35 years it has presented ground-breaking exhibitions on the art of our time and times past. And now it embarks on a new chapter in its history. In October 2003, the Gallery welcomed visitors to a new look Hayward. A stunning new double height glass foyer and elliptical mirrored glass pavilion by Dan Graham were complemented by a new café and greatly improved access and facilities.HMS Belfast
A cruiser, moored on the River Thames. She served throughout the Second World War, playing a leading part in the destruction of Scharnhorst, and the Normandy LandingsHouses of parliament
During recess UK residents should continue to arrange tours through their local MP. Special arrangements are put in place during Summer Recess. The Palace of Westminster opens in the summer to visitors who can go on pre booked tours of the historic building. Further details of the Summer Opening, including ticketing arrangements, is available on the Summer Opening of Parliament information page.Imperial War Museum
The wars of the twentieth century have affected each and every one of us in some way, and the Imperial War Museum is here to tell all our stories, covering all aspects of life in wartime.Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace in London is a working Royal residence. Of great historical importance, Kensington Palace was the favourite residence of successive sovereigns until 1760. It was also the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria. Today Kensington Palace accommodates the offices and private apartments of a number of members of the Royal Family. Although managed by Historic Royal Palaces, the Palace is furnished with items from the Royal CollectionLondon Aquarium
one of Europe’s largest displays of aquatic life and home to over 350 species in over 50 displays, from sharks, stingrays and clownfish, to moray eels, lionfish and sideways walking crabs. Witness the spectacular Atlantic feed where our team of divers hand feed rays and native British sharks.London Eye
Today, the British Airways London Eye has become, quite literally, the way the world sees London. It is one of the most spectacular and popular attractions in the world, drawing visitors from far and wide.London Zoo
Find out more about the amazing new exhibits Into Africa, Butterfly Paradise, Gorilla Kingdom and a tropical rainforest exhibit.Museum of Childhood
The Museum of Childhood is home to one of the world's largest and oldest collections of toys and childhood artefacts. The collection, which dates from the 16th century to the present day includes dolls, teddy bears, toy soldiers, train sets, model cars, puppets, rocking horses, costumes, board games, and some of the first jigsaw puzzles ever made.Museum of London
The Museum of London Group represents a quarter of a million years of history and over seven million modern Londoners. Our collections include over a million itemsNatural History Museum
We promote the discovery, understanding, enjoyment, and responsible use of the natural world. Explore our world-class collections, fantastic exhibitions and cutting-edge research online, or visit our landmark buildings.'National Art Library
The National Art Library at the Victoria and Albert Museum is a major public reference library. Its strength lies in the range and depth of its holdings of documentary material concerning the fine and decorative arts of many countries and periods. It is also the curatorial department for the art, craft and designNational Gallery
The National Gallery, London houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. These pictures belong to the public and entrance to see them is free.National Portrait Gallery
The national Portrait gallery was founded in 1856 to collect the likenesses of famous british men and womenNational Maritime Museum London
As an island nation, Britain has a long and close relationship with the sea.The National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory and the Queen's House offer a wide range of exhibitions, events and activities.Number 10 Downing Street
The UK Prime Minister's ResidencePhotographers Gallery
The Photographers’ Gallery is one of the UK's primary venues for photography and one of London’s most popular public galleries with over half a million people visiting in 2004. Established in 1971, the Gallery was the UK's first independent photographic galleryPortobello Road - The World's Largest Antiques Market
Antiques shopping area of Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove, encourage fair dealing between PADA members and the public. To this end, all member dealers subscribe to a code of practise. Market days start gradually from around 5.30am with trading between dealers from the UK and overseas. Most stall holders have arrived by 8.00am and the market is in full swing for the rest of the day, with collectors and visitors from all over the world.Royal Festival Hall
On the South Bank of the Thames Providing a diverse range of music and the arts including Classical Music Contemporary Music Dance + Performance Literature + Talks Family EventsRoyal Mews
One of the finest working stables in existence, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace provides a unique opportunity for visitors to see the work of the Royal Household department that provides road transport for The Queen and members of the Royal Family by both horse-drawn carriage and motor car. The Royal Mews has a permanent display of State vehicles.Royal Observatory Greenwich London
Regular events include the opportunity to observe the night sky through the 28-inch telescope at the Royal Observatory and daily planetarium shows. Harrison's marine timekeepers are the centrepiece of a permanent display in Flamsteed House at the Royal Observatory. Here, we provide a little of the story behind their manufacture and some notes about Harrison and the timekeepers themselves. The Prime Meridian at Greenwich Find out why The Royal Observatory in Greenwich is the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian of the world.Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House, as you see it today, opened on 4 December 1999. Its reconstruction actually began on site in 1996 with the last performance in the 'old' house in July 1997. In three years the most inadequate of the great opera houses of the world was transformed, not o nly for audiences, but equally for performers and the hundreds of other people who work here. By remaining on its historic site the Royal Opera House has enriched Covent Garden and reinforced its status as part of London's cultural heartland. Today, we can offer daytime opening to the visiting public and this has been a liberating experience. It's hard to recall that before 1999, this great theatre only opened its doors just before performances and then exclusively to ticket holders. Now, thousands of visitors from all over the world are welcomed here each year. Peering over the Piazza, they marvel at the views from the Amphitheatre Terrace, with great landmarks of our capital city such as the London Eye and Nelson's Column beyond.Royal Airforce Museum London
Royal Air Force Museum London is situated on the historic site of the London Aerodrome and houses over 100 aircraft from around the world.Science Museum London
Discover more about science, scientific people and events through our collections of exhibitions and interactives. Some of the Exhibitions Antenna Inside the Spitfire The Energy Hall Energy - fuelling the future Your Genes - Find Out More Your Lifecycle - Find Out More Launch Pad Climate Change: the burning issue London Calling .... 2LO Calling Your Brain - Find Out More Apollo 10 People and Space Challenge of Materials Robots make radios Life, the Universe and the Electron Flight Gallery Flights of Inspiration Fusion Do your genes drive you to drink? Germlabs Cosmic Globes Exploring Leonardo Out of sight, out of mind Preserving the Panhard et Levassor Strange Surfaces Bugs! 3D Haunted Castle 3D Aliens of the Deep 3D Wild Safari 3D Magnificent Desolation 3D The Human Body 2DShakespear Globe Theatre
Shakespeare's Globe is a unique international resource dedicated to the exploration of Shakespeare's work, and the playhouse for which he wrote, through the connected means of education and performance. Together, the Globe Theatre Company, Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Globe Education seek to further the experience and international understanding of Shakespeare in performanceSherlock Holmes Museum
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.Sir John Soane's Museum
Includes the following Egyptian and Graeco-Egyptian antiquities Greek and Roman marbles including architectural and decorative fragments (candelabra, furniture, ornaments etc.) Greek and Roman bronzes Greek and Roman terracottas, mosaics and miscellaneous Greek and Roman vases Gems (Egyptian scarabs; Greek & Roman provincial, Hellenistic, Etruscan, Roman, Early Christian, Medieval, Renaissance, Neo-Classical & miscellaneous gems): 323 Engraved seals Medieval objects (including architectural fragments, fragments of woodcarving, tiles, pottery, glass & miscellaneous items) Italian and Northern Renaissance bronzes (figures & plaques)St Paul's Cathedral
A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604AD, a constant reminder to this great commercial centre of the importance of the spiritual side of life. The current Cathedral – the fourth to occupy this site – was designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Its architectural and artistic importance reflect the determination of the five monarchs who oversaw its building that London’s leading church should be as beautiful and imposing as their private palaces.Tate Britain
Tate Britain is the world centre for the understanding and enjoyment of British art and works actively to promote interest in British art internationally. The displays at Tate Britain call on the greatest collection of British art in the world to present an unrivalled picture of the development of art in Britain from the time of the Tudor monarchs in the sixteenth century, to the present day.Tate Modern
Created in the year 2000 from a disused power station in the heart of London, Tate Modern displays the national collection of international modern art. This is defined as art since 1900. International painting pre-1900 is found at the National Gallery, and sculpture at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Tate Modern includes modern British art where it contributes to the story of modern art, so major modern British artists may be found at both Tate Modern and Tate Britain.Theatre Museum
The Theatre Museum is the National Museum of the Performing Arts. Situated in the heart of London's theatreland, it houses the world's leading collection of material relating to the British stage. All the live performing arts are represented, including drama, dance, opera, musical theatre, circus, puppetry, music hall and live art.The Jewish Museum
Include special exhibitions that focus on particular aspects of jewish life around the world, lectures, concerts, book signings and readings, and film showings. Special events for children are arranged to accompany special exhibitions and major festivals in the Jewish year.The London Canal Museum
London Canal Museum you can see inside a narrowboat cabin, learn about the history of London's canals, about the cargoes carried, the people who lived and worked on the waterways, and the horses that pulled their boats. Peer down into the unique heritage of a huge Victorian ice well used to store ice imported from Norway and brought by ship and canal boat to be storedThe London Transport Museum
Closed for major rennovation till Spring 2007The National Archives
The National Archives of England, Wales and the United Kingdom has one of the largest archival collections in the world, spanning 1000 years of British history, from Domesday Book of 1086 to government papers recently releasedTower Bridge Experience
At the Tower Bridge Exhibition you can enjoy breath-taking views from the high-level Walkways and learn about the history of the Bridge and how it was built. You can then visit the Victorian Engine Rooms, home to the original steam engines that used to power the Bridge liftsTower of London Royal Armouries
HM Tower of London, one of the most famous buildings in the world, was constructed following the Norman conquest in the 11th century to dominate London. The Royal Armouries is responsible for all the displays in the White Tower, the central keep of the castle complex, and for researching and recording the history of the Tower and the many institutions which have grown up there. Our displays contain many of the examples of royal arms and armour in the Royal Armouries collection, including armours of Henry VIII, Charles I, Charles II and James II. They also reconstruct many of the historical displays of arms and armour for which the Tower is famous, including the Grand Storehouse which was destroyed by fire in 1841.Victoria and Albert Museum V&A
V&A South Kensington is the world's greatest museum of art and design, with collections unrivalled in their scope and diversity. Discover 3000 years' worth of amazing artefacts from many of the world's richest cultures including ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewellery, metalwork, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings.Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection is both a national museum and the finest private collection of art ever assembled by one family. It was bequeathed to the nation by Lady Wallace, widow of Sir Richard Wallace, in 1897, and opened to the public just over three years later on 22 June 1900. Its first visitors were variously delighted, amazed and bemused. Among its treasures are one of the best collections of French 18th-century pictures, porcelain and furniture in the world, a remarkable array of 17th-century paintings and a superb armouryWestminster Abbey
An architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, Westminster Abbey also presents a unique pageant of British history – the shrine of St Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, and countless memorials to the famous and the great. It has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions. Today it is still a church dedicated to regular worship and to the celebration of great events in the life of the nation. Neither a cathedral nor a parish church, Westminster Abbey is a “Royal Peculiar” under the jurisdiction of a Dean and Chapter, subject only to the Sovereign