Attractions in London
Changing the Guard
For a display of British pomp and ceremony, watch the Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. This is where 1 member of Queen's Guards exchanges duty with the previous guard. Both guards are dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, and the ceremony is set to music.
To catch the ultimate royal experience, stand outside Buckingham Palace at 11am. It's wise to check beforehand as the ceremony only takes place on certain days. Visit the Royal website for a full schedule.
The Ceremony of the Keys
A tradition for the past 700 years, this ceremony takes place every evening at the Tower of London. The Chief Yeoman Warder, wearing a long red tunic, Tudor bonnet and carrying a candle, locks up the main gate and delivers the keys to the Resident Governor of the Tower. Tickets are free, but need to be booked up to two months in advance by written application.
Sir John Soane's Museum
Sir John Soane was an architect and collector of curios. During his lifetime he amassed some remarkable antiquities from all four corners of the globe. These are now on display in Sir John Soane's Museum, which is his former home – and gives a real insight into the life of this extraordinary gentleman.
Kenwood House
Britain is known for its sumptuous stately homes, and Kenwood House does not disappoint. Perched on the edge of rolling Hampstead Heath, the house has stunning white stucco façades. Inside, you'll find one of the most magnificently decorated libraries in the world, as well as the Iveagh Bequest – a collection of exquisite paintings by Rembrant, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough.
Geffrye Museum
A very unique experience, the Geffrye Museum gives a fascinating insight into the domestic lives of the British middle classes from the 1600s to the present day. Explore a series of room sets, complete with furnishing and textiles from each era. The museum itself is located in 18th century almshouses, and also has a famous walled herb garden.
Hogarth's House
Hogarth was a celebrated artist and satirist, whose works, such as A Harlot's Progress, A Rake's Progress and Marriage-a-la-Mode, mocked 18th century society. As the name suggests, Hogarth's House is where he lived before he died in 1764, and it's here that you'll find the most extensive collection of his prints on public display.
Bank of England Museum
The charming Bank of England Museum traces the history of the bank from its foundation by Royal Charter in 1694 to its role today as the the country's central bank. There are gold bars, coins and banknotes, as well as many items you might not expect to find...
RAF Museum
Take to the skies on a free day out at the RAF Museum. There are more than 80 aircraft on display, together with uniforms, weapons, photographs and more. Plus, there's a Battle of Britain sound and light show, a helipad, and even a Red Arrows flight simulator, if your nerves can handle it!
Culture in London: Trafalgar Square
In 2003, traffic was stopped from driving all the way around Trafalgar Square; now the area is a glorious pedestrianised piazza, with the vast National Gallery as its crowning glory. Just around the corner is the National Portrait Gallery, with its fantastic roof-top restaurant that gives you a bird's-eye view of Nelson's Column.
If you get your timing right, you can enjoy a classical lunchtime or evening concert at St Martin's in the Fields Church. Just north of Trafalgar Square, is Leicester Square; the gateway to London's Theatreland. Visit the tkts booth in Leicester Square for half-price tickets to top West End shows. The booth offers discounted theatre tickets on the day of the show, and full-price advance tickets for theatre, rock, pop, sport and other events.
Greenwich: London's Historic Cultural Hub
One of the most picturesque and oldest parts of London, Greenwich is a worth a visit just to experience Greenwich Market and the village atmosphere.
It's also where you'll find the Cutty Sark (closed for refurbishment until 2011), the Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Meridian, the National Maritime Museum and Queen's House. Catch a performance at Greenwich Theatre or Laban and take the time to enjoy the local delicacy of whitebait at the Trafalgar Tavern. This historic pub was one of Charles Dickens' regular haunts.
London's Bankside: Culture and Variety
Just a few decades ago, Bankside was home to a disused power station (now Tate Modern), and derelict Victorian wharf buildings (now Pickfords Wharf, which is teaming with restaurants and eateries).
Today the area is a cultural hotspot, with most visitors making their pilgrimage to Tate Modern, London's cathedral to modern art. But while in the area, don't miss Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Vinopolis (a homage to wine), Clink Prison (London's oldest jail) and everyone's favourite horror attraction, London Dungeon.