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The Mall SW1,
Tube: Charing Cross,
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Constructed between 1906 and 1911, Aston Webb's impressive triple archway was designed to serve as
part of the Mall's ceremonial approach to Buckingham Palace. Built to honour Queen Victoria, the
triumphal arch also incorporated a number of residences for senior navy officials.
Although a Grade
I listed building, until recently, Admiralty Arch was used as a hostel for London's homeless.
However, the building has now been refurbished and is currently being used by the Cabinet
Office.
A little-known trivia fact concerns the presence of a life-size human
nose which protrudes from the inside wall of the northernmost arch. Best viewed on foot,
or whilst sat in rush hour traffic, bewilderingly it stands at waist height for anyone
riding a horse. As many a London cabbie will explain, it is said to resembleff Napoleon's
nose and was rubbed by anyone riding through the arch as a snub to the diminutive
Corsican.
 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP, Tel: 020 7589 8212,
Website: www.royalalberthall.com,
Tube: South Kensington,
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Despite the need for social and political reform, Britain during the 1840s and 50s was a rapidly
expanding industrial and military Empire. With Queen Victoria's reign dominated by industrial
advancement (the Railway Age), economic growth and stability was coupled with a desire to expand
Britain's interests overseas. It was against this backdrop that her husband, Albert, helped to
conceive the Great Exhibition of 1851. A vast, grandiose plan, the London exhibition was designed
to promote the benefits of free trade between nations. With over 15,000 exhibits on display (the
majority of them British) it became a huge success with over 6 million people paying visit to the
newly built Crystal Palace.
Enthusiasm for further (permanent) public works now gathered pace,
with the Exhibition paving the way for Albert's even grander scheme of establishing a central 'Hall
of Arts and Science' in London. Funded, in part, by profits from the Great Exhibition (although
much of it was squandered on the Albert Memorial) a suitably large 50 acre site was acquired in
South Kensington. The remainder of the funding was secured by selling some of the Auditorium's
original 7,000 seats on 999 year leases. This arrangement still persists today, with the seats
remaining largely in private or corporate hands.
Although Prince Albert was denied the opportunity to see the project come into
fruition, (he died suddenly in 1861), it was taken forward by the eminent Victorian Henry Cole, who
famously helped to introduce the penny post. With construction beginning the very same year, the
Albert Hall (as it was now to be known) was finally opened to the public in 1871.
Most famously known for the 'Proms' (a series of classic concerts, including
the Elgar inspired 'Last Night'), the Royal Albert Hall also plays host to less traditional shows,
including those by rock artists such as Eric Clapton and Bryan Adams. Together with the nearby
Victoria and Albert, Natural History and Science museums, the area remains a model for urban
planning, as well as being a remarkable seat for the arts and education. London
Pass Accepted Here.
 Kensington Gardens, W2 2UH, Tel: 020 7298 2100, Website:
www.royalparks.gov.uk,
Tube: South Kensington,
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Widely regarded as one of the great sculptural achievements of the Victorian era (if not the most
extravagant) the memorial is a tribute to Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria who died
suddenly of typhoid in 1861. Centred around a large statue of Albert seated in a vast Gothic
shrine, he can be seen holding a catalogue from the 1851 Great Exhibition (the event which he
masterminded).
Indeed, it was profits from the exhibition that were used to build the
memorial. Not only was it expensive (members of Parliament, the press and public alike were
outraged by the cost) but required the memorial's huge red and grey granite pillars (which support
the canopy) to be shipped all the way over from Scotland and Ireland. With each one weighing over
17 tonnes, they took 10 men around 150 days to finish and polish. Although other, less costly ideas
for the monument had been put forward, George Gilbert Scot's grandiose creation was chosen for its
overall aesthetic qualities.
In keeping with the opulent, perhaps pompous nature of the Albert memorial,
its recent, badly needed renovation cost a hefty £11 million. A must see nonetheless.
Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, N22 7AY, Tel: 020 8365 2121, Website: www.alexandrapalace.com,
Tube: Wood Green, Nearest
railway station: Alexandra Palace,
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Known to most Londoners as "Ally Pally", the original Alexandra Palace first opened in 1873. Set in
196 acres of gently sloping parkland, the building enjoyed spectacular views of city and instantly
became a success with the press and public alike, attracting many thousands of people by train,
carriage or on foot.
The palace's success was short lived though, as just two weeks after its
official opening a devastating fire broke out in the main dome, eventually levelling the entire
building. Remarkably, less than 2 years after the destruction of the original structure, a newly
designed building opened, the centrepiece of which was the Great Hall. With a seating capacity of
14,000, its crowning feature was the mighty Willis organ, driven by two steam engines and vast
bellows.
In 1935, the BBC took up residence in the east wing of the building, marking
the event with their first ever public television broadcasts in 1936. Ironically, the tragedy that
had befallen the palace less than a century before struck again on 10th July 1980, when it caught
fire for a second time. Roughly half of the building was destroyed, although the area occupied by
the BBC was left unscathed. Restored in the late eighties (using funds from the now defunct GLC),
the palace remains an entertainment and exhibitions centre, albeit one that rarely realises its
full potential.
 149 Piccadilly, W1J 7NT, Tel: 020 7499 5676, Website:
www.english-heritage.org.uk, Open:
Mar 21-Oct 31, 11am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Bank Holidays, Nov 1- 31 Mar, 11am - 4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan,
Admission: £5.80, concessions £4.40,
children £2.80, Tube: Hyde Park Corner,
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As London home to the Duke of Wellington (whose place in British history is forever assured thanks
to his famous victory over Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815), Apsley House today houses the Wellington
Museum. As well as displaying uniforms, swords and other memorabilia from the era, the museum
features a double life-size statue of Napoleon (wearing only a fig leaf), along with painted works
by Goya, Rubens and Van Dyck. Having also served two separate terms as prime minister, Wellington
is said to have acquired the nickname "Iron Duke" not because of his military prowess, but for
famously installing iron shutters at Apsley House after local riots over the 1832 Reform Bill.
London Pass Accepted Here.
Bank of England
Threadneedle Street, EC2R 8AH. Tel: 020 7601 5545, Website: www.bankofengland.co.uk,
Tube: Bank,
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Affectionately known as the 'Old Lady of Threadneedle Street' The Bank of England is the central
bank of the United Kingdom, with responsibility for issuing bank notes as well as making the
country's interest rate decisions. With a history dating back to 1694, the bank moved to its
current location in 1734. The more recent past has seen it nationalised after World War
II and gain operational independence under the Labour government of Tony
Blair.
Originally established to raise money for overseas military campaigns, the
Bank of England later become the official banker to the British Government, before eventually
assuming the role of banker to the UK banking system in general. As well as managing the UK's
foreign exchange and gold reserves, the bank also holds those of 50 other central banks around the
world.
An interesting museum that details the history and workings of the bank is
open free of charge to members of the public. Click here for
more details.
Whitehall, SW1A 2ER, Tel: 0870 751 5178, Website: www.hrp.org.uk, Open all year round 10am-5pm
Mon-Sat, Closed Bank Holidays and Dec 24- Jan 1 (inclusive), Admission: £4.50 adults, £3.50
students and senior citizens, £2.25 children under 16, children under 5 free,
Tube: Westminster,
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Part of the original Whitehall Palace, the Banqueting House was the sole survivor of a devastating
fire which raged here in 1698. Designed for James I by the renowned English architect Inigo Jones,
it was also the first in London to incorporate classical Italian elements (in stark contrast to
traditional Elizabethan embellishments). Completed in 1622, the building also features magnificent
ceiling frescos by the artist Reubens. Ironically, such excesses (along with a total
disregard for Parliament) led Cromwell to execute James' son, King Charles I from the steps of
Banqueting House in 1649. London Pass Accepted Here.
British Airways London Eye
 Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, SE1 7PB, Tel: 0870 5000 600, Open: 10am-8pm Mon-Sun,
Flight
Information and Booking, Tube: Waterloo,
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As one of the most spectacular additions to the city's skyline in recent years, the 135
metre London Eye
is the world's largest Ferris Wheel (weighing in at more than 2000 tonnes). Offering spectacular
360 degree views of the capital, the attraction can handle over 1,500 visitors per hour, with
up to 25 people accommodated in each of the Eye's thirty-two glass capsules.
Virtually noiseless, the wheel is a remarkable feat of modern engineering.
What's more, it was also a truly international project with the various components being supplied
from Holland, Italy and the Czech Republic (Skoda technology powers the Eye's turbine). When
construction began in 1998, the cantilevered structure had to be floated down the Thames before
being welded together over the river on temporary supports. The final (and trickiest stage) was to
then hoist the wheel into a vertical position. Despite failing on the first attempt (when a support
cable snapped), engineers finally locked the Wheel into place on October 16th 1999.
 Since then, BA's London Eye has become a runaway success.
Consequently, we advise you book in advance, although if you visit out of season
(and before 9am) you may well find that tickets are
available - meaning that you'll be able to take your "flight" straight away.
Interestingly, the Eye only received planning permission for five years
(after which time it was supposedly to have been relocated or dismantled).
However, its popularity has since ensured its future status as a permanent fixture on the London skyline.
8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL, Tel: 020 7407 1002, Website: www.boroughmarket.org.uk, Open: 4am-10am
Mon-Fri (fruit wholesale), midday-6pm Fri and 9am-4pm Sat (food market) Tube: London Bridge,
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Borough Market is actually one of London's oldest wholesale fruit and vegetable markets. With a
history dating back to medieval times (when the market was situated on London Bridge) there's
evidence that fruit and vegetables were sold even then, along with goods such as grain and
fish.
With Bankside enjoying a revival in recent years, a number of high-profile
restaurant and retail businesses have been attracted to the area. All this is good news for Borough
Market of course, with the knock-on effect resulting in higher demand for quality fruit and
vegetables. Weekends see the emphasis change from fruit and vegetables to food, including European
specialities, cheeses, meats and more exotic delights.
Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews
 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1A 1AA, Tel: 020 7839 1377,
Ticket
Information and Secure Online Booking, Tube: Victoria,
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Included on most visitors "must see" list, Buckingham Palace is the principle royal residence of
Britain's reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II.
Initially bought by King George III as a residence for his wife Queen
Charlotte, Buckingham Palace (or Buckingham House as it was originally named) has been enlarged
substantially over the years. However, it was only with the accession to the throne of Queen Victoria
in 1837, that Buckingham Palace became the official residence of the Monarch, remaining so ever
since. In fact, it's easy to see when the Queen is at home, as the Royal Standard flutters above
the palace if Her Majesty is in residence.
 In 1993, limited access to the palace was granted to the public for the very
first time, in light of what was accepted as a period of diminishing support for the monarchy. A
small area of the palace (18 State
Rooms in total) continues to be opened to the public for
approximately 2 months each year (from early August until the end of September) and includes the
Throne Room, State Dining Room and Music Room. With each one opulently decorated, they hint at the
grandeur of the other apartments not on view to the public.
As tickets for the State Rooms are extremely popular, you'll either have
to book in advance (for full price adult tickets only) or queue on the day to obtain them, possibly
without success. If you do choose the latter option, head for ticket office on Constitution Hill
which opens at 9am.
Admission to the Royal Mews is less of a problem, as the stables and coach
houses are open for a few hours a week from 1 March-31 October. Aside from state occasions and Royal
Ascot (when some of the carriages on display are actually used), visitors can enjoy a glimpse into
the world of pomp and pageantry, including a look at the wonderfully ornate Gold Carriage made for
George III (most recently used by the Queen during her Golden Jubilee).
In addition, the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace is
used as a permanent space for displaying various items from the Royal
Collection. Recently redeveloped, it was reopened by The Queen on 21 May 2002 and is now open to the public on a daily
basis (note: London Pass accepted for Queen's Gallery).
Nr. Tower Bridge, SE1,
Tube: Tower Hill/Bermondsey,
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Once the largest warehouse complex on the Thames, Butler's Wharf fell into disrepair during the 70s
and 80s following its closure to shipping in 1972.
Although between 1973 and 1980 many of the empty warehouses became a haven for
leading British artists (with the setting also regularly used as a backdrop to film numerous
TV/film productions including The Elephant Man and BBC's Doctor Who) the Wharf was finally brought
back to life by a Terence Conran led property consortium.
Today, a sympathetic mix of upmarket housing and retail developments
predominate, while swanky restaurants such as Le Pont de la Tour and
Butler's Wharf Chop House
doing a roaring trade. Along with the Design
Museum, Shad Thames (just behind Butler's Wharf) is
well-worth a visit, as is the Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee which helps to accurately reflect the
dock's historic past.
Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
Clive Steps, King Charles Street, SW1A 2AQ, Tel: 020 7930 6961,
Website: www.iwm.org.uk, Open all year round
apart from Dec 24-26 , Opening hours are 9.30am-6pm from 1 Apr-30 Sep and 10am-6pm from 1 Oct-31
Mar, Admission: £12 for adults, £9.50 seniors and students. Free Admission for
children under 16, while reductions for groups (a minimum of 10 people) are also available, Tube: Westminster,
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Today it's difficult to imagine that, from these cramped and claustrophobic underground rooms, the
famous British wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill conducted operations during the grim days
of World War II (when London was subjected to heavy bombing on an almost daily basis).
By the end of 1945, the Cabinet War Rooms had enlarged to cover a total area
of around three acres. Although the rooms were protected by one metre thick concrete, it's doubtful
that they would have withstood a direct hit from a large German bomb. With 21 rooms open to the
public, articles are laid out almost exactly as they were at the end of hostilities. As well as the
map room (which was the central hub of the complex) and Cabinet room, Churchill's desk and other
period furniture is displayed alongside charts, communications and other equipment.
As an exhibition that provides thoughtful insight into the organisation of
Britain's war effort, the Cabinet War Rooms are well-worth a visit. More recently, the
Imperial War Museum received £2 million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund to
establish an on-site museum dedicated to the life and times of Winston Churchill. As such,
it forms the core of an ambitious multi-million pound project to restore and expand this
once secret complex. Indeed, work on Churchills' private living accommodation has already been completed. For more details, please visit: http://churchillmuseum.iwm.org.uk.
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