Attractions in London
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 country's central bank. There are gold bars, coins and banknotes, as well as many items you might not expect to find...
Household Cavalry Museum
You've seen the Changing of the Guard; now look behind the scenes at the work that goes into the ceremonial duties and operational roles of the Household Cavalry. Watch troopers working with their horses in the original 18th century stables and browse a collection representing over 300 years of military history.
Movieum of London
Explore the world of the movies at this museum on London's south bank. Interactive exhibits offer the chance to look behind the scenes of famous films and to storyboard and shoot your own movie. There are also props and exhibits from films like Superman, Star Wars and Batman.
The Garden Museum
Located in a converted church next to Lambeth Palace, this small but charming museum explores British gardens and gardening through its collection, temporary exhibitions and events. The walled garden contains a 17th century-style knot garden.
Museum of London
Historic objects and exhibitions tell the story of the London's turbulent past. Discover prehistoric London, see how the city changed under Roman rule, and wonder at the grandeur of medieval London. Free entry
Museum of London in the Docklands
This excellent museum housed in a restored Georgian warehouse in London's docklands area explores the story of London's river, port and people from Roman times through to recent regeneration.
Royal Institution
This grand building just off Piccadilly has been home to 14 Nobel prizewinners, and housed the laboratories of some of the world's greatest scientific minds. The small but entertaining exhibition explores the illustrious history of the RI, and uses animations and comedy to explain some of the groundbreaking concepts and equipment on show. Free entry
The Geffrye Museum
One of London's most friendly and charming museums, the Geffrye presents the history of the English domestic interior from 1600 to the present day. The museum is set in delightful 18th-century almshouse buildings with attractive gardens, including a walled herb garden and series of period gardens. Free Entry
Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
Explore Britain's secret underground World War II headquarters. Located behind Downing Street, this underground complex has been left as it was in 1945. The new Churchill Museum, attached to the Cabinet War Rooms, reveals more about the man behind the cigar
English Heritage
Some of the most intriguing historic houses in the capital belong to English Heritage. A good start for a tour of English Heritage properties would be Apsley House. Otherwise known as "No 1 London", it was the London residence of the first Duke of Wellington. Move on to the stately Kenwood House, on the edge of Hampstead Heath (part of the film Notting Hill was filmed here), and don't miss Eltham Palace, in all its art deco splendor.
Historic Royal Palaces in London
You can uncover the history and heritage of the Royal Family at London's royal palaces. Sparkle with the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and be impressed by the ceremonial-dress collection at Kensington Palace. Enjoy a lunchtime concert at Banqueting House, and get into character with the costumed guides at Hampton Court Palace.
Leighton House
Leighton House is beautifully preserved and boasts sumptuous interiors. It was the home of the great Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. There are paintings by Leighton and his contemporaries, including works by John Everett Millais, Edward Burne-Jones and George Frederick Watts.
The National Trust
Like English Heritage, the National Trust owns a collection of remarkable historic houses in London. Fenton House, for example, is a 17th century merchant's residence with a pretty, walled garden. Osterley House boasts Neoclassical architecture, while the 18th century Carlyle's House in Chelsea is the former home of historian and philosopher Thomas Carlyle. Here he hosted guests such as George Eliot and Charles Dickens.
Spencer House
Named after John, 1st Earl Spencer – an ancestor of the late Diana, Princess of Wales – who commissioned its building in 1756, Spencer House is an impressive private palace in St James's. You can take a guided tour of the restored premises. It's a fine place to while away a day and marvel at the splendid views over Green Park.