ALIEN WAR

Trocadero Centre, Coventry Street, W1 Tel: +44 [0]207 437 2678 Open : Mon-Fri 1130-2300, Sat 1030-2300. Closed Christmas Day. 20th Century Fox presents Alien War, the most terrifying tour in London. Visitors play out a participating role, led by a trained and armed space man, through a complex web of tunnels, while pursued by Aliens. Children under 10 not admitted. Tube : Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

Bartholomew Lane, EC2 Tel: +44 [0]207 601 5545 Open : Mon-Fri 1000-1700. Also open on the day of the Lord Mayor's Show. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. illustrates the history' of the Bank of England. Displays include gold bars, banknotes and a modern dealing desk. Award-winning interactive video. (Tube/BR/DLR: Bank BR: Liverpool Street, Fenchurch Street, Cannon Street (weekdays only)

BANQUETING HOUSE

Whitehall SW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 839 8919 Open: Mon-Sat 1000-1700. May be closed at short notice for Government functions. Only remaining part of the Palace of Whitehall built between 1619-1622. Famous for its Rubens ceiling paintings, and architecture by Inigo Jones. Tube: Westminster Tube/BR: Charing Cross

BBC VISITOR CENTRE

+44 [0]207 765 5733 

HMS BELFAST

Morgan's Lane, Tooley Street, SE1 Tel: +44 [0]207 407 6434 Open: I Mar-31 Oct, daily 1000-1800 (last admission 1715)1 Nov-28 Feb, daily 1000-1700 )last admission 1615). Closed 24-26 Dec. Europe's largest preserved warship, now a floating naval museum with seven decks to explore. Also naval exhibitions. Tube & BR: London Bridge Tube: Tower Hill DLR: Tower Gateway Ferry: From Tower Pier

BETHNAL GREEN MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

Cambridge Heath Road, E2 Tel: +44 [0]208 9802415 Open: Mon-Thu and Sat 1000-1750, Sun 1430-1750. Closed Fri, May Day Bank Holiday, 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. This is the National Museum of Childhood with a superb collection of toys, dolls, dolls houses, puppets, toy theatres and games, children's costume and nursery furniture. Cafe on site. 

BRITISH MUSEUM

Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Tel: +44 [0]207 323 8605. Open Monday to Saturday 10.00 - 17.00, Sunday and bank holidays except Xmas and Boxing day 14.30 -17.00. Displays include Parthenon Frieze (Elgin Marbles), Sutton Hoo treasures, Lindow 'bog' man etc. Tube - Tottenham Court Road/Holborn/Russell Square.

BRITISH MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Exhibition Road, London SW7 (+44 [0]207 938 9123) Nearest Station South Kensington. Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 1800 Sunday and Bank Holidays except Xmas/Boxing Day 11.00 - 1800. National museum for natural sciences. Includes Dinosaur Exhibition, Creepy Crawlies, Human Anatomy and the Earth Galleries covering geology and the earth sciences (note these galleries are closed until spring 1996 for major refurbishment). www.nhm.ac.uk  Cafe/restaurant facilities and a snack area for those who prefer to self-cater. 

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 839 1377 Open August and September daily 0930 - 17.30; ticket office opens at 09.00 and closes when the last ticket has been sold. Visitors are advised to buy their tickets before midday. Visitors may tour the State Rooms, which include the Throne Room, the Picture Gallery and the State Dining Room. Tube/BR Victoria, Tube St James's Park/Green Park. 

CABINET WAR ROOMS

Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1 +44 [0]207 930 6961 Open 1 April - 30 September daily 09.30 - 18.00; 1 Oct-31March, daily 10.00- 1800 (last admission 17.15) Closed 24-26th December. The Underground headquarters used by Winston Churchill and the British Government during the Second World War. Visitors can see a suite of 21 historic rooms, including Cabinet Room, Transatlantic Telephone Room, Map Room and the Prime Ministers room. Tube: Westminster.

CARLISLE'S HOUSE

24 Cheyne Row SW3 Tel +44 [0]207 352 7087. Open 30 March - end Oct, Wed-Sun and Bank Holiday Mon 11.00-17.00(last admission 16.30) Closed Good Fri and over Xmas period. Opening times subject to change. Queen Anne town house built in 1708 and home of Thomas Carlyle from 1834-1881. Contains furniture, books, portraits and personal relics. Tube Sloane Square then buses 11, 19,22. 

CHISWICK HOUSE

Burlington Lane, London W4 Tel: (0208 995 0508) Open April to September daily, 10.00 - 1800 Oct - March, Wed-Sun 1000-1600. Always closed 1300-1400. Closed 24&25th December. Historic House designed by the Earl of Burlington 1725-1729. Outstanding example of classical architecture. Rooms have original decoration. Tube: Turnham Green then bus/Hammersmith then bus BR. Chiswick. 

COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE

Kensington High Street, London W8. Tel: +44 [0]207 603 4545 Open Mon - Sat 1000 - 1700, Sun 1400-1700. Closed 25,26th December and 1 Jan. Check for other Xmas Closure Dates. Discover the history, landscapes, wildlife and culture of 50 Commonwealth Countries. Live gallery events, cultural festivals and children's weekend and holiday activities. Tube: High Street Kensington, Holland Park, Earls Court, Olympia. 

DICKENS HOUSE

48 Doughty Street, London WC1. Tel +44 [0]207 405 2127 Open Monday-Saturday 1000-1700. Closed Sunday and Selected days at Christmas. Charles Dickens' Home from 1837 - 1839. Letters, pictures, first editions, furniture, memorabilia and restored rooms . Tube: Russell Square, Chancery Lane. 

FENTON HOUSE

Windmill Hill, NW3 Tel: +44 [0]207 435 Check opening times. A William and Mary house which now contains the flenton Fletcher collection of early keyboard instruments and the Binning Collection of porcelain and furniture. Walled garden. Tube : Hampstead  

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM

2 Lambeth Palace Road, SF1 Tel: +44 [0]207 620 0374 Open: Tue-Sun & Bank Holidays 1000-1600 (last admission). Closed 25-26 Dec, 1 Jan, Good Fri and Faster Sun. History of Florence Nightingale told through original objects, audio-visual, period settings.  Also a resource centre. Tube : Westminster Tube/BR: Waterloo

GABRIEL'S WHARF

56 Upper Ground, Waterloo, SE1 Tel: +44 [0]207 620 0544 Open : Tue-Sun 1100-1800 Designer craft workshops, restaurants and events space on the river between the Royal National Theatre and the OXO Tower. Craft Market on Fridays from 1100-1500. Excellent parking. Tube/BR: Waterloo/Blackfriars 

GIPSY MOTH IV

Cutty Sark Gardens, SE1O Tel: +44 [0]208 858 3445 Open : Apr-Oct, Mon-Sat 1000-1300 & 1400-1730, Sun 1200-1730 The boat in which Sir Francis Chichester sailed single handed around the world - see how he lived and worked on board. BR: Greenwich, Maze Hill DLR : Island Gardens Boats : from Westminster, Charing Cross, and Tower piers 

GUARDS MUSEUM

Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, SW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 414 3271 Open: Sat-Thu 1000-1600 (last admission 1530). Open Bank Holidays. Closed Fri. Collection of uniforms, colours and artefacts spanning over 300 years of history of the Foot Guards. Tube: St James's Park A2.00 Cl.00 

GUINNESS WORLD OF RECORDS

The Trocadero, Coventry Street, Piccadilly Circus, W1 Tel: +44 [0]207 439 7331 Open: daily 1000-2200. Closed Christmas Day. The exhibition that brings to life the Guinness Book of Records using life-size models, videos, multi-screen computers and electronic displays. Tube: Piccadilly Circus A 5.95 C 3.95 

HAM HOUSE

Ham Street, Richmond, Surrey Tel: +44 [0]208 940 1950 Open: 30 March-Oct, Mon-Wed 1300-1700, Sat & Sun 12.00-1730. Closed Thu & Fri Outstanding Stuart house, built about 1610, containing original collection of fine 17th century furniture. 17th century garden in process of restoration. Tube & BR: Richmond then bus A4.00 C2.00 

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Hampton Court, East Molesey, Surrey Tel: +44 [0]208 781 9500 Open: April-Mid Oct, Mon 1015-1800, Tue-Sun 0930-1800; Mid Oct-Mid Mar, Mon 1015-1630, Tue-Sun 0930-1630. Closed 24-26 Dec Henry VIII's magnificent Tudor palace, set in extensive gardens and park land on the banks of the River Thames. Tudor kitchens, tennis courts, maze and state apartments, King's Apartments. BR: Hampton Court Boats: From Westminster, Richmond, Kingston during summer.

HAYWARD GALLERY

South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 Tel: +44 [0]207 261 0127 Open : daily 1000-1800, until 2000 on Tue & Wed. Closed between exhibitions - phone for details Part of the South Bank Centre, a major air- conditioned gallery which is the venue for four to five major exhibitions per year. No permanent collection. Tube/BR: Waterloo A5.00 

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

Lambeth Road, SE1 Tel: +44 [0]207 416 5000 Open : daily 1000-1800. Closed 24-26 Dec. Museum tells the story of 20th century war from Flanders to the Gulf Special features include the Blitz Experience, Operation Jericho and the Trench Experience. Interactive videos and children's activities. Tube: Lambeth North/Elephant & Castle BR: Waterloo  

INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS

Nash House, The Mall, SW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 930 3647 Open: Mon-Sat 1200-0100, Sun & Mon 1200-2300. Galleries: daily 1200-1930, Fri until 2100 The centre for international contemporary arts in Britain with 3 galleries featuring changing exhibitions, two cinemas, a theatre, bookshop and late bar and cafe. Tube/BR Charing Cross Tube: Piccadilly Circus A1.50 C1.00 (Admission by day membership) 

JEWISH MUSEUM

Raymond Burton House, 129 Albert Street, NW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 2S4 1997 Open: Sun-Thu 1000-1600. Closed Jewish festivals and public holidays. Collection of Jewish ceremonial art and history. Excellent audio-visual programmes explaining the Jewish faith and customs. Gallery devoted to the history of the Jewish community in Britain. Tube: Camden Town A 3.00 C 1.50 

KENSINGTON PALACE STATE APARTMENTS

Kensington Gardens, W8 Tel: +44 [0]207 937 9561 Open: Mon-Sat 0900.1700, Sun 1100-1700 (last admission 45 minutes before).  State Apartments include furniture from Stuart-Hanoverian periods, ceiling paintings and rooms from the Victorian era. Also works of art from the Royal Collection and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. Tube: Queensway, High Street Kensington A4.50 C3.00 

KENWOOD HOUSE

(Iveagh Bequest), Hampstead Lane, NW3 Te]: +44 [0]208 3481286 Open: daily, Apr-Sep, 1000-1800; Oct-Mar, 1000-1600. Closed 24 & 25 Dec. Neo-classical villa by Robert Adam which houses collection of English and foreign paintings.  Shoebuckle collection and Hull Grundy collection of jewellery. Restaurant in the Brew House. Concerts held in summer. Tube : Archway or Golders Green then bus 210 Free admission. 

KEW BRIDGE STEAM MUSEUM

Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, Middlesex Tel: +44 [0]208 568 4757 Open : daily 1100-1700. Steaming at weekends and Bank Holiday Mon only. Closed Good Fri and 21-26 Dec Victorian waterworks housing massive steam powered pumping engines, plus steam railway, water history and waterwheel Tea Room and souvenir/bookshop. Audio Tour available. Tube/BR: Gunnershury BR: Kew Bridge Entrance free with the London Pass

KEW GARDENS (ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS)

Kew, Richmond, Surrey Tel: +44 [0]208 940 1171 Open: daily from 0930 - please call for closing times. 300 acres which once belonged to the Royal Family; contains living collections of over 40,000 plant species and varieties. Also six glasshouses, two art galleries, an audio-visual exhibition and visitors' centre. Tube/BR: Kew Gardens BR: Kew Bridge

LONDON DOCKLANDS VISITORS CENTRE

Tel: +44 [0]207 512 1111 Open : Mon-Fri 0830-1800, Sat-Sun and Bank Holiday Mon 0930-1700. Tours take place Tue at 1400 and Thu and Sun at 1030. Closed 25-26 Dec Visitor centre run by the London Docklands Development Corporation as a point of information and an exhibition area for visitors to the Docklands area. DLR: Crossharbour

KEW PALACE AND QUEEN CHARLOTTES COTTAGE

Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey Tel: +44 [0]208 3325189 Open : (Palace) Apr- Sept, daily 1100-1730; (Cottage) Apr-Sep, Sat, Sun and Bank Holiday 1100-1730. This intimate and little known royal palace is set within the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Its interiors reflect the domestic and private lives of George 111 and Queen Charlotte, who used it as their family retreat from 1802-1818. The picturesque cottage served as a summer-house for George III and was used by his family for picnics in Kew Gardens. Built in 1772. Tube/BR: Kew Gardens BR: Kew Bridge

LONDON BRASS RUBBING CENTRE

St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, WC2 Tel: +44 [0]207 437 6023 Open : Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1200-1800. Closed Good Fri, 25-26 Dec and 1Jan Knights, unicorns, and kings are traditional brass rubbings for visitors to buy or make themselves. Also unusual Celtic designs and historical gifts. Materials and help provided. Tube/BR: Charing Cross Free admission but charges for rubbings 

LONDON DUNGEON

28 - 34 Tooley Street, SE1 Tel: +44 [0]207 403 0606 Open : daily, Apr-Sep, 1000-1830 (last admission 1730); Oct-Mar, 1000-1730 (last admission 1630). The world's first medieval horror museum complete with sounds and light effects. Features two major shows: 'The Jack the Ripper Experience' and 'The Theatre of the Guillotine'. Shop and restaurant. Tube / BR: London Bridge

LONDON PAVILION

1 Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, W1 Tel: +44 [0]207 437 1838 Open: daily 1000-2200. Three floors with many unique shops plus the Rock Island Diner and Rock Circus. Tube: Piccadilly Circus LONDON 

PLANETARIUM

Marylebone Road, NW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 486 1121. Open : during term- time - Star shows last 30 minutes and are at Mon-Fri 1220 and every 40 minutes until 1700 (last show), Sat-Sun , School holidays from 1020 until 1700. During school holidays 1020-1700. Closed 25 Dec. Space Trail and Star Shows. Interactive area for planetarium visitors. Two-level area featuring giant revolving earth, with live transmission to TV monitors from weather satellites. Tube: Baker Street 

LONDON TOY AND MODEL MUSEUM

21-23 Craven Hill, W2 Tel: +44 [0]207 706 8000 Contact for opening times and prices. One of the most extensive collections of commercially made toys and models in Europe dating from 1850 onwards, including antique toys, working models and penny slot machines. Tube/BR: Paddington Tube: Lancaster Gate/Bayswater/Queensway Admission charge 

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

39 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2 Tel: +44 [0]207 379 6344 Open: daily 1000-1800 (last admission 1715). Closed 24-26 Dec. A spectacular collection of vehicles - trolleybuses, trams, steam and electric trains - with hands-on working exhibits plus the very latest interactive. New art and history galleries and regular programme of events and activities. Tube: Covent Garden or Leicester Square.  Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

LONDON ZOO

Regent's Park, NW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 722 3333 Open: daily Mar-Sep, 1000-1730; Oct-Feb, 1000-1600. Closed 25 Dec. The world's most famous zoo with over 8,000 animals. Daily programme of events including Animal Encounters, which give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the animals from their keepers. Tube: Camden Town Bus:274, C2 (Camden Hoppa), Z1 (Zoo bus - summer only)

MADAME TUSSAUD'S

Marylebone Road, NW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 935 6861 Open: Mon-Fri 1000-1730, Sat-Sun 0930-1730. Closed Christmas Day 0900-1730. World famous collection of wax figures, in themed settings, which include: The Garden Party, 200 Years, Superstars, The Grand Hall The Chamber of Horrors and The Spirit of London, a time-taxi trip through London's history. Tube: Baker Street 

MALL GALLERIES

The Mall, SW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 9306844 Open: daily 1000-1700 (when there is an exhibition). Open throughout Easter, closed 22 Dec-S Jan. Exhibitions by a number of art societies throughout the year of contemporary art, mainly by British artists in traditional media. Tube/BR: Charing Cross Tube: Piccadilly Circus.

MARBLE HILL HOUSE

Richmond Road, Twickenham, Middlesex Tel: +44 [0]208 8925115 Open: daily, Apr-Sep, 1000-1800; Oct-Mar, Wed-Sun 1000-1600. Closed 24 & 25 December. Thames- side villa built 1724-29 for Henrietta Howard, mistress of King George 111. Design of the villa inspired by Andrea Palladio and Inigo Jones. Riverside concerts in summer. Enjoy tea in the Coach House (Mar-Oct). BR: St Margaret's Tube/BR: Richmond then bus

MUSEUM OF LONDON

London Wall, Barbican London EC2 Tel: +44 [0]207 600 3699. Nearest Tube - St Paul's. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 - 17.30. Sunday and bank holidays except Xmas and Boxing Day 10.00 - 17.30. Displays include the recently opened Thames Before London (Prehistoric exhibits), Roman London (including an excellent mosaic floor), a Fire of London display and the museum overlooks some of the original Roman Fort. Tube - Barbican, Moorgate, Liverpool Street, St Paul's, City (Thameslink). Admission about 3.50 for adult; There is a good cafe outside the museum and the nearby Barbican complex offers a number of cafes and restaurants. 

MUSEUM OF MANKIND

6 Burlington Gardens, London W1 Tel: +44 [0]207 323 8043 Open: Monday - Saturday 1000 - 1700, Sunday 1430 - 1800. Closed Christmas period, 1 Jan, Good Fri, 1st Mon in May. Ethnography department of British Museum houses collections from Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islands and North and South [E1]America. Tube Piccadilly Circus, Green Park

MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE

South Bank Waterloo SE1 Tel: +44 [0]207 928 3535 Open daily 1000 - 1800 (last Admission 1700) Closed 24-26th December. Exciting, informative and fun, the award-winning Museum of the Moving Image traces the history of film and TV. Try your hand at reading the news or be screen tested for a Hollywood movie. Tube/BR: Waterloo or Embankment (cross Hungerford footbridge) 

NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM

Royal Hospital Road, SW3 Tel +44 [0]207 730 0171 Open daily 10.00 - 1730 The British Army's own museum telling the story of the British soldier in peace and war , through five centuries. Extensive displays on both World Wars and unrivalled collection relating to Victorian period and the Battle of Waterloo. Also exhibitions on 'The Victorian Soldier' and 'The Gulf War; Aftermath of Battle. Tube Sloane Square then 10-15 minutes walk. www.national-army-museum.ac.uk

NATIONAL GALLERY

Trafalgar Square, London WC2. Tel: +44 [0]207 389 1785. Open Monday to Saturday 10.00 - 18.00, Sunday 14.00 (Except Xmas and Boxing Day) 14.00 - 17.30. Displays include a huge permanent collection of paintings and some sculptures as well as additional special exhibitions. Tube Embankment, Charing Cross, many buses. Free admission except to the special exhibitions. There is a cafe/restaurant and there are numerous facilities in the surrounding area.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

St Martins Place WC2 +44 [0]207 306 0055 Open Monday - Saturday 1000-1800 Sunday 1200-1800 Closed 24-26th December, 1st Jan, Good Fri, May Day Bank Holiday. Permanent collection of portraits of famous men and women form the Middle Ages to the present day. Lectures and tours held regularly. Also Children's holiday activities. Tube/BR Charing Cross. Tube: Leicester Square. 

OLD ROYAL OBSERVATORY

Greenwich Park, London SE10. Tel: +44 [0]208 858 4422. Open daily 1000 - 1700. Closed 24-26th December. Museum of time and space, built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1675.  Greenwich Meridian, working telescopes and planetarium. Time-ball and Wrens Octagonal Room. Intricate clocks and computer simulations. Interactive science stations and planetarium shows. Admission price includes entry to National Maritime Museum and Queen's House nearby. Ticket also valid for second visit made within 12 months. BR. Maze Hill DLR Island Gardens Riverboat Greenwich Pier. 

OSTERLEY PARK HOUSE

Jersey Road, Isleworth Middlesex Tel: +44 [0]208 560 3918 Open April - October Wed-Sun 1300 - 1700, Bank Hol Mon 100 - 1700. Last admission 1630. Closed Good Fri. Park open all year round. Osterley is one of the last great houses with an intact estate in Greater London. This neo-classical villa has superb interiors which contains one of the country's most complete examples of Robert Adams's work. Set in 140 acres of landscaped gardens with ornamental lakes. Tube Osterley then 20 minutes walk. 

QUEEN'S GALLERY

Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1 Tel; +44 [0]207 839 1377, Open 0930 - 1630 (last admission 1600) Exhibition Leonardo Drawings 1 March 1996 - 12 Jan 1997. Once the Palace chapel. The Queen's Gallery is open regularly to visitors and exhibits works of art from the Royal Collection. Shop open all year. Tube: BR Victoria. Tube: St James Park. A 3.50 C 2.00. 

ROCK CIRCUS

London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus W1 Tel +44 [0]207 734 7203 Open Mon, Wed, Thur, Sun 1100 - 2100, Tue 1200 - 2100, Fri and Sat 1100 - 2200. During Easter and summer Holidays open 1000 - 2200. Closed 25th December. Rock Circus where the spirit of rock speaks to you, sings to you, moves and touches you. A unique celebration of 40 years of rock and pop. Tube Piccadilly Circus/ Leicester Square. 

ROYAL MEWS

Buckingham Palace, SW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 839 1377 Open Wed throughout year and additional days in summer. Phone for details of times. See The Queen's Horses and carriages used on State occasions including the Coronation Coach (built 1761). Numbers of horses and carriages on view may vary. Tube/BR Victoria. 

SAINT PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

St Paul's Churchyard, EC4 Tel: +44 [0]207 248 2705 Open: For worship - Mon-Sat 0715-1800, Sun 0745- 1700; Cathedral sightseeing Mon-Sat 0830-1600; Crypt and Ambulatory open 0845-1615; Galleries Mon-Sat 1000-1615. Special services or events may close some or all parts of the cathedral. Entrance charge only applies Mon- Sat 0830-1600. Wren's famous cathedral church of the diocese of London. Galleries, crypt and ambulatory. Tube: St Paul's

SCIENCE MUSEUM

Exhibition Road, SW7 Tel: +44 [0]207 938 8000 Open: Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1100-1800. Closed 24-26 Dec. National museum of science and industry. Special interactive gallery for children, Wellcome Museum of Medicine, Flight Lab, Food for Thought Gallery an Space Gallery. Tube: South Kensington 

SHAKESPEARE GLOBE THEATRE AND EXHIBITION

New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 Tel: +44 [0]207 928 6406 Open: daily 1000-1700. Closed 24-26 Dec. The fascinating story of the re-creation of Shakespeare's Globe, the most important public theatre ever built. Unique opportunity of seeing an Elizabethan theatre building reconstructed using material, techniques and craftsmanship of 400 years ago Tube/BR: London Bridge Tube: Southwark, Mansion House 

SPENCER HOUSE

27 St James's Place, SW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 409 0526 Open : Sun 1130-1730 (last tour 1645). Closed Jan & Aug. Tours begin every 15 minutes and last approximately 1 hour. Open Easter Sunday and all Suns during Dec in 1995. Private palace built in 1756-66 for the first Earl Spencer, an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales. Nine state rooms and furnished with antique and neo-classical furniture. Children under 10 not admitted. Tube : Green Park 

TATE BRITAIN (ART GALLERY)

Millbank, SW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 887 8000 Open : Mon-Sat 1000-1750, Sun 1400-1750. Closed Good Fri, May Bank Holiday, 24-26 Dec, 1Jan The Tate Gallery holds the national collection of British painting from 1500 to the present day, the national collection of 20th century painting and sculpture and the Turner Collection. Tube: Pimlico. 

THAMES BARRIER VISITORS' CENTRE

Unity Way, Woolwich, SE1 8 Tel: +44 [0]207 854 1373 Open: Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat & Sun 1030-1730. Closed at Christmas period. The Thames Barrier is the world's largest moveable flood barrier, designed to protect London from devastating floods. The Visitors' Centre has spectacular views of the Barrier, along with an exhibition with video, working scale model and audio-visual displays. Riverside walkways and cafeteria. BR: Charlton then 20 mins walk Boats: from Westminster, Greenwich, Tower piers

THE THEATRE MUSEUM

Russell Street, WC2 Tel: +44 [0]207 836 7891 Open : Public Galleries, Shop and Box Office: Tues-Sun 1100-1900. Permanent display of history of performance in the United Kingdom. Collection includes theatre, ballet, dance, circus, rock and pop, opera and musicals. Tube: Covent Garden, Leicester Square BR: Charing Cross 

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE

Catherine Street, WC2 Tel: +44 [0]207 494 5091 Tours: Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 1100, 1300 1500 & 1730; Wed & Sat 1100 & 1230; Sun 1200, 1400 & 1530. Other times by request. Closed over Christmas period. Tour of the world's largest operational theatre and home of the hit musical 'Miss Saigon'. The tour tells the theatres history and looks at the statues, pictures, architecture, Royal Box and auditorium. Also front of house, understage and backstage. Tube: Covent Garden  

TOWER BRIDGE

London SE1 Tel+44 [0]207 403 3761 Open: daily, Apr-Oct, 0930-1800; Nov-Mar, 1000-1715 (last tickets 1 1/2 hours before closing). Closed 24-26 Dec. Magnificent panoramic views of London, superb Victorian engines and museum. New state- of-the-art exhibition within the two towers brings to life the story of Tower Bridge. Suitable for all ages. Tube: Tower Hill DLR: Tower Gateway Boats: from Westminster and Charing Cross 

TOWER HILL PAGEANT

Tower Hill Terrace, EC3 Tel: +44 [0]207 709 0081 Open: daily, Apr-Oct, 0930-1730; Nov-Mar, 0930-1630.Closed 25 Dec. Dark-ride attraction, where automated vehicles transport visitors past tableaux depicting the history of the City and its port. Complete with sound and smell effects. Also a display of archaeological finds. Shop and restaurant. Tube: Tower Hill DLR: Tower Gateway 

TOWER OF LONDON

Tower Hill, EC3 Tel: +44 [0]207 709 0765 Open: 1 Mar-31 Oct, Mon-Sat 0900-1800, Sun 1000-1800; 1 Nov-end of February, Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1000-1700. Closed 24-26 Dec & 1Jan. This historic building, guarded by the famous 'Beefeaters', spans 900 years of British history and has served as a palace, prison and an execution site. See the Crown Jewels, Traitor's Gate, the Royal Armouries and the famous ravens. Tube: Tower Hill BR: Fenchurch Street DLR: Tower Gateway Boats: from Westminster and Charing Cross

TROCADERO

13 Coventry Street, W1 Open: 1000-0000. Closed Christmas Day. The Trocadero, in Piccadilly Circus, is the biggest and brightest entertainment centre in London. Attractions include: Guinness World of Records, MGM seven-screen cinema, Alien War, Funland. Nickelodeon television, Quasar, The Emaginator, Virtual Reality and Planet Hollywood. Tube: Piccadilly Circus 

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

Cromwell Road, SW7 Tel: +44 [0]207 938 8500 Open: Tue-Sun 1000-1750, Mon 1200-1750. Closed 24-26 Dec and New Year's Day and Good Fri. The world's greatest museum of decorative arts housing priceless collections of jewellery, silver, glass, furniture and paintings and a magnificent Dress Collection. Changing exhibitions and displays. Tube: South Kensington

WEMBLEY STADIUM TOURS

Wembley, Middlesex Tel: +44 [0]208 902 8833 Closed for re-building 

WESLEY'S HOUSE AND CHAPEL

47 City Road, EC1 Tel: +44 [0]207 253 2262 Open: Mon-Sat 1000-1600, Sun after 1100 service. Closed 25-26 Dec. Phone in advance for opening times on Bank Holidays. Original 18th century house in which John Wesley lived and died. In the Crypt of the chapel is the Museum of Methodism which illustrates the beginnings of Methodism. Tube: Old Street, Moorgate 

WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Parliament Square, SW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 222 5152 Tel: +44 [0]207 222 5897 (Chapter House) Open: Nave and Cloisters daily 0800-1800; Royal Chapels Mon-Fri 0920-1600, Sat 0920-1445, 1600- 1800 (last admission one hour before closing time). One of Britain's finest Gothic buildings. Scene of the coronation, marriage and burial of British monarchs. Nave and cloisters, Royal Chapels, Chapter House, Undercroft Museum and Brass Rubbing Centre. Tube: Westminster/St James's Park

WESTMINSTER BRASS RUBBING CENTRE

North Cloister, Westminster Abbey, SW1 Tel: +44 [0]207 222 2085 Open: Mon-Sat 0900-1730. Closed Good Fri and Christmas Day. Large selection of facsimile brasses for making brass rubbings, also a selection of miniature brasses for sale. Tube : Westminster/St James's Park Free admission but charges for rubbings 

WIMBLEDON LAWN TENNIS MUSEUM

All England Club, Church Road, SWl9 Tel: +44 [0]208 9466131 Open: Tue-Sat 1030-1700, Sun 1400-1700. Closed Mon, public holidays and Fri-Sun prior to championships and middle Sun of championships. During championships only open to those visiting the tournament. Museum illustrates the history of Lawn Tennis with fashions, trophies and memorabilia. View over the centre court, films of matches and racket makers workshop. Shop and tearoom. Tube: Southfield's then 15 minutes' walk Tube/BR: Wimbledon then bus 80/93

Outside London

Legoland

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