Friday 23 November 2007

GREENWICH PARK

GREENWICH PARK

This 185 acre Park was created in 1433, the first Royal Park to be enclosed. There have been deer in the Park since the 15th century and these are now enclosed in the area known as the Wilderness. There is a fine viewtowards the National Maritime Museum and across the Thames to Docklands and the City of London. The Royal Observatory is the centrepiece of the Park, which, in addition to the deer enclosure, contains formal gardens, open areas, many historic avenues of trees and a popular boating lake and children's playground. There are also sporting facilities and a popular cafeteria.Amenities * The Old Royal Observatory * Open every day except Chrisrtmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day April 1 - September 30: Monday to Saturday 10 am - 6 pm, Sunday 12 noon - 6 pm October 1 - March 31: Monday to Saturday 10 am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 2 pm - 5 pm * Observatory planetarium (by appointment) * Cafe at Greenwich Park (open all year) * Tennis courts (6) * Putting green * Rugby footbal pitch * Cricket pitch * Hockey pitch * Bandstand (Sunday concerts during summer) * Children's playground * Children's boating pool (pedalos, canoes) * Children's entertainment (puppet shows and workshops for six weeks of summer school holiday, excluding Sundays) * Car parking
Park opening times Greenwich Park is open from dawn to dusk throughout the year.Park office Telephone: 0208-858 2608Postal address: Park Manager, Blackheath Gate, Greenwich Park, London SE10 8QY

ST JAMES'S PARK AND THE GREEN PARK

ST JAMES'S PARK AND THE GREEN PARK

These two Parks lying to the east of Buckingham Palace were acquired by Henry VIII in the early 16th century at the same time as Hyde Park. They provide the backdrop for British ceremonial life with The Mall, the processional route between the Palace and Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade, the venue for major ceremonial occasions. St James's Park reflects the English picturesque style of landscaping which was prominent in the 19th century. Although there have been many minor additions and alterations, the layout is essentially that laid out by John Nash in 1827. It is a very popular Park especially with tourists and office workers. It is famous for its views, its waterfowl and its flower displays.Amenities * The Cake House * Children's playground * Deck-chairs (April to September) * Band concerts (lunchtime and early evening end of May to end of August, twice daily)
Park officeTelephone: 0207-930 1793 Postal address: Park Manager, The Storeyard, St James's Park, Horse Guards Parade, London SW1A 2BJ

ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4. Telephone: (0207) 236 0752. Tube: St Paul's. Mon-Sat 08.30-16.00, Galleries from 10.00-16.15. Tours available.
Designed by Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666, St Paul's has been the scene of many historic and national occasions. The nave, transepts and choir are arranged in the shape of a cross, as in a medieval cathedral. Wren created an interior of majesty and Baroque splendour.Climb to the Whispering Gallery for fine views of the paintings on the inside of the dome.

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

Westminster, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 219 4272. Tube: Westminster.
This superb mock-Gothic building replaced the original Palace of Westminster which burnt down in 1834. The Clock Tower houses the famous bell 'Big Ben', which chimes every hour, with four smaller ones ringing on the quarter hour. For debates queue outside St Stephen's entrance - House of Commons: Mon-Thu 14.30-22.00; Fri 09.30-15.00. House of Lords: Debate times vary.

HMS BELFAST

HMS BELFAST
Morgan's Lane, Tooley Street, London SE1. Telephone: (0207) 407 6434. Tube: London Bridge. Daily 10.00-18.00.
This 1938, 11,500 ton Royal Navy cruiser is now permanently moored on the River Thames as a floating museum.

BRITAIN AT WAR EXPERIENCE

BRITAIN AT WAR EXPERIENCE

Tooley Street, London SE1. Telephone: (0207) 403 3171. Tube: London Bridge. Daily 10.00-17.30 (last admission).

Journey back in time and experience the war years by sheltering from the air raids, dodging falling masonry and crouching in an Anderson Shelter. Special feature 8 May VE Day Events: visitors receive a free wartime news bulletin, a Union Jack flag and mystery gifts.

BRASS RUBBING CENTRE

BRASS RUBBING CENTRE

Crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, London WC2.Telephone: (0207) 930 9306.Tube: Charing Cross.Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun 12.00-18.00.

Follow a British tradition by rubbing replicas of medieval church brasses.

BANQUETING HOUSE

BANQUETING HOUSE

Whitehall, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 930 4179. Tube: Westminster. Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 (last admission 16.00).

Built between 1619-1622, and the only remaining part of the original Palace of Whitehall, destroyed by fire in 1698.

Tate Gallery

For a more modern art experience, the Tate Gallery has a permanent collection of British painting from the 16th century to 1900. Free lectures take place most lunchtimes, covering all aspects of the collection as well as major exhibitions.

Tube Station: Pimlico on Victoria Line Telephone: 0207 887 8000

Central Criminal Court

There's yet more pomp at the Central Criminal Court, or the Old Bailey as it's better known. These are the country's principal criminal courts, so you'll find at least one newsworthy case being heard. There are 19 courts, but which one you end up in is a matter of luck. No children under 14 are allowed in. Security is tight. Large bags, cameras, mobile phones and tape recorders are not allowed, and there is nowhere to store any you might bring. The courts sit 10:30 till 16:30 Monday to Friday

Tube Station: St Paul's on Central Line

British Museum

The British Museum located in Russell Square houses an astounding six and a half million objects from Egyptian, Roman and Greek antiquities as well as Japanese treasures, coins and medals. One of the most acclaimed museums in Europe definitely worth seeing.

Tube Station: Russell Square on Piccadilly Line

Saturday 10 November 2007

MADAME TUSSAUDS

MADAME TUSSAUDS

Marylebone Road, London NW1. Telephone: (0207) 935 6861. Tube: Baker Street. Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat, Sun 09.30-17.30.
Renowned life-size waxworks museum features the famous and infamous. Includes the Chamber of Horrors and the 'Spirit of London' dark ride which takes you on a journey through London's history in a 'time-taxi'.