WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL

WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL

Victoria Street, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 798 9055. Tube: Victoria. Daily 07.00-20.00.
This Christian Byzantine style cathedral contains magnificent columns, mosaics and sculptures. Special feature 17-20 May International Festival of Flowers with Music: the centenary of the foundation of the Cathedral is celebrated, drawing on the creative talents of many of the world's finest flower artists. Mon-Fri 09.30-18.00; Sat 09.30-16.30.

RICHMOND PARK

RICHMOND PARK

Richmond Park, extending over some 955 hectares (2,360 acres), is a heritage landscape of national importance. The Park was enclosed as a hunting park by Charles I in 1637 and still retains many ingredients of a medieval deer park. Essential to its character is the rich landscape of semi-natural acidic grassland, areas of bog and bracken, wetland, woodland and ancient parkland trees, and the herds of fallow and red deer that still roam the park. In 1992 the park was notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by English Nature.Amenities * Pembroke Lodge - cafeteria (telephone 0208-940 8207) 1 November - 31 March: 10 am until 30 minutes before park closes 1 April - 31 October: weekdays 10 am - 5.30 pm, weekends 10 am - 7 pm * Pembroke Lodge - light music lunchtimes, early afternoons (Friday to Sunday, late June to end of August) * Kiosks - 10 am to 30 minutes before park closes * Golf courses restaurant - open all year from 8 am during daylight hours * Two public golf courses (for booking telephone 0208-876 3205) * Sailing model boats on the pond near Sheen Gate - beware, some of the banks are steep * Horse-riding (no stables or hiring facilities in the park) anywhere in the park up to 12 noon and after 6 pm (or till park closes), except for enclosed areas, footpaths and areas of mown grass. After these times, horse-riding must be confined to the roads, the riding tracks all around the park and the riding ring; also confined to tracks at all times when notices displayed. * Playground at Petersham Gate * Fishing on Pen Ponds (with licence) * Cycling on cycle tracks and al roads (except those closed by notice)Park opening times The park opens at 7.00 am in summer, 7.30 am in winter and closes at duskPark office Telephone: 0208-948 3209Postal address: Superintendent's Office, Holly Lodge, Bog Lodge Yard,Richmond Park, Surrey TW10 5H

REGENT'S PARK AND PRIMROSE HILL

REGENT'S PARK AND PRIMROSE HILL

Regent's Park has evolved from the 1811 plans of John Nash, Crown Architect and friend of the Prince Regent, who, to raise revenue for the Crown, designed a private residential estate set in parkland. The site is gently undulating rising to the steep conical summit of Primrose Hill from which there are fine views of Westminster and the City. Many changes have taken place within the framework of Nash's original scheme. The area now open to the public exceeds 400 acres, predominately open parkland but supporting a wide range of facilities and amenities including fine gardens, a lake with islands, heronry and waterfowl collection, sports and catering facilities, children's playgrounds and an Open Air Theatre.Amenities * Open Air Theatre (end May to early September - advance booking is essential: telephone 0207-486 2431) * Bandstands (a variety of concerts, lunchtime and evening) * Lake-side theatre (occasional) * Rose Garden Buffet * Toilets for the disabled and nappy-changing room by the Chester Gate Tea House * Broad Walk Tea House * Tennis and netball courts and tea pavilion (booking office and changing rooms) * Tennis and golf school * Bernhard Baron Pavilion (changing rooms) * Athletics track * Cricket * Blind cricket * Softball pitches * Rounders pitches * Football * Rugby * Hockey * Playgrounds (3, each with attendant) * Puppet shows and other children's activities on weekdays throughout August * Boating: on main lake, April to September - rowing, electric launch * Children's pool: rowing, canoeing, pedalos * London Zoo (entrance in Outer Circle with coach and car parks) * Waterbus (on Regent's Canal)
Park opening times The park is open from 5 a.m. until dusk all year round.Park information office.Telephone: 0207-486 7905Postal address: Park Manager, The Store Yard, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4NR

ROCK CIRCUS

ROCK CIRCUS

London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus, London W1. Telephone: (0207) 734 7203. Tube: Piccadilly Circus. Sun-Thu 11.00-21.00; Tue 12.00-21.00; Fri 11.00-22.00.
Award-winning attraction telling the story of rock and pop music by using videos, archive film and personal stereo sound. Moving and static wax figures help to revive the performances of the stars.

QUASAR

QUASAR

Trocadero Centre, Coventry Street, London W1. Telephone: (0207) 734 8151. Tube: Piccadilly Circus. Sun-Thu 10.00-23.00; Fri.Sat 10.00-00.00.
Live action laser game where up to 40 people at one time enter the futuristic fantasy game arena and escape from the real world.

LONDON DUNGEON

LONDON DUNGEON

28-34 Tooley Street, London SE1. Telephone: (0207) 403 0606. Tube: London Bridge. Daily 10.00-18.30 (last admission 17.30).
Wander at will through the dark slimy vastness of the London Dungeon which depicts the gorier aspects of British history.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Hampton Court, East Molesey, Surrey. Telephone: (0208) 781 9500. BR: Hampton Court. Mon 10.15-18.00; Tue-Sun 09.30-18.00.

The grandest Tudor residence in England, the Royal Palace, was begun in 1514 by Wolsey and developed by Henry VIII who created the magnificent roof of the Chapel Royal. In the late 17th century Wren designed the State apartments for William III. The King's apartments, badly damaged by fire in 1986, are now restored to their former glory. Wander through the ornamental gardens and the famous William III's maze
Also see the Great Vine and Henry VIII's Real Tennis Court.

GREENWICH

GREENWICH

Maze Hill or Greenwich. Thameside area famous for its maritime history. Royal Naval College with magnificent Painted Hall and beautiful chapel. Telephone: (0208) 858 2154. Fri-Wed 14.30-17.00 (last admission 16.30).

The 'Cutty Sark' is the last of the clipper ships. Telephone: (0208) 858 3445. Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun 12.00-18.00.

The Queen's House, splendidly restored to its former glory as Queen Henrietta Maria's royal palace. The interior is lavishly decorated. Telephone: (0208) 858 4422. Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00; Sun 14.00-17.00.

The Old Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park, founded by Charles II in 1675, has the Greenwich Meridian Line and historical astronomical instruments. Telephone: (0208) 858 4422. Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00; Sun 14.00-17.00.

Passport tickets to all attractions 7.95, child 5.45.

CABINET WAR ROOMS

CABINET WAR ROOMS

Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 930 6961. Tube: Westminster. Daily 19.30-18.00 (last admission 17.15).

The underground suite of 21 rooms used by Churchill and the War Cabinet to protect them against air attack between 1939 and 1945. Preserved exactly as they were left.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1. Tube: Victoria.

Originally built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, this has been the London residence of the Royal Family since 1837. The Royal Standard flies above the Palace when the Queen is in residence. State Rooms open 7 August-28 September only (See Future Events section for details).

Changing of the Guard takes place here.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN LONDON

Founded by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago, London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and is rich in heritage.There are many places of interest to visit, which are listed below in alphabetical order.

Bank of England Museum

At the Bank of England Museum, within the Bank of England, you can ogle gold bars, a unique collection of bank notes and the pikes and muskets once used to defend the bank. Examine the intricacies of note production, then head for the dealing desk for live information on the money markets. Closed weekends

Tube Station: Bank on Central and Northern Lines Telephone: 0207 601 5545

The National Gallery

The National Gallery has one of the most world's finest permanent collections of western European paintings, dating back to 1260. It's a treasure grove of greats, who include Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian and Rembrandt as well as the Post-Impressionists and Picasso. Paintings are divided chronologically, making any visit a journey through art history.

Tube Station: Charing Cross on Northern and Bakerloo Lines
Leicester Square on Northern and Piccadilly Lines

Houses of Parliament

For a debate with pomp and ceremony take a seat in the public gallery at the Houses of Parliament. These are much in demand so prepare to queue. The House sits Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 14:30, Wednesday at 10:00 and most Fridays at 9:30.

Tube Station: Westminster on Circle and District Lines Telephone: 0207 219 3000

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is an excellent place for a walk, with 790 acres of woodland and grass. There are also three ponds where you can swim for free. One is for women only, secluded and surrounded by fencing and trees. There's a men's pond and a recently refurbished mixed pond. All have changing rooms with cold showers.

Tube Station: Hampstead on Northern Line for Hampstead Heath and mixed pond
Kentish Town for men's and women's pond on Northern Line

Piazza at Covent Garden

The traffic-free area around the Piazza at Covent Garden is a haven for buskers, who perform with permission from the Council. All have to pass an audition so the standard is high. Musicians, clowns and jugglers are the main attractions, but be warned: they often invite the audiences to participate

Tube Station: Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line

Big Auction Houses

One of London's best free shows is to watch an auction at one of the Big Auction Houses. Sales are of everything from old master paintings and furniture to rock and roll memorabilia and wines. Items are displayed for a few days before sales, or you can sit among the dealers and watch the auction itself
.
Sotheby's: 0207 493 8080 Christie's: 0207 839 9060 Phillips: 0207 629 6602 Bonhams: 0207 393 3900

COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE

COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE

Kensington High Street, London W8. Telephone: (0207) 603 4535. Tube: High Street Kensington. Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00; Sun 14.00-17.00.

Over 50 countries of the Commonwealth organises their own exhibition, presenting a fasci nating look at their history, landscape, wildlife, crafts and culture.

CHISWICK HOUSE

CHISWICK HOUSE

Burlington Lane, London W4. Telephone: (0208) 995 0508. BR: Chiswick. Daily 10.00-13.00, 14.00-18.00.

Outstanding example of classical 18th century architecture designed by the Earl of Burlington.

THE ROYAL MEWS

THE ROYAL MEWS

Buckingham Palace, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 799 2331. Tube: Victoria. Tue-Thu 12.00-16.00 (last admission 15.30).

View Her Majesty The Queen's carriage horses, carriages and harness used on State occasions, also the Coronation Coach which was built in 1761.

LONDON ZOO

LONDON ZOO

Regent's Park, London NW1. Telephone: (0207) 722 3333. Tube: Baker Street + bus 274. Daily 10.00-17.30.
One of the world's great zoos, it has approximately 8,000 animals from the British countryside and all corners of the world.

Speaker's corner

Speaker's corner has been a lively forum for free speech since 1872. It's held every weekend in the corner of Hyde Park opposite Marble Arch, and come rain or shine you'll find a rag-tag assortment of people spouting off from their soap boxes. Religious and political enthusiasts make the most noise, and the most contentious and spirited draw the biggest crowd. Liveliest on Sundays.

Tube Station: Marble Arch on Central Line

Big Auction Houses

One of London's best free shows is to watch an auction at one of the Big Auction Houses. Sales are of everything from old master paintings and furniture to rock and roll memorabilia and wines. Items are displayed for a few days before sales, or you can sit among the dealers and watch the auction itself
.
Sotheby's: 0207 493 8080 Christie's: 0207 839 9060 Phillips: 0207 629 6602 Bonhams: 0207 393 3900

DOCKLANDS VISITOR CENTRE

DOCKLANDS VISITOR CENTRE

3 Limeharbour, Docklands, London E14. Telephone: (0207) 512 1111. DLR: Crossharbour. Mon-Fri 08.30-18.00; Sat, Sun 09.30-17.00.

Exhibition area and audio display provides information on the seafaring history of the London docklands area. Tours to Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf and Royal Docks (2 hrs).

CRYSTAL PALACE FARM

CRYSTAL PALACE FARM

Crystal Palace Park,London SE20. Telephone: (0208) 778 4487. BR: Crystal Palace. Daily 11.00-17.00 (last admission).

WESTMINSTER ABBEY

WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Broad Sanctuary, London SW1. Telephone: (0207) 222 5152. Tube: St James's Park. Royal Chapels: Mon-Fri 09.20-16.45 (last admission 16.00); Sat 09.20-14.45 (last admission 14.00) & 15.45-17.45 (last admission 17.00). Closed Sun. Nave and Clo isters: Daily 08.00-18.00, (Wed 19.45). Chapter House: 09.30-16.00. Pyx Chamber, Undercroft Museum: Daily 10.30-16.00.
Not only an architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, this medieval cathedral also presents a unique pageant of British history as it has been the crowning and burial place of Kings and Queens since 1066.

TOWER BRIDGE

TOWER BRIDGE

London SE1. Telephone: (0207) 378 1928. Tube: Tower Hill. Daily 10.00-17.15.
Completed in 1894, this piece of unique Victorian engineering has become an international symbol of London. Its pinnacled towers and linking catwalk support the mechanism for raising the roadway when big ships have to pass through. The bridge now houses its own museum with a fascinating exhibition 'The Celebration Story' which traces its 100 year history, whilst the Victorian winding machinery is also on display.Take the lift to the enclosed high walkways for magnificent panoramic views of the Thames and London.

PAGEANTRY CEREMONY OF THE KEYS

PAGEANTRY CEREMONY OF THE KEYS

Tower of London, Tower Hill, London EC3. Tube: Tower Hill
This 700 year old ceremony of locking-up the Tower of London takes place daily at 21.35-22.05. You can request free admission to the ceremony by writing to The Ceremony of the Keys, Queen's House, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB at least two months in advance. Enclose an international reply coupon or stamped addressed envelope and state alternative dates and the number of tickets required (maximum of fifteen tickets per person).

KENSINGTON GARDENS

KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Gardens were formed following the creation of Kensington Palace in 1689 by William and Mary with land taken from Hyde Park. The original gardens were modest in size but were extended in the early 18th century to a design by Charles Bridgeman which still gives the gardens their main structure today. This has been overlaid by Victorian influences, the most notable of which are the Italian Gardens (recently refurbished) and the Albert Memorial (currently swathed in scaffolding and polythene awaiting repair).A number of features have been added in the 20th century which have added to the impression of the Gardens as a genteel environment associated with children and passive recreation.Amenities * Orangery (restaurant in summer) * Serpentine Gallery * Sailing model boats on Round Pond * Kite-flying * Playgrounds (2) * Puppet shows (twice daily for four weeks in summer)Park office Telephone: 0207-298 2100Postal address: Park Manager, Magazine Storeyard, Magazine Gate, Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UH

HOUSE OF DETENTION

HOUSE OF DETENTION

Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell Green, London EC1. Telephone: (0207) 253 9494. Tube: Farringdon. Daily 10.00-18.00.
Prisons on this site date back over 300 years. Thirteen underground cells are now restored and open to view.

Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum is an imposing ten-acre decorative arts museum. Whether you are fascinated by treasures from the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, by things Gothic and Byzantine, or by furniture and ceramics, the V&A will keep you mesmerised. Entrance is free but you'll pass a glass booth where there is a forceful request for a donation
.
Tube Station: South Kensington on Circle and District Lines Telephone: 0207 938 8500

Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood

Children will be enchanted by the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood. It is an Aladdin's cave of antique toys dating back to the 18th century. There are dolls, teddies, doll's houses, games, puppets, model railways and children's clothing. Every Saturday, the museum runs free art workshops for children aged 3 and upwards - each week takes a different theme. Closed Fridays

Tube Station: Bethnal Green Telephone: 0208- 980 2415

Royal Festival Hall

The Royal Festival Hall hosts free music every lunchtime except Sundays, when you can hear anything from classical to African beats in foyer. On Friday evenings from 17:15 till 18:45, you can wind down after a week's hard work listening to jazz. There's a bar and several places to eat, but you don't have to order anything to enjoy the music.

Tube Station: Waterloo on Bakerloo Line

CHANGING THE GUARD

CHANGING THE GUARD

Buckingham Palace: The Mall, London SW1. Tube: St James's Park or Green Park. Daily at 11.30.
For confirmation Telephone: Visitorcall (01839) 123456. This famous ceremony involves the trooping of the Queen's colour from St James's Palace to Buckingham Palace. The best views are from the Queen Victoria Memorial, or near the centre gates. Musicians do not play in very wet weather.
Horse Guards: Whitehall, SW1. Tube: Charing Cross. The Mounted Guard Changing Ceremony takes place daily Mon-Sat 11.00; Sun 10.00. No tickets required for either ceremony.

THAMES BARRIER VISITORS CENTRE

THAMES BARRIER VISITORS CENTRE

Unity Way, Woolwich, London SE18. Telephone: (0208) 854 1373. BR: Charlton. Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat, Sun 10.30-17.30.
The world's largest movable flood barrier, built in 1982 to protect London against rising water levels and tidal surges of the Thames. The unique structure consists of 10 separate movable steel gates each weighing 3,700 tonnes. The Visitor's Centre has scale working models of the construction.

SYON HOUSE

SYON HOUSE

Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex. Telephone: (0208) 560 0881. Tube: Gunnersbury + bus 237 or 267. Sat, Sun and Bank Holiday Mondays 11.00-17.00.
This elegant London home of the Duke of Northumberland, re-modelled from its Tudor original (formerly a monastery) by Robert Adam, is considered to be one of his finest works. Gardens, landscaped by 'Capability' Brown open daily 10.00-18.00,