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
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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