The British Museum is one of London's top tourist attractions, as well as a major scholarly resource. Its collection was bequeathed to the nation in 1753, and the museum's distinctive Greek Revival structure was constructed during the 19th Century. The collection expanded massively during the heyday of the British Empire, leading to the museum's reputation for acquiring from sources all over the globe, leaving it with over 8 million objects. The displays cover about 5.5 hectares (14 acres) making it impossible to see everything in one visit. The famous Rosetta Stone, Assyrian Reliefs, Parthenon Marbles and the vast Egyptian collection are a few of the British Museum's most well-known exhibits.
The National Gallery is a magnificent Georgian edifice on the northern side of Trafalgar Square that houses a massive collection of Western European art. Started in 1838, you can find many early Renaissance works in the Sainsbury Wing of the gallery, including those of Botticelli and Giovanni Bellini. The West Wing contains works by Titian, Michelangelo and Raphael, the north wing contains works by Rubens, Rembrandt and Caravaggio, and the east wing contains works by Seurat, Canaletto, Degas and Monet. A portable audio guide is available in different languages.
One of Central London's most iconic green spaces, every blade of grass at Hyde Park is drenched in history dating back to the early 1600s. Laden with a myriad of historic spots, the park's prime attractions include the symbolic Speakers' Corner, the restful Serpentine Lido swimming area, and the famous Serpentine Gallery. It is also bedecked by stunning sights such as the Isis statue and the Diana Memorial Fountain. Nature lovers can head toward Hyde's southern frontier to find themselves in the midst of blissful Rose Gardens. A fantastic place to spend the day, Hyde Park is a must-visit during a sojourn in London.
Explore the natural history of the planet Earth, from the prehistoric era to the present day, at one of London's most visited museums. In 1881, the Natural History Museum moved to its present venue. Designed by Alfred Water house, this building is now one of London's most beautiful and recognized museums. The halls house more than 300 years worth of collections, with over 80 million specimens. Broadly divided into Life and Earth galleries, the museum provides much more than can be seen in a day, and your feet will get tired before your brain does. Let your kids run wild among dinosaur skeletons, erupting volcanoes and life-size constructs of blue whales - it's unlikely they'll ever forget their first visit here.
The Victoria and Albert Museum celebrates the rich culture of a bygone era. It includes around 2.27 million objects including ceramics, fashion, furniture, glass, metalwork, paintings, photographs, prints, sculpture and textiles. Collections from as far as East Asia, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Egypt are housed in the V&A Museum. One can explore the world's most comprehensive holding of post-classical European sculpture. The museum frequently holds exhibitions of its collections. And what's more, you could even shop for books, stationery, gifts and jewelry at the museum. After working up an appetite, head to the V&A Cafe for a bite.
Covent Garden is a historic district that is famous for its street performers, shops, restaurants, bars and theaters. The most well known attraction in the area is the Royal Opera House. Before it became the capital’s premiere destination for entertainment and leisure, Covent Garden served as the largest fruit and vegetable market in England. Currently, the Apple, East Colonnade and Jubilee markets are held in the piazza area. Visitors can browse through antiques, artwork, jewelry and clothing that can be found among the market stalls.
Built in red bricks, St. Mary Brookfield near Dartmouth park is a church that is open to people from all parishes. It is a listed building in the United Kingdom because of its historical relevance. The church serves homeless during the winter months by giving them shelter in the church premises. You are free to visit the church to admire its beautiful interiors or worship. No conditions apply here.
For some peaceful and tranquil time, Redhill Holy Trinity is just the place to be at. They conduct funerals, baptisms, weddings and thanksgiving ceremonies too. The garden with a lake view is calming and many events take place there too. Check out their website for more information.
Located in Westminister, and established since 1980, Richard Nagy's gallery one of its kind. The fine arts displayed here speaks aloud. They also feature many modern canons. You need to visit and witness it, to believe it. Check out the website to for further details.
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance takes pride in being London's leading institution dedicated to music and dance. Trinity is internationally renowned for its certificates in various genres of music and Laban is a reputed dance academy. A merger of these two institutions, has given students a wonderful opportunity to pursue their interest in dance and music. This conservatoire has two campuses: Deptford and Greenwich, offering courses in various styles and genres, for all age groups. Check the website for details regarding courses.
Established in 1926, Women's Library showcases the women's movement that took place between the 19th and 10th Century CE in Britain. Collections date right from 1920's till the end of the movement. The Library is managed by London School of Economics and Political Science and possesses more than 3500 periodicals, 60000 pamphlets and books, 100 suffrage banners, and 500 magazines. They also have personal collections of women who were part of the movement and the collections include archives of photographs, posters, ceramics, etc.
Nestled between the River Thames and Ministry of Defence's main building in Victoria Embankment is the Fleet Air Arm memorial of the Royal Navy. The beautiful bronze idol of Daedalus, a Greek mythological legend who lost his son in the sea was sculpted by renown sculptor James Butler in an ode to more than 6,000 naval officials who had sacrificed their lives since World War I. The winged Daedalus stands tall at 2.5 metres (8.20 feet) with a plinth that lists all the wars and campaigns where the Royal Navy lost its members. It is a beautiful memorial for all the lives lost at the cost of war and a reminder of their sacrifice for the homeland.