London, England (Point of interest)

The giant London Eye wheel on the Thames riverbank is a magnet for visitors to the capital. A ride provides panoramic views over the river, Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral and even the distant countryside. Booking ahead is strongly advised. On clear ... Continue reading →

Visitors to Houndsditch, south of Liverpool Street and west of Brick Lane, can't miss London's towering landmark, colloquially known as the "Gherkin", although its official name is also its address: 30 St Mary Axe. The vegetable-shaped building is... Continue reading →

The Almeida Theatre is one of London's production powerhouses, with star casts, interesting plays and more than its fair share of West End and Broadway transfers. Each summer, it hosts a festival of contemporary opera, music and theatre. Originall... Continue reading →

In the heart of the city of London, this 35-acre residential estate is Europe's largest multi-arts and conference venue. The Barbican Centre includes the Barbican Hall (for concerts), a cinema and two theatres - the Barbican Theatre and The Pit. O... Continue reading →

The BFI Southbank (formerly the National Film Theatre) in London screens more than 1000 films a year, from rare silent comedies to cult movies and television programmes from its archives. It also hosts gala screenings and on-stage interviews with f... Continue reading →

World-class collections from civilisations across the globe are exhibited at the British Museum in Bloomsbury. Its mission is to "illuminate the histories of cultures for present and future generations", with popular galleries devoted to the Assyri... Continue reading →

The official London residence of the monarch since Queen Victoria moved there in 1837, Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognisable monuments of the monarchy in London, perched in the midst of central London's green spaces. The site was origi... Continue reading →

Built in 1904 and with a notable Byzantine tower, Cadogan Hall has been converted into a modern concert hall - London's first major classical venue for over two decades (since the opening of the Barbican Hall in 1982). Like a cross between similar... Continue reading →

Chelsea Physic Garden is one of London's great undiscovered secrets - a delightful isle of abundant planting tucked into the city centre. Visitors can admire one of Europe's oldest rock gardens and an amazing selection of rare and exotic plants. T... Continue reading →

Dominating the skyline east of Liverpool Street between Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane, the stunning white spire of Christ Church Spitalfields belongs to one of the few remaining London churches designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor. Christ Church Sp... Continue reading →

Founded by Sir Terence Conran, the Design Museum is dedicated to 20th and 21st-century design. Since opening in 1989, it has become one of London's most inspiring cultural attractions. The exhibition schedule includes design, fashion, creative tech... Continue reading →

The Donmar attracts stars such as Nicole Kidman, Charles Dance, Colin Firth and playwrights David Hare and Frank McGuinness. It is the place to find cutting-edge productions of high quality. Run by Sam Mendes for ten years, and now with artistic d... Continue reading →

Set within moated gardens, Eltham Palace is the country's leading Art Deco attraction. A masterpiece of modern design, which is attached to the remaining Great Hall of the medieval royal palace, Eltham is a marvellous combination of the innovative ... Continue reading →

Stroll through military history at The Guards Museum in St James Park, London and learn the story of the foot soldier from 1642 to the present day. See displays of uniforms, weapons and personal memorabilia of the soldiers who fought.... Continue reading →

Hampstead Heath is a vast haven of green fields dotted with buttercups, beech and oak woodlands and three willow-lined ponds to swim in. There is a stately home at its heart, Kenwood House, where popular summer concerts take place. The Heath is sa... Continue reading →

The Horniman Museum in South London has a host of exhibits exploring the cultures and environment of the world we live in. In the words of Sir David Attenborough, "This is one of the few museums in London that you can truly call a universal museum"... Continue reading →

Acquired as a hunting ground by Henry VIII in 1536, Hyde Park now covers 350 acres and has become one of London's finest landscapes. Opened to the public by Charles I in 1637, Hyde Park has witnessed historic events throughout the centuries rangin... Continue reading →

Take a Jack the Ripper Tour around London's East End. Follow the bloody trail of prostitution and murder from Tower Hill Tube to Commercial Street's Ten Bells Pub, where it is said the Ripper met some of his victims. Still exerting a gruesome pull... Continue reading →