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Attractions - United Kingdom - London

	British Museum The imposing British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with collections drawn from all around the world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase.

Tate Modern The impressive Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays major works by Matisse and Picasso as well as contemporary work, exhibitions and installations.

	National Gallery The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. With paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, the collection includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne and Van Gogh.

Natural History Museum As well as the permanent dinosaur exhibition, the Natural History Museum boasts a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. Don't miss the life-sized model of the Blue Whale, the 40 million year old spider, the earthquake simulator and an elephant bird egg.
	The London Eye The London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. It is the world's highest observation wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes.
Science Museum See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years at the largest museum of its kind in the world. The Science Museum has over 40 galleries and 2000 hands-on exhibits, step into the future in the Wellcome Wing, visit the IMAX cinema and virtual reality simulator.
	The Victoria & Albert Museum The V&A celebrates all things art and design, and is home to 3,000 years worth of amazing artefacts from many of the world's richest cultures. See their amazing collection of ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewellery, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings.
Madame Tussauds At Madame Tussauds, you'll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to the Dali Lama you'll meet history and politics' most influential figures; sing along with Kylie; strike a penalty with Rooney or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.
	The Tower of London Take a free guided tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. Discover its 900 year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house. Over the past 900 years, this imposing, walled building has been used as a palace, a fortress, a prison, a zoo and a place of execution. Today, the Tower of London is where the Crown Jewels, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond, are displayed. Beefeaters give regular guided tours, under the watchful eye of seven large black ravens.

National Maritime Museum One of the greatest maritime museums of the world containing models, displays, paintings and trophies from every continent of the world. Children find plenty to engage them in the All Hands gallery and have a go on the professional ship simulator.
	The Big Ben The Houses of Parliament and the clock tower are one of London's iconic landmarks. The building is known as the Palace of Westminster and the clock tower is sometimes called St Stephen's Tower, although it is commonly referred to as Big Ben. Big Ben is actually the massive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs in at over 13 tons (13,760 kg). The Clock Tower : The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated. Each dial is 23 feet square, the minute hand is 14 feet long and the figures are two feet high. A special light above the clock faces is also illuminated, letting the public know when parliament is in session.
Big Ben's timekeeping is strictly regulated by a stack of coins placed on the huge pendulum. Big Ben has rarely stopped and even after an incendiary bomb destroyed the Commons chamber during the Second World War. The clock tower survived and Big Ben continued to strike the hours. The chimes of Big Ben were first broadcast by the BBC on 31 December 1923, a tradition that continues to this day.
Hampton Court Palace The most famous resident of Hampton Court Palace was England's notoriously fickle monarch, King Henry VIII. Each of his 6 wives stayed here, indeed this is where he proposed to Jane Seymour (wife number 3). Inside, costumed guides bring the palace's 500 years of Royal history to life. Outside in the formal gardens, you can have fun getting lost in the magnificent maze. Kew Palace Set within the lush botanical gardens, Kew Palace was a Royal residence of George II's three daughters, and also the family home of King George III. Inside, everything is set just as it would have been during the King's time here and you can really get a feel for the life of this regal Georgian family.
	Kensington Palace The people's love affair with Diana Princess of Wales is far from over even a decade after her untimely death. Kensington Palace was her official home in London. Explore the State Apartment and marvel at the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
Royal Mews For a clue of what it's like to be a member of the Royal Family, take a look at how they get around London at the Royal Mews. Here you'll find ceremonial horse-drawn carriages and state vehicles all on display – and if you are lucky, you'll meet some of her magnificent horses in the Royal stables. Don't miss the huge, golden State Coach, it's straight off the pages of Cinderella!
	Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is The Queen's official residence when she's in London. If the Union Jack flag is flying above the palace, she's at home. If you'd like to get beyond the ornate gates and sneak a peek inside The Queen's home, buy a ticket for the unmissable Annual Summer Opening of the State Rooms, which takes place between August and September every year.

Changing the Guard For a display of British pomp and ceremony, watch the Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. This is where 1 member of Queen's Guards exchanges duty with the previous guard. Both guards are dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, and the ceremony is set to music. To catch the ultimate royal experience, stand outside Buckingham Palace at 11am to watch. It's wise to check the Royal website beforehand as the ceremony only takes place on certain days.
	Queen's Gallery A treasure trove of art, furniture and priceless items held in trust by The Queen for the Nation. The Queen's Gallery, which was previously a private chapel, is located on the west side of Buckingham Palace, and is open daily.

London's Royal Parks There are 8 Royal Parks in London, which have hundreds of buildings, statues, and memorials, giving a fascinating insight into London's Royal heritage.