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. It's wise to check beforehand as the ceremony only takes place on certain days.
The Ceremony of the Keys
A tradition for the past 700 years, this ceremony takes place every evening at the Tower of London. The Chief Yeoman Warder, wearing a long red tunic, Tudor bonnet and carrying a candle, locks up the main gate and delivers the keys to the Resident Governor of the Tower. Tickets are free, but need to be booked up to two months in advance by written application.
Sir John Soane's Museum
Sir John Soane was an architect and collector of curios. During his lifetime he amassed some remarkable antiquities from all four corners of the globe. These are now on display in Sir John Soane's Museum, which is his former home - and gives a real insight into the life of this extraordinary gentleman.
Kenwood House
Britain is known for its sumptuous stately homes, and Kenwood House does not disappoint. Perched on the edge of rolling Hampstead Heath, the house has stunning white stucco façades. Inside you'll find one of the most magnificently decorated libraries in the world, as well as the Iveagh Bequest - a collection of exquisite paintings by Rembrant, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough.
Geffrye Museum
A very unique experience, the Geffrye Museum gives a fascinating insight into the domestic lives of the British middle classes from the 1600s to the present day. Explore a series of room sets, complete with furnishing and textiles from each era. The museum itself is located in 18th century almshouses, and also has a renowned walled herb garden.
Hogarth's House
Hogarth was a celebrated artist and satirist, whose work, such as A Harlot's Progress, A Rake's Progress and Marriage-a-la-Mode, mocked 18th century society. As the name suggests, Hogarth's House is where he lived before he died in 1764, and it's here that you'll find the most extensive collection of his prints on public display.
Bank of England Museum
The charming Bank of England Museum traces the history of the bank from its foundation by Royal Charter in 1694 to its role today as the the country's central bank. There are gold bars, coins and banknotes, as well as many items you might not expect to find...
RAF Museum
Take to the skies on a free day out at the RAF Museum. There are over 80 aircraft on display, together with uniforms, weapons, photographs and more. Plus, there's a Battle of Britain sound and light show, a helipad, and even a Red Arrows flight simulator, if your nerves can handle it!
The British Museum
The British Museum is a truly great London museum looking at the cultural history of the whole world. Here you'll find artefacts from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. Highlights include the Reading Room – one of Karl Marx's favourite hangouts, the Norman Foster-designed Great Court, and the mummies on display in the Ancient Egypt collection.
Science Museum
From the dizzy future of space travel to asking that difficult question, "Who am I?", the Science Museum does a great job of making your brain perform Olympic-standard mental gymnastics. It offers a great, fun day out (it's one of London's most exciting museums); don't forget to set time aside for the awesome Imax cinema.
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
Telling a 3,000-year history of decorative arts – with over 2,000 objects from all four corners of the globe – the Victoria and Albert Museum (or V&A) is a unique museum in London. Like a real treasure trove of exciting goodies, you never know what you'll discover next. From furniture, paintings and sculpture to metalwork, glass and textiles, the eclectic list goes on and on…
Natural History Museum
Why did the dinosaurs really become extinct? How big are hippopotamus' teeth? Do unicorns exist? What does an earthquake feel like? A visit to the fascinating Natural History Museum in London answers all of these questions and more. Just be nice to the 26-metre-long diplodocus in the Central Hall!
