London & Partners

GOLDEN HINDE, THEThe full-size reconstructionof Sir Francis Drake’s 16thcenturyvessel, in which hecircumnavigated the globe,is also a museum. Piratefun days and workshopson special dates. Daily10.00-17.30. Admission,self-guided £6, child £4.50;guided £7, child £5.Pickfords Wharf, ClinkStreet, SE1. 020 74030123. goldenhinde.comË London Bridge. Map C8.HAMPTON COURTPALACEA magnificent Tudor palaceand impressive maze setin 60 acres of parkland.Costumed guided tours andLive Tudor Cookery includedin the price. In the permanentexhibition Young Henry VIII,meet the ‘pin-up’ before hebecame fat old King Henry.From 26 Nov Ice Rink. Skatein historic surrounds (p. 22).Tickets from £10.50, child £8.Daily 10.00-16.30. Palace,maze, gardens £15.95, child£8; maze £3.85, child £2.75;gardens and parkland free.Hampton Court, EastMolesey, Surrey, KT8. 08444 827 777. hrp.org.uk t HamptonCourt. Off map.HMS BELFASTSitting dramatically on theRiver Thames, this ship isEurope’s only surviving WorldWar II cruiser. In service until1965, she is a reminder ofBritain’s naval heritage. ItsGun Turret Experience is anexciting recreation of navywarfare. Daily 10.00-17.00.Admission £13.50, child free.Morgan’s Lane, off TooleyStreet, SE1. 020 79406300. iwm.org.ukË London Bridge. Map C9.HOUSEHOLD CAVALRYMUSEUMThis is a living museum,so as well as discoveringthe history of the mountedguards (who participate inChanging the Guard, p. 22),you can watch the day-to-daylife of the regiment. Seetroopers working their horsesin the original 18th-centurystables. Daily 10.00-17.00.Admission £6, child £4.Horse Guards, Whitehall,SW1. 020 7930 3070. householdcavalrymuseum.org.ukË Westminster. Map C6.HOUSES OFPARLIAMENTThe Palace of Westminsterhas been Parliament’s homesince 1265, but the currentbuilding is 19th century andboasts a soaring gothic style.The Clock Tower housesthe famous bell, Big Ben.UK residents can watchdebates and arrange toursby contacting their MP. UKresidents and overseasvisitors can enjoy guidedtours every Sat 09.15-16.30.Admission £15, child £6.Westminster, SW1. 08448 471 672. parliament.ukË Westminster. Map D6.JEWEL TOWER, THEBuilt around 1365 to houseEdward III’s treasures, thisbuilding is one of only twoleft from the medieval Palaceof Westminster after a firein 1883. It is home to afascinating display on thehistory of Parliament. Sat-Sun 10.00-16.00. Admission£3.20, child £1.90.Abingdon Street, SW1. 020 7222 2219. english-heritage.org.ukË Westminster. Map D6.KENSINGTON PALACEThis royal residence sits inKensington Gardens (p. 28)and was Princess Diana’slast home. It is currentlyundergoing restoration.Until 30 Jun EnchantedPalace. A series ofinstallations inspired by storiesfrom the palace’s past, byartists and fashion designersincluding Vivienne Westwood.Daily 10.00-17.00. Admission£12.50, child £6.25.Kensington Gardens, W8. 08444 827 777. hrp.org.uk Ë HighStreet Kensington/Queensway. Map C1.KENWOOD HOUSEThis stunning neoclassicalhouse, designed by RobertAdam, is on HampsteadSIGHTSEEINGNovember 2011|LONDON |PLANNER|visitlondon.com |25