CITY SAFARI - London & Partners

HMS BELFASTSitting dramatically on theRiver Thames, this ship isEurope’s only surviving WorldWar II cruiser. In service until1965, she was saved as areminder of Britain’s navalheritage. Look out for thenew interactive operationsroom Until 5 Jun Ship’sConversations. Navy slang inpopular phrases (p. 34). Daily10.00-17.00. Admission£13.50, child free.Morgan’s Lane, off TooleyStreet, SE1. ☎ 020 79406300. iwm.org.ukË London Bridge. Map C9.HOLLAND PARKAn enchanting park whichfeatures the gorgeousKyoto Garden with its ‘GhostBridge’, children’s play areasand the ruins of HollandHouse. Open sunrise tosunset. Admission free.Holland Park, W8. ☎ 0207361 3003. Ë HollandPark. Off map.HOUSEHOLD CAVALRYMUSEUMThis is a living museum,so as well as discoveringthe history of the mountedguards (who participate inChanging the Guard, p. 26),you can watch the day-todaylife of the regiment. Seetroopers working their horsesin the original 18th-centurystables. Daily 10.00-18.00.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, with its soaringgothic style and magnificentinteriors, dates from the 19thcentury. The Clock Towerhouses the famous bell, BigBen. UK visitors can watchdebates and committees, andarrange tours by contactingtheir MP. Enjoy 75-minuteguided tours every Sat 09.15-16.30, open to residents andoverseas visitors. Look outfor architecture tours. Tickets£14, child £6.Westminster, SW1.☎ 08448 471 672. parliament.ukË Westminster. Map D6.JEWEL TOWER, THEBuilt around 1365 to houseEdward III’s treasures, andknown as the ‘King’s PrivyWardrobe’, this is one ofonly two buildings to escapethe devastating fire atWestminster in 1883. Hometo a fascinating show aboutthe history of Parliament.Daily 10.00-17.00. Adults£3.20, child £1.90.Abingdon Street, SW1.☎ 020 7222 2219. english-heritage.org.ukË Westminster. Map D6.KEATS HOUSEThis elegant 19th-centurybuilding was home toiconic poet John Keats.Its collection includesbooks, poetry, paintingsand household items, plusthe engagement ring givento his beloved fiancée,Fanny Brawne. Until 5 JunKeats House Festival. Joinpoet Benjamin Zephaniahand others for readings,workshops and more. Tues-Sun 13.00-17.00. Admission£5, child free.Keats Grove, NW3. ☎ 0207332 3868. keatshouse.cityoflondon.gov.ukË Hampstead. Off map.KENSINGTON PALACEThis royal residence sitsin Kensington Gardensand was Princess Diana’slast home. It is currentlyundergoing restoration.18 Jun The Dashing DogShow. Fantastically fun andsilly event which sees bestdressedcanines compete.Tickets £10 (p. 43). Until 30Jun 2012 Enchanted Palace.A series of installationsinspired by stories from thepalace’s past, by artists andfashion designers includingVivienne Westwood. Daily10.00-18.00. Admission£12.50, child £6.25.Kensington Gardens, W8.☎ 08444 827 777. hrp.org.uk Ë HighStreet Kensington/Queensway. Map C1.SIGHTSEEINGSiGhTSEEinG on ThE RivER ThamESEvery half hour every day from Westminster, London Eye,Tower and Greenwich Piers. Entertaining live commentaryavailable on all boats. Tickets from £8.00RivER REd RovER TickETSHop-on, Hop-off all day and visit the most famous London sights for £13.50THE London SHoWboaTFun 4-course dinner cruise with entertainment and dancing at just £75.00per person. Welcome drink and choice of wine included.10%offw i t h t h i s a dLP 05.11Call 020 77 400 400 or visit citycruises.comJune 2011 | LONDON PLANNER | visitlondon.com |London Planner 91 x 118mm.indd 1 07/03/2011 17:2531