LONDON

18SightseeingTel: +44(0)20 7942 5725. www.nhm.ac.ukAn awe-inspiring collection of everything naturalfrom life-size dinosaurs (some of them moving)through bugs to plants to, well, everything.Make sure you go up to the Earth Galleries.Science MuseumExhibition Road, SW7 South KensingtonTel: +44(0)20 7942 4000. www.sciencemuseum.org.ukThis mind-boggling state-of-the-art museum takesyou on a journey from Stephenson’s Rocket (a train!)to hyper-space. Lots to touch and press.Not forgetting the parks…If London is famous for one thing, it’s having themost impressive parks in the world, all free toenjoy. And these are just a few of them…Hyde Park and KensingtonGardensA huge chunk of countryside with lakes, restaurants,palaces and a statue of Peter Pan.Admission FreePhoto © Matt StuartThe V&AFabulousFreebiesHow do you get the most out of Londonwithout spending a single golden coin?Remarkably easily, as it turns out(though it would be nice to drop apound or two into the donation boxes).Here’s how to make the most of the citywithout ever dipping into your pocket.And this is just the start…Victoria and Albert MuseumCromwell Road SW7 South KensingtonTel: +44(0)20 7942 2000. www.vam.ac.ukThe world’s greatest collection of design, taking ineverything from furniture to costume, jewellery tostatuary and spanning time from Ancient Rome tomodern-day New York. And with a lovely garden.British MuseumGreat Russell Street WC1Russell Square/Tottenham Court RoadTel: +44(0)20 7636 1555. www.thebritishmuseum.ac.ukSimply, one of the world’s great museums crammedwith priceless relics from the world’s civilisations. Therecently added Great Court is one of London’sproudest new bits. Do not miss.National Gallery(and the National PortraitGallery round the corner)See page 11 for detailsMasterpieces of the world unite in this gloriousgallery while next door the faces of Britain’s finest –from Queen Elizabeth I to Kate Moss – stare backat you. Check out the restaurants in both places forsome not free but fabulous food.Somerset HouseStrand, WC2 Charing Cross/TempleTel: +44(0)20 7845 4600. www.somersethouse.org.ukThe courtyard and its dancing fountains are free tovisit, but you will have to pay for the winter ice rinkand the galleries inside.Tate Britain and Tate ModernSee pages 14 and 15 for detailsSome of the most exciting places for art in Londonwhether it’s the likes of Turner and Constable (Britain)or masterpieces of avant garde art (Modern). Simplyarchitecturally, both are gorgeous destinations.Natural History MuseumCromwell Road SW7 South KensingtonSt. James’s ParkWith Buckingham Palace in the background this ismore formal with bands, the fantastic Inn the Park, alake and even pelicans.Green ParkBig and green, as the name suggests, this sitsbetween Piccadilly and the Palace.Regent’s ParkFrom formal flower beds to stretches of green (includingthe famous Primose Hill) not forgetting London Zoo, theMosque and the Open Air Theatre. A gem.Richmond ParkOn the south-western outskirts of London proper, thisis more countryside than park. It even has its owndeer and superb views across London to St. Paul’s.Hampstead HeathA beautiful stretch of countryside in north Londonbetween the lovely ‘villages’ of Highgate andHampstead. Don’t miss the mens’/womens’ ponds(for unofficially gay swimming).Battersea ParkBeside an iconic power station and just across theriver from Chelsea, great for a morning jog.Soho SquareHardly a park, this bit of ‘green’ (the grass has beenworn clean through) is gay/lesbian central comesummer. Bring your own beer.A trip to London isn’t completewithout a visit to Tate Britain andTate Modern. See outstanding art,spectacular buildings and amazingexhibitions – all in the heart of London.Tate BritainPresents art from the world famous Tate collectionof British Art from 1500 to the present dayThe BP British Art DisplaysSupported by BPPimlicoMillbankTate ModernThe leading gallery of international modernand contemporary artOpening up artTate Modern Collection with UBSSouthwark/BlackfriarsBanksideTo find out more, visit www.tate.org.ukor call 020 7887 8888Charges apply for special exhibitionsSponsored byvisitlondon.com/gay