London See and do
When one speaks of the world’s most vibrant cities, London is almost invariably always on the list – and for good reason. Not just the capital of Great Britain, it’s also the capital of culture, packed with a multitude of museums, theatres, events and activities suitable for even the most avid of art fans.
The Tate Modern is one of London’s most popular attractions, lying on the southern banks of the Thames, a short walk over the sparkling Millennium Bridge from the heart of the financial quarter. Filled with modern treasures and is now a must-see stop on any visitor’s list.
London’s most concentrated collection of culture is located on the South Bank. Here is where you will find the National Theatre, Saatchi Gallery and National Film Institute, home ever since 1986 to the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival – a highlight on the gay calendar.
If you’re a queen into queens, then you’ve come to the right place. London is filled with pomp and pageantry. Buckingham Palace is the place to see how the other half live. If you’re lucky, some of the staterooms may even be open to tour.
If you’d rather see the queen’s jewellery collection than HRH herself, head over to the Tower of London for a peak at the lovely lady’s epic collection of emeralds (and rubies, diamonds, pearls and sapphires…). The Tower has seen more then its fair share of intrigue since it was originally built in the 11th century, including the beheading of Henry VIII’s unfortunate second wife, Anne Boleyn.
Sights and Galleries
British Museum (www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk)
Thousands of years of human civilization, including the controversial Elgin Marbles. Great Russell Street, WC1. Tel: 020 7323 8299.
Buckingham Palace (www.royal.gov.uk)
Official residence of the Queen of England. London, SW1. Tel: 020 7766 7300.
Canary Wharf (www.canarywharf.com)
A different kind of London: traffic free, and filled with skyscrapers. Canary Wharf, London, E14.
Fashion and Textile Museum (www.ftmlondon.org)
A fascinating collection of costumes and clothing from the past to the present. Makes you want to go back in the closet. 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1. Tel: 020 7403 0222.
London Eye (www.enjoyenglanddirect.com/detail.aspx?ID=64)
The world’s most beautiful Ferris wheel. Superb views over London. County Hall, London, SE1. Tel: 0870 5000 600.
Madame Tussaud’s (www.enjoyenglanddirect.com/detail.aspx?ID=70)
Waxworks of the famous in infamous, including the eerie chamber of horrors. Marylebone Road, NW1. Tel: 0800 400 3000.
National Gallery (www.nationalgallery.org.uk)
World-class collections of old master paintings. Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1. Tel: 020 7300 8000.
Royal Academy (www.royalacademy.org.uk)
Home of the blockbuster exhibitions. The Royal Academy of Arts is one of London's finest art galleries and annually holds up to 8 critically-acclaimed exhibitions. Open late on Friday nights until 10pm the RA is an ideal place to relax, enjoy a glass of wine and listen to jazz. Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1. Tel: 020 7300 8000.
Tate Britain (www.tate.org.uk/britain)
British art, including the Turner collection. Millbank, SW1. Tel: 020 7887 8000.
Tate Modern (www.tate.org.uk/modern/)
Post-industrial temple to contemporary art. Bankside, SE1. Tel: 020 7887 8000.
Tower of London (www.ticketswitch.com/cgi-bin/search.buy/enjoyengland?crypto_block=k---vzimQKYc80H8o8J4vpEHzqaE87MiOrmDWKcN9fPbYTE-tUIW_zlmu1w246jXGNFDY)
Home to the world-famous Crown Jewels, beefeaters, the final steps of Anne Boleyn and host to many dark and bloody secrets. Tower of London, EC3. Tel: 0870 756 6060.
Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum (www.vam.ac.uk)
Britain’s national museum of art and design. Host of an annual exhibit chronicling the work of a major fashion designer. Cromwell Road, SW7. Tel: 020 7942 2000
Insider Tip - Tour London's Wilde side!
Wilde Tours (www.wildetours.com) offers exclusive gay and lesbian tours through London’s rich and varied gay history and culture. Visitors can experience a fun and insightful walking tour of Royal Westminster, Gay Soho and Bloomsbury and even gay sightseeing coach tours of London’s best-known attractions. From kings, politician's generals, artists, writers and other famous gay personalities, discover why London has always been the focus for gay and lesbian culture. Tel: 020 7813 3551
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