London Things to Do Tips by goodfish

History buff or not (I am) Westminster Abbey is a #1 "Must See". This is a very old and important structure in English history as nearly all of the British sovereigns (since William I) have been crowned here and many of them are buried within its walls. While most of the current structure dates from the 13th/14th centuries, there has been a church on this site for very nearly 1000 years. The fan-vaulted ceiling in Henry VII chapel is breathtaking and we were fortunate enough to hear a little of the great organ on the day we were there.

If not with a guided tour, you can rent a portable audio player for a narrated, self-guided walkabout but I might recommend reading up in advance on the histories of the more famous persons buried here. Kings, Queens, statesmen, poets, musicians, scientists - nearly 3000 individuals rest in the floor vaults and tombs. Besides, the audio player limits you to one route through the church (a problem when the crowds bunch up in tight corners) and it was hard to hear the tape above the noise of large groups!

The entrance fee is high (understandably so as a building this old needs a lot of upkeep) but it's worth every cent. If you are unwilling or unable to come up with the fee, at least visit the abbey during a regular service. You won't be able to wander around but will get a chance to enjoy the music, the lovely windows and some of the interior architecture.

If you do plan a longer visit to the abbey, be there as early as you can in the morning to avoid long lines and have a little time to explore before crowd/noise level becomes difficult to deal with.

As with most churches, you won't be allowed to take pictures inside the abbey but a variety of very good books with excellent pictures are sold in their gift shops.

For more information on hours, fees, services, history and a very nice virtual tour of the abbey, visit their website at www.westminster-abbey.org.

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Phone: 0 20 7654 4900
Address: Broad Sanctuary, SW1
Directions: Tube - Westminster
Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org

The John Ritblat Gallery is a jewel of a find for any book-lover but the range of manuscripts will appeal to music lovers and history-buffs as well. Among its many, many treasures is one of the surviving copies of the Magna Carta, hand-written manuscripts by Shakespeare, Jane Austin and Lewis Carroll, original scores by Handel and Mozart, lyrics by a couple of the Beatles, and the prayer book Lady Jane Grey carried to her execution.
Truly an awe-inspiring collection.

This would be a great place to visit on a rainy day and the quiet was a nice break from the crowds. Best of all, it's free!

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Address: Euston Rd. NWI, Tube: King's Cross/St. Pancras
Directions: A short walk west on Euston from the Tube stop.

Kensington was once a country home and was purchased by William III and Mary II in 1689 as a way to escape the horrible pollution of the city. The previous structure was much altered by Sir Christopher Wren prior to occupation by the royal pair and their family. Queen Victoria was born here and was awakened here early one morning,18 years later, to be told she was now Queen of England. Last used as a royal palace by William II (d. 1760), state apartments for Princesses Diana and Margaret were located here. Those areas are closed to the public but you can take a self-guided tour of many rooms used by former sovereigns when they occupied the palace.

Aside from those rooms, there is a very amusing historical exhibit explaining the requirements once observed in dressing for the royal court (what a process!!!) and a collection of dresses worn by HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana.

They were also exhibiting the wedding dresses of Queens Victoria, Alexandra, Mary, Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Elizabeth II when we were there but I'm not sure they was a permanent part of the collection - it may since have been replaced with another exhibit.

The Orangery, formerly a hothouse for plants during the winter, has been converted to a tearoom that serves beverages, sandwiches and desserts.

If wishing to see the palace, I'd recommend combining your visit with a long walk in Hyde Park to see the gardens as the palace is on the west end of the park.

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Address: The Broad Walk, Kensignton Gardens
Directions: Tube: High Street Kensington and then a 10 minute walk or so on foot to the northeast of the tube station. It's also a nice walk from many of the hotels in South Kensington.