KENSINGTON PALACE and other London, United Kingdom Things to Do Tips

Set in the grounds of Kensington Gardens is the Palace which has been a residence of royalty since 1689. Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to adapt an already existing property into a home fit for a King..and Queen, William III and Mary II.
Queen Victoria was born here and continued to live her early years out at this splendid abode.

THE STATE APARTMENTS
With magnificent chandeliers, painted trompe l'oeil ceilings a stunning aray of paintings throughout the rooms particularly within the Kings Apartments, it's a palace that in fact does exude an air of presence within it's walls.

THE ROYAL CEREMONIAL DRESS COLLECTION
Displayed here are royal, court and ceremonial costumes of such elaborate design that is associated with the 18th century right up to present day.

DIANA PRINCESS OF WALES
A stunning collection of Diana's dresses and superb portraits of Diana by Mario Testino, the last official photo's of her for Vanity Fair magazine before her death.

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Phone: 087075151570
Address: Kensington Gardens, Edge of Hyde Park
Directions: Central Line to Notting Hill Gate and District/Circle Line to Hight Street,Kensington.

Open daily 1 March - 31 October 10:00hrs - 17:00hrs
1 November - 28February 10:00hrs - 16:00hrs
Closed over Christmas
Website: www.hrp.org.uk

Why not spend a weekend on a photography course. Have the latest digital camera but still use it on auto, have not a clue on how to use any of the other buttons or would you like to improve your skills then try the London School of Photography

I signed up on a Digital camera course and had no idea what to expect, what we got was a fabulous weekend, having fun, socialising and learning, not in the classroom but out on field trips.

Our Coach Antonio Leanza was an enthusiastic, motivational personality with a relaxed attitude that made our group of just nine gel and enjoy the course to the full.

I can't wait to be competent with the knowledge I have picked up from here soon enough, so I can attend the next course.

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Address: Bond Street, London
Website: http://londonschoolofphotography.co.uk/

The latest musical to hit town, Dancing in the Streets. If Motown was your thing or you just want to be transported back to younger days and classic hits, then try this one, it'll have you dancing in the Isles. Great fun, boogie time and the vocalists are amazingly like the originals. Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, they are all featured and all are superb.

Even better however, is The Lion King at the Lycium in covent Gardens. This awsome play just has to be seen to be believed. The costumes are beyond ones imagination of ingenuity, the colours and sounds are spine tingling. In fact at the opening scene, tears filled my eyes at the emotion the performance evoked.

A must see show and it really is not just for kids.

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Address: The Aldwych Theatre

I went here to view a photographic exhibition but it's offers much more than that.

Theatre, Art, Dance, Exhibitions, Film, Education, Conferences, Trade Exhibitions and Banqueting.

The Barbican is Europe's largest multi-arts and conference venue. It was founded and looked after by the Borough of London.

It openend in 1982, styled as in the 1960 but is equally popular today as ever.

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Website: http://www.barbican.org.uk/

This museum is set in the former Ironmongers' Almshouses, an 18th century building.

The museum looks at the changing designs of domestic interior, from the 17th century through to present day.

During December it is set with decorations of Christmas with explanations of their development over the years.

A wonderful view of England over the century's.

Entry is FREE

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Phone: 02077399893
Address: Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London, E2 8AE
Website: http:/www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

The NHM takes us for a walk through evolution, a fascinating look at our world and it's inhabitants. A full day is simply not long enough to take in all that is on offer here. Most of my time was spent looking around the mammal and the Earth exhibits. I simply did not have enough time to do any more, although I had spent a couple of hours in the photography exhibition.

A wonderful day out for the children, so much for them to participate in, so much to stimulate their minds, making the whole event a fun filled educational trip.

There are restaurants, cafe's, shops and picnic areas to use and cloakrooms to leave bags and coats in whilst you spend your time in the museum.

Entry is free, however, there are always a selection of exhibitions on that have a charge fixed to them, i.e. the Dinosaurs, photographic and a few others too. It is not necessary to have to visit any of these fee paying exhibits as there is still plenty to do and see apart from these.

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Phone: +44 (0)20 7942 5000
Address: Cromwell Road, SW7
Directions: South Kensington tube
Website: http://www.nhm.ac.uk

This competition is open to amateurs and professionals alike and takes place every year. It is a stunning selection of landscapes and animal behavioural prints taken by a variety of people and is open to all age groups. The event is owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine, sponsored by Shell and an event that is highly acclaimed in the world of photography.

If you enjoy and appreciate nature then you will love the spectacular images caught on camera and displayed here in the NHM.

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Phone: 020 7942 5000
Address: Natural History Museum
Directions: Cromwell Road, London
Website: www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto

This relatively small museum is a place to visit if you find yourself along the South Bank with an hour free.

It's fascinating and examines some of the Capitals distasteful past.

This prison, was owned by several of the Bishops of Winchester from the 12th Century. The Clink was a place for female prisoners as well as men, with it's inmates ranging from prostitutes to priests.... what a combination and possibly what an exchange of education went on there! One can only begin to imagine.

The prison was part of the Winchester House, a palace the Bishops used when visiting London remains of the palace can be seen nearby. It is believed the name Clink comes from the irons that were used to secure inmates to the floors and walls.

There was an area of approx 80 acres which was know as the 'Liberty of the Clink'. Within this area the Bishop set laws. This area was the red light district which sported taverns and entertainment such as bull and bear baiting and theatre, which in it's day was associated with baldy folk and prostitutes.

You will see examples of the boot which was used as a torture tool. A persons foot was inserted into the boot, the boot plugged out with wood and tightened, then heated, until the foot fell off.

The Ball and Chain, people opting to use this were allowed outside of the Clink to beg for money for food, they however, were not allowed to lift the iron ball but had to drag it behind them.

(pics all courtesy of Colleen and John Venter)

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Phone: 020 7403 6515
Address: Clink Street, London SE1 9DG
Directions: Near to London Bridge Station
Website: http://www.clink.co.uk
Other Contact: Museum@clink.co.uk

ALL THE WORLD IS A STAGE:

The American actor/director Sam Wanamaker founded Shakespeare's Globe, it is a dedication to Shakespeares works and plays.

In 1970 he founded the Shakespeare Globe Trust. In 1987, building work began, the foundations were laid and in 1993, the construction of the Globe Theatre itself began.

Sadly, Sam Wanamaker died on 18 December 1993. He did not live to see the results of his dream.

A summer season of plays are performed here (it is open to the elements)

This wonderful theatre offers and education to people, giving an insight into Shakespeares works.

There is an exhibition and wonderful tour of the theatre. With a knowledgable guide offering social history to the times of the Elizabethens and their visits to the theatre, it is an entrancing morning out. You will learn about groundlings and how the name box office came about apparently from the use of a pottery pot to collect penny entry fees from penny groudlings, once the pot was full it was broken to retrieve the contents.

The theatre is built of oak trees and has been given special permission to own a thatched roof. A beautiful and intimate play house.

(All pics courtesy of John&Col)

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Address: South Bank
Directions: Nearby to the Tate Modern
Website: http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/

A full size replica of the Golden Hinde sits in St Mary's dock in London, whilst the original lays up in Devon.

Sir Francis Drake's 16th century replica galleon, invites people to view it's five decks of exhibits and treasures. This replica has travelled far and wide, having covered 140,000 miles in total. The crew are costume dressed giving an ambience of pirate days gone by.
The ship's Pirate Academy offers weekend workshops throughout the year for youngsters who want to brush up their pirate skills.

Often used in films and popular for weddings and corporate entertainment, well worth a visit indeed.

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Address: South Bank, London