This page lists some of the events and tourist attractions
in London, to help visitors to make the most of their time at the Club.
For overseas visitors, we have included facilities to convert your local time and currency to the UK equivalents.
Hyperlinks are provided to relevant websites, but please note that The
University Women's Club is not responsible for the content of other websites.
The Club has endeavoured to ensure that the information provided here is
accurate, but accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience
sustained by any person as a result of information or advice contained on this
page or in any of the external web sites to which this page links. If you would like to suggest an event to add to this list, please email the Club at uwc@uwc-london.com. Events must be consistent with the Club's aims and ethos. |
|
June (see also the listing for year round)
| Beating the Retreat | Colourful display to mark the old military custom of drumming the troops back to base at dusk www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/beat_retreat.htm |
| City of London Festival | June to July - Churches, livery halls and corporate buildings play host to a variety of actors and musicians www.colf.org |
| Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair | The UK's most prestigious art and antiques fair. Over £500m worth of art and antiques ranging from antiquity to the present day will be displayed for sale by some 90 of the world's leading dealers. www.grosvenor-antiquesfair.co.uk |
| London Garden Squares Day | See London's private squares, open to the public for this one weekend each year www.opensquares.org |
| Queen's Coronation Salute | 2 - 41-Gun Royal Salute in Hyde Park on the anniversary of the Queen's coronation www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm |
| Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre | 28 May to 15 September - Picnics and performances in the open air www.openairtheatre.org |
| Royal Academy Summer Exhibition | 11 June to 19 August - Paintings, sculptures, prints and sketches for sale www.royalacademy.org.uk |
| Spitalfields Festival | New and early music, walks and talks www.spitalfields.org.uk |
| Trooping the Colour | Massed bands, gun salutes and fly-pasts the second Saturday in June to celebrate the Queen's birthday (rehearsals May and June) www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/trooping.htm |
| Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships | June to July - A feast for tennis lovers, starting in the last week in June www.wimbledon.org |
July (see also the listing for year round)
| Buckingham Palace State Rooms | 28 July to 25 September - Tour of the venues used for state occasions www.royal.gov.uk/output/page555.asp |
| City of London Festival | June to July - Churches, livery halls and corporate buildings play host to a variety of actors and musicians www.colf.org |
| Concerts in Hyde Park | Stay at the Club and stroll across to the Park for the vibrant concerts |
| The Proms | 13 July to 8 September - Annual series of concerts culminating in the Last Night of the Proms, all at the Royal Albert Hall, a 15-minute walk from the Club www.bbc.co.uk/proms |
| Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre | 28 May to 15 September - Picnics and performances in the open air www.openairtheatre.org |
| Royal Academy Summer Exhibition | 11 June to 19 August - Paintings, sculptures, prints and sketches for sale www.royalacademy.org.uk |
| Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships | June to July - See the finals in the first week in July www.wimbledon.org |
August (see also the listing for year round)
| Buckingham Palace State Rooms | 28 July to 25 September - Tour of the venues used for state occasions www.royal.gov.uk/output/page555.asp |
| Clarence House | 1 August to 30 September - A Nash original, regularly updated by a succession of royal residents from William IV in 1830 to HRH The Prince of Wales today http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page2262.asp |
| Houses of Parliament | 31 July to 3 October - Tour the seat of UK government, the Queen's Robing Room, the Royal Gallery and the Members' Lobby www.parliament.uk/visiting/summer_opening.cfm |
| Notting Hill Carnival | Colourful parade and street party www.rbkc.gov.uk/NottingHill06/general/ |
| The Proms | 13 July to 8 September - Annual series of concerts culminating in the Last Night of the Proms, all at the Royal Albert Hall, a 15-minute walk from the Club www.bbc.co.uk/proms |
| Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre | 28 May to 15 September - Picnics and performances in the open air www.openairtheatre.org |
| Royal Academy Summer Exhibition | 11 June to 19 August - Paintings, sculptures, prints and sketches for sale www.royalacademy.org.uk |
September (see also the listing for year round)
| Brick Lane Street Festival | Colourful and entertaining celebration of Asian life www.visitbricklane.com/bricklanefestival/index.php |
| Buckingham Palace State Rooms | 28 July to 25 September - Tour of the venues used for state occasions www.royal.gov.uk/output/page555.asp |
| Chelsea Antiques Fair | 20 to 24 - A prestigious annual event attracting many discerning collectors www.penman-fairs.co.uk |
| Clarence House | 1 August to 30 September - A Nash original, regularly updated by a succession of royal residents from William IV in 1830 to HRH The Prince of Wales today http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page2262.asp |
| Great River Race | 8 - Hundreds of unusual craft are rowed 22 miles along the Thames, from Richmond to the Isle of Dogs www.greatriverrace.co.uk |
| Horseman's Sunday | A Church Service to bless the horses, conducted by a vicar on horseback! Held outside St James' Church, Hyde Park Crescent 020 7262 3791 |
| Houses of Parliament | 31 July to 3 October - Tour the seat of UK government, the Queen's Robing Room, the Royal Gallery and the Members' Lobby www.parliament.uk/visiting/summer_opening.cfm |
| London Fashion Week | Showcase for British designer fashion www.londonfashionweek.co.uk |
| London Open House Weekend | 15 to 16 - Tours of many interesting buildings not usually open to the public www.londonopenhouse.org |
| The Mayor's Thames Festival | 15 to 16 - Free river-themed activities on the Thames and its banks www.thamesfestival.org |
| The Proms | 13 July to 8 September - Annual series of concerts culminating in the Last Night of the Proms, all at the Royal Albert Hall, a 15-minute walk from the Club www.bbc.co.uk/proms |
| Prom in the Park | 8 - An open-air version of the Last Night of the Proms, staged in Hyde Park with a live link-up to the Albert Hall for the rousing finale www.bbc.co.uk/proms/pitp/ |
| Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre | 28 May to 15 September - Picnics and performances in the open air www.openairtheatre.org |
| Regent Street Festival | 2 - Street entertainment and fun in one of the world's best-known shopping areas www.regentstreetonline.com |
| Tour of Britain Cycle Race | 15 - See the final stage of this gruelling race www.tourofbritain.co.uk |
October (see also the listing for year round)
| Autumn Ideal Home Show | Everything for the home at Earls Court www.autumnidealhomeshow.co.uk |
| British Summer Time | Put your clocks back for the end of British Summer Time |
| Clarence House | 1 August to 30 September - A Nash original, regularly updated by a succession of royal residents from William IV in 1830 to HRH The Prince of Wales today http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page2262.asp |
| London Film Festival | October to November - New international films at the National Film Theatre www.rlff.org.uk |
November (see also the listing for year round)
| Bonfire Night | 5 - Lots of venues for bonfires and fireworks www.londontown.com/LondonEvents/BonfireNight(GuyFawkesDay)/7b157 | |
| Christmas tree lights | Ceremony to switch on the lights for the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square www.westminster.gov.uk/leisureandculture/artsandentertainment/events/forthcoming.cfm | |
| London Film Festival | October to November - New international films at the National Film Theatre www.rlff.org.uk | |
| London Jazz Festival | 16 to 25 - Musical celebration in all jazz venues across London www.serious.org.uk/index2.cfm?refid=89&tmpt=tmpt3&tmptID=51 | |
| London to Brighton Veteran Car Run | 4 - Mass rally of classic cars www.vccofgb.co.uk/lontobri/ | |
| Lord Mayor's Show | 10 - Investiture for the new Lord Mayor at Westminster involving a ceremonial procession, followed by a less formal parade, fireworks and a fun fair www.lordmayorsshow.org/ | |
| Oxford Street Christmas Lights | Music and stars for the switching on ceremony www.oxfordstreet.co.uk | |
| Regent Street Christmas Lights | The switching on ceremony for Regent Street www.regent-street.co.uk | |
| Remembrance Parade | 11 - Commemoration of the UK's war dead in an open-air street service and a veterans' march-past accompanied by massed bands | |
| St Ceciliatide International Festival of Music | A week-long festival of classical music, food and wine taking place around St Cecilia's Day (22 November) in one of London's finest old City livery halls. Evening concerts are followed by an optional 5-course candlelit banquet inclusive of matched wines for each course. http://www.st-ceciliatide.com | |
| State opening of Parliament | Procession and ceremony as the Queen travels to the Houses of Parliament to read the Queen's Speech http://www.parliament.uk/faq/lords_stateopening.cfm |
December (see also the listing for year round)
| Christmas shopping | Join the crowds and enjoy the Christmas lights on Oxford Street, New and Old Bond Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge | |
| International Show Jumping Championships | 17 to 23 - Indoor competition for top-class horses www.olympiashowjumping.com | |
| Spitalfields Festival | New and early music, walks and talks www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk |
January (see also the listing for year round)
| London Parade | 1 - New Year's Day procession of floats, bands, cheerleaders and classic vehicles www.londonparade.co.uk/ |
February (see also the listing for year round)
| Chelsea Contemporary Art Fair | Contemporary art in Chelsea www.penman-fairs.co.uk/ |
| Chinese New Year | Dancing dragons and firecrackers in Chinatown www.london.gov.uk/mayor/chinese_ny/index.jsp |
| London Fashion Week | Showcase for British designer fashion www.londonfashionweek.co.uk |
March (see also the listing for year round)
| British Summer Time | Put your clocks forward for the start of British Summer Time |
| Ideal Home Show | March to April - Annual exhibition of home-related ideas and improvements www.idealhomeshow.co.uk |
| International Women's Day | 8 - Annual celebration of women's achievements www.internationalwomensday.com/events.asp |
| Mother's Day | Why not celebrate at the Club? |
| Spit-Lit Festival | Writing workshops for women at the Women's Library www.alternativearts.co.uk |
| St Patrick's Day Parade | Marching bands, colourful floats and local community groups and schools combine to make a four-hour parade through central London. See the start at Hyde Park Corner, right by the Club. www.london.gov.uk/stpatricksday/ |
| UK Women's Film Festival | A celebration of the work of the most talented women filmmakers from around the world. www.birds-eye-view.co.uk |
April (see also the listing for year round)
| Alexandra Palace | Easter funfairs and stunning views across the city from "Ally Pally", plus a magnificant building, ice rink, skate park and children's playground, all set in 196 acres of parkland www.alexandrapalace.com |
| Boat Race | Annual rowing race up the Thames between Oxford and Cambridge Universities, starting at Putney www.theboatrace.org |
| London Marathon | Whether watching or running, it's a great atmosphere on the third Sunday of April www.london-marathon.co.uk |
| Queen's Birthday Salute | 21 - Regimental Inspection and 41-Gun Royal Salute in Hyde Park on the Queen's Birthday www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm |
| St George's Day | 23 - Various events around London, all linked to England's patron saint. www.london.gov.uk/mayor/culture/stgeorge06.jsp |
May (see also the listing for year round)
| Baishaki Mela | Celebration of Bengali New Year in colourful Brick Lane http://www.visitbricklane.com/baishakimela/index.php |
| Chelsea Flower Show | Annual gathering of all that's best in horticulture www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea |
| Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre | 28 May to 15 September - Picnics and performances in the open air www.openairtheatre.org |
Summer (see also the listings for the specific month that you are visiting London)
| Museum of Fulham Palace | March to October - Tours of the former residence of the Bishop of London www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/palace/index.html |
| Royal Mews | 24 March to 31 October - Working stables housing the state carriages, open March to October www.royal.gov.uk/output/page556.asp |
Year Round (see also the listings for the specific month that you are visiting London)
| Albert Memorial | Queen Victoria's amazing tribute to her husband |
| Alexandra Palace | Stunning views across the city from "Ally Pally", plus a magnificant building, ice rink, skate park and children's playground, all set in 196 acres of parkland. Funfairs at Easter and some other bank holidays www.alexandrapalace.com |
| Apsley House | The first Duke of Wellington's incredible art collection, exhibited in his own elaborately-decorated house http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.410 |
| BA London Eye | Observation wheel for a bird's eye view of London www.londoneye.com/ |
| Bank of England Museum | History of the Bank's role, housed within the Bank itself www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum |
| Banqueting House | Part of the old royal palace of Whitehall and site of the execution of Charles I www.hrp.org.uk/banquet |
| Barbican Hall | Concert hall and theatre www.barbican.org.uk |
| BBC Television Centre | Back stage tours can be booked www.bbc.co.uk/tours/ |
| British Library | The UK's national library, holding a research collection spanning almost 3,000 years and every contintent www.bl.uk |
| British Museum | Vast collection of antiquities including the Elgin Marbles and Egyptian mummies www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk |
| Bus tours of London | Providing an easy way to see London, these bus tour companies start their tours in Park Lane, within easy walking distance of the Club www.bigbus.co.uk or www.theoriginaltour.com |
| Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms | The underground offices used by Churchill and his cabinet during World War II, featuring a permanent exhibition dedicated to Winston Churchill www.iwm.org.uk/cabinet/index.htm |
| Changing the Guard | The most impressive change of shift that you'll ever see www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/queens_guard.htm |
| Courtauld Institute Gallery | Fine collection of Old Master, Impressionist and last century art www.courtauld.ac.uk |
| Curzon Mayfair Cinema | Two-screen cinema on Curzon Street, only 5 minutes walk from the Club www.curzoncinemas.com/curzonmayfair.htm |
| Cutty Sark | The world's last surviving tea clipper www.cuttysark.org.uk/ |
| Dali Universe | Massive collection of his work www.countyhallgallery.com/exhibitions/dali.htm |
| de Morgan Centre | Tiles, pots and mosaics created by the designer of the Club's reception fireplace tiles, and paintings by his artist wife www.demorgan.org.uk |
| Design Museum | How modern design is influencing our lives and futures www.designmuseum.org |
| Dickens' House Museum | His only surviving London house contains manuscripts, paintings and other memorabilia www.dickensmuseum.com |
| Dr Johnson's House | A celebration of the life and times of the compiler of our first English dictionary www.drjohnsonshouse.org |
| Fan Museum | Display of over 2,000 fans www.fan-museum.org/ |
| Florence Nightingale Museum | The story of the Lady with the Lamp www.florence-nightingale.co.uk |
| Friday night skate | For the more energetic, a weekly mass skate around the streets of London, starting at Hyde Park Corner www.citiskate.com |
| Geffrye Museum | The eccentric story of the British front-room www.geffrye-museum.org.uk |
| Gilbert Collection | Gold, silver, mosaics and miniatures www.gilbert-collection.org.uk |
| Golden Hinde | The boat that took Sir Francis Drake around the world www.goldenhinde.org |
| Green Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green_park/index.cfm |
| Grosvenor Chapel, South Audley Street | Occasional concerts and regular church services www.grosvenorchapel.org.uk/main.htm |
| Handel House Museum | Re-creation of the house where Handel lived and composed many of his most famous works www.handelhouse.org |
| Hayward Gallery | Contemporary and historical art exhibitions www.hayward.org.uk |
| HMS Belfast | Used in World War II, this is Europe's last surviving big gun armoured warship from that era www.iwm.org.uk/belfast/index.htm |
| Horniman Museum | Specialises in ethnography and natural history www.horniman.ac.uk/ |
| Hyde Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging, riding, skateboarding, boating, swimming, bowling, tennis - or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park/index.cfm |
| Hyde Park Stables | The stables offer supervised horse rides around Hyde Park, no experience required www.hydeparkstables.com |
| Imperial War Museum | Displays of the tools and effects of warfare in 20th century onwards www.iwm.org.uk/lambeth/index.htm |
| Institute of Contemporary Arts | Talks, films and exhibitions on various subjects www.ica.org.uk |
| Jewel Tower | The original Palace of Westminster, with a permanent exhibition focusing on the evolution and workings of Parliament http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.104 |
| Jewish Museum | Account of Jewish history and religious life in Britain www.jewishmuseum.org.uk |
| Kensington Palace State Apartments | Elaborately-decorated state rooms and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection www.kensington-palace.org.uk/webcode/kensington_home.asp |
| Kensington Gardens | Royal park close by, including a children's playground www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/index.cfm |
| Kew Bridge Steam Museum | Ride in a steam-powered train www.kbsm.org |
| London Aquarium | Sharks, stingrays, conger eels and sea bass all under the same roof www.londonaquarium.co.uk |
| London Canal Museum | The story of the man-made waterways www.canalmuseum.org.uk/ |
| London Coliseum | Opera in English, and ballet www.eno.org |
| London Duck Tours | Tours of London over land and water in a DUKW (World War Two amphibious vehicle) www.londonducktours.co.uk |
| London Dungeon | Spine-chilling horrors www.thedungeons.com |
| London Fire Brigade Museum | History of fire-fighting in London, starting with the Great Fire of 1666 www.london-fire.gov.uk/about_us/our_history/visit_our_museum.asp |
| London Taxis | Enjoy the traditional London Black Cab experience - hail one in the street or book in advance http://www.londonblackcabs.co.uk/ |
| London's Transport Museum | Working exhibits of the evolution of public transport in the capital www.ltmuseum.co.uk |
| London Transport | Timetables and information on tube trains, buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), river boats and National Express coaches http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/ |
| London Wetland Centre | Marshlife in its natural environment. Quite a way out (Barnes), but worth it if you're missing the countryside www.wwt.org.uk/visit/wetlandcentre |
| London Zoo | Over 12,000 species to see www.londonzoo.co.uk |
| Lords' Tours | The Headquarters of Cricket, including the Marlebone Cricket Museum where the Ashes' Urn is on display (regardless of who won it last!) www.lords.org/lords-ground/tours |
| Madame Tussaud's / Stardome | Stars in your eyes to stars in the sky www.madame-tussauds.com or www.madame-tussauds.co.uk/thestardome.htm |
| Mall Galleries | Varied art exhibitions www.mallgalleries.org.uk |
| Museum of London | Urban history of London including Roman times, the Great Fire, the Plague, the Blitz and the industrial revolution www.museumoflondon.org.uk |
| National Army Museum | History of the British Army and its campaigns from Henry VII's time onwards www.national-army-museum.ac.uk |
| National Film Theatre | Venue for a varied cinema programme http://www.bfi.org.uk/nft/ |
| National Gallery | Permanent display of a wide variety of paintings www.nationalgallery.org.uk |
| National Maritime Museum | Focus on ships of all sorts, navigation and exploration www.nmm.ac.uk/site/navId/005 |
| National Museum of Childhood at Bethnall Green | Collection of toys, games and children's costume from up to 500 years ago www.museumofchildhood.org.uk |
| National Portrait Gallery | 10,000 portraits, from Tudor times onwards www.npg.org.uk |
| National Rail | UK railway timetables and reservations covering all train operating companies www.thetrainline.co.uk |
| National Theatre | 3 theatres showing varied programmes at affordable prices www.nationaltheatre.org.uk |
| Natural History Museum | Nature through the ages, including dinosaurs www.nhm.ac.uk |
| Old Operating Theatre & Museum | Surgery through the ages www.thegarret.org.uk |
| Puppet Theatre Barge | All aboard for magical puppetry www.puppetbarge.com |
| Queen's Ice & Bowl | Tenpin bowling and ice skating www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk |
| Ragged School Museum | Re-creation of the schools set up in the East End for the poor www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk/home.shtml |
| Regent's Park | Royal park with gardens, a lake with islands, a heronry and waterfowl collection, the London Zoo, children's playgrounds, a golf driving range and the Open-Air Theatre www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/regents_park/index.cfm |
| Royal Academy of Arts | Fascinating changing exhibitions a short walk away from the Club www.royalacademy.org.uk/ |
| Royal Albert Hall | Impressive concert venue just a short journey from the Club www.royalalberthall.com |
| Royal Botanical Gardens Kew | Over 40,000 varieties of plants in 121 hectares www.rbgkew.org.uk/ |
| The Royal Collection at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace | Vast collection of artworks contributed to by monarchs since Charles II www.royal.gov.uk/output/page1208.asp |
| Royal Festival Hall | Varied programme of free foyer exhibitions and music, in addition to the orchestral events in the 3 concert halls www.rfh.org.uk |
| Royal Observatory | Evolution of astronomy and navigation www.rog.nmm.ac.uk |
| Royal Opera House | Opera and ballet at a wide range of ticket prices www.royaloperahouse.org |
| St James's Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st_james_park/index.cfm |
| St John's, Smith Square | Venue for a varied concert programme www.sjss.org.uk |
| St Paul's Cathedral | Christopher Wren's masterpiece, still an active place of worship, as well as a major tourist attraction and concert venue www.stpauls.co.uk |
| Science Museum | Crammed with scientific discoveries and hands-on displays www.sciencemuseum.org.uk |
| Serpentine Gallery | Modern and contemporary art www.serpentinegallery.org/ |
| Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Theatre tour | Re-recreation of the original site of many of Shakespeare's first nights www.shakespeares-globe.org |
| Sherlock Holmes Museum | Memorabilia in the fabled home of the world's most famous fictional detective www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk |
| Shopping | Oxford Street, New and Old Bond Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge are all close by, including well-known department stores such as Selfridges www.selfridges.com, Harrods www.harrods.com and Harvey Nichols www.harveynichols.com/ |
| Sir John Soane's Museum | Architectural models, antiquities and books www.soane.org |
| Somerset House | Historic building, home to the Courtauld Collection of paintings, the Gilbert Collection of gold and silver and a varied series of changing exhibitions www.somerset-house.org.uk |
| Speakers' Corner | Have your say in this traditional and entertaining Sunday forum, or just listen to the debate on a variety of topics and opinions |
| Spencer House | Eighteenth-century private palace open most Sundays, only 15 minutes walk from the Club www.spencerhouse.co.uk |
| Street markets | Pick up a bargain, or just watch, in London's lively and colourful markets www.boroughmarket.org.uk, www.eastlondonmarkets.com, www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/leadenhall, www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/our_services/markets/spitalfields/spitalfields.htm or www.portobelloroad.co.uk |
| Tate Britain | British art from 1600 www.tate.org.uk/britain/default.htm |
| Tate Modern | International art from the 20th century onwards, in the converted Bankside Power Station www.tate.org.uk/modern/default.htm |
| Theatre Museum | History of the stage, with props from many famous productions www.theatremuseum.org |
| Tower Bridge Experience | Tour and exhibition of the famous bridge's history, including views over London from the high-level walkways www.towerbridge.org.uk |
| Tower of London | Famous home of the Beefeaters, the Ravens and the Crown Jewels, and the scene of many of England's most famous historic events www.hrp.org.uk/tower |
| Victoria and Albert Museum | Fashion, silver, sculpture, glass, photography - it's all here www.vam.ac.uk |
| Vinopolis | Learn about wine, and taste it too of course www.vinopolis.co.uk |
| Walking Tours | Guided tours, often themed to get the most out of your walk www.walks.com |
| Wallace Collection | Unique collection of art www.wallacecollection.org/ |
| Wellington Arch | Exhibitions and fine views over London from the Arch that commemorates Wellington's victory over Napoleon http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.111 |
| Wernher Collection at Ranger's House | 12 rooms of 19th century mixed art collected by Sir Julius Wernher, a gold- and diamond-mining millionaire http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.110 |
| West end theatre | Wide selection of live musicals, plays, ballet and opera www.OfficialLondonTheatre.co.uk |
| Westminster Abbey | Site of the Queen's coronation and resting place of many of England's previous Kings and Queens www.westminster-abbey.org/ |
| Wigmore Hall | Varied programme of concerts and recitals www.wigmore-hall.org.uk |
| Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum | Tennis from Victorian times to the present http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/about/museum/index.html |
| Women's Library | Library, events and changing exhibitions around the theme of women's history in the UK www.thewomenslibrary.ac.uk |
| 1 January | London Parade | New Year's Day procession of floats, bands, cheerleaders and classic vehicles www.londonparade.co.uk/ | |
| March | St Patrick's Day Parade | Marching bands, colourful floats and local community groups and schools combine to make a four-hour parade through central London. See the start at Hyde Park Corner, right by the Club. www.london.gov.uk/stpatricksday/ | |
| 24 March - 31 October | Royal Mews | Working stables housing the state carriages, open March to October www.royal.gov.uk/output/page556.asp | |
| 21 April | Queen's Birthday Salute | Regimental Inspection and 41-Gun Royal Salute in Hyde Park on the Queen's Birthday www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm | |
| 2 June | Queen's Coronation Salute | 41-Gun Royal Salute in Hyde Park on the anniversary of the Queen's coronation www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm | |
| 11 June - 19 August | Royal Academy Summer Exhibition | Paintings, sculptures, prints and sketches for sale www.royalacademy.org.uk | |
| June | Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair | The UK's most prestigious art and antiques fair. Over £500m worth of art and antiques ranging from antiquity to the present day will be displayed for sale by some 90 of the world's leading dealers. www.grosvenor-antiquesfair.co.uk | |
| June | Trooping the Colour | Massed bands, gun salutes and fly-pasts the second Saturday in June to celebrate the Queen's birthday (rehearsals 28 May and 4 June) www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/trooping.htm | |
| June | London Garden Squares Weekend | See London's private squares, open to the public for this one weekend each year www.opensquares.org.uk | |
| 13 July - 8 September | The Proms | Annual series of concerts culminating in the Last Night of the Proms, all at the Royal Albert Hall, a 15-minute walk from the Club www.bbc.co.uk/proms | |
| July | Concerts in Hyde Park | Stay at the Club and stroll across to the Park for the vibrant concerts | |
| 28 July - 25 September | Buckingham Palace State Rooms | Tour of the venues used for state occasions www.royal.gov.uk/output/page555.asp | |
| 1 August - 30 September | Clarence House | A Nash original, regularly updated by a succession of royal residents from William IV in 1830 to HRH The Prince of Wales today http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page2262.asp | |
| 8 September | Prom in the Park | An open-air version of the Last Night of the Proms, staged in Hyde Park with a live link-up to the Albert Hall for the rousing finale www.bbc.co.uk/proms/pitp/ | |
| November | Regent Street Christmas Lights | The 50th switching on ceremony for Regent Street www.regent-street.co.uk | |
| 15 November | Oxford Street Christmas Lights | Music and stars for the switching on ceremony www.oxfordstreet.co.uk | |
| All year | Albert Memorial | Queen Victoria's amazing tribute to her husband | |
| All year | Apsley House | The first Duke of Wellington's incredible art collection, exhibited in his own elaborately-decorated house http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.410 | |
| All year | Bus tours of London | Providing an easy way to see London, these bus tour companies start their tours in Park Lane, within easy walking distance of the Club www.bigbus.co.uk or www.theoriginaltour.com | |
| All year | Changing the Guard | The most impressive change of shift that you'll ever see www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/queens_guard.htm | |
| All year | Curzon Mayfair Cinema | Two-screen cinema on Curzon Street, only 5 minutes walk from the Club www.curzoncinemas.com/curzonmayfair.htm | |
| All year | Friday night skate | For the more energetic, a weekly mass skate around the streets of London, starting at Hyde Park Corner www.citiskate.com | |
| All year | Green Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green_park/index.cfm | |
| All year | Grosvenor Chapel, South Audley Street | Occasional concerts and regular church services www.grosvenorchapel.org.uk/main.htm | |
| All year | Handel House Museum | Re-creation of the house where Handel lived and composed many of his most famous works www.handelhouse.org | |
| All year | Hyde Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging, riding, skateboarding, boating, swimming, bowling, tennis - or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park/index.cfm | |
| All year | Hyde Park Stables | The stables offer supervised horse rides around Hyde Park, no experience required www.hydeparkstables.com | |
| All year | Kensington Palace State Apartments | Elaborately-decorated state rooms and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection www.kensington-palace.org.uk/webcode/kensington_home.asp | |
| All year | Kensington Gardens | Royal park close by, including a children's playground www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/index.cfm | |
| All year | Queen's Ice & Bowl | Tenpin bowling and ice skating www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk | |
| All year | Royal Academy of Arts | Fascinating changing exhibitions a short walk away from the Club www.royalacademy.org.uk/ | |
| All year | Royal Albert Hall | Impressive concert venue just a short journey from the Club www.royalalberthall.com | |
| All year | The Royal Collection at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace | Vast collection of artworks contributed to by monarchs since Charles II www.royal.gov.uk/output/page1208.asp | |
| All year | St James's Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st_james_park/index.cfm | |
| All year | Serpentine Gallery | Modern and contemporary art www.serpentinegallery.org/ | |
| All year | Shopping | Oxford Street, New and Old Bond Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge are all close by, including well-known department stores such as Selfridges www.selfridges.com, Harrods www.harrods.com and Harvey Nichols www.harveynichols.com/ | |
| All year | Speakers' Corner | Have your say in this traditional and entertaining Sunday forum, or just listen to the debate on a variety of topics and opinions | |
| All year | Spencer House | Eighteenth-century private palace open most Sundays, only 15 minutes walk from the Club www.spencerhouse.co.uk | |
| All year | Wallace Collection | Unique collection of art www.wallacecollection.org/ | |
| All year | Wellington Arch | Exhibitions and fine views over London from the Arch that commemorates Wellington's victory over Napoleon http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.111 | |
| All year | Wigmore Hall | Varied programme of concerts and recitals www.wigmore-hall.org.uk |
| All year | London Taxis | Enjoy the traditional London Black Cab experience - hail one in the street or book in advance http://www.londonblackcabs.co.uk/ |
| All year | London Transport | Timetables and information on tube trains, buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), river boats and National Express coaches http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/ |
| All year | National Rail | UK railway timetables and reservations covering all train operating companies www.thetrainline.co.uk |
| 1 January | London Parade | New Year's Day procession of floats, bands, cheerleaders and classic vehicles www.londonparade.co.uk/ | |
| February | New Year | Dancing dragons and firecrackers in Chinatown www.london.gov.uk/mayor/chinese_ny/index.jsp | |
| April | Boat Race | Annual rowing race up the Thames between Oxford and Cambridge Universities, starting at Putney www.theboatrace.org | |
| March | St Patrick's Day Parade | Marching bands, colourful floats and local community groups and schools combine to make a four-hour parade through central London. See the start at Hyde Park Corner, right by the Club. www.london.gov.uk/stpatricksday/ | |
| April | London Marathon | Whether watching or running, it's a great atmosphere on the third Sunday of April www.london-marathon.co.uk | |
| 21 April | Queen's Birthday Salute | Regimental Inspection and 41-Gun Royal Salute in Hyde Park on the Queen's Birthday www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm | |
| 2 June | Queen's Coronation Salute | 41-Gun Royal Salute in Hyde Park on the anniversary of the Queen's coronation www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm | |
| June | Beating the Retreat | Colourful display to mark the old military custom of drumming the troops back to base at dusk www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/beat_retreat.htm | |
| June | Trooping the Colour | Massed bands, gun salutes and fly-pasts the second Saturday in June to celebrate the Queen's birthday (rehearsals 28 May and 4 June) www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/trooping.htm | |
| August | Notting Hill Carnival | Colourful parade and street party www.rbkc.gov.uk/NottingHill06/general/ | |
| 8 September | Great River Race | Hundreds of unusual craft are rowed 22 miles along the Thames, from Richmond to the Isle of Dogs www.greatriverrace.co.uk | |
| 15-16 September | Mayor's Thames Festival | Free river-themed activities on the Thames and its banks www.thamesfestival.org | |
| September | Horseman's Sunday | A Church Service to bless the horses, conducted by a vicar on horseback! Held outside St James' Church, Hyde Park Crescent 020 7262 3791 | |
| 4 November | London to Brighton Veteran Car Run | Mass rally of classic cars www.vccofgb.co.uk/lontobri/ | |
| November | Regent Street Christmas Lights | The 50th switching on ceremony for Regent Street www.regent-street.co.uk | |
| 10 November | Lord Mayor's Show | Investiture for the new Lord Mayor at Westminster involving a ceremonial procession, followed by a less formal parade, fireworks and a fun fair www.lordmayorsshow.org/ | |
| 11 November | Remembrance Parade | Commemoration of the UK's war dead in an open-air street service and a veterans' march-past accompanied by massed bands | |
| 15 November | Oxford Street Christmas Lights | Music and stars for the switching on ceremony www.oxfordstreet.co.uk | |
| November | State opening of Parliament | Procession and ceremony as the Queen travels to the Houses of Parliament to read the Queen's Speech http://www.parliament.uk/faq/lords_stateopening.cfm | |
| All year | British Library | The UK's national library, holding a research collection spanning almost 3,000 years and every contintent www.bl.uk | |
| All year | British Museum | Vast collection of antiquities including the Elgin Marbles and Egyptian mummies www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk | |
| All year | Changing the Guard | The most impressive change of shift that you'll ever see www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/queens_guard.htm | |
| All year | Friday night skate | For the more energetic, a weekly mass skate around the streets of London, starting at Hyde Park Corner www.citiskate.com | |
| All year | Green Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green_park/index.cfm | |
| All year | Hyde Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging, riding, skateboarding, boating, swimming, bowling, tennis - or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park/index.cfm | |
| All year | Imperial War Museum | Displays of the tools and effects of warfare in 20th century onwards www.iwm.org.uk/lambeth/index.htm | |
| All year | National Gallery | Permanent display of a wide variety of paintings www.nationalgallery.org.uk | |
| All year | National Maritime Museum | Focus on ships of all sorts, navigation and exploration www.nmm.ac.uk/site/navId/005 | |
| All year | National Museum of Childhood at Bethnall Green | Collection of toys, games and children's costume from up to 500 years ago www.museumofchildhood.org.uk | |
| All year | National Portrait Gallery | 10,000 portraits, from Tudor times onwards www.npg.org.uk | |
| All year | Natural History Museum | Nature through the ages, including dinosaurs www.nhm.ac.uk | |
| All year | Ragged School Museum | Re-creation of the schools set up in the East End for the poor www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk/home.shtml | |
| All year | Regent's Park | Royal park with gardens, a lake with islands, a heronry and waterfowl collection, the London Zoo, children's playgrounds, a golf driving range and the Open-Air Theatre www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/regents_park/index.cfm | |
| All year | Royal Observatory | Evolution of astronomy and navigation www.rog.nmm.ac.uk | |
| All year | St James's Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st_james_park/index.cfm | |
| All year | Science Museum | Crammed with scientific discoveries and hands-on displays www.sciencemuseum.org.uk | |
| All year | Speakers' Corner | Have your say in this traditional and entertaining Sunday forum, or just listen to the debate on a variety of topics and opinions | |
| All year | Tate Britain | British art from 1600 www.tate.org.uk/britain/default.htm | |
| All year | Tate Modern | International art from the 20th century onwards, in the converted Bankside Power Station www.tate.org.uk/modern/default.htm | |
| All year | Victoria and Albert Museum | Fashion, silver, sculpture, glass, photography - it's all here www.vam.ac.uk |
| April | Boat Race | Annual rowing race up the Thames between Oxford and Cambridge Universities, starting at Putney www.theboatrace.org |
| June | Beating the Retreat | Colourful display to mark the old military custom of drumming the troops back to base at dusk www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/beat_retreat.htm |
| June | Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair | The UK's most prestigious art and antiques fair. Over £500m worth of art and antiques ranging from antiquity to the present day will be displayed for sale by some 90 of the world's leading dealers. www.grosvenor-antiquesfair.co.uk |
| June | Trooping the Colour | Massed bands, gun salutes and fly-pasts the second Saturday in June to celebrate the Queen's birthday (rehearsals 28 May and 4 June) www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/trooping.htm |
| 31 July to 3 October | Houses of Parliament | Tour the seat of UK government, the Queen's Robing Room, the Royal Gallery and the Members' Lobby www.parliament.uk/visiting/summer_opening.cfm |
| 28 July - 25 September | Buckingham Palace State Rooms | Tour of the venues used for state occasions www.royal.gov.uk/output/page555.asp |
| 1 August - 30 September | Clarence House | A Nash original, regularly updated by a succession of royal residents from William IV in 1830 to HRH The Prince of Wales today http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page2262.asp |
| 20-24 September | Chelsea Antiques Fair | A prestigious annual event attracting many discerning collectors www.penman-fairs.co.uk |
| 15-16 September | London Open House Weekend | Tours of many interesting buildings not usually open to the public www.londonopenhouse.org |
| 5 November | Bonfire Night | Lots of venues for bonfires and fireworks www.londontown.com/LondonEvents/BonfireNight(GuyFawkesDay)/7b157 |
| 4 November | London to Brighton Veteran Car Run | Mass rally of classic cars www.vccofgb.co.uk/lontobri/ |
| 10 November | Lord Mayor's Show | Investiture for the new Lord Mayor at Westminster involving a ceremonial procession, followed by a less formal parade, fireworks and a fun fair www.lordmayorsshow.org/ |
| 11 November | Remembrance Parade | Commemoration of the UK's war dead in an open-air street service and a veterans' march-past accompanied by massed bands |
| November | State opening of Parliament | Procession and ceremony as the Queen travels to the Houses of Parliament to read the Queen's Speech http://www.parliament.uk/faq/lords_stateopening.cfm |
| Summer | Museum of Fulham Palace | March to October - Tours of the former residence of the Bishop of London www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/palace/index.html |
| All year | Albert Memorial | Queen Victoria's amazing tribute to her husband |
| All year | Apsley House | The first Duke of Wellington's incredible art collection, exhibited in his own elaborately-decorated house http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.410 |
| All year | Bank of England Museum | History of the Bank's role, housed within the Bank itself www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum |
| All year | Banqueting House | Part of the old royal palace of Whitehall and site of the execution of Charles I www.hrp.org.uk/webcode/banquet_home.asp |
| All year | British Library | The UK's national library, holding a research collection spanning almost 3,000 years and every contintent www.bl.uk |
| All year | British Museum | Vast collection of antiquities including the Elgin Marbles and Egyptian mummies www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk |
| All year | Bus tours of London | Providing an easy way to see London, these bus tour companies start their tours in Park Lane, within easy walking distance of the Club www.bigbus.co.uk or www.theoriginaltour.com |
| All year | Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms | The underground offices used by Churchill and his cabinet during World War II, featuring a permanent exhibition dedicated to Winston Churchill www.iwm.org.uk/cabinet/index.htm |
| All year | Changing the Guard | The most impressive change of shift that you'll ever see www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/queens_guard.htm |
| All year | Cutty Sark | The world's last surviving tea clipper www.cuttysark.org.uk/ |
| All year | Design Museum | How modern design is influencing our lives and futures www.designmuseum.org |
| All year | Dickens' House Museum | His only surviving London house contains manuscripts, paintings and other memorabilia www.dickensmuseum.com |
| All year | Dr Johnson's House | A celebration of the life and times of the compiler of our first English dictionary www.drjohnsonshouse.org |
| All year | Fan Museum | Display of over 2,000 fans www.fan-museum.org/ |
| All year | Florence Nightingale Museum | The story of the Lady with the Lamp www.florence-nightingale.co.uk |
| All year | Geffrye Museum | The eccentric story of the British front-room www.geffrye-museum.org.uk |
| All year | Gilbert Collection | Gold, silver, mosaics and miniatures www.gilbert-collection.org.uk |
| All year | Golden Hinde | The boat that took Sir Francis Drake around the world www.goldenhinde.co.uk |
| All year | Handel House Museum | Re-creation of the house where Handel lived and composed many of his most famous works www.handelhouse.org |
| All year | HMS Belfast | Used in World War II, this is Europe's last surviving big gun armoured warship from that era www.iwm.org.uk/belfast/index.htm |
| All year | Horniman Museum | Specialises in ethnography and natural history www.horniman.ac.uk/ |
| All year | Imperial War Museum | Displays of the tools and effects of warfare in 20th century onwards www.iwm.org.uk/lambeth/index.htm |
| All year | Jewel Tower | The original Palace of Westminster, with a permanent exhibition focusing on the evolution and workings of Parliament http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.104 |
| All year | Jewish Museum | Account of Jewish history and religious life in Britain www.jewishmuseum.org.uk |
| All year | Kensington Palace State Apartments | Elaborately-decorated state rooms and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection www.kensington-palace.org.uk/webcode/kensington_home.asp |
| All year | Kew Bridge Steam Museum | Ride in a steam-powered train www.kbsm.org |
| All year | London Canal Museum | The story of the man-made waterways www.canalmuseum.org.uk/ |
| All year | London Duck Tours | Tours of London over land and water in a DUKW (World War Two amphibious vehicle) www.londonducktours.co.uk |
| All year | London Dungeon | Spine-chilling horrors www.thedungeons.com |
| All year | London Fire Brigade Museum | History of fire-fighting in London, starting with the Great Fire of 1666 www.london-fire.gov.uk/about_us/our_history/visit_our_museum.asp |
| All year | London's Transport Museum | Working exhibits of the evolution of public transport in the capital www.ltmuseum.co.uk |
| All year | Lords' Tours | The Headquarters of Cricket, including the Marlebone Cricket Museum where the Ashes' Urn is on display (regardless of who won it last!) www.lords.org/lords-ground/tours |
| All year | Madame Tussaud's / Planetarium | Stars in your eyes to stars in the sky www.madame-tussauds.com or www.madame-tussauds.co.uk/thestardome.htm |
| All year | Museum of London | Urban history of London including Roman times, the Great Fire, the Plague, the Blitz and the industrial revolution www.museumoflondon.org.uk |
| All year | National Army Museum | History of the British Army and its campaigns from Henry VII's time onwards www.national-army-museum.ac.uk |
| All year | National Maritime Museum | Focus on ships of all sorts, navigation and exploration www.nmm.ac.uk/site/navId/005 |
| All year | National Museum of Childhood at Bethnall Green | Collection of toys, games and children's costume from up to 500 years ago www.museumofchildhood.org.uk |
| All year | National Portrait Gallery | 10,000 portraits, from Tudor times onwards www.npg.org.uk |
| All year | Natural History Museum | Nature through the ages, including dinosaurs www.nhm.ac.uk |
| All year | Old Operating Theatre & Museum | Surgery through the ages www.thegarret.org.uk |
| All year | Ragged School Museum | Re-creation of the schools set up in the East End for the poor www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk/home.shtml |
| All year | The Royal Collection at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace | Vast collection of artworks contributed to by monarchs since Charles II www.royal.gov.uk/output/page1208.asp |
| All year | Royal Observatory | Evolution of astronomy and navigation www.rog.nmm.ac.uk |
| All year | St Paul's Cathedral | Christopher Wren's masterpiece, still an active place of worship, as well as a major tourist attraction and concert venue www.stpauls.co.uk |
| All year | Science Museum | Crammed with scientific discoveries and hands-on displays www.sciencemuseum.org.uk |
| All year | Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Theatre tour | Re-recreation of the original site of many of Shakespeare's first nights www.shakespeares-globe.org |
| All year | Sherlock Holmes Museum | Memorabilia in the fabled home of the world's most famous fictional detective www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk |
| All year | Sir John Soane's Museum | Architectural models, antiquities and books www.soane.org |
| All year | Somerset House | Historic building, home to the Courtauld Collection of paintings, the Gilbert Collection of gold and silver and a varied series of changing exhibitions www.somerset-house.org.uk |
| All year | Spencer House | Eighteenth-century private palace open most Sundays, only 15 minutes walk from the Club www.spencerhouse.co.uk |
| All year | Tate Britain | British art from 1600 www.tate.org.uk/britain/default.htm |
| All year | Theatre Museum | History of the stage, with props from many famous productions www.theatremuseum.org |
| All year | Tower Bridge Experience | Tour and exhibition of the famous bridge's history, including views over London from the high-level walkways www.towerbridge.org.uk |
| All year | Tower of London | Famous home of the Beefeaters, the Ravens and the Crown Jewels, and the scene of many of England's most famous historic events www.hrp.org.uk/tower |
| All year | Victoria and Albert Museum | Fashion, silver, sculpture, glass, photography - it's all here www.vam.ac.uk |
| All year | Vinopolis | Learn about wine, and taste it too of course www.vinopolis.co.uk |
| All year | Walking Tours | Guided tours, often themed, to get the most out of your walk www.walks.com |
| All year | Wallace Collection | Unique collection of art www.wallacecollection.org/ |
| All year | Wellington Arch | Exhibitions and fine views over London from the Arch that commemorates Wellington's victory over Napoleon http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.111 |
| All year | Wernher Collection at Ranger's House | 12 rooms of 19th century mixed art collected by Sir Julius Wernher, a gold- and diamond-mining millionaire http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.110 |
| All year | Westminster Abbey | Site of the Queen's coronation and resting place of many of England's previous Kings and Queens www.westminster-abbey.org/ |
| 15-18 February | Chelsea Contemporary Art Fair | Contemporary art in Chelsea www.penman-fairs.co.uk/ |
| February | London Fashion Week | Showcase for British designer fashion www.londonfashionweek.co.uk |
| March | UK Women's Film Festival | A celebration of the work of the most talented women filmmakers from around the world. www.birds-eye-view.co.uk |
| June | Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair | The UK's most prestigious art and antiques fair. Over £500m worth of art and antiques ranging from antiquity to the present day will be displayed for sale by some 90 of the world's leading dealers. www.grosvenor-antiquesfair.co.uk |
| June - July | City of London Festival | Churches, livery halls and corporate buildings play host to a variety of actors and musicians www.colf.org |
| 28 May - 15 September | Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre | Picnics and performances in the open air www.openairtheatre.org |
| 11 June - 19 August | Royal Academy Summer Exhibition | Paintings, sculptures, prints and sketches for sale www.royalacademy.org.uk |
| 20-24 September | Chelsea Antiques Fair | A prestigious annual event attracting many discerning collectors www.penman-fairs.co.uk |
| September | London Fashion Week | Showcase for British designer fashion www.londonfashionweek.co.uk |
| 15-16 September | London Open House Weekend | Tours of many interesting buildings not usually open to the public www.londonopenhouse.org |
| October - November | London Film Festival | New international films at the National Film Theatre www.rlff.com |
| All year | Apsley House | The first Duke of Wellington's incredible art collection, exhibited in his own elaborately-decorated house http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.410 |
| All year | Banqueting House | Part of the old royal palace of Whitehall and site of the execution of Charles I www.hrp.org.uk/webcode/banquet_home.asp |
| All year | Barbican Hall | Concert hall and theatre www.barbican.org.uk |
| All year | BBC Television Centre | Back stage tours can be booked www.bbc.co.uk/tours/ |
| All year | British Museum | Vast collection of antiquities including the Elgin Marbles and Egyptian mummies www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk |
| All year | Courtauld Institute Gallery | Fine collection of Old Master, Impressionist and last century art www.courtauld.ac.uk |
| All year | Curzon Mayfair Cinema | Two-screen cinema on Curzon Street, only 5 minutes walk from the Club www.curzoncinemas.com/curzonmayfair.htm |
| All year | Dali Universe | Massive collection of his work www.countyhallgallery.com/exhibitions/dali.htm |
| All year | de Morgan Centre | Tiles, pots and mosaics created by the designer of the Club's reception fireplace tiles, and paintings by his artist wife www.demorgan.org.uk |
| All year | Dickens' House Museum | His only surviving London house contains manuscripts, paintings and other memorabilia www.dickensmuseum.com |
| All year | Gilbert Collection | Gold, silver, mosaics and miniatures www.gilbert-collection.org.uk |
| All year | Hayward Gallery | Contemporary and historical art exhibitions www.hayward.org.uk |
| All year | Institute of Contemporary Arts | Talks, films and exhibitions on various subjects www.ica.org.uk |
| All year | Kensington Palace State Apartments | Elaborately-decorated state rooms and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection www.kensington-palace.org.uk/webcode/kensington_home.asp |
| All year | London Coliseum | Opera in English, and ballet www.eno.org |
| All year | Mall Galleries | Varied art exhibitions www.mallgalleries.org.uk |
| All year | National Film Theatre | Venue for a varied cinema programme http://www.bfi.org.uk/nft/ |
| All year | National Gallery | Permanent display of a wide variety of paintings www.nationalgallery.org.uk |
| All year | National Theatre | 3 theatres showing varied programmes at affordable prices www.nationaltheatre.org.uk |
| All year | Puppet Theatre Barge | All aboard for magical puppetry www.puppetbarge.com |
| All year | Royal Academy of Arts | Fascinating changing exhibitions a short walk away from the Club www.royalacademy.org.uk/ |
| All year | Royal Opera House | Opera and ballet at a wide range of ticket prices www.royaloperahouse.org |
| All year | Serpentine Gallery | Modern and contemporary art www.serpentinegallery.org/ |
| All year | Somerset House | Historic building, home to the Courtauld Collection of paintings, the Gilbert Collection of gold and silver and a varied series of changing exhibitions www.somerset-house.org.uk |
| All year | Tate Britain | British art from 1600 www.tate.org.uk/britain/default.htm |
| All year | Tate Modern | International art from the 20th century onwards, in the converted Bankside Power Station www.tate.org.uk/modern/default.htm |
| All year | Victoria and Albert Museum | Fashion, silver, sculpture, glass, photography - it's all here www.vam.ac.uk |
| All year | Wallace Collection | Unique collection of art www.wallacecollection.org/ |
| All year | Wernher Collection at Ranger's House | 12 rooms of 19th century mixed art collected by Sir Julius Wernher, a gold- and diamond-mining millionaire http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.110 |
| All year | West end theatre | Wide selection of live musicals, plays, ballet and opera www.OfficialLondonTheatre.co.uk |
| June - July | City of London Festival | Churches, livery halls and corporate buildings play host to a variety of actors and musicians www.colf.org |
| June | Spitalfields Festival | New and early music, walks and talks www.spitalfields.org.uk |
| July | Concerts in Hyde Park | Stay at the Club and stroll across to the Park for the vibrant concerts |
| 13 July - 8 September | The Proms | Annual series of concerts culminating in the Last Night of the Proms, all at the Royal Albert Hall, a 15-minute walk from the Club www.bbc.co.uk/proms |
| 8 September | Prom in the Park | An open-air version of the Last Night of the Proms, staged in Hyde Park with a live link-up to the Albert Hall for the rousing finale www.bbc.co.uk/proms/pitp/ |
| 16-25 November | London Jazz Festival | Musical celebration in all jazz venues across London www.serious.org.uk/index2.cfm?refid=89&tmpt=tmpt3&tmptID=51 |
| November | St Ceciliatide International Festival of Music | A week-long festival of classical music, food and wine taking place around St Cecilia's Day (22 November) in one of London's finest old City livery halls. Evening concerts are followed by an optional 5-course candlelit banquet inclusive of matched wines for each course. http://www.st-ceciliatide.com |
| December | Spitalfields Festival | New and early music, walks and talks www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk |
| All year | Barbican Hall | Concert hall and theatre www.barbican.org.uk |
| All year | Grosvenor Chapel, South Audley Street | Occasional concerts and regular church services www.grosvenorchapel.org.uk/main.htm |
| All year | Handel House Museum | Re-creation of the house where Handel lived and composed many of his most famous works www.handelhouse.org |
| All year | London Coliseum | Opera in English, and ballet www.eno.org |
| All year | Royal Albert Hall | Impressive concert venue just a short journey from the Club www.royalalberthall.com |
| All year | Royal Festival Hall | Varied programme of free foyer exhibitions and music, in addition to the orchestral events in the 3 concert halls www.rfh.org.uk |
| All year | Royal Opera House | Opera and ballet at a wide range of ticket prices www.royaloperahouse.org |
| All year | St John's, Smith Square | Venue for a varied concert programme www.sjss.org.uk |
| All year | St Paul's Cathedral | Christopher Wren's masterpiece, still an active place of worship, as well as a major tourist attraction and concert venue www.stpauls.co.uk |
| All year | Wigmore Hall | Varied programme of concerts and recitals www.wigmore-hall.org.uk |
| 1 January | London Parade | New Year's Day procession of floats, bands, cheerleaders and classic vehicles www.londonparade.co.uk/ |
| February | Chinese New Year | Dancing dragons and firecrackers in Chinatown www.chinatown-online.co.uk/index2.html |
| March | St Patrick's Day Parade | Marching bands, colourful floats and local community groups and schools combine to make a four-hour parade through central London. See the start at Hyde Park Corner, right by the Club. www.london.gov.uk/stpatricksday/ |
| 21 April | Queen's Birthday Salute | Regimental Inspection and 41-Gun Royal Salute in Hyde Park on the Queen's Birthday www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm |
| 2 June | Queen's Coronation Salute | 41-Gun Royal Salute in Hyde Park on the anniversary of the Queen's coronation www.royalparks.gov.uk/tourists/gun_salutes.cfm |
| May | Baishaki Mela | Celebration of Bengali New Year in colourful Brick Lane www.visitbricklane.com/baskFest.php |
| June | Beating the Retreat | Colourful display to mark the old military custom of drumming the troops back to base at dusk www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/beat_retreat.htm |
| June | Trooping the Colour | Massed bands, gun salutes and fly-pasts the second Saturday in June to celebrate the Queen's birthday (rehearsals 28 May and 4 June) www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/trooping.htm |
| 10 November | Lord Mayor's Show | Investiture for the new Lord Mayor at Westminster involving a ceremonial procession, followed by a less formal parade, fireworks and a fun fair www.lordmayorsshow.org/ |
| 11 November | Remembrance Parade | Commemoration of the UK's war dead in an open-air street service and a veterans' march-past accompanied by massed bands |
| November | State opening of Parliament | Procession and ceremony as the Queen travels to the Houses of Parliament to read the Queen's Speech http://www.parliament.uk/faq/lords_stateopening.cfm |
| All year | Changing the Guard | The most impressive change of shift that you'll ever see www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/queens_guard.htm |
| May | Chelsea Flower Show | Annual gathering of all that's best in horticulture www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea |
| June | London Garden Squares Day | See London's private squares, open to the public for this one weekend each year www.opensquares.org.uk |
| All year | Green Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green_park/index.cfm |
| All year | Hyde Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging, riding, skateboarding, boating, swimming, bowling, tennis - or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park/index.cfm |
| All year | Kensington Gardens | Royal park close by, including a children's playground www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/index.cfm |
| All year | London Wetland Centre | Marshlife in its natural environment. Quite a way out (Barnes), but worth it if you're missing the countryside www.wwt.org.uk/visit/wetlandcentre |
| All year | Regent's Park | Royal park with gardens, a lake with islands, a heronry and waterfowl collection, the London Zoo, children's playgrounds, a golf driving range and the Open-Air Theatre www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/regents_park/index.cfm |
| All year | Royal Botanical Gardens Kew | Over 40,000 varieties of plants in 121 hectares www.rbgkew.org.uk/ |
| All year | St James's Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st_james_park/index.cfm |
| April | Boat Race | Annual rowing race up the Thames between Oxford and Cambridge Universities, starting at Putney www.theboatrace.org | |
| April | London Marathon | Whether watching or running, it's a great atmosphere on the third Sunday of April www.london-marathon.co.uk | |
| June - July | Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships | A feast for tennis lovers, starting in the last week in June www.wimbledon.org | |
| 8 September | Great River Race | Hundreds of unusual craft are rowed 22 miles along the Thames, from Richmond to the Isle of Dogs www.greatriverrace.co.uk | |
| 17-23 December | International Show Jumping Championships | Indoor competition for top-class horses www.olympiashowjumping.com | |
| All year | Friday night skate | For the more energetic, a weekly mass skate around the streets of London, starting at Hyde Park Corner www.citiskate.com | |
| All year | Hyde Park Stables | The stables offer supervised horse rides around Hyde Park, no experience required www.hydeparkstables.com | |
| All year | Lords' Tours | The Headquarters of Cricket, including the Marlebone Cricket Museum where the Ashes' Urn is on display (regardless of who won it last!) www.lords.org/lords-ground/tours | |
| All year | Queen's Ice & Bowl | Tenpin bowling and ice skating http://www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk | |
| All year | Walking Tours | Guided tours, often themed, to get the most out of your walk www.walks.com | |
| All year | Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum | Tennis from Victorian times to the present http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/about/museum/index.html |
| 24 March - 31 October | Royal Mews | Working stables housing the state carriages, open March to October www.royal.gov.uk/output/page556.asp |
| September | Horseman's Sunday | A Church Service to bless the horses, conducted by a vicar on horseback! Held outside St James' Church, Hyde Park Crescent 020 7262 3791 |
| All year | BA London Eye | Observation wheel for a bird's eye view of London www.londoneye.com/ |
| All year | BBC Television Centre | Back stage tours can be booked www.bbc.co.uk/tours/ |
| All year | British Museum | Vast collection of antiquities including the Elgin Marbles and Egyptian mummies www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk |
| All year | Bus tours of London | Providing an easy way to see London, these bus tour companies start their tours in Park Lane, within easy walking distance of the Club www.bigbus.co.uk or www.theoriginaltour.com |
| All year | Changing the Guard | The most impressive change of shift that you'll ever see www.army.mod.uk/ceremonialandheritage/household/queens_guard.htm |
| All year | Curzon Mayfair Cinema | Two-screen cinema on Curzon Street, only 5 minutes walk from the Club www.curzoncinemas.com/curzonmayfair.htm |
| All year | Cutty Sark | The world's last surviving tea clipper www.cuttysark.org.uk/ |
| All year | Green Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green_park/index.cfm |
| All year | HMS Belfast | Used in World War II, this is Europe's last surviving big gun armoured warship from that era www.iwm.org.uk/belfast/index.htm |
| All year | Hyde Park | Royal park close by for walking, jogging, riding, skateboarding, boating, swimming, bowling, tennis - or just sitting www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park/index.cfm |
| All year | Hyde Park Stables | The stables offer supervised horse rides around Hyde Park, no experience required www.hydeparkstables.com |
| All year | Imperial War Museum | Displays of the tools and effects of warfare in 20th century onwards www.iwm.org.uk/lambeth/index.htm |
| All year | Kensington Gardens | Royal park close by, including a children's playground www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/index.cfm |
| All year | Kew Bridge Steam Museum | Ride in a steam-powered train www.kbsm.org |
| All year | London Aquarium | Sharks, stingrays, conger eels and sea bass all under the same roof www.londonaquarium.co.uk |
| All year |