SIGHTSEEING The Royal Mews
St Katharine Docks
This beautiful part of Buckingham Palace houses This central London marina dates back to the 11th the Queen’s vehicles and horses. Learn century (a crucial time for London’s trading about the mews’ history with the free development) and is tucked away by the multimedia guide, which includes Tower of London and Tower Bridge. games, a video of the Diamond A vibrant waterside destination, it’s Jubilee State Coach’s first journey lined with markets and shops such and interactive, 360-degree as the Alexander Miles Gallery and All of Queen Victoria and photography of the Gold State restaurants including CAU, Dokkei Prince Albert’s children Coach’s interior (p. 26). Kids will and Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, which learned to ride horses enjoy learning how to harness a make this a great location to spend in The Royal Mews horse, as well as the busy programme the day. The London Yacht Show of art sessions. 22 Apr: Easter Extravaganza. arrives next month (8-12 May). www.sk A day of Easter egg hunting and springdocks.co.uk. 50 St Katharine’s Way, E1W 1LA. themed arts and crafts sessions; 11am-5pm. T: 020-7264 5287. Off map. Station: Tower Hill. Please check for other special events. Daily 10am-5pm; closed 19 Apr. Adult £12; child £6.80; under-fives free. www.rct.uk/royalmews. Buckingham Palace Rd, SW1W 1QH. T: 0303-123 7302. F6. Station: Victoria/St James’s Park.
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St Martin-in-the-Fields Landmark Palladian church located near Trafalgar Square. Enjoy tours, a brass-rubbing centre, live classical music concerts (some free), Jazz in the Crypt, and art exhibitions. Holy Communion is given daily and classical music is performed weekly by candlelight. This is also the parish church for the royal family. This month, there will be free lunchtime concerts from 1pm on 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 22, 23, 26, 29 & 30 Apr. Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm; Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Admission free; brass rubbing from £4.50. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org. Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ. T: 020-7766 1100. E8. Station: Charing Cross.
The Royal Observatory Stand astride the historic Prime Meridian, where east meets west, to take your place at the centre of the world! Uncover the history of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and see clocks and timepieces that have changed how we live. Take an awe-inspiring journey into space with astronomers and unravel the mysteries of the cosmos at the planetarium. There are also astronomy courses tailored to the needs of individuals. Daily 10am-5pm. Adult £15; child £6.50. Joint tickets with Cutty Sark available; book online to save. Audio guided tour available. www.rmg. co.uk. Blackheath Ave, SE10 8XJ. T: 020-8858 4422. Off map. Station: Greenwich/Maze Hill/Cutty Sark.
SEA LIFE London One of Europe’s largest aquariums with 500 species of global marine life and walk-through tank tunnels, including a glass walkway above a school of sharks. You can also snorkel with sharks (£130 including admission), while the Rainforest Adventure attraction is your chance to see snapping turtles and the world’s largest species of spider. Please check for times and prices. Joint tickets available with Coca-Cola London Eye, London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds and Shrek’s Adventure! www.sealife.co.uk/london. County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB. T: 0333-321 2001. F8. Station: Waterloo.
Shrek’s Adventure! Ride the magical 4D ‘DreamWorks Tours’ bus to step into live actor fairy-tale-themed shows, where you can meet your favourite characters from the much-loved Shrek films, including Princess Fiona, Donkey and Puss in Boots. Joint tickets with the Coca-Cola London Eye, London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE London Aquarium available. Please check for times. Adult £27.50; child £22. www.shreksadventure.com. Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB. T: 0871-221 2837. F8. Station: Waterloo.
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Spencer House This aristocratic palace was built in 1766 by Lord Spencer, a relation of the late Princess Diana. Overlooking Green Park, the beautiful house boasts sumptuous, Imperial Rome-inspired interiors. It is possible to visit Spencer House’s eight state rooms on a guided tour, which helps to bring alive the beauty of the house. Sun 10.30am-4.30pm; Mon pre-booked groups only. Adult £15; child £12. www.spencerhouse.co.uk. 27 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NR. T: 020-7514 1958. E7. Station: Green Park. www.wheretraveler.com 33
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