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MAC London - Trips & Activities - Westminster
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Banqueting House


Not Just For Feasting
Whitehall - Main Building
London SW1A 2HB
United Kingdom
+44 0 870 751 5178
http://hrp.org.uk/banquet
Whitehall Palace was the primary residence of the royal family from 1530 until the building's destruction by fire in 1698. The Banqueting House is the last remaining section of this historic palace, and is an excellent example of the architecture of that time period. It was built to house various masques, balls, plays, and important state events. It has seen other, more nefarious moments, being the site of the execution of King Charles I. After the fire destroyed the rest of the palace, the building was used first as a church chapel and then as a museum for the state. Be sure to leave some time to explore the displays, and be sure to check out the stunning interior decoration, especially ceiling artwork by Sir Peter Paul Rubens.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Banqueting House photo by Erich Renner
Photo: Erich Renner
 

 
Big Ben


Most famous clock in the world
Parliament Square
London SW1A 2NE
United Kingdom
http://www.whitechapelbellfoun...
"Big Ben" is the name of the clock inside the famous tower that also forms part of the Houses of Parliament. Its impressive mechanism weighs in at over 13.5 tons, and the pendulum, which beats once every two seconds, is 13 feet long and weighs 690 pounds. The clock was named "Big Ben" after the First Commissioner of Works, and since 1885 a light above it has been lit while the House of Commons is in session.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Big Ben photo by Lior Schejter
Photo: Lior Schejter
Big Ben photo by emphasis
Photo: emphasis
Big Ben photo by Sam Javanrouh
Photo: Sam Javanrouh
Big Ben photo by taichi_UK
Photo: taichi_UK
Big Ben photo by Elisabeth Howson
Photo: Elisabeth Howson
Big Ben photo by Mark Menzies
Photo: Mark Menzies
Big Ben photo by Jason Steelman
Photo: Jason Steelman
Big Ben photo by Véronique Aunis-Vial
Photo: Véronique Aunis-Vial
Big Ben photo by Gary A. Klein
Photo: Gary A. Klein
Big Ben photo by Steve G
Photo: Steve G
Big Ben photo by Sophia Huda
Photo: Sophia Huda
Big Ben photo by DeViajes
Photo: DeViajes
Big Ben photo by Tim Collins
Photo: Tim Collins
Big Ben photo by Chris Carlson
Photo: Chris Carlson
Big Ben photo by alyandkris
Photo: alyandkris
Big Ben photo by jennemmer
Photo: jennemmer
Big Ben photo by philgthompson
Photo: philgthompson
Big Ben photo by Donatella Crucitti
Photo: Donatella Crucitti
Big Ben photo by Andrew Conn
Photo: Andrew Conn
Big Ben photo by stephaniecasbolt
Photo: stephaniecasbolt
Big Ben photo by john holland of midd
Photo: john holland of midd
Big Ben photo by Terry Jane
Photo: Terry Jane
Big Ben photo by Chris Grant
Photo: Chris Grant
Big Ben photo by Miguel Barahona
Photo: Miguel Barahona
Big Ben photo by sgherry 
Photo: sgherry 
Big Ben photo by Bobby
Photo: Bobby
Big Ben photo by Igor Kolenchenko
Photo: Igor Kolenchenko
Big Ben photo by Marcelo Camargo
Photo: Marcelo Camargo
Big Ben photo by Christopher Knight
Photo: Christopher Knight
Big Ben photo by Mick Coughlan
Photo: Mick Coughlan
 

 
Cabaret Mechanical Theatre


Toy automatons
95 Wilton Road
Unit 15
London, London SW1V 1BZ
United Kingdom
+44 20 8516 3134
http://www.cabaret.co.uk
As you can guess from the name, this unique museum's amusing displays of mechanical toys and sculptures border on the bizarre but it isn't really cabaret. What started out as a quirky crafts shop in Cornwall evolved into a popular exhibition of coin-operated mechanical toys. The collection of toys grew and grew until it found refuge in Covent Garden, but exhibitions also tour countries as far afield as Japan. Described by the founders as the amalgam of art, craft and business, the shop sells handmade automata, mechanical wooden kits, books and videos.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Churchill Museum


Glimpse Into Sir Winston Churchill's Life
King Charles Street
King Charles St
London, London SW1A 2AQ
United Kingdom
+44 20 7930 6961
http://cwr.iwm.org.uk
Winston Churchill (1874-1965), the greatest British statesman of the 20th century and World War II Prime Minister, is presented in this unique and historical collection: the Churchill Museum. Within the Cabinet War Rooms, the Museum captures the public and private life and achievements of the British leader and icon. Divided into five chapters, take a glimpse at the young Winston Churchill and his wilderness years along with his life as a politician, statesman, war leader and Cold War statesman. The museum has over 150 original objects including Churchill's baby rattle and his trench periscope used on the Western Front. There are also numerous documents, photographs and audiovisual and interactive displays. Winston Churchill was both historian and a significant part of history himself. For anyone interested in the history of the 20th century, this exhibit is a must. Call or check website for admission prices and group rates.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Churchill Museum photo by Henry Liao
Photo: Henry Liao
Churchill Museum photo by Michael Gilby
Photo: Michael Gilby
Churchill Museum photo by John Griffiths
Photo: John Griffiths
Churchill Museum photo by summerseal
Photo: summerseal
Churchill Museum photo by Davide Piacenza
Photo: Davide Piacenza
Churchill Museum photo by Betty D Nguyen
Photo: Betty D Nguyen
Churchill Museum photo by Mike Glasspool
Photo: Mike Glasspool
 

 
Jewel Tower


Filled with Historic Bounty
Abingdon Street
London SW1P 3JY
United Kingdom
+44 020 7222 2219
Originally designed as a treasury for King Edward III, this sturdy building now serves as a museum showcasing the rich history of the British Parliament. The original structure has remained relatively unmodified since its construction in the 14th Century, and is in itself an excellent example of the period architecture. It is also of historical interest because of its status as one of the few remaining structures of the famed Palace of Westminster. Stop by on a tour of the present British Parliament buildings for a glimpse back into the establishment's past.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jewel Tower photo by I_am_Amy
Photo: I_am_Amy
Jewel Tower photo by Bogdan Joseph Migulski
Photo: Bogdan Joseph Migulski
Jewel Tower photo by Jenna Stephens
Photo: Jenna Stephens
Jewel Tower photo by Paul van Vuuren
Photo: Paul van Vuuren
Jewel Tower photo by lisa zorn
Photo: lisa zorn
Jewel Tower photo by Kim Roper
Photo: Kim Roper
Jewel Tower photo by R33n
Photo: R33n
Jewel Tower photo by Angela Heyroth
Photo: Angela Heyroth
Jewel Tower photo by Tim Baty
Photo: Tim Baty
Jewel Tower photo by Hsu-hua (Jen) Chen
Photo: Hsu-hua (Jen) Chen
Jewel Tower photo by Christian Krause
Photo: Christian Krause
 

 
L A Fitness (Victoria)


Leisure Chain
Allington Street
Victoria
London, London SW1E 5ED
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 7828 3647
This is the smallest club in the LA Fitness chain, but has a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The gym is small and has a good selection of equipment. Personal programmes can be arranged. The aerobics studio offers a range of classes including body conditioning, step and aerobics.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Livingwell Millbank Premier


Fitness at its best
4 Millbank
Westminster
London, London SW1P 3JA
United Kingdom
+44 20 7233 3579
http://www.livingwell.co.uk
One of the first Livingwell clubs in the chain, your membership here will get you into all the other clubs at no extra cost. Although a small gym, you'll find a great induction programme and personal fitness training here. The also fairly compact dance studio puts on classes in Step Reebok, boxercise, tae kwon do and yoga, amongst others. The pool is used mostly for leisure swimming. Saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools are also on the premises.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
London Aquarium


Underwater Wonders
Westminster Bridge Road
Westminster Bridge Road
London, London SE1 7PB
United Kingdom
+44 20 7967 8000
http://www.londonaquarium.co.uk
This ultra-modern aquarium is one of the largest in Europe, containing over one million litres of water. Three hundred and fifty species are displayed within the three large tanks - everything from brown sharks, sand tigers and piranhas to jellyfish and tropical fish that swim right before your eyes. A "touch pool", otherwise known as the Beach Pier, allows for the assisted handling of starfish, hermit crabs and friendly rays. But the main attraction is the Atlantic Tank, where you can view divers, protected from sharks and other scary creatures, during feeding times.

Review © 2007, Wcities
London Aquarium photo by Gina Cheng
Photo: Gina Cheng
London Aquarium photo by Mark Skeet
Photo: Mark Skeet
London Aquarium photo by Emma Line
Photo: Emma Line
London Aquarium photo by Chan, Yuen Ching
Photo: Chan, Yuen Ching
London Aquarium photo by Noodlefish
Photo: Noodlefish
London Aquarium photo by sql_hacker_steve
Photo: sql_hacker_steve
London Aquarium photo by Gina Cheng
Photo: Gina Cheng
London Aquarium photo by Tammy Loh
Photo: Tammy Loh
London Aquarium photo by Ian Haskins
Photo: Ian Haskins
London Aquarium photo by N P Lima
Photo: N P Lima
London Aquarium photo by Jamie Gladden
Photo: Jamie Gladden
London Aquarium photo by Plamen Stoev
Photo: Plamen Stoev
London Aquarium photo by Joe Bassi
Photo: Joe Bassi
London Aquarium photo by sheila fitzgerald
Photo: sheila fitzgerald
London Aquarium photo by binoki
Photo: binoki
London Aquarium photo by Tomek Kecki
Photo: Tomek Kecki
 

 
London Eye (Millennium Wheel)


21st Century Landmark
Westminster Bridge Road
(Riverside Building County Hall)
London SE1 9TA
United Kingdom
+44 870 500 0600
http://www.londoneye.com
Known as both the London Eye and the Millennium Wheel, this huge 450-foot ferris wheel on the South Bank gives a fabulous bird's eye view of London, if your stomach is strong enough. Its inception in the beginning of 2000 honoured the Millenium; and the spectacular views stretch for 25 miles on a clear day to include views of Windsor and Tunbridge Wells. Up to 25 people can fit in each of the wheel's "capsules." The wheel turns surprisingly slowly-it takes thirty minutes to go round, so there's plenty of time to spot landmarks and take photos.

Review © 2007, Wcities
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Andrey Smirnov
Photo: Andrey Smirnov
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Lane Schneier
Photo: Lane Schneier
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by seb agudelo
Photo: seb agudelo
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Michael James
Photo: Michael James
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Daska
Photo: Daska
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Megan Walton
Photo: Megan Walton
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by wxvivian
Photo: wxvivian
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by martin allen
Photo: martin allen
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Chris Walsh
Photo: Chris Walsh
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Iain Buchanan
Photo: Iain Buchanan
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Ndjana
Photo: Ndjana
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Jules Marshall
Photo: Jules Marshall
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Dongyi Liu
Photo: Dongyi Liu
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Sofia Gkiousou
Photo: Sofia Gkiousou
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Chris Hudson
Photo: Chris Hudson
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Clare Hatfield
Photo: Clare Hatfield
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Sean Hawkey
Photo: Sean Hawkey
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Winston Lee
Photo: Winston Lee
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by mark
Photo: mark
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Jeff Barr
Photo: Jeff Barr
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Tom Thorpe
Photo: Tom Thorpe
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by schwana
Photo: schwana
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Eolo Parusel
Photo: Eolo Parusel
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Xavier Gonzalo Pons
Photo: Xavier Gonzalo Pons
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Brian Gordon
Photo: Brian Gordon
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by ѕнаяјан 8²
Photo: ѕнаяјан 8²
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Andres Rueda Lopez
Photo: Andres Rueda Lopez
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by davidcuen
Photo: davidcuen
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Vagabond@heart
Photo: Vagabond@heart
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Shawn Dollin
Photo: Shawn Dollin
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Frida Gruffman
Photo: Frida Gruffman
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Mathilde Teuben
Photo: Mathilde Teuben
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Scott Jackson
Photo: Scott Jackson
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by samenuda
Photo: samenuda
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by writerlynerdly
Photo: writerlynerdly
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Markus Wachter
Photo: Markus Wachter
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Mareike Kuhn
Photo: Mareike Kuhn
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Anna Graf
Photo: Anna Graf
London Eye (Millennium Wheel) photo by Christy
Photo: Christy
 

 
Mall


Brobdingnagian Boulevard
The Mall
(Westminster)
London SW1A
United Kingdom
The Mall is an epic avenue stretching from Buckingham Palace on one end to Trafalgar Square on the other. Along the way, you'll see stately manors, plush parkland, hallowed monuments and well-groomed shrubbery. You can even pass through the Admiralty Arch.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Queen Mother Sports Centre


Community leisure centre
223 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London, London SW1V 3JN
United Kingdom
+44 20 7630 5522
http://www.westminster.gov.uk/...
This is a well-established sports centre attracting people from all over the Victoria area, including office workers and local residents and as such, it can be very busy. Facilities include squash courts, five-a-side football, badminton, basketball, a gym and two dance studios. There are three swimming pools, so you should find one that you like. However, if you're looking for a more relaxed time, the spa room offers a sauna, steam room and sunbeds. The creche runs every Monday and Thursday from 10am-noon for children aged six months to five years. You can either join and pay a monthly fee (depending on what facilities you want to use) or you can pay per visit.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
St. James's Park


British ceremonial backdrop
Horse Guards Road
London, London SW1A 2BJ
United Kingdom
+44 20 7930 1793
http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/p...
St. James's Park and Green Park lie next to each other to the north and east of Buckingham Palace. The view from the bridge towards Whitehall (pictured) is particularly pleasing and the lake is famous for its waterfowl, especially the black swans. With its well-groomed flowerbeds and summer concerts, the park remains a big favourite with Londoners and tourists alike. Office workers swarm into St James's on fine summer days to eat their lunch and enjoy the sunshine. Henry VIII acquired the land in the early 16th century at the same time as Hyde Park.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St. James's Park photo by Jeremy Keith
Photo: Jeremy Keith
St. James's Park photo by James Hill
Photo: James Hill
St. James's Park photo by Tom Page
Photo: Tom Page
St. James's Park photo by Jon Hall
Photo: Jon Hall
St. James's Park photo by Wascally Weasel
Photo: Wascally Weasel
St. James's Park photo by Andy Lattimore
Photo: Andy Lattimore
St. James's Park photo by Jansen Mann
Photo: Jansen Mann
St. James's Park photo by Michael Reeve
Photo: Michael Reeve
St. James's Park photo by Michael Reeve
Photo: Michael Reeve
St. James's Park photo by Paul Stamp
Photo: Paul Stamp
St. James's Park photo by Alessandra
Photo: Alessandra
St. James's Park photo by Enrico Webers
Photo: Enrico Webers
St. James's Park photo by Andy Lattimore
Photo: Andy Lattimore
St. James's Park photo by Enrico Webers
Photo: Enrico Webers
St. James's Park photo by Dave
Photo: Dave
St. James's Park photo by Michael Comerford
Photo: Michael Comerford
St. James's Park photo by brainz
Photo: brainz
St. James's Park photo by Lannie Naas
Photo: Lannie Naas
St. James's Park photo by Terry Freedman
Photo: Terry Freedman
St. James's Park photo by Alycidon
Photo: Alycidon
St. James's Park photo by Aziez Ahmed Chawdhary
Photo: Aziez Ahmed Chawdhary
St. James's Park photo by Marco Chiesa
Photo: Marco Chiesa
St. James's Park photo by CasitaDeChocolate --
Photo: CasitaDeChocolate --
St. James's Park photo by Rachael Jones
Photo: Rachael Jones
St. James's Park photo by I. Fontaine
Photo: I. Fontaine
St. James's Park photo by Roy Costello
Photo: Roy Costello
St. James's Park photo by Thiago HP
Photo: Thiago HP
St. James's Park photo by Sarah Barlow
Photo: Sarah Barlow
 

 
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London - Trips & Activities - Notting Hill
London - Trips & Activities - Out & About
London - Trips & Activities - Regent's Park
London - Trips & Activities - Soho & West End
London - Trips & Activities - South Bank
London - Trips & Activities - The City
London - Trips & Activities - Victoria & Pimlico
London - Day Trips & Walks
London - Guided Tours
London - Marine Excursions
London - Fun Days Out
London - Educational Outings
London - The Great Outdoors
London - Hiking & Climbing
London - Extreme Sports
London - Miscellaneous Activities
London - Cycling Tracks
London - Equestrian Activities
London - Places to Fish
London - Golf Courses
London - Water Sports
London - Winter Sports
London - Gyms & Health Clubs
London - Sports Grounds

Other nearby cities:
Cambridge (77 miles)
Brighton (79 miles)
Oxford (92 miles)
Southampton (123 miles)
Bath (165 miles)
Birmingham (170 miles)
Bristol (183 miles)
Cardiff (223 miles)
Sheffield (229 miles)
Manchester (266 miles)

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