Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
See the Houses of Parliament Tour chapter.
Nearby:
Across the street from the Parliament building's St. Stephen's Gate, the
Jewel Tower
is a rare remnant of the old Palace of Westminster, used by kings until Henry
VIII. The crude stone tower (1365-1366) was a guard tower in the palace wall, overlook-
ing a moat. It contains a fine exhibit on the medieval Westminster Palace and the tower
(
£
4, April-Oct daily 10:00-17:00; Nov-March Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00, closed Mon-Fri; tel.
020/7222-2219). Next to the tower (and free) is a quiet courtyard with picnic-friendly
benches.
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Westminster Abbey
Britain's finest church and the site of royal coronations
and burials since 1066.
Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:30-16:30, Wed until 19:00, Sat
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Churchill War Rooms
Underground WWII headquarters of Churchill's war
effort.
Hours:
Daily 9:30-18:00. See
here
.
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National Gallery
Remarkable collection of European paintings
(1250-1900), including Leonardo, Botticelli, Velázquez, Rembrandt, Turner, Van
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British Museum
The world's greatest collection of artifacts of Western
civilization, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon's Elgin Marbles.
Hours:
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British Library
Fascinating collection of important literary treasures of the
Western world.
Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:30-18:00, Tue until 20:00, Sat 9:30-17:00, Sun
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St. Paul's Cathedral
The main cathedral of the Anglican Church, designed
by Christopher Wren, with a climbable dome and daily evensong services.
Hours:
Mon-Sat 8:30-16:30, closed Sun except for worship. See
here
.
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Tower of London
Historic castle, palace, and prison housing the crown jew-
els and a witty band of Beefeaters.
Hours:
March-Oct Tue-Sat 9:00-17:30, Sun-
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Victoria and Albert Museum
The best collection of decorative arts any-
where.
Hours:
Daily 10:00-17:45, Fri until 22:00 (selected galleries only). See
here
.
