Step back in time at the Victorian residence of Edward Linley Sambourne, the renowned satirical cartoonist. This house, now a museum, offers a unique glimpse into the past with its preserved "aesthetic" interior design. The home is almost exactly as it would have been in 1899 when the Sambourne family lived there.
The interior is filled with Chinese and Middle Eastern-style furniture, art, and decorative schemes. These elements create a rich, cultural tapestry that reflects the tastes and influences of the period. Visitors can wander through the rooms, each one a testament to the aesthetic movement that prized beauty and artistic expression.
On display are selections of Edward Linley Sambourne's cartoons. Known for their witty critique, his illustrations often poked fun at the British establishment and the country's colonial-driven international relations. These works provide insight into the political and social climate of the era, all delivered with a dash of humor.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambourne_House
A neoclassical triumphal arch, designed by Decimus Burton and first erected in 1826 as a grand entrance to Buckingham Palace. From 1846 onwards, the arch was topped with a massive equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington - a major road widening of Piccadilly in 1882 was the opportunity to finally remove the over sized statue to Aldershot. The present magnificent statue Peace Descending on the Quadriga of War was placed on top of the Arch in 1912, and remains today the largest bronze sculpture in the United Kingdom, spectacularly lit at night. During the 1950s, the arch served as the smallest police station in the city, when it was occupied by ten constables, two sergeants and a cat! The arch was opened to the public for the first time in 2001 after a £1.5 million restoration by English Heritage. (Wellington Arch is also available for corporate and private events, with dramatic views down Constitution Hill and across central London from the Arch's spacious balconies, Wellington Arch is a novel and unique place to impress your guests).
Completed in 1823, this attractive church near Broadcasting House is one of John Nash's masterpieces, with a prominent spire and circular vestibule. As of May 2025, it accessible only for worship.
As with any Merlin attraction, it is arguably overpriced for what it is. Brings to life the gorier elements of London's past both real life and fictional. Including the execution of Charles I after the English Civil War, the bubonic plague, Jack the Ripper, Mrs. Lovett's pie shop and Sweeney Todd's barber shop with faithful recreations of disaster, disease, and torture using live actors. Younger children may be scared.
Built of Portland stone and dedicated to the aircrews of Allied nations under Bomber Command during World War II.
A neoclassical church that stands opposite the National Gallery. Since World War I, the homeless have sought shelter at this church, a tradition that continues to this day.
A vast collection of cartoons and comics on display with special, often topical, exhibitions.
The second biggest greenhouse in London, containing over 2,000 species of tropical plants as well as birds and fish.
Home to the baroque composer George Frideric Handel from 1723 until his death in 1759. Some of the greatest classical music ever composed was done so at this address. The museum charts Handel's life and works and offers recitals of music in the magnificent setting of the period rooms. By contrast, next door was home to Jimi Hendrix when he lived in London in 1969, and entry to this top-floor flat is included.
At 87 hectares this is the largest open green space in the district.
A Victorian school, now a university with a mission to advance knowledge of the fine arts. Exhibitions are common. Times and admission charges vary but can often be free, although visitors may need to book tickets to certain events.
Substantial nature reserve on the old disused Barn Elms Reservoirs. A major wetland habitat for wintering wildfowl and an excellent choice for any keen birders visiting London, and an entertaining place for kids to learn about nature
London Stone is a historic landmark housed in a public display case at 111 Cannon Street in the City of London. It is an irregular block of oolitic limestone measuring 53 × 43 × 30 cm (21″ × 17″ × 12″), the remnant of a once much larger object that had stood for many centuries on the south side of the street.
Art deco headquarters of University of London featured in the film Nineteen Eighty-Four.
This enormous arch was built in front of Buckingham Palace. In 1851 the expansion of the palace meant the arch could no longer remain where it was, so it was moved to this point on Hyde Park. It now stands rather sadly on a large traffic island, but the subway beneath the roads means you can stop off at the Marble Arch on your way from Oxford St to Hyde Park.