The Round Pond

This is probably the most famous criminal court in the world, and has been London's principal criminal court for centuries. It hears cases remitted to it from all over England and Wales as well as the Greater London area. The present building dates largely from 1907 (a new block was added from 1970 for more modern facilities) and stands on the site of the infamous medieval Newgate Gaol. The Central Criminal Court is of course best known today for its association with John Mortimer's Rumpole of the Bailey character, novels and television series. Daily case listings are available at The law pages. No bags, cameras, drinks, food or mobile phones—no facilities for safekeeping. Children under 14 are not admitted.

A memorial made out of 52 stainless steel columns representing each of the 52 victims who died in a series of terrorist attacks in the London bombings on July 7th, 2005.

A retirement home for soldiers created by King Charles II. Tours around the listed building and grounds are regular and include the museum (which can be visited separately) whose exhibits contain military memorabilia donated by Chelsea Pensioners over the years.

The headquarters of world's most famous insurance market, housed in a revolutionary (at the time) bizarre, Matrix-like glass-and-steel building designed by Richard Rogers, with all support services (lifts, ventilation, etc.) suspended outside. Recognised as a masterpiece of exoskeleton architecture.

At 87 hectares this is the largest open green space in the district.

The London residence of the Dukes of Wellington, which now acts as a museum for the inaugural and most famous holder of the title. It boasts an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, medals and swords. Perhaps the most bizarre item in Wellington's collection is a nude statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, commissioned by the emperor himself and bought by the British government following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo as a gift for the duke.

At the junction of five major roads, Piccadilly Circus is the home of the famous aluminum statue of Eros, which sits atop a fountain. The monument is officially known as Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and initially wasn't supposed to depict Eros, but different god Anteros. The north side of Piccadilly Circus holds an enormous display board of electric advertisements, including Britain's biggest illuminated display (the widest in the world), advertising Coca-Cola.

One of the "Magnificent Seven" old cemeteries in London. Graves range from plain to ornate and the site can be a tranquil place to walk amid the bustle of the city. It was opened in 1840 and is still a working cemetery, although it was closed for some time in the late 20th century. Can be nice, if morbid, for an afternoon stroll, especially as a route (and cycle route) between Old Brompton Road and Fulham Road.

A vast shopping, eating, entertainment and (primarily) business complex, home to Britain's second tallest skyscraper, One Canada Square. Now increasingly lively at weekends as well, but still at its most impressive during the week. Spectacular main exit from the Jubilee line Tube station. There is a substantial amount of information about the history and the architecture of the development on the website of Canary Wharf Group, the company that owns the development.

Houses the British national collection of western European art dating from the 13th to 19th centuries. A truly awe-inspiring collection, notable works include Hans Holbein's The Ambassadors, Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Constable's The Haywain. The vast majority of art is free of charge to visit. Temporary exhibitions are generally fairly costly, but invariably well researched and presented. The audioguides are very comprehensive, have comments on most of the paintings in the museum, and are free though this fact is not advertised. A donation is suggested. In addition to courses, workshops, lectures and other events, the National Gallery has free talks and tours every day.

A historic boat, part of the Imperial War Museum.

Art deco headquarters of University of London featured in the film Nineteen Eighty-Four.

A splendid Regency house with enormous gardens and woodlands. The gardens alone are worth the visit and are a superb example of 18th-century landscaping. On show at the house is art by masters such as Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds and Vermeer, and the gardens have a very notable sculpture by Henry Moore. A regular program of outdoor opera takes place here every summer. Movie buffs will recognise Kenwood from Mansfield Park among other famous films. Administered by English Heritage, separately from the rest of Hampstead Heath.

Founded by veteran designer Zandra Rhodes.

Originally the private garden of Holland House, much of which was destroyed in the London Blitz, Holland Park is a mixture of woodland, European and Japanese-style formal gardens and leisure facilities. It includes a large field dedicated to football and cricket, as well as tennis courts. As you walk around the park, you can see bits of the house dotted around the place which give you some idea of how grand it used to be. In the summer this is a great place to catch outdoor opera. An ecology centre near the police station provides information about the ecology of the park and arranges various activities for children. There is a café in the park that sells ice creams and hot food. The park is a popular way to walk from Notting Hill to Kensington High Street.

Park overlooking the river, with the local war memorial. Be careful at high tide, as it may flood.