Think Stonehenge is too far for a day trip from London? Think again.

I was attending a conference in Guildford that wrapped up shortly after lunch, and one of the attendees volunteered to drive me to London for a speaking [more...]

They say that Henry Vlll's favourite palace once stood on this site. Later, his daughter Queen Elizabeth used it as the site of many parties to launch great voyages of exploration. But the building that now stands there was erected to [more...]

If you've ever wondered about your family history or wanted to know who lived in your house before you did, the Westminster Archive may be able to help. Obviously, their material is about the City of Westminster (duh!) but if you live [more...]

Marble Hill House is like something straight out of Jane Austen, even if it's nowhere near Bath! Standing in the restored interior, [more...]

This yearly tournament is put on by English Heritage. Teams of mounted knights compete in jousting, archery, sword fighting, and mounted skill at arms.

Info: Knights Tournament

For a different day out, especially if you have kids, why not go fossil hunting? It's best to go with a group who can show you where to look and how to collect safely and within the Fossil Hunting Code.

Discovering Fossils National Club.

Outdoor theatre as the bard might have known it. The theatre season runs from May to October, but there are other things going on the rest of the time: a permanent exhibition about Shakespeares life, times and work; temporary [more...]

This beautiful building was designed by Inigo Jones for Anne of Denmark, wife of James 1. In its time it's been a home for the orphaned children of seamen. Now it houses the National Maritime Museum's art collection. Go to enjoy the [more...]

A true London eccentric - a house trapped in time. Set up as if the family of Huguenot weavers who first lived in it are still in residence but always in the next room along...this is a tricksy feast for the senses, where silence is [more...]

A huge range of art exhibitions, craft fairs, performance and activities for kids. Far too much to list here, so check Somerset House regularly to find out what's going on.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the history of London, plus stuff you probably hadn't ever thought about. All this and a lovely cafe too!

Museum of London

Beautiful Ham House in Surrey is a glorious 17th century mansion. In its day it was at the centre of court intrigue. Now you can explore both house and garden, or eat in the Orangery cafe where home grown food is served. There are free [more...]

Everything about the life and work of the great writer.

Charles Dickens Museum.

Horribly scary or simply too silly for words? You decide - but either way, what a great excuse for grabbing your sweetie as you wander through 2,000 years of the history of crime, punishment, torture and imprisonment. All in the name of [more...]

It's neither a cathedral nor a parish church, but Westminster Abbey is, nevertheless, probably the most famous religious building in London. Whatever your beliefs, this magnificent building is worth your time for its sense of history, [more...]

This amazing house charts the history of immigration in London and shows how it became the wonderfully diverse world city we know today.

Sadly, the building is so fragile that it is only open a few days a year, so be sure to [more...]

This must be London's most poignant museum - it tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, the first place in London where women could leave babies they were unable to care for, and the philanthropists who began it.
The Foundling Museum.

Art and artefacts collected by five generations of one family - the Marquesses of Hertford. They have some truly inventive talks, re-creations, and events. You can even try on real armour!
The Wallace Collection.

Another one of those quirky little museums that are scattered throughout London. This one centres on Florence Nightingale but has plenty to say about the Crimean War, health and the history of nursing. Until March, there's a special [more...]

This is the house where Keats wrote some of his greatest poetry and fell in love with the girl next door. Now what could be more romantic than that?
Keats House