If you think mainstream theatre is all musicals, tired farces and pompous interpretations of Shakespeare, try the Royal Court - where innovative new writing is the order of the day. Be prepared to be surprised.

Located in Alfie's Market in Church Street NW8, Tin Tin Collectables specialises in men's and women's clothing, handbags, costume jewellery and cufflinks.

If you're into comics, this is one of the best places in central London to check out. They have everything from Alan 'V for Vendetta' Moore's latest graphic novels through the latest Marvel and DC monthlies to indie zines and all that [more...]

This wonderful shop should be on every science fiction fan's must-visit bookshop list. It's crammed with secondhand books and magazines in the science fiction and fantasy genres - mostly fiction, but with some art books and associated [more...]

Situated in the heart of Greenwich, this elegant house contains a lavish display of medieval and Renaissance art, including paintings, furniture and sculpture.

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...]

Henry Vlll wasn't the 16th century's only egoist - plenty of others followed his lead and created buildings that reflected their status (or what they thought it should be). This is one of those - the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in the [more...]

If, like so many people, you were fascinated by the life and tragic death of Princess Diana, you might enjoy this long walk celebrating some of the places that were important to her. The seven mile long walk is marked by 70 plaques and [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...]

Bespoke private tours around the musical sites of London. Choose a tour by location - Richmond, Chelsea and Soho among others - or one dedicated to the Beatles or the Stones. Or tell tour guide Richard Porter what you're interested in [more...]

Fancy a night out in south-east London? Check out what's on at the O2 Millennium Dome. With an arena for big events - think music gigs and big name comedians - and a smaller stage for more intimate shows, plus a cinema, restaurants and [more...]

If you've ever thought of learning a new language - either for fun or to advance your career - why not consider Chinese. At SOAS (part of the University of London) you can study Cantonese, Mandarin or Hokkien at beginner to advanced [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...]

Notting Hill Arts Club features club nights to suit just about every musical taste, from mainstream to niche and all stops between, with live music and dj [more...]

The Gate Cinema in Notting Hill might look a bit bland from the outside but inside it's gorgeous - the plasterwork is grade-II listed. Comfortable, too - there's [more...]

Dreamspace showcases the best talent in photography, architecture, product design and so on.

Wilton's is the world's last remaining Grand Music Hall. Hidden away in the heart of the city, it's now home to a whole range of musical events, talks, and a cinema [more...]

At the the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick you'll find a great range of plays - everything from Shakespeare to experimental modern work. It's above the Tabard Pub [more...]

You've probably heard about the refurbishment of this, England's oldest purpose built cinema, and, yes, it's lovely: just a hundred armchairs with space on which to put your glass of wine and tapas whilst you watch the movie in a small [more...]

Hay is a town in Herefordshire. It normally has 1,500 people and 41 bookshops. Except during the Hay Festival, when it becomes Literature Central. Lots more [more...]