The call of the capital
Covering an area of more than 600 square miles, London is a hive of activity all year round. Carrie Drage provides a selection of group-friendly attractions to explore on a visit to the capital.
London has a rich cultural heritage and political history and this is reflected in the diverse number of museums, galleries and historic houses that can be found in the capital. Although the city is world-renowned for its many landmarks including Tower Bridge, the British Airways London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, visitors should not be surprised to learn that there are a number of new attractions ready to be explored that are more than happy to welcome groups through their doors. Meanwhile, for those wishing to escape the urban chaos, there are also a number of parks and gardens that can provide a pleasant change of scenery when enjoying a trip to the city.
Building history
London has a wealth of historic houses; however the most famous of these is undoubtedly Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarchy since 1837 and currently in the care of the Royal Collection. Areas of the Palace are opened to visitors on an annual basis, including the 19 State Rooms, during August and September. For a year-round glimpse at the royal collection of art, groups can visit The Queen’s Gallery, a changing exhibition space that, until the end of January, contains an exhibition of Italian art. Groups also have access to the Royal Mews, a working stable that provides visitors with an insight into the Royal Household, the department responsible for providing transport by road for The Queen and other members of the Royal Family. The Mews are open between March and October and contain a permanent display of State vehicles. Between July and September, pre-booked groups of 15 or more can combine a visit to the State Rooms, the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery, which can all be found at the Palace, on ‘A Royal Day Out’ package.
Meanwhile, on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London has over 900 years of history to explore. Dating back to 1078 and the reign of William the Conqueror, the Tower has served as a fortress, a royal palace, a prison and a royal mint, however, it is best known as the home of the Crown Jewels. ‘Prisoners of the Tower’ audio guides are available for groups and private guided tours can be arranged with Blue Badge Guides. Groups of 15 or more receive discounted entry.
Standing in close proximity to the Tower of London is the Tower Bridge Exhibition. From the 42-foot high walkways, groups can enjoy panoramic views over the River Thames to Westminster and the Docklands and there is also the opportunity to visit the Victorian Engine Rooms, which house the steam engines that were once used to power the Bridge lifts. A new exhibition will be running between October and December called ‘Greetings from Tower Bridge’, which will display postcards of the famous landmark dating back to 1898. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted entry to the Tower Bridge Exhibition and introductory talks lasting 15 minutes can be pre-booked. Groups can also arrange a private evening tour.
Outside central London, in the borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, is Hampton Court Palace, the former Royal residence of King Henry VIII and site of the annual Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. In 2009, the Palace will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII’s succession to the throne. Building up to this event, a new permanent exhibition has recently opened called ‘Young Henry’. This focuses on the first 20 years of the King’s life told through a series of Tudor paintings and, in summer 2008, another new permanent exhibition will go on display to visitors that will explore the next 20 years of his life. Groups of 15 or more received discounted admission to Hampton Court Palace and audio guides or private guided tours are also available.
Another royal residence is Kensington Palace, which was once home to Diana Princess of Wales. To coincide with the 10th anniversary of her death, a new temporary exhibition was launched recently called ‘Diana: a Princess Remembered’. Running until January, this commemorative exhibition explores the most memorable moments in Diana’s life through a series of portrait photographs and interviews with people who knew her. Groups of 15 or more receive discounted entry to the exhibition that includes an audio tour of the rest of the Palace.
Similarly, visitors may also wish to see the Banqueting House on Whitehall, which was once used to provide entertainment for Charles I and was, in fact, the scene of his execution. Groups of 15 or more receive discounts and audio tours are included in the admission price.
Unsurprisingly, London is also home to many English Heritage properties, all of which admit groups at a 15% discount. One of these is Apsley House at Hyde Park Corner, former home of the first Duke of Wellington. The house is open to the public as a museum and art gallery and includes famous works of art by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens and Van Dyck, as well as a statue of Napoleon by Italian sculptor Canova, presented to the first Duke of Wellington in 1816.
Groups visiting Apsley House might also be interested in Wellington Arch, which stands opposite and was originally designed as an entrance to Buckingham Palace. The famous landmark is currently housing a long-running exhibition about the sacrifices made by New Zealand soldiers during World War Two. There is also a memorial, made up of sixteen bronze sculptures, which is yards from Wellington Arch and is explained in more detail within the exhibition. Joint tickets can be purchased for entry to both Wellington Arch and Apsley House.
A mixture of medieval and art deco architecture, Eltham Palace, in south-east London, is built next to the remains of a medieval royal palace that was the childhood home of King Henry VIII. New for 2007, groups can watch the history of Eltham Palace’s past come to life through home movie footage of the Courtauld family, the building’s millionaire creators.
Meanwhile, Kenwood House, on Hampstead Heath, is popular with art lovers for its renowned collection of paintings by Rembrandt, Turner and Constable. Entry to the house is free; however there is a small charge for guided tours, which can be arranged to include morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea.
One of London’s most recognisable landmarks is Westminster Palace, containing the Houses of Parliament and the world-famous Big Ben. Guided tours can be arranged free of charge through your MP that allow access to areas such as the Commons and Lords debating chambers and the Queen’s Robing Room, as well as the opportunity to climb the Clock Tower, housing Big Ben.
In the same area, Westminster Abbey, famously known as the resting place for many English monarchs since the reign of Henry III, offers audio tours or group guided tours.
Fulham Palace, in west London, is a medieval property that was once the main residence of the Bishop of London. The property re-opened in November last year following a restoration project that saw the dining room turned into a cafe, restoration of the Great Hall and the introduction of a new gallery area, which features a programme of changing exhibitions. Groups of 10 or more can arrange a private tour of the Palace and gardens with a trained volunteer guide.
Also in the area is Syon Park, belonging to the Duke of Northumberland. Here you will find Syon House, open to the public annually between March and October and, for a discounted fee, groups can arrange guided tours of the House and Park, which is renowned for its 200 species of rare trees.
Nearby, Osterley Park and House may also be worth a visit for its neo-classical mansion, transformed from a Tudor style in 1761 by acclaimed architect and interior designer, Robert Adam. The property is owned by The National Trust and is renowned as one of Britain’s best surviving examples of Adam’s craft, with plasterwork, carpets and furniture all created by the designer. Groups of 15 or more receive discounted entry to the House and Park and guided tours can be arranged.
In east London, in Hackney, Sutton House is another National Trust property, built by Sir Ralph Sadleir, a member of Henry VIII’s court. Thursday mornings are set aside for group visits, although pre-booked groups are welcome at other times and guided tours are available.
Painting a picture
The capital has a huge number of art galleries for all tastes. Most are free; however some of these charge a small fee for special exhibitions, often at a discounted rate for groups.
Housing pieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square has one of the greatest collections of European paintings in the world. Groups of between 10 and 25 people can arrange free one-hour guided tours of The National Gallery and slide talks on the temporary exhibitions are also available, for a small fee.
Groups visiting The National Gallery might also like to visit the nearby National Portrait Gallery where, for a small donation, you can arrange private gallery tours. Early booking is strongly recommended.
Tate Britain, meanwhile, which is situated on the north bank of the River Thames at Millbank, showcases a collection of British art dating from 1500 to the present day. Blake and Constable have dedicated areas within the gallery whilst the Turner Collection is housed in the purpose built Clore Gallery. Many tours and packages are available for groups including free daily guided tours, private guided tours and Tate multimedia guides; an audio tour on which the artists relay the stories behind their work.
It’s sister gallery, Tate Modern, located on the south bank of the River Thames at Bankside, displays a collection of 20th century modern art, including masterpieces by Picasso, Matisse, Dali and Warhol. Once again, a range of tours and packages are available; however, groups of 15 or more visiting both galleries might be interested in arranging ‘Tate to Tate Tours’, which include a highlights tour of Tate Britain and Tate Modern and a catamaran cruise along the River Thames.
A mix of museums
London has hundreds of museums, both large and small and many of these cater for group visits, offering a variety of discounts.
One of the most well-known is the British Museum and, until the 6th April next year, it will be exhibiting ‘The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army’ featuring examples of the terracotta figures found in Xi’an. Although the Museum is free, there is a charge for this exhibition, with groups of 8 or more receiving discounts.
In South Kensington, meanwhile, there are three major museums; the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A).
The Natural History Museum is free to enter and has a new exhibition running between October and April next year displaying photographs from the ‘Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007’ competition. Groups of 10 or more receive discounts on the exhibition.
The Science Museum, also free to visitors, has over 300,000 objects relating to science, technology and medicine. Groups have to pay extra for entry to the IMAX 3D Cinema, special exhibitions and simulator rides at the Museum, but these come at a discounted rate for 10 or more people.
Art and design museum the V&A is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Housing various collections including ceramics and textiles, admission to the Museum is also free. Guided tours are available.
For groups with an interest in war and the military, the Imperial War Museum in south London is a must. The Museum explores various battles dating from the WWI to the present day. Entry to the Museum is free; however groups of 10 or more receive discounted entry to exhibitions with an admission charge. Audio guides can be arranged at a reduced rate.
The Imperial War Museum also has two other museums in London; the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms in Whitehall and the ship HMS Belfast, moored between Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms is dedicated to the life of Sir Winston Churchill and is made up of artefacts, photographs, documents and film. Groups of 10 or more are offered discounts, which include a free audio guide.
HMS Belfast, on the other hand, is a World War Two ship that has been transformed into a floating naval museum. There are nine decks to explore, including an exhibition area relaying the story of HMS Belfast. Groups of 10 or more can board the ship at a discounted rate.
In nearby Greenwich, there are four major museums worth visiting; the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, Old Operating Theatre and Firepower: Royal Artillery Museum.
The Royal Observatory recently undertook a £15 million re-development project that included the construction of the new Peter Harrison Planetarium, which opened in May, and four new galleries exploring modern astronomy. Entry to The Royal Observatory is free and groups of 10 or more receive discounted entry to the Planetarium shows.
Also free, the National Maritime Museum celebrates Britain’s association with the sea and contains more than two million items including weapons, uniforms, ship models and navigational instruments. In November, the Museum will be opening a new permanent gallery called ‘Atlantic Worlds’ exploring the transatlantic slave trade. Groups of 10 or more are asked to pre-book their visit. One-hour guided tours are also available for groups visiting either of these attractions; however there is a charge for this service. The Queens House is also part of the site and free to enter, housing a collection of maritime art
Meanwhile, grim tales are in store for visitors to the Old Operating Theatre, the oldest surviving operating theatre in the country, used before the introduction of anaesthetics. Located in St Thomas’ Church, Southwark, on the site of the old St Thomas’ Hospital, the operating theatre dates back to 1822 and displays a range of early surgical instruments. Groups of 10 or more can book a free talk on a range of topics, one of which includes a demonstration of a 19th century amputation procedure.
Lastly, Firepower: Royal Artillery Museum is set in former buildings belonging to the Royal Arsenal. The Museum is best-known for its ‘Field of Fire’ exhibit in which sound, smoke and vibrations give visitors an idea of what it is like to be a modern gunner in war time. Pre-booked groups of 10 or more receive discounted admission.
Although not a museum, another Greenwich attraction commemorating London’s maritime heritage is the Old Royal Naval College, formerly a Royal Navy training site between 1873 and 1998. The baroque-style buildings were originally built to serve as the Greenwich Hospital and were designed by Christopher Wren in the 17th century. Groups can enjoy free entry to these buildings, comprising of The Painted Hall and Chapel, as well as the Visitor Centre.
Whilst in the Greenwich area, it may interest your group to pay a visit to the Thames Barrier, which is one of the largest moveable flood barriers in the world. Interestingly, when the main gates are raised, they stand as high as a five-storey building and as wide as the opening of Tower Bridge. Visitors to the site can learn more facts at the Thames Barrier Information and Learning Centre and group talks can be arranged, which include a guided walk along the riverfront to get a closer look at the flood defence barrier. Groups pay a small admission fee to the Centre inclusive of a group talk.
London is home to a number of world class sporting venues, many offering guided tours for large groups of people. One of these is the Museum of Rugby and Twickenham Stadium Tour. Groups of 15 or more people receive a 10% discount on this 75-minute guided tour which includes access to the players’ dressing rooms and tunnel, as well as a visit to the Museum. One of the highlights of the collection is the Calcutta Cup, a trophy awarded to the winners of the annual England vs Scotland Six Nations Championship match.
For tennis fans, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is a worthwhile addition to any itinerary. On display are the actual championship trophies that are presented to the winners of Wimbledon, tennis memorabilia dating back to 1555 and video footage of some of the great tennis players in action. Groups of 15 or more can arrange tailored tours of the Wimbledon grounds, which can include a visit to No. 1 Court, Henman Hill and the Press Interview Room. Admission to the Museum is included in the tour price.
Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy a guided tour of Lords Cricket Ground, long referred to as the ‘Home of Cricket’. The tour begins in the Pavilion and takes you to the legendary Long Room, featuring an art gallery on the game’s history, through the Dressing Rooms, where you can see the Honours board and then on to the M.C.C. Museum, where you can view the fiercely contested Ashes Urn. Group discounts are available for 25 or more people.
London is also known for its distinct transport system, most notably its world-famous routemaster buses and the London Underground, the world’s oldest underground system.
For groups with an interest in transport design and engineering, a visit to the London Transport Museum is essential. Although currently closed, the Museum will re-open in November following a £21 million, two year redesign project. The new museum will feature more display areas, an increased number of objects and will now explore the future of London’s transport as well as its past. For the first time, Harry Beck’s original 1930s artwork for the world famous Underground map will go on public display, along with old favourites including the only surviving steam engine from the UK’s first Underground railway and tube driving simulators.
Not a museum but on a similar theme, hundreds of new and vintage cars will be on display at the annual British International Motor Show, which will be held at the Docklands ExCeL exhibition centre in July and August next year. Groups visiting the show can receive up to 20% off ticket prices, take part in activities such as a ‘4×4 Experience’, see world premiere unveilings of new models of car and find out about the latest developments to make cars cleaner and safer.
An urban retreat
London has a wealth of open spaces, from royal parks to local community gardens, many of which are free to visitors.
One of London’s best known gardens is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which has more than 40,000 different species of plant. The attraction is famous for its Victorian glasshouse which houses some of the rarest and most unusual plants from across the world; however visitors may also wish to explore Kew Palace, which is managed by Historic Royal Palaces along with the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House and Hampton Court Palace, and was once home to King George III and Queen Charlotte. Groups visiting the Gardens between now and March can also take in a new exhibition of Henry Moore sculptures that are being displayed across the 300-acre site. There is a seperate entrance fee for Kew Gardens and Kew Palace, but discounts are available for groups of 10 or more at both. Hour-long guided tours of the Gardens can also be arranged.
In contrast, a new park worth exploring is Potters Fields Park, situated on the River Thames near to Tower Bridge and City Hall. The Park was recently redeveloped at a cost of £3 million and was officially opened to the public in March this year. Groups visiting the city can relax on the giant granite step seats overlooking the river or enjoy the seasonal herbaceous borders, designed by Dutchman Piet Oudolf, famous for designing Battery Park in New York.
In north London, there are two gardens that provide a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The first of these is Myddleton House Gardens, which lies within Lee Valley Park, an area stretching between the East India Dock Basin and Ware in Hertfordshire. Within the Gardens, you will find a variety of unusual plants along with a carp lake, conservatory and rock garden. Groups can arrange guided walks with the gardeners lasting one or two hours in duration.
The second is Capel Manor Gardens, in Enfield, which includes 30 acres of themed gardens such as a Japanese Garden and Jungle Gym Garden – a space for young people incorporating various recycled materials, created by 80s pop singer Kim Wilde, a former Capel Manor College student. Groups of 20 or more get discounted entry to the Gardens and guided tours can be arranged at a special rate.
Best of the rest
As well as its huge number of historic buildings, art galleries and museums, the city is also home to a number of other attractions that make London a world class tourist destination.
One of the most distinctive features of the London skyline is the 135-metre high British Airways London Eye which, on a clear day, gives visitors a view of Windsor Castle 25 miles away. Visitors can also see Battersea Power Station to the south, St. Paul’s Cathedral looking east, Trafalgar Square to the west and Alexandra Palace in the north. Groups of 15 or more receive a 10% discount on flights.
Groups will also be familiar with the former Millennium Dome, now known as The O2 since its transformation into a state of the art entertainment venue including restaurants, the O2 arena and an exhibition centre. Running from November until August next year, a new major exhibition called ‘Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs’ will be on display featuring over 130 ancient Egyptian treasures. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted entry to the exhibition and audio tours are also available.
Another famous London attraction is the Madame Tussauds waxwork museum where groups have the opportunity to interact with lifelike wax models, including posing for a magazine cover with supermodel Kate Moss, squeezing Brad Pitt’s bottom or striking a penalty with David Beckham. Also among the huge array of exhibits is the ‘Stardome’, formerly known as the London Planetarium, where an animated show about a group of alien characters, made by the creators of ‘Wallace and Gromit, is projected onto the domed ceiling. Groups of 10 or more are offered discounted entry to the attraction.
The London Dungeon, meanwhile, is an attraction that takes visitors on a 90-minute tour using live actors, special effects and rides to recreate historical events such as the murders of Jack the Ripper and the Great Fire of London. A new ride opened in March this year called ‘Extremis: Drop Ride to Doom’ which treats visitors as though they are prisoners waiting to be hanged. The ride elevates passengers to the top of the Dungeon before plunging them 20 feet to the ground in complete darkness. Pre-booked groups of 20 or more people receive discounted admission.
Another attraction at which visitors can relive the events of the past is The London Bridge Experience, which will be opening in November. Located directly under the bridge, visitors will be taken on a tour by a Victorian costumed guide where you can learn about the 2,000-year history of this famous London landmark. The tour includes a film show and computer-generated characters who interact with the audience and explain the times they lived in. For brave visitors, there is also the opportunity to continue onto the London Tombs ride, which is included in the admission price and is situated in the former tomb of London Bridge’s chapel. This walk-through ride is a haunted house style experience featuring special effects and professional actors. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted entry.
Meanwhile, groups wishing to recapture life in the East End can enjoy a London-themed dinner and entertainment show called The Cockney Tavern. Based at the Central Park Hotel near Bayswater, visitors to the venue will be entertained by a genuine Pearly King and can enjoy live performances by cabaret act The London Pride Singers and Dancers. Open on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, the experience includes a two- or three-course meal and groups discounts can be negotiated.
London also has a range of attractions for groups wanting to interact with nature. London Zoo opened a new area in March called ‘Gorilla Kingdom’, which is designed to imitate an African rainforest and allows visitors to get up close to a colony of Western Lowland Gorillas. In the same month, the Zoo also opened the new ‘Clore Rainforest Lookout’, a biome containing rare and endangered species including two-toed sloths and pygmy marmosets, believed to be the world’s smallest monkeys. Pre-booked groups of 10 or more gain fast track entry and receive a 20% discount to the Zoo. Group guided tours can also be arranged with volunteers.
For an underwater experience, groups can pay a visit to the London Aquarium, just a short walk from the British Airways London Eye. It is believed to be one of Europe’s largest aquatic displays with more than 350 different species including sharks, stingrays, clownfish and moray eels. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted entry and six guided tours are available taking in specific areas of the Aquarium. Groups can also drop in on various talks and feeds that take place throughout the day.
Further out of the city in Barnes, groups can visit the London Wetland Centre, a wildlife reserve run by the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, which is home to many rare species including Kingfishers and a colony of endangered water voles. The 105-acre site is made up of lakes, ponds and marshland and features six hides for viewing the wildlife. Pre-booked groups of 10 or more receive discounted admission and free guided tours are available that can be tailored to suit the interests of your group.
Sightseeing on the river
A trip to the city would not be complete without a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames, giving you a chance to learn more about the famous landmarks from the comfort of a boat.
City Cruises operates four modern RiverLiners on a variety of cruises between Westminster Pier and Greenwich Pier, with discounts available for groups of over 20 people. For an extra-special cruise, you can arrange one of the catered sightseeing options on offer, with lunch or afternoon tea, which also includes a River Red Rover ticket, allowing you to hop on and off the boat as you wish, throughout the day. A dance and dinner cruise is also available which includes a four-course meal and a medley of show tunes.
Bateaux London, meanwhile, offers lunch cruises and dinner cruises, as well as year round private charters from Westminster Pier. The cruises combine luxury dining, live entertainment and views of some of London’s most famous landmarks. Discounts apply for groups of more than 15 people.
Similarly, Thames River Services also offers groups various sightseeing trips between Westminster Pier and the Thames Barrier. Passengers can take in The Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London, before sailing past the Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory in Greenwich and eventually passing through the Thames Barrier. Groups of 10 or more are offered a 10% discount on cruises.
For a rather different experience, London Ducktours offers a road and river adventure on board one of its amphibious vehicles, a series of refurbished DUKW’s which were originally used to take troops ashore in the D-Day landings. Starting in Waterloo, the tour takes in the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column and Buckingham Palace before launching into the river for the remainder of the 75-minute tour. Groups can exclusively hire one of the vehicles, which enables you to tailor the tour to your particular interests and themed trips can also be arranged, such as a James Bond tour and the Duck Tours Treasure Hunt, where passengers can take in the London landmarks whilst solving cryptic and photographic clues.
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