1. Tate Modern
Created in the year 2000 from a disused power station in the heart of London, Tate Modern displays the national collection of international modern art. It’s undeniably impressive, and done on a grand scale, but is it the art or the building that steals the show? The collections tend to reflect the current conceptual orthodoxy of idea over content, but there are many pieces here that are worth the visit alone, such as in the magnificent Rothko room.
2. Borough Market
Borough Market is busy, noisy and bursting with wonderful produce. If you’re not familiar with the produce on the stalls, or you’re not sure how to cook it, just ask: the traders will be delighted to tell you about their specialities, where they come from and how to make the most of them. The Market sells some expensive delicacies but there are also lots of delicious cheaper cuts of meat and good-value seasonal fish, vegetables and fruit.
3. HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast served throughout the Second World War, playing a leading part in the destruction of the battle cruiser Scharnhorst, and also the Normandy Landings. In service with the Royal Navy until 1965, she was saved for the nation in 1971 as a unique reminder of Britain’s naval heritage. The HMS Belfast experience provides living testament to her service, battle stories and the conditions in which up to 950 crew members lived and fought.
4. Vinopolis
Vinopolis is an establishment devoted to imbibing the finer things in life, with wine tours, champagne tours, and tasting sessions with experts. Wine enthusiasts will love the number of different wine tours and packages are available; these include tapas and wine, cheese and wine, original wine tour, vintage wine tour, as-well as lunch or brunch deals. There are a number of restaurants and bars on site, as well as a wine warehouse.
5. The Golden Hinde
An authentic replica of the galleon in which Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world in 1577 – 1580, the Golden Hinde has navigated over 140,000 miles. She is now permanently berthed on London’s South Bank and is visited by 1000s of visitors each year, of equal appeal to those interested in Tudor life at sea, Francis Drake, or pirates!
6. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is an authentic reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theatre that once would have stood here and witnessed the opening nights of what are now the most famous plays in the world. Theatre tours begin every 15 to 30 minutes, and regular performances of Shakespeare’s plays are staged. There is also a Brasserie and a gift shop.
7. The Design Museum
The Design Museum is the world’s leading museum devoted to contemporary design in every form from furniture to graphics, and architecture to industrial design with a mission to celebrate, entertain, and inform. It places design at the centre of contemporary culture and demonstrates the richness of the creativity to be found in design of all types.
8. London Dungeons
Transport yourself back to the darkest moments in the capital’s history within the deep depths of the London Dungeon. Live actors, shows, two rides and interactive special effects ensure that you face your fears head on in this unique ninety minute experience. Everything that you see is based on real historical events from Jack the Ripper, to the Great Fire of London, torture and the plague.
9. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the most recognisable buildings in the World. At the Tower Bridge Exhibition you can enjoy exceptional views of London from the high-level Walkways, and learn about how and why the Bridge was built. You can also visit the Victorian Engine Rooms, home to the beautifully maintained original steam engines that used to power the Bridge lifts.
10. Britain at War Museum
Get the closest possible insight into what life was really like in WWII at The Britain at War Experience. Huddle in an Anderson shelter whilst the London Blitz is re-created with sights, sounds, artefacts, and even the dust and smoke of an air raid at its height. Keep up to date with wartime news in the underground cinema. Enter the BBC radio studio and tune into Rome, Washington, London and Berlin for the latest messages from Churchill, Chamberlain, Roosevelt, Hitler and Lord Haw Haw.