London by River Boat
There are numerous river cruise boats between Tower Bridge and Parliament at Westminister. This is a great way to enjoy a romantic evening, and a little dancing afterwards. If you want to party on try Gordon's Wine Bar, one of the oldest in London.
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
Fans of royalty can sneak a look at the Queen's normally very private 'State Rooms' where dignitaries are still received today. This year the Grand ballroom will exhibit historical costumes worn at balls. Enjoy musical performances and admire a 500 year-old collection of royal paintings (Rembrandt & Rubens to mention a few) and some very exquisite French and English antiques. A glimpse at the life of the royals.
Tube: Victoria Full entry £28.50. You can book online or we can book for you.
www.royal.gov.uk
Bookings 020 77 66 7300
Shakespeare’s Globe
Thanks to an American and several dedicated British that we now have a theatre similar to the original in Elizabethan times performing Shakespeare. Season commence in February and runs until October. The 2009 season will include Kind Lear, Romeo & Juliet in March, As You Like It, Euripedes' Helen and much more. You can book online at their official site. They also run several workshop and educational events.
Too many programs to list, depending on when you go -- tickets anywhere from £5.00 - £33.00.
www.shakespeares-globe.org
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside London SE1 9DT t: 020 7902 1400
Kensington Palace
You can't go to London without an insight into the life of the royals. At this palace there are numerous exhibitions including the twelve dresses worn by Diana and that particularly famous one worn when she visited the White House. Don't miss the King's gallery and Queen Victoria's bedroom.
Adults: £12.30 and Children: £6.15. (If you are a group of more than 14 email me and I'll organise a discount for online bookings)
Tube: High St Kensington - then a ten minute talk. Bus routes: 27, 70, 94, 148, 390 to Bayswater Road or 9,10, 49, 52, 70, and 452 to Kensington High Street.
www.hrp.org.uk
Kesinginton, Kensington Palace Gardens
An auction at Sotheby’s (or Christie's)
Who wouldn’t want to be in the room when a Monet is being sold? Even if you’re not bidding, feel the excitement. You don't have to be a registered bidder, visitors are welcome in showrooms and tours can also be arranged. See their calendar for auction dates.
www.sothebys.com
Royal Albert Hall
London’s most famous concert Hall offers a program of over 300 performances. See their website for monthly engagements. If you can’t take in a show, you can take a tour and visit the shop, restaurant and often their is a photographic exhibition on display. The tours are reasonable Adults 8 GBP and children free with paying adult.
Some highlights in 2009 include: Eric Clapton (May); Lord of the Rings cinematic experience April and Carman (May)
www.royalalberthall.com
The Royal Opera House
The 2009 calendar of Ballet, Opera and Dance is as impressive as ever.
See website for online bookings and performance times. There are also free lunchtime concerts each Monday from 1pm and Backstage tours.
Tube : Convent Garden
www.roh.org.uk
Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD
Relax in Regent's Park
Hire your own deck chair for £2, grab a ball for the kids, magazines for your, some sandwiches and experience life as a Londonder. This summer a number have been designed by English celebrities, Paul Smith, Yoko Ono and Ken Russell. This money raised goes towards keeping the parks maintained.
Seasons runs from May - September
Notting Hill Carnival
One big famous street party for the young (and young at heart). This once small street party now rivals many a Carribean carnival. Lots of loud music. More importantly, its held to celebrate the diversity of West Indian community in London. See official website for more detials, well at least I think its official? August 29 - 30 in 2008. 2009 t.b.p
www.nottinghillcarnival.biz