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BLOOMSBURY. This institution is part gallery, part museum, and – of course – part library. With its fascinating exhibits, the library is a great place to learn about British history, especially political and literary history. Items such as the Magna Carta, which changed the world of politics in 1215, and the Gutenberg Bible, which in 1455 was the first book printed using Gutenberg's world-altering printing press, are awe-inspiring and well presented. Exhibitions on greats such as Oscar Wilde or on particular literary styles make the library a must for visitors interested in the written word. TUBE: King's Cross St. Pancras or Euston Square
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British Museum
Great Russell St, London, UK - England WC1 · 20-7323-8000
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BLOOMSBURY. One of London's top tourist attractions, this museum seeks to cover all areas of human knowledge under one roof – and it succeeds on all counts. What began as a "cabinet of curiosities" in 1753 now includes galleries dedicated to ethnography, Egyptian monuments, and the arts of Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific. The Great Court, completed in 2000, incorporated additional gallery space, along with cafés and shops. Although it's impossible to cover the museum in one day, a 90-minute guided tour provides a brief glimpse of the museum's many treasures and can help you decide what to examine more closely when you return. TUBE: Holborn or Russell Square
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SOUTH BANK. Everyone knows the name Florence Nightingale, but few people are fully aware of the contributions she made to the medical community. This award-winning museum lays out her legacy in detail, showcasing her Nightingale Training School and her efforts to care for sick and dying soldiers. Notes, lanterns, and other personal memorabilia paint a full portrait of a fascinating woman with lasting impact. TUBE: Westminster
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Geffrye Museum
Kingsland Rd, London, UK - England E2 8EA · 20-7739-9893
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SHOREDITCH. British domestic history and interior design are laid out in a series of rooms at this intriguing museum. Intended to recreate living quarters from the 17th to 21st centuries, the Geffrye ably illustrates the aesthetics and creature comforts associated with each era. Furnishings, architectural details, decorative items, textiles, and artwork all contribute to the total effect. Outside of the 18th-century almshouses, which hold the vignettes, are period gardens that echo the rooms inside. Also available are a restaurant and gift shop. A library and archive is accessible via special request. TUBE: Liverpool Street and then bus or Old Street, followed by a somewhat lengthy walk
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SOUTH BANK. Occupying the Bethlehem Royal Hospital building (known more familiarly as "Bedlam" in past days), this museum traces 20th-century wars. Its graphic, compelling exhibits illustrate the impact of conflict on bystanders, participants, and innocents swept up in the waves of horror. Interactive exhibits place folks in WWI trenches and in Blitz-era bombings, and the Holocaust exhibit frequently elicits a visceral reaction from visitors. Artifacts and multi-media displays communicate the devastating impact of war, which can be overwhelming for children. However, the museum now offers a special exhibit that looks at war from a child's perspective and gives them a voice. TUBE: Lambeth North or Waterloo
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Museum of London
150 London Wall, London, UK - England EC2Y 5HN · (0)870 444 3851
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CITY. This award-winning museum celebrates London's social history and unique culture. The historical section tracks the area's development from prehistory to World War I. The Great Fire, which destroyed a huge portion of London in the 17th century, is featured prominently, and special exhibitions ensure that there's always something new to see. Everchanging, they include studies of fashion, Roman settlements, and the like. Access to some exhibits may be restricted due to renovations through 2010. TUBE: St. Paul's, Moorgate or Barbican
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GREENWICH. Inside a graceful stone structure, this edifying museum has a broad scope, addressing the nation's involvement with water and the sea throughout its long history. Themed galleries set the scene, organizing everything from maritime art to navigational instruments, maps, portraits, and ship models. British exploration figures prominently, along with exhibits on ocean liners, modern shipping, and international trade. Plus, interactive galleries delight and educate children. The nearby Royal Observatory and a planetarium add to the appeal of the Greenwich scientific complex. TUBE: Docklands Light Railway train to Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich station
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KENSINGTON. One of London's most popular museums, this facility gets ample attention, and it's no mystery why. The well-designed space and its host of fascinating artifacts provide plenty of educational distraction. Kids and adults alike love exhibits on dinosaurs, the human body, and "Creepy Crawlies." Visitors can also feel an earthquake, see a scorpion up-close, and examine the earth's layers at this vast museum, where it's easy to wander about for an entire day. TUBE: South Kensington
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Science Museum
Exhibition Rd, London, UK - England SW7 2DD · 87-0870-4868
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KENSINGTON. Anyone thrilled by innovation and scientific advancement will find much to explore at this comprehensive museum. Documenting science in all its fields and variations, the facility looks at space, medicine, energy, animation, public health, computers, genetics, and everything in-between. Beginning with the early 18th century and continuing through the present day, the museum boasts more than 300,000 artifacts. Interactive exhibits are available, along with models and video demonstrations. TUBE: South Kensington
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HOLBORN. During his lifetime, architect John Soane acquired a magnificent hodgepodge of artistic and historical artifacts, which he ensconced in this fascinating home. Strategically placed mirrors, whimsical architecture, and play with perspective impart the home with a quirky, sometimes disorienting feel. Nevertheless, the objects of his affection – and there are many – provide a new focus at every glance and turn. Stacked throughout are busts, paintings, architectural drawings, manuscripts, and even an Egyptian sarcophagus. An impressive collection; a mesmerizing environment. Open evening hours the first Tuesday of the month. TUBE: Holborn
You want only quality attractions and activities to occupy your leisure hours. To that end, we've researched a diverse list of options, ruled out the wastes of time, and delivered only the 10Best. We provide detailed information about historical sites, theme parks, sporting events, and city sights that you won't want to miss. Peruse our lists, see what grabs your fancy, and then head out for some personal time!
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