Each week in this segment I’ll be writing an A to Z of things to do and see in London. Ranging from some of the capitals most interesting museum to music venues and markets!

London Aquarium -

Where is it:

The London Aquarium is situated on south-bank of the Thames close to the London Eye. The closest tube stations would be either Waterloo or Westminster tube stations.

What can you do there:

The Aquarium is home to 500 different species of animals from across the world, Children will love the underwater tunnel and the 40 species of sharks!

The Aquarium itself does a lot of work for conservation and it has breeding programs for several species in the attraction. They also have teaching facilities within the building used for 40,000 school children per year, these classrooms are open to the public when not in use. The newest addition to the aquarium are the Gentoo Penguins who live in the Ice Adventure section.

In 2005 it the aquarium was taken over by Merlin Entertainments who owns a huge number of other attractions including: London Eye, All of the Legoland parks (including Malaysia, California and UK), The Dungeons which include London, Edinburgh, Hamburg and Amsterdam.

How much does it cost and opening times: 

Adult 16+

  • On the day – £7.50
  • Online – £6.75

Children (3 to 15)

  • On the day – £4.98
  • Online – £4.48

Opening times are Monday to Thursday, 10 until 18:00. Friday to Sunday, 10 until 19:00.

Disabled access: There is disabled access throughout the aquarium. Access to lifts and toilets on all floors and wheelchair hire for a £200 deposit. You may also be eligble for a disabled rate ticket and a free carer ticket, you will need to bring documentation with you on the day.

Website: http://www.visitsealife.com/London/

British Museum -

 

Where is it:

The Museum is located in the center of London. Hoborn, Russel Square and Goodge Street are the closest tube stations. Alternatively you can reach the attraction by bus.

What can you do there:

The British Museum houses a huge collection of works (eight million), and it’s situated in an absolutely stunning building. The exhibitions on display at the museum are split into sections of the world and time periods. They also hold “Special Exhibitions” that you will usually need to pay extra for. For example in 2007-2008 the museum held (on loan) some of the clay soldiers of the Terracotta army which was the most popular exhibition ever held at the attraction.  Other spectacular exhibits include the Ancient Egyptian period which is always a hit with the kids as some of the stories can be quite gruesome!

The British Museum causes a lot of controversy worldwide for holding the artifacts of other nations, including the Rosetta Stone which came into British possession from the French in the 1800′s. I think the fact that the museum has some of the oldest and historic artifacts in the world defiantly warrants a visit, regardless of controversy!

How much does it cost and opening times:

The British Museum is free to visitors, you will need to pay to visit a small number of “special exhibits” but theres more than enough to see for free anyway.

Opening times are 10 to 17:30 daily, Fridays have a late opening until 20:30.

Disabled Access:  Wheelchair access at both of the entrances to the museum and disabled parking that you will need to phone ahead for.

Website: http://www.britishmuseum.org/

Camden Market -

 

Where is it: Camden Market is nestled in North London, close to Regent’s Park. The closest tube stations would be Camden Town or Chalk Farm. (Chalk farm is better for access to the markets)

What can you do there: Camden Market otherwise know as Camden Lock is actually a group of 6 markets all close together. You will find a huge amount of food stalls selling yummy food from all around the world and for fairly reasonable prices. There are all sort of stalls selling different items from African style instruments to quirky clothing and rugs. Camden itself is popular with music lovers and has a huge amount of alternative clothing shops such as Cyberdog. If you fancy a little walk down the road don’t miss the colorful shops on the main road.

Disabled Access: There is disabled access at four entrances to the market.

Website: http://www.camden-market.org/

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