National Portrait Gallery

London

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DESTINATIONS united kingdom london Do & See National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery in Central London harbours more than 195,000 portraits of famous men and women who have shaped British history from the 16th century to the present day. Painted by acclaimed artists such as Holbein, David Hockney, Cecil Beaton and Lucian Freud, sitters include kings, queens, film stars, politicians, musicians and many more. The gallery's rolling calendar of exhibitions is worth investigating as well, particularly the annual BP Portrait Awards.

Useful Information

Address: St Martin’s Place, London
Phone: +44 20 7306 0055
More Info: www.npg.org.uk
Address: Sun–Thu 10:30am–6pm, Fri & Sat 10:30am–9pm
Address: Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Embankment tube stations
More Info: Free admission. Some exhibitions are ticketed. Book ahead
More Info: www.facebook.com/nationalportraitgallery

Do & See

London is full of things to do and see. From famous attractions such as the London Eye, the Palace of Westminster, the Big Ben and the Tower of London to much lesser known ones that are almost secret. There are also exciting shopping destinations, vast areas of green parkland in the middle of the city and much, much more. Read on for inspiration and handy tips on places you just can't miss while you're in the capital. Many attractions on this list are free to enter, giving you another great reason to fall in love with London.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

During the summer months, Buckingham Palace — the official residence of King Charles III — opens the doors of its elegant State Rooms to the public. As well as proving a very fancy backdrop for many official royal engagements, the rooms contain some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings, sculptures …

Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament

Take a tour of the Palace of Westminster, also referred to as the Houses of Parliament, and experience 1,000 years of history. Visitors are welcomed into the building through Westminster Hall, before following in the footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament. Marvel at the Victorian splendour of the Lords Chamber …

London Eye

At a staggering height of 135 metres (443 ft), The London Eye offers a superb view of the capital's most famous attractions. A full rotation around the observational wheel in one of the glass capsules lasts some 30 minutes and it is so popular that each year it receives more visitors than the Taj …

River Thames Cruise

River Thames Cruise

See London from a different angle by taking a cruise along the famous River Thames. Glide by some of London’s top attractions from Westminster to Greenwich, and listen to the entertaining live commentary as you pass sights such as the Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of …

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath from London

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath from London

Discover three gems outside of London on a fun day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and the historic town of Bath. First, pay a visit to Windsor Castle, home to the British royal family, for a tour of the State Apartments and St George's Chapel. Then, continue to Salisbury, where you'll get to see …

British Museum

One of the largest and most interesting museums in the world, the British Museum is home to some of the most treasured historical artefacts ever found. The extensive exhibition includes the Rosetta Stone, Assyrian treasures, Egyptian mummies and the museum's spectacularly illuminated Great Court, where you can find the museum's new restaurant. This restaurant …

Tower of London

Tower of London

Tower of London is one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. It's also a mysterious place full of dark secrets, strange stories and historic relics. Here you can admire the priceless Crown Jewels, explore the Medieval Palace, visit the infamous Bloody Tower, and go on a tour with a Yeoman Warder …

Soho

Soho is an absolute must-see, since it's so multifaceted. Dean, Frith, Beak, and Old Compton streets are lively around the clock, and long-running Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club can be found here. Shaftesbury Avenue attracts theatre-goers, while Carnaby, Oxford and Regent streets and the iconic Liberty's department store are there for your shopping needs. Music …

Platform Nine & Three-Quarters

Platform Nine & Three-Quarters

Locals know King’s Cross as one of the city’s busiest train stations serving much of the country since 1852. The place became internationally famous when Harry Potter used the station on his train journey to Hogwarts. Take a picture with a trolley disappearing into the brick wall and get some wizarding memorabilia from the …

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original open-air theatre where playwright, William Shakespeare, first staged many of his famous plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Midsummer Night’s Dream. On the banks of the Thames, just a few hundred yards away from its original location, the Globe stages classic and modern interpretations …

Chinatown

London's Chinatown is a vibrant neighbourhood full of authentic Asian restaurants, shops, supermarkets and secret bars, adorned with red lanterns and red arches. Try some authentic buns at BaoziInn Romilly Street, Cantonese staples such as roast duck on rice at Café TPT or drop by Gerrard’s Corner for a generous portion of nostalgia and …

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum houses hundreds of amazing exhibits from the natural world in one of London's most beautiful landmark buildings. Highlights include the popular Dinosaurs gallery, the model blue whale and the Cocoon specimen centre special. Events and debates are held in the Darwin Centre high-tech Attenborough Studio, where you'll have the chance …

Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon & Cotswolds Tour from London

Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon & Cotswolds Tour from London

Leave the hustle and bustle of London behind to discover England’s storybook villages as you tour the charming Cotswolds and the medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Walk in the footsteps of England’s most iconic playwright as you tour Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon. Revel in the quintessentially English villages and thatched-roof cottages …

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Step into the magical world of Harry Potter and visit the film sets where the movies were shot in the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London — The Making of Harry Potter. On the tour, you can nose around Dumbledore's office, enter the Great Hall, walk down Diagon Alley, see how they made Harry Potter …

Jack the Ripper Tour

Jack the Ripper Tour

Uncover the legend of the notorious Jack the Ripper on a spine-chilling London night tour. Follow your expert guide through the dimly lit backstreets of Whitechapel and listen to the disturbing tales and conspiracy theories surrounding one of history's most infamous serial killers. See the streets of Victorian London brought to life with innovative …

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral

The 17th century St Paul's Cathedral on Ludgate Hill is one of the capital's most iconic buildings. Designed by the illustrious Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul's was the tallest building in London until as late as 1962. Use the touchscreen multimedia guides or take a guided tour to learn about the famous interior or, …

Hyde Park

Covering over 350 acres, Hyde Park is a green haven in the centre of London. The park is home to some 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow and ornamental flower gardens. It features a busy programme of activities and events which include horse riding, skating, cycling, swimming and boating. Highlights to look out …

National Gallery

National Gallery

You will find vast collections of some of the most famous, beautiful and awe-inspiring paintings in the world at the National Gallery. Treat yourself to some of the best artistic production there is and ever has been. Feast your eyes on masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Monet or Van …

Leicester Square

Leicester Square

Leicester Square is a pedestrianised square surrounded by a number of nationally significant cinemas with some of the city’s biggest screens, as well as a variety of restaurants. The Odeon Leicester Square, Empire, Leicester Square is often used for film premieres, so why not do a bit of Hollywood star-spotting while you're in London. The …

London Bus Tour, Hop On – Hop Off

London Bus Tour, Hop On – Hop Off

Enjoy the Perfect Introduction to London. Embark on an adventure with Big Bus Tours. Our Non-stop London sightseeing tour allows you to soak up the city's atmosphere with ease. Relax and enjoy fascinating facts about London's rich culture and dramatic history as you pass its famous landmarks and attractions. And, on selected Red Tour …

Brixton & the Electric Avenue

Brixton & the Electric Avenue

Brixton's Electric Avenue got its name for being the first market street in London to be lit with electric lights. Today, the avenue is a diverse and eclectic food market, mostly specialising in African and Caribbean cuisine. Apart from the food, the area attracts bargain hunters in search of cameras, audio equipment, all manner …

Hoxton & Shoreditch

Hoxton & Shoreditch

Hoxton and Shoreditch are creative hubs brimming with colourful street art, hip cafes and bars, experimental galleries and popular nightclubs. Check out the many themed bars that serve endlessly inventive and delicious dishes from a long list of world cuisines. Vintage and design shops are …

Victoria & Albert Museum

Victoria & Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington has a glorious collection of design and art: from Islamic art to fine European jewellery. From famous watercolours by artists such as John Constable to iconic fashion creations by Vivienne Westwood. Explore the permanent collection or visit one of the museum's world-class, and ever-popular temporary exhibitions. Look …

Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds London

There's plenty to keep you entertained at Madame Tussauds London, with more than 300 wax figures, the Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience and Spirit of London Taxi Ride. The uncannily lifelike wax figures of famous (and infamous) individuals from throughout history are the obvious highlight. From Johnny Depp and One Direction to Muhammad …

Brick Lane

Brick Lane is the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community. Road signs here appear in both English and Bengali, and the restaurants are authentic and unpretentious. Some iconic restaurants like the Bengal Village, Aladin, Smokestak, Hawksmoor, All Star Lanes can be found here. Beigel Bake, where you can get a traditional Jewish-style filled bagel with …

Sherlock Holmes Museum

Sherlock Holmes Museum

The official home of the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes is 221b Baker Street. According to the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he lived here from 1881 to 1904. The museum features Holmes' detailed study, life-size waxworks representing scenes from Holmes and Watson's adventures and a souvenir …

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of the largest parks in London. It sits atop one of the highest points in London, offering excellent views of the London skyline. The skyscrapers of Canary Wharf can be seen along with St Paul's Cathedral and other landmarks. The Heath features grassy fields, wooded areas, and a number of large …

Tate Modern

Housed in a large former power station, Tate Modern is Britain's leading art gallery when it comes to modern and contemporary art. As well as the Tate's much anticipated exhibitions, there's a fantastic permanent collection to explore. It features works by artists as diverse as Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Pollock, Warhol and …

British Film Institute — The BFI

British Film Institute — The BFI

The British Film Institute (BFI) is an absolute must for film aficionados. This film and television charitable organisation shows films every day: from the latest and biggest blockbusters screened in their spectacular IMAX theatre, to old-time classics and indie darlings in their smaller, more intimate halls. The renovated BFI venue is located in Southbank, which …

Kew Gardens

London's largest UNESCO World Site, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is the largest conservation project of its kind in the world. Visit the Davies Alpine House and experience the high-altitude conditions that allow alpine plants to grow, take a trip to the desert to the jungle at Princess of Wales Conservatory, marvel at treacherous …

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Located on the South Bank, right next to London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium harbours one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life covering more than 500 species, 14 themed areas and two million litres of water. The exhibition includes favourites such as seahorses, octopuses, zebra sharks and clownfish. There are also interactive …

Legoland Windsor

Legoland Windsor

Built on 150 acres of parkland, the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is located just outside of London. It is home to more than 55 rides, shows, attractions and workshops, all geared towards children up to 12 years of age. This theme park is a great place for a family day trip. Jump on board a …

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace was King Henry VIII's favourite royal residence. It is brimming with thrilling stories and beautiful sights. Inside the building you can visit the medieval Great Hall where William Shakespeare’s company once performed, as well as the huge Tudor kitchens and the Haunted Gallery. There is also much to see on the …

WWT London Wetland Centre

WWT London Wetland Centre

The 105-acre WWT London Wetland Centre is a wildlife reserve on the outskirts of Central London. Here you will find plenty of rare birds, beautiful lakes, tranquil gardens and calming meadows to walk amongst and admire. Keep your eyes open because you might be lucky enough to spot a family of otters. You can …

London Dungeon

London's history is filled with gruesome tales and scary characters. The London Dungeon attraction on the south bank of the Thames retells some of those bloody stories. Using costumes, 360° sets and a multitude of special effects, London Dungeon takes you through 1000 years of the city's gory, gruesome and terrifying past in 90 …

Museum of London

Museum of London

Discover the story of one of the world's greatest cities at The Museum of London. The tale begins with prehistoric London, moving on to the influence of the Romans and Saxons on the city, and then on towards Medieval London. Along the way, you will encounter civil wars, deathly plagues and rampant fires. Journey …

London Mithraeum

London Mithraeum

Reopened recently at the very site of its original discovery, the ruins of this Roman Temple of Mithras are open for public visits in the basement of Bloomberg's European headquarters at number 12 Walbrook. There are also a few other exhibitions that include both historic artefacts and contemporary artwork. Entrance is free of …

National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery in Central London harbours more than 195,000 portraits of famous men and women who have shaped British history from the 16th century to the present day. Painted by acclaimed artists such as Holbein, David Hockney, Cecil Beaton and Lucian Freud, sitters include kings, queens, film stars, politicians, musicians and many …

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