London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [37]
London Transport Museum.
Housed in the old flower market at the southeast corner of Covent Garden, this stimulating museum includes the interactive features that explain why London was the first world’s city. As you watch the crowds gawk at the horse-drawn trams (and the piles of detritus that remained behind), the ever-fascinating steam locomotives, and trolley buses from the past, you’re not sure who’s enjoying it more, children or adults. This kid-friendly (under 16 admitted free) museum is filled with impressive poster, photograph, and vehicle collections. Best of all, the museum has a multilevel approach to education, including information for the youngest visitor to the most advanced transit aficionado. Food and drink are available at the aptly named Upper Deck café. | Covent Garden Piazza | WC2E 7BB | 020/7379–6344 | www.ltmuseum.co.uk | £10 | Sat.–Thurs. 10–6 (last admission 5:15), Fri. 11–6 (last admission 5:15) | Leicester Sq., Covent Garden.
Fodor’s Choice | Royal Opera House.
London’s premier opera and ballet venue was designed in 1858 by E.M. Barry, son of Sir Charles, the House of Commons architect, and is the third theater on the site. The first theater opened in 1732 and burned down in 1808; the second opened a year later, only to succumb to fire in 1856. The entire building, which has been given a spectacular overhaul, retains the magic of the grand Victorian theater (but is now more accessible). The glass-and-steel Floral Hall is the most wonderful feature; you can wander around and drink in (literally, in the foyer café) the interior. The same is true of the Amphitheatre Bar and Piazza concourse, where you can have lunch while looking out at a splendid panorama across the city. There are free lunchtime chamber concerts and lectures, as well as tea dances and occasional free jazz concerts, which go a long way to making this venue a great space for the common people. | Bow St., Covent Garden | WC2E 9DD | 020/7240–1200 | www.royalopera.org | Covent Garden.
Somerset House.
An old royal palace once stood on the site, but it was eventually replaced by this 18th-century building, the work of Sir William Chambers (1726–96), during the reign of George III. It was built to house government offices, principally those of the Navy. For the first time in more than 100 years, these gracious rooms are on view, including the Seamen’s Waiting Hall and the Nelson Stair. In addition, the Navy Commissioners’ Barge has returned to dry dock at the Water Gate. The rooms are on the south side of the building, by the river. The Courtauld Institute Gallery occupies most of the north building, facing the busy Strand. In between is the cobbled Italianate courtyard where Admiral Nelson used to walk, the scene of an ice rink in the winter holiday season as well as summer concerts and other cultural events. In the summer months, come early and bring a deck chair to catch a free, live telecast from the Royal Opera House. Tom’s Kitchen, a new restaurant from top chef Tom Aikens, opened in the fall of 2010 and includes the latest in fresh British produce. A gallery devoted to contemporary art, design, fashion, architecture, and photography hosts three exhibitions a year. | The Strand, Covent Garden | WC2R 1LA | 020/7845–4600 | www.somerset-house.org.uk | Embankment Gallery £5, Courtauld Gallery £5, other areas free | Daily 10–6; last admission 5:30 | Charing Cross, Waterloo, Blackfriars.
WORTH NOTING
The Adam Houses.
All that remains of what was once a regal riverfront row of houses on a 3-acre site, connected by arches and streets below grade, are a few of the structures, but such is