London has a lot going for it; it’s a business and corporate hub with many of the world’s top firms positing their HQ’s in the capital. It also has a rich and varied night life. But the star turn has to be its arts and culture. With world-beating locations, London is truly a cultural capital.
British Museum – Free entry
The British Museum is one of the oldest in the world. It has a vast collection of which the public only sees a tiny portion, the rest is kept in storage and the public display is regularly refreshed. It has millions of objects dating back to prehistoric times and right up to the present day. Be wowed by mummies or the Rosetta Stone, the Lindow Man or the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial. For the greatest stories and mysteries of humanity, the British Museum is the place to see them first hand.
The Royal Albert Hall
Probably the most famous theatre in the world, the Royal Albert Hall is home to the Royal ballet, Royal Opera and the ROH Orchestra. It is open to the public during the day and then at the evening ticket holders can see a performance. Pre-booked guided tours are available, well worth it to see the gilded auditorium which has hosted many famous performances. The Amphitheatre Restaurant is the ideal location for a morning coffee or lunch with the Amphitheatre Terrace offering stunning views across the Covent Garden Piazza.
Tate Modern
No visit to the capital is complete without a visit to Tate Modern. It is Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art with work featured from the world’s greatest artists regularly exhibited in the former bankside Power Station. The awe inspiring Turbine Hall runs the length of the entire building and often exhibits large scale installation work. Artists recently featured include Louise Bourgeois, Picasso, Matisse, Mark Rothko, Dai, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.
The National History Museum
Not only is it filled with hundreds of exhibits the National History Museum is also one of London’s most beautiful landmarks. The highlights of its collection include the perennially popular Dinosaurs gallery, Mammals, with tis famous blue whale and the central Hall which is home to the Museums’ iconic Diplodocus skeleton. There are temporary exhibitions throughout the year including the Darwin centre’s high tech Attenborough Studio featuring topical discussions about science and nature.
The Barbican Art Gallery
From acclaimed architects to Turner prize winning artists, the Barbican Art Gallery is the place to see leading exhibitions by key international figures. The Barbican Curve is the place where new art commissions are exhibited in a specially created space.
While you’re staying in one of Clarendon’s serviced apartments in London, be it in the City, Canary Wharf, West End or South West of the capital, make sure you visit one of London’s cultural treasures. These are great places to visit at the weekend, especially if you are a business traveller .