Good Attractions in Westminster/ St James (London)

Admiralty Arch

This ornate, Edwardian arch (which usually goes unnoticed) spans the entrance to The Mall from Trafalgar Square. Commissioned by Edward VII, the Admiralty Arch is actually a set of five arches in Portland stone which mark the royal route to St Paul's Cathedral. Traffic and pedestrians pass through the outer arches, while the central arch remains closed except when it is opened to allow the sovereign to pass through on State occasions.

St Martin-in-the-Fields

One of London's many noteworthy churches, you'll no doubt stumble across St Martin-in-the-Fields when you visit the neighboring National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. Along with having Buckingham Palace in its parish, this church holds many events, such as the free lunchtime concerts on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Although St Martin-in-the-Fields is located right on the busy Trafalgar Square, it is one of the best places in the city to go for a little peace and quiet. Designed in 1726 by James Gibbs, the church is also home to some of the most beautiful woodwork and Italian plasterwork in all of London.

Churchill Museum

Take a glimpse into the life of Winston Churchill (1874-1965), the greatest British statesman of the 20th century, and World War II Prime Minister, through this unique and historical collection: the Churchill Museum. Within the Cabinet War Rooms, the museum captures the public and private life, and achievements of the British leader and icon. Divided into five chapters, take a glimpse at the young Winston Churchill and his life as a politician, statesman, war leader and cold war statesman. The museum has over 150 original objects including Churchill's baby rattle and his trench periscope used on the Western Front. There are also numerous documents, photographs, and audiovisual and interactive displays. Winston Churchill was both historian and a significant part of history himself. For anyone interested in the history of the 20th century, this exhibit is a must. Call or check website for admission prices and group rates.

Switching On the Christmas Lights

London is ablaze with holiday lights in mid-November, as celebrities switch on the lights of famous shopping streets. Bond Street, St. Christopher's Place, Regent Street, Oxford Street and Covent Garden Market all celebrate the switching on of Christmas lights. Celebrities at past ceremonies have included Victoria Beckham, David Ginola, and Charlotte Church. A Norwegian official usually flicks the switch in Trafalgar Square to commemorate the donation of a Christmas tree from Norway. Free admission.

London Information Centre

The London Information Centre is a useful starting point for visitors, where alongside generic information booklets, one can also select from an extensive range of guides or opt for a day trip around London. The headquarters' easy accessible location means visitors should make this one of their first stops.

Spencer House

Built in the mid-18th century for the first Earl Spencer, an ancestor of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, Spencer House is the city's most ambitious aristocratic town house ever built and the only private palace from that period that remains intact to this day. Although originally designed in the classical vein, the house was intended as a place of pleasure and has much decoration aimed at creating a fun atmosphere. In their day, the first Earl Spencer and his wife were social movers and shakers of the highest caliber, and during their lifetime Spencer House was often the setting for extravagant high society parties. The house is not open to public during the months of January to August.

The Big Bus Company

You've probably seen these buses - along with London double-deckers, tour buses and more tour buses. Regardless of your usual attitude towards guided tours, these hop-on, hop-off tours are a good way to get an overview of the city, and you can make mental notes of where to go for a more thorough visit. The price you pay with The Big Bus Company is for a 24-hour ticket; during this time you can travel anywhere on the tour network, which encompasses stops over just about all of central London. Included in the price is a free walking tour and Thames River cruise, as well as numerous discounts for West End shows. Guide tapes are available in 12 languages, and the company won the London Sightseeing Tour of the Year award. Be careful when choosing the open-air rooftop, because London is notorious for fickle weather.

Hermitage Rooms at Somerset House

The Hermitage Rooms were opened to the public in 2001 and are located in the restored South Building of Somerset House. The splendor of the former Winter Palace has been recreated in miniature, using smoked-glass chandeliers, rich curtaining and marquetry floors. The Hermitage Rooms at Somerset House were earlier used as an exhibition space, and are now designated as the venue for meetings between various institutions in UK and the State Heritage Museum in St. Petersburg.

Green Park

The Green Park is located in central London, close to the Broad Walk and Constitution Hill. It attracts as many visitors, both tourists and locals, as St. James Park next door. You will see fitness freaks utilizing the track each morning, and families enjoying picnics on the green on sunny afternoons. The park also has small stalls, which serve refreshments and snacks.

Queen's Gallery

Located in London's Buckingham Palace, Queen's Gallery is a place where you can view fine art from the Royal Collection itself. The gallery will exhibit pieces from renowned artists, such as Rubens and Vermeer, that have belonged to monarchs for centuries. Also, artifacts such as jewelry, furniture, and sculptures are on display. Those with a London Pass can be admitted for free.

Jewel Tower

Originally designed as a treasury for King Edward III, this sturdy building now serves as a museum showcasing the rich history of the British Parliament. The original structure has remained relatively unmodified since its construction in the 14th Century, and is in itself an excellent example of the period architecture. It is also of historical interest because of its status as one of the few remaining structures of the famed Palace of Westminster. Stop by on a tour of the present British Parliament buildings for a glimpse back into the establishment's past.

Westminster Bridge

As William Wordsworth so famously observed, Westminster Bridge is a good sightseeing spot. From here a visitor can take in a panorama spanning a view of Whitehall to the Ministry of Defense to Hungerford Bridge off into the distance. Crossing the Thames River, the green bridge accommodates both vehicles and pedestrians. Built in 1862, the iron-wrought structure has seven arches and stands as the oldest of the Thames central bridges.