Museums in Covent Garden/ Holborn (London)

Freemason's Hall

In the heart of London stands a huge, not entirely inconspicuous, grey building. This is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England, the governing body of English and Welsh Freemasonry, and, surprisingly, its open to the public. Built in 1931, after the original 1776 building was declared structurally unsound and demolished, it was paid for by private contributions and stands as a memorial to those who gave their lives in the First World War. Hourly tours of the Halls nineteen lodge rooms and Grand Temple are available and you can also visit the library and museum, if you so desire - and no, you don't need to know the secret password or handshake to get in. Admission: free.

Lincoln's Inn

Lincoln's Inn is the oldest of London's four remaining Inns of Court - areas where those in the legal profession have traditionally lived and worked (the others are Gray's Inn, Middle Temple and Inner Temple). Lincoln's Inn offers many architectural delights and surprises, such as a striking gatehouse, a 17th century chapel and a lovely little garden which features a tool shed in the shape of a castle. Only the garden and chapel are regularly open to the public. The 15th century Old Hall, which plays a role in Dickens' novel Bleak House, is the most antique part of the complex, but access to it is by appointment only.

Dr Johnson's House

Dr Samuel Johnson, the compiler of the first ever dictionary of the English language, lived here from 1748 to 1759. Opened to the public for the first time in 1912, and having survived several near misses during the Blitz, Dr Johnson's House has been restored to its original condition, including paneled rooms, a pine staircase and a collection of period furniture, prints and portraits. The house is nestled in a maze of courtyards and passages that are reminiscent of historic London. Timings vary. Check website for details.

Hunterian Museum

Discover almost everything about the history and development of surgery. Located in Holborn, the museum is found in the Museum Mile district. It is predominantly made up of the collection of John Hunter, the 18th century surgeon and anatomist. The eight galleries explore almost everything to do with the history of surgery including the 'Story of Surgical Instruments,' which explores the design, manufacture and development of surgical instruments in the medical and dental professions. The museum is successful in providing a deep, detailed insight into the world of surgery. Make use of the free guided tours every Wednesday at 1p. Admission is free.

Cabaret Mechanical Theatre

As you can guess from the name, this unique museum's amusing displays of mechanical toys and sculptures border on the bizarre but it isn't really cabaret. What started out as a quirky crafts shop in Cornwall evolved into a popular exhibition of coin-operated mechanical toys. Described by the founders as the amalgam of art, craft and business, the shop sells handmade automata, mechanical wooden kits, books and videos.