links:

These are a selection of links that we at Consort Estates believe you will find useful to your stay in London...

Information:
Maps and Public Transport for London	www.tfl.gov.uk
Currency Convertor	www.xe.com
To find a registered Tour Guide	www.blue-badge.org.uk
Places to Visit in and around London:
Madame Tussaud's - the Famous Waxworks Exhibition	www.madame-tussauds.com
You already know that you can see the stars... but did you know you can also try out as a Pop Idol, be snapped by the paparazzi, have your DNA checked, get scared witless by serial killers, and explore the galaxy? It's one of the greatest shows on earth - and you'll be starring in the lead role!
The London Eye	www.londoneye.com
As well as being one of the most visually striking structures in the world - the British Airways London Eye offers you a new perspective on a great city. London's famous streets, churches, palaces and monuments spread out below in a panoramic scene grown up from Roman times - and, on a clear day - views that stretch 25 miles to Windsor Castle.
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben	www.parliament.uk
The Houses of Parliament will open this summer (2004) to foreign residents, (final dates to be announced), with tours operating every few minutes. Visitors will be able to see the historic building, including the chambers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Buckingham Palace, SW1	www.royal.gov.uk
Changing of the Guards daily at Buckingham Palace at 11:30 (on alternate days in winter).
Commonwealth Institute - Kensington High St, W8	www.commonwealth.org.uk
Features Heliride, a simulated helicopter ride over Malaysian rain forests and city rooftops. Tube: High Street Kensington.
Kew Gardens - Richmond upon Thames, Kew Rd	www.rbgkew.org.uk
The Royal Botanic Gardens were founded in 1759 by Princess Augusta and are now an important identification and research institution; they contain over 25,000 different species of trees, shrubs and plants from all over the world. There are 300 acres of specimen gardens, parkland, lake, water gardens and hot-houses. Tube: Kew Gardens.
London Aquarium - County Hall, SE1	www.londonaquarium.co.uk
One of Europe's largest exhibits of fish and marine life from around the world features Atlantic and Pacific Ocean tanks, European and Exotic habitats, touch pools. Tube: Embankment/Waterloo.
London Dungeon - 28-34 Tooley St, SE1	www.thedungeons.com
Deep in the heart of London, buried beneath the paving stones of historic Southwark, lies the world's most chillingly famous horror attraction. The London Dungeon brings more than 2,000 years of gruesomely authentic history vividly back to life....and death. Tube: London Bridge.
Natural History Museum	www.NHM.ac.uk
Science Museum	www.nmsi.ac.uk
Victoria & Albert Museum	www.van.ac.uk
Tube: S Kensington.
Imperial War Museum	www.nationalmuseums.org.uk
St Paul's Cathedral	www.stpaulscathedral.org.uk
Tube: St. Paul's.
London Zoo - Regents Park, NW1
A day among the thousands of animals here is a day with a difference. Special attractions include the aquarium, the walk-through Snowdon Aviary, the Moonlight World where day and night are reserved, the Penguin Pool , the Elephant House; various rides and animal encounters and animal feeding takes place at certain times. Tube: Camden Town/Regents Park.
Notting Hill Carnival	www portowebbo.co.uk
London Parks - The Royal Parks	www.royalparks.gov.uk
Sightseeing Buses/Tours:
The Original Tour Buses	www.theoriginaltour.com
Open bus tours	www.bigbus.co.uk
Buses to Oxford from Notting Hill Gate	www.stagecoach-oxford.co.uk
Regular Events:
Ideal Home Exhibition - March Chelsea Flower Show - May Trooping the colour - June Royal Tournament - June/July Opening of Royal Courts of Justice - October Lord Mayor's Show - November State Opening of Parliament - November Royal Salutes are fired for Royal births and birthdays and also for important events and the visits of foreign royalty. The Salutes are fired in Hyde Park by the Kings Troop, Royal Horse Artillery and at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.

Please note: Consort Estates in no way endorses any of the products or services, nor receives commission from any of the organizations listed on this page.