London : Places of interest : DK Travel

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2 Willow Road

Designed in 1939 by the architect Ernö Goldfinger for himself and his wife, the artist Ursula Blackwell, this is one of the most important examples of modern architecture in the UK. A film helps put the life and times of the couple in context. Goldfinger designed all the furniture and collected some fine works by Henry Moore, Max Ernst and Marcel Duchamp.
Albert Memorial

This edifice to Queen Victoria’s beloved consort, Prince Albert, glowing from a recent restoration, is a fitting tribute to the man who played a large part in establishing the South Kensington museums. Located opposite the Royal Albert Hall, the memorial was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and completed in 1876. At its four corners are tableaux representing the Empire, which was at its height in Victoria’s reign.
Apsley House

The home of the Duke of Wellington, Apsley House is still partly occupied by the family. Designed by Robert Adam in the 1770s, the mansion is given over to paintings, and memorabilia of the great military leader. Paintings include several fine works by Diego Velázquez, includingThe Waterseller of Seville . Antonio Canova’s nude statue of Napoleon has special poignancy.
Bank of England Museum

Liveried doormen greet visitors to this excellent museum, housed in a marvellous building designed by Sir John Soane. A variety of material is on display, including 45 bars of gold bullion at the centre of the 1930s rotunda. There is a map of the City’s financial institutions and an electronic trading desk similar to those used by dealers today.
Barbican Centre

The cultural jewel of the City, and run by the City of London Corporation, the Barbican Centre is an important arts complex. Music, dance, theatre, film, and art all take place here, with top visiting performers and artists. There is also an excellent library, a restaurant, Searcy's, and a waterside café. Opened in 1982, the arts complex is part of the Barbican, a major development covering 20 acres and flanked by large blocks of flats. Access from the Barbican tube station is along a marked route above ground level. The Centre looks across the moat to the church of St Giles Cripplegate, dating from 1550.
Battersea Park

This large south London park is ideal for children. There are colourful gardens, an adventure playground, boating lake, deer enclosure and a children’s zoo.
BBC Broadcasting House

Synonymous with the BBC, Broadcasting House has sailed majestically down Portland Place like a great liner since it was built in 1932. The expansion in radio and, later, television, meant that additional, larger premises were soon required, and now most broadcasting is done from other studios. New plans, however, aim to redevelop Broadcasting House as a new, modern centre for BBC Radio, the BBC World Service and BBC News.
Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop

Established in the 1880s, this independent, family-run shop specializes in toy theaters, theatrical gifts and traditional toys for both children and adult collectors. The colourful range on offer includes marionettes and puppets, musical boxes and paper dolls.
Berkeley Square

This pocket of green in the middle of Mayfair was planted in 1789 and its 30 huge plane trees may be the oldest in London. In 1774 Clive of India, hero of the British Empire in India, committed suicide at No. 45. Memorial benches in the square bear moving inscriptions, many from Americans who were billeted in Mayfair during World War II. The main UK Bentley and Rolls-Royce dealer’s showroom is on the east side of the square.
Berwick Street Market

There has been a market here since the 18th century, and the daily fruit and vegetable stalls remain cheap, cheerful and thoroughly Cockney. Half the time, traders talk in old money (“ten bob” is 50p) and round things up to a “nicker” or a “quid” (£1). It opens around 9am six days a week.