Victoria

Buckingham Palace ½ mile

The official London residence of the monarch. The 19 lavishly furnished State Rooms which form the heart of the working palace are open in the summer (pre-booking is advisable). The exterior of the palace can be seen through the railings from the roads throughout the year.
Open please see website.
www.rct.uk
The entrance is off Buckingham Gate.
Changing the Guard for dates and times see www.changing-guard.com

Queen's Gallery ¼ mile

Changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, please see the website for details.
Open MThFSSu 1000-1730, last admission 1615, but closed between exhibitions.
www.rct.uk

Royal Mews ¼ mile

One of the finest working stables with horse-drawn carriages and motor cars used for coronations, State visits and other ceremonial occasions.
Open Jun-Sep, MThFSSu 1000-1700, but closed on some ceremonial days.
www.rct.uk

Westminster Cathedral ¼ mile

The Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Archbishop of Westminster. This Byzantine style cathedral is famous for its mosaics, marble and music.
Open Daily 0700-1900 (please check times at Easter and Christmas).
www.westminstercathedral.org.uk

Apsley House EH ½ mile (or bus)

Colloquially known as 'Number 1 London' because it was the first house after the Knightsbridge tollgates, Apsley House was the home of the first Duke of Wellington who defeated Napolean at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The magnificent Regency interiors house the Duke's art collection. Silver plate and fine porcelain room.
Open Apr-Dec, WThFSSu 1100-1700. Jan-Mar, SSu 1000-1600.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus There are frequent buses on many routes from Victoria to Hyde Park Corner, including buses 38 and 390 from the Bus Station in front of Victoria station to Hyde Park Corner.
Apsley House is near Hyde Park Corner Underground station.

Wellington Arch EH ½ mile (or bus)

This striking landmark is crowned by the largest bronze sculpture in Europe. It houses the Quadriga Gallery which hosts changing displays of English Heritage's work. There are panoramic views from the balconies on both sides of the Arch.
Open WThFSSu 1000-1700 (1600 Oct-Mar) but check website for closures.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus see Apsley House above.
Wellington Arch is near Hyde Park Corner Underground station.

Guards Museum ½ mile

This museum is at Wellington Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army's five Guards regiments. Displays depict battles in which the Guards have fought. Other exhibits include uniforms, medals and paintings.
Open temporarily closed, see website.
www.theguardsmuseum.com
The Guards Museum is ¼ mile from St James's Park Underground station.

National Army Museum by bus

The story of the British Army from Agincourt in the 15th century to peace-keeping today. Displays cover campaigns and battles plus the social history of the Army. Café.
Open WThFSSu 1000-1730.
www.nam.ac.uk
Bus 170 from stop G to entrance, 6 minutes journey, Daily, about every 10 minutes. Buses also operate from Clapham Junction.
The Museum is ½ mile from Sloane Square Underground station.

Chelsea Physic Garden by bus

The second oldest botanic garden in the UK. The 4 acre peaceful garden contains many rare and unusual plants. Medicinal plants and tender species are a speciality.
Open M-F & Sun 1100-1700 (1600 Fri).
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Bus 170 from stop G, alight at the stop just beyond Swan Walk (see map). 7 minutes journey, Daily, about every 10 minutes. Buses also operate from Clapham Junction.
Chelsea Physic Garden is ¾ mile from Sloane Square Underground station.

Carlyle's House NT by bus

In a quiet residential area of London, this Queen Anne house was the home of the writer and historian Thomas Carlyle. The Victorian period decor, furniture, pictures and books are all still in place.
Open please see website.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bus 170 from stop G to Chelsea Embankment, Albert Bridge. 8 minutes journey, Daily, about every 10 minutes. Buses also operate from Clapham Junction and Sloane Square.