Other sites of interest in London

British Museum

The British Museum "exists to illuminate the histories of cultures, for the benefit of present and future generations". It has galleries devoted to Africa, the Americas, Asia, Britain, Egypt, Europe, Greece, Japan, the Near East, the Pacific region, and Rome. Some of the most famous items in its collection are the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures, but the British Museum is also home to many other fascinating cultural artifacts from around the world.

The British Museum is free, with the exception of certain special exhibitions, and open to the public daily except for December 24-26, January 1, and Good Friday.

For opening hours, events, and other information, visit the British Museum homepage.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Exhibition

The Globe Theatre, completed in 1997, is an attempt to recreate the original Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's Day. It lies just 200 meters from the site of the original theatre, and is constructed from authentic period materials such as oak, handmade bricks, and thatch

Exterior of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London.

Our group was lucky enough to attend a production of Twelfth Night at the Globe. It was performed by an all-male cast in Elizabethan costume. The Globe usually does one such historically accurate production per season. Other plays are staged in a more experimental manner. Kelly stayed in London for several extra days after the end of our tour and attended the opening night of the Globe's pajama-party production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Curtain call for "Twelfth Night", Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London.

The Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour and Exhibition is open daily except for December 24-26. There is an admission fee. There is no access to the theatre during matinee performances.

For opening hours, events, performance schedules, and other information, visit the Shakespeare's Globe homepage.

Tower of London

The "Royal Fortress on the Thames" was founded in the 11th century. The site has served as a royal palace, a prison, an arsenal, a menagerie and a jewel house. It is the current home of the British Crown Jewels, as well as the famous Beefeater guards and the Tower ravens

Changing of the guard at the Jewel Tower of the Tower of London. The White Tower, the oldest part of the Tower of London.

The Tower of London is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, and is recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Tower of London.

The Tower of London is open daily except for December 24-26 and January 1. There is an admission fee. A guided tour is included with the price of admission.

For opening hours, events, tickets, and other information, visit the Tower of London page of the Official Site of Historic Royal palaces.

Hampton Court Palace

Just a pleasant barge-ride up the Thames from London is Hampton Court Palace, home to the English royal family from the time of Henry VIII to George II.  Our group spent a most agreeable day touring the red-brick palace, hunting for ghosts, admiring the extensive grounds, and exploring the hedge maze.

For opening hours, events, tickets, and other information, visit the Hampton Court Palace page of the Official Site of Historic Royal palaces.

Back to Jane Austen in London

Text by Kelly Giles. Photos by Kelly Giles and Rick Spies.

Formatting, design, and layout by Kelly Giles.

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