Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

  London Planetarium

The London Planetarium takes you on a journey to the stars. Expert commentary, Spirit of London ride, recent extravagant updates. Call for times, which change seasonally. Combination ticket with Madame Tussaud's (next door), Marylebone Road.

  Chessington World of Adventure and Zoo

Chessington World provides Disney-like diversions and rides on a 65-acre/25-hectare theme park with hair-raising rides and a new Mobster Magic attraction. Open April to October, 10am to 5:30pm daily. Chessington, Surrey.

  The Trocadero

An entertainment complex at Piccadilly Circus with a Planet Hollywood restaurant, is a sure-fire hit for teenagers. Attractions: Guinness World of Records Exhibitions, Rock Circus - pop stars in wax; Alien War - monster experience; Imagination - stomach-wrenching rides and Virtual World - a virtual reality system. Times and prices vary.

  Madame Tussaud's:

Celebrated likenesses of the great and famous in wax. Eerie Chamber of Horrors (murderers) and interaction experiences (the Time Taxi). Monday-Friday 10am to 5:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 9:30 am to 5:30pm. Combination ticket with London Planetarium. Marylebone Road, phone 935-6861.

  The London Dungeon

A creepy re-creation of the mean streets of Old London Town. Grisly medieval torture tableau (complete with screams), plus a Jack the Ripper experience. Includes live actors and is not for the squeamish. April-September daily 10am to 6pm, October-March closes 5:30pm. 28-34 Tooley St. Phone 403-0606.

Tower Hill Pageant: A "dark ride" museum, takes visitors through 2,000 years of city history in automatic cars. Realistic scenes of London's waterfront through time, complete with sounds and smells. Daily April-October 9:30am to 5:30pm, November-March 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tower Hill Terrace, phone 709-0081.

  Docklands

The recently redeveloped area east of the City with 55 miles/89 km of waterfront, has an elevated railway, a public service offering scenic rides through docklands old and new. Docklands Visitors Centre, 3 Lime harbour, Isle of Dogs. Monday-Friday 8:30am to 6pm, Saturday-Sunday 9:30am to 5pm. Free.

  Guildhall

Is one of London's best-preserved old buildings, with a medieval crypt. Despite the jarring 1960s add-ons to the exterior, the interior is beautifully restored, including a great hall used for ceremonial occasions. Monday-Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Free. Off Gresham Street, City of London.

  Greenwich

Lies to the east of London and offers many attractions in 200 acres/80 hectares of riverside parkland as well as fine views of the lower River Thames.

  Royal Observatory

The Royal Observatory has recently been moved from its 0-degrees-longitude site, but you can still stand astride the prime meridian in Greenwich.

  National Maritime Museum (Official web site)

With the world's biggest collection of boats and navigational equipment. The 1869 sailing ship Cutty Sark stands in a dry dock nearby, its cargo is a wonderful display of figureheads. Open daily 10am to 5pm.

  Hampton Court Palace

On the Thames west of London, built in 1514 for Cardinal Woolsey and enlarged by Henry VIII, you'll find grand and elaborate state rooms and a gallery with Italian masterpieces. Outside is an orangery and famous maze. Open mid March to mid October these hours: Monday 10am to 6pm, Tuesday'Sunday 9:30am to 6pm. Open October-mid March these times: Monday 10:15am to 4:30pm, Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am to 4:30pm. East Molesey, Surrey. You'll need a permit to visit the cathedral which is open for worship and discreet viewing Monday-Saturday 8:30am to 4pm (with occasional changes to accommodate special services).

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