Pollock’s Toy Museum

If you are visiting London with your children, Pollock’s Toy Museum is certain to be a top attraction for you and your family. Practically any toy that has been on the market for children worldwide has a place at this site. The collections are a fascinating look at the ways kids played in the past. Come to experience a world of porcelain dolls, teddy bears, tinkertoys, board games and more. Elaborate dollhouses and toy theaters also are on display for the littlest ones in your party to explore.

Pollock’s Toy Museum, London, UK by R Sones

Freud Museum

This site was the home of Sigmund Freud after he and his family fled Austria and the Nazis in the late 1930s. Here is where you can see perhaps the world’s most famous analyst couch with its pillows and tapestries. You also can see the desk where Freud spent much time writing his papers. The family’s extensive collection of antiquities also is on display, and the ground’s gardens are worth checking out, too. The house and its furnishings are frozen in Freud’s time.

Whitechapel Bell Foundry

Lots of British and global manufacturing history can be found here, as the site exists as Britain’s oldest continuing manufacturer. Here, you can find church bells, handbells, clock tower bells (think Big Ben) and other varieties made to order. The company’s rich history extends across the pond, as the U.S. Liberty Bell was cast at the site more than 250 years ago.

Churchill War Rooms

Part of the collection that makes up Britain’s Imperial War Museum, this is the wartime bunker where British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his government officials took shelter during the London Blitz. You can see where wartime decisions were made and purchase a Churchill coffee mug in the same visit. The Map Room holds maps where you can see tiny pinholes that charted Allied progress. Next to that room is Churchill’s Room, still in existence from its time as his office/bedroom space.

The Black Museum

Better known as the crime museum, this infamous site offers a collection from London’s macabre side. In 1869, a new law allowed law enforcement to start keeping artifacts from criminals for educational purposes. Today, the museum holds weapons disguised as ordinary items, vials of poison, forensic photos and other criminal evidentiary items. The museum, while not open to the public, is open for law-enforcement training and crime lectures for legal authorities. If you are a law-enforcement official, you may be able to gain entry for a tour.

You find more London travel guides online and also accommodation in London from www.holiday-velvet.com.

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Consider Venice

If there is a city you should not miss when in Italy, it’s Venice! Mixing up at one of Piazza San Marco cafes for a foretaste of Venice’s design as well as the sea is the first thing to do before you go ahead to Basilica San Marco, Rialto Bridge and the Doge’s Palace. If you are an art lover, head straight to Peggy Guggenheim Collection to see some contemporary paintings from the 20th century. Wrap it up with a Gondola ride or go to a famous Carnevale, if you will be in Italy in February.

Streets in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

What about Milan?

What do you know about Milan? Are you aware of the fact that it is the home of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, the Duomo of Milan? Not interested in cathedrals? Then you should be in a park or in a museum, such as Castello Sforzesco, to see ancient musical instruments, or the city’s famous archaeology museum, which is filled with artifacts from the pre-historical era. La Scala Opera House and Museum is not only a tribute to Opera, but it is also a formidable piece of architecture. Daily guided tours in many languages are offered.

… And the capital city, Rome?

When in Rome, you will have an opportunity to see the many beautiful monuments, old ruins, and historic architecture, which are what so many are fascinated by. Also, do not forget to pay a visit a Vatican – the Pope’s residence has much to offer and you are sure to be impressed with some artistic works by Michelangelo.

License: Image author owned

Florence is a big shopping deal

When looking for a fine shopping experience in Europe, Florence is the destination. Pick exquisite leather goods, jewelry, paper goods and almost any souvenir that comes to your mind. But Florence is not just about shopping – the famous Uffizi Gallery is a home of numerous renowned paintings by renaissance greats. The city’s cathedral is a notable sight, as well.

Tuscany

Nearby Florence lies in the beautiful region of Tuscany, the place of astonishing country lifestyle. Tuscany is the place to go if you love wine and simple but nice cuisine. It is considered to be one of the best places for honeymooners. Enjoy walking along mountain paths, visit Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Arezzo and Lucca. Tuscany also offers a very suitable accommodation option: the villas in Tuscany are famous for excellent service and fair pricing.

Jillian Johnson is a professional marketing content writer who blogs on a variety of topics. Follow her @MissWritey.

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BT Art Box Celebrating a British icon The Smile of a Tear, London by Martin Pettitt

When speaking of art and culture many think of this as being secondary to the philosophy and opinions of the local culture. This is not so in England. Art is an integral part of the Brit’s way of life. England has long been known as the place where innovative ideas and creativity flourish. One can see this through their architecture, sports, philosophy and even in their folklore.

London offers many opportunities for the young Brits to become immersed in the artistic way of life. One such project that exists to enhance creativity and artistic ability is the Tate modern. Here one can see fine works from the past and learn about new modes and mediums of the artistic movement today. There are also a number of different art festivals that one can visit as well. Go to see some classic works, hear music and song, as well as dancing and stand up comedy.

If a show is what you desire, London theatre tickets can offer a number of different options. Shows like the Lion King and Cats are long running favourites of the locals and are sure to enthral and please visitors and guests. London theatre tickets can also get the best deals for groups, and in some cases even offer a tour or hotel stays along with the tickets.

Whether one is seeking a showing of Phantom of the Opera, a food festival where the cuisine of the island can be tasted or just a tour of a museum, they are sure to find what they are looking for in London. London theatre tickets can aid in acquiring passes to many of the cultural events and secure tickets for theatre performances. Be sure to book ahead of time to ensure that tickets will be available when you are visiting.

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