My favorite part of visiting the UK are the free museums. Much to my surprise and delight...when I…read morewas looking for things to do in Richmond...this museum pops up. I was super excited to try it. I could tell it was not going to be a London museum experience when I was lead to this nondescript biding and had to climb the stairs up a few floor to get to it. This is a tiny museum and basically across just a couple of rooms and has info regarding the local history during the war and BC times as well. The elderly volunteer was super nice.

I am so pleased to have discovered this museum. Living so near London, I am slightly spoilt by the…read moreendless choices of museums that we have on our doorstep. Practically every moment of history is well documented somewhere across London. Having been used to the vast spaces of say, the Tate Modern, I forgot that museums can be small venues, and yet be just as informative. I found the Museum of Richmond on the top floor of the Old Town Hall, which is the large Victorian building that slopes down to the riverside. I had only popped in because there was a sign outside which read 'Charity Christmas cards for sale'. I had no idea that inside this building sat Richmond Library, and on the top floor Richmond Museum. I was the only visitor in the museum, bar the staff, who could not have been more helpful and informative. In fact, they guided me through the various sections, explaining the history as they went. The most fascinating thing that I learnt was that Richmond used to have a Palace, it sat on what is now Richmond Green and was occupied by Henry VIII until he moved down the road to Hampton Court Palace. They have a model of how the Palace was laid out which I spent about half an hour gazing at. Other sections included Wartime Richmond, the slave trade connection, the railway age, information about the Royal Parks, and a section about the Carthusian Monks and their connections with neighbouring Sheen. It was one of the most informative afternoons that I have had in a long while, and it won't be long before I go back. Admission is free, by the way.

Par Ici is a completely unique store and is one of very few in London that only sells handmade and…read morelocal items. Filled to the brim with high quality paintings, jewellery, pottery, cards, sculpture, knitted and fabrics to name but a few, this is a fantastic place for all your gift needs as well as somewhere to pick up your unique and quality household items. For those who craft, you can also buy wool, vintage buttons and other items to help with your hobbies. I love this shop because every time I go there, there is something new to see. I could (and have) spent hours browsing the shelves. Sometimes I can't fully believe what people are capable of making so each visit is a surprise! Indeed it seems there is a lot of talent out there in Twickenham! Currently I'm really impressed with the handmade local soaps and bath bombs they have in there. However if you'd like to try them, as they aren't from a range or mass produced, you'll have to get to the shop as they tend to sell out quickly! Five stars guys, keep up the great work!

Such a great idea for a shop. It's been here many years apparently - even before being local became…read morecool. Really interesting local products, jewellery, paintings, gifts, books - a lot of it from artisans on Eel Pie Island. (Where the Stones used to record.) I bought my elderly parents a gadget here - a kind of hi-tech walking stick with an alarm, flashlight, magnet etc all built in, invented by Trevor Baylis, another local inhabitant.

I'm not gonna lie I visited this place because I thought they were filming Ted Lasso nearby but…read morethen I stayed because it's still a museum and my trip was all about museums. I enjoyed walking around the grounds and exploring the exhibits. It's a small museum but lot s of fascinating paintings and portraits. The building is also very pretty with lots of natural light shining in. It's worth a stop if you're in the area!

Nice gallery. I've gone only once with a friend who dragged me there but I am happy I joined her…read more My time just flew by when I was inside.

This modestly-sized local museum belies the treasures housed inside. Downstairs there is a…read morepermanent exhibition telling the story of Kingston through the ages. Start at the very beginning and you'll encounter an impressive array of Roman and Saxon artefacts. Move closer to modern times and there is an abundance of fascinating and diverse items. I enjoyed being transported to the early 20th century, as I gazed at the very chic uniform belonging to the Thames Watermen, who were 'licensed to row' and ran a similar service - across the river - to today's road-based taxis. I was curious to discover early laundry equipment and to find-out about the ladies of the tub, as the local washer-women became known when they went on strike in 1827. Here, I also spied an adorable model of famous little Nipper- the HMV dog - who was a Kingston resident. As you climb the stairs, there are some beautiful paintings belonging to the Brill Collection, owned by the Council, portraying appealing local settings and buildings. Then onto the temporary exhibition Until May 31st, it's a must-see, especially for children and anyone wanting to return to their childhood. Entitled There's Magic in the Nursery! there are stunning 19th century illustrations by Walter Crane, Randolph Caldecott and Kate Greenaway. A perfect opportunity to recollect and reminisce with all your favourite nursery rhymes and to enjoy them with a new generation. Lots of free workshops, drawing and storytelling events accompany the exhibition - ensure you book in advance, as they're proving very popular. Adult entry to the museum is £1.

I went to Twickenham for the first time and I was quite impressed…read more Ok, I was not impressed by the outside concrete look of the stadium. Inside however, the seats are comfy enough, there are plenty of people to help you find your seat on match day and the apparent security makes you feel rather safe. What really made the difference for me was what was outside the stadium so it was more than going to watch a rugby match. There was a few bars and a range of food stalls to cater for all your needs. Also there was a stage with bands playing and that made the ambience quite festive. I would have thought it was just for before the match but I was wrong - it kept on going post match which was great to manage the crowd so you don't have to all go and pile up at the nearest tube stations straight after the match. Pro tip: if you are a woman, you know that the queues to the toilets at half time and post match in the stadium are going to be long - so go to the outside toilets past the stage, no queue there, well worth the 1 minutes extra walk!

You would get 5 except your security was lax at best. Backpacks on peoples backs allowed with no…read morechecking? No one and I mean no one should have to endure this in 2021... The stadium is great, everything you want in a European Futbol stadium. The shape, the size and the massive crowds. Getting a drink was pretty easy and the sound in here was amazing. Again, did I feel safe? Not really! Hooligans abound and once off the train which was about a 10-15 minute walk through the neighborhood we were offered Cocaine and other drugs. Apparently this isn't the safest neighborhood either, that said massive crowds all walking the same place felt pretty safe. Oh and if you want to score coke of a plug in a foreign neighborhood I wish you and most likely your fetanly laced purchase well. :) Buy a shirt, support who you are seeing and if you want to catch a train leave early. We waited quite a long time to get back to the city (HydePark) area for a train once the event was over. London, I love you and will see you again very very soon....

What makes or breaks a guided tour of a popular attraction like London is the tour guide. On our…read moredouble-decker tour of London, Joe the tour guide was wonderful - funny, engaging, knowledgeable and entertaining. That made the entire experience! I would also like to give a shout-out to Radu (the driver) - yes, he was an excellent driver, but he was also the perfect foil for Joe's boisterous and entertaining persona, and he really cared about the customers - he was polite, professional and very thoughtful, for example lingering a bit longer at a particular attraction to let a member of the tour get their pictures just right. I was very pleased with Goldent Tours as well - ease of booking, prices and plethora of choices. All in all - I would use them again and highly recommend them.

We booked despite the bad reviews because it was the only way to get Harry Potter tickets during…read moreour quickly planned trip. We read the reviews and understood we were going to need some patience. The problem with many reviews were the meeting instructions (via TripAdvisor) so we went to the Baker Street location a day early to scout it out. We could not find signage for Golden Tours. We did see a Harry Potter bus dropping off a group and assumed (wrongly) that the spot was also the meeting spot. Actually they do have a location (store front) near the Baker street stop. It is not on Baler Street. If you come out of the tube and turn away from the wax museum, you will find their store from down the next block. That is the meeting spot point for tours! Very important thing to know and find -- because you have to meet there to get your tickets beforehand. We missed our bus time despite arriving 45 minutes early. The staff was less than kind about this part of the trip and made no apologies for the lack of directions. They gave us headphones but there was no movie on our bus. We had set our expectations low for our son, due to the reviews so we didn't mind -- but there were some disappointed families near us. The bus was clean enough but no WiFi and the phone charges didn't work on most seats. The driver for this portion of our trip was great and very helpful given that he had to help us find someone on site to get our Entry tickets. Despite the set backs, we finally had tickets in hand and enjoyed the studio tour from here on out on our own. The trip back was easy enough but this bus driver was less friendly and at one point was screaming at another driver along a busy street in London. We actually found it comical and thought it added to the busy city feel, but I could see how many guests would find this very unsettling. All in all, it is OK if this is the way you can get entry tickets to something on your must see list, but if you have options - I'd try another company.

Alex was great. The Harry Potter facts along with historical facts and nuance were greatread more

Our wonderful guide Joe, deeply channels the best of Hagrid for potter fans. From wobbly bobbly…read morebridges despised by British tax payers, to Nocturnal alleyways that help sculpt the story arch of famed movie shots through borough market and beyond, this walking tour is how I like to wear my skirts " long enough to cover everything, but short enough to remain interesting." Joe was the absolute best and added a lot of local insight, humor, and history along the way-please buy him a cup of coffee at the start of the tour, and 1-3 for his three-headed dog fluffy too!

I'm not one to post feedback unless something was really fabulous - I highly recommend booking a…read moretour with Nicky. Four of us had a stopover in London and wanted to check out the main attractions (Abbey, Parliament, Tower of London, etc...). We booked a private tour which turned out to be a highlight of our visit. Nicky is not only well versed in the history of London, but has a fabulous sense of humor and the ability to bridge the past and present by weaving in modern day tidbits tied to historical relics. It amused the 4 of us in our 50's and I'm sure would make history fun for today's youth.

From the owner: Tailor made and private London tours for groups, families or individuals. We can include a private…read moreWestminster Abbey tour, the Tower of London or the British Museum. If you visit the Abbey with me we'll skip the long entrance lines. Your tour of London can be tailored to your interests and time available. Only registered guides like myself are allowed to guide in Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. I can meet you at your hotel and we can spend the morning, afternoon or a whole day together We can use public transport, walk or a combination of both. I know the short-cuts, quick routes and hot tips for get you around London to experience this fabulous city. I can also help you with your planning for the rest of your stay.