History – created by Horace Walpole in the 18th century, Strawberry Hill is internationally famous as Britain’s finest example of Georgian Gothic revival architecture. It also inspired the first gothic novel The Castle of Otranto.  Visiting Strawberry Hill is a truly theatrical experience. Magically lit by a unique collection of renaissance glass, its gloomy castle-like hall and grey gothic staircase lead dramatically to the magnificence of the gallery.

Dr Johnson’s House is worth visiting for the charm of the building alone. It is a rare gem a  Queen Anne town house built c. 1700.  Find the house through alleys off Fleet Street.  Many interesting events & lectures.
Address: 17 Gough Square, London EC4A 3DE
Admission Charges: £4.00/£3.00/under -10s free. Family ticket- £9.00

Home to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.  The Palace houses part of the royal collection.  Open August & September: Daily- 9.30 – 16.30 (pre-booked timed ticket). Admission Charges: £10.50  Seniors: £8.00  Family Ticket: £22.50

Apsley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington & his descendants, stands prominently at Hyde Park Corner. For over 200 years, this mansion, known colloquially as ‘Number 1 London’, was the first house encountered after passing the tollgates at the top of Knightsbridge.

A stunning residence which has been home to many royals, including the late Princess Diana.  The original house was a Jacobean mansion built c.1606.  Many wings have been added throughout its history. Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX. Open: March to October. Daily Hours: 9.30 – 17.00;  November to February: Daily Hours: 9.30 – 16.00.  Admission charges: £10/£7.50/£6.50/Family Ticket £30

 Combining Art Deco and ocean liner style, Eltham Palace is a stunning masterpiece of twentieth-century design. Textile magnates Stephen and Virginia Courtauld built their glamorous London showpiece in 1936, next to the remains of a medieval royal palace which was originally Henry VIII’s boyhood home

Kenwood House, an English Heritage property, boasts sumptuous interiors and important paintings by many great artists & is set in tranquil parkland with panoramic views over London.  Brewing magnate, Edward Cecil Guinness, first Earl of Iveagh, bought Kenwood House in 1925. Thanks to him, you can admire masterpieces by Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Vermeer.  North side of Hampstead Heath.  A ‘must’!