Visit the Saatchi Gallery, which features contemporary art and is the County Hall on Kings Road, the former military headquarters of the Duke of York. It opened in 2008 and has become an extremely popular attraction with locals and tourists. The gallery's 70,000 square feet includes the combination cafe and bar, bookshop, spaces for educational programs and exhibit spaces which are quite large and have high ceilings. Admission is free to all shows. The gallery is available for private events and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. You must check your backpacks and large bags in the cloakroom.
Saatchi Gallery
Duke of York's HQ
King's Road, Chelsea
London SW3 4RY
011 (44) 0207 811 3085
Go to the Spencer House, built between 1755 and 1756 by John Spencer, the first Earl of Spencer and one of Princess Diana's ancestors. Painstaking restorations returned the house to its original elegance, with fitting furniture, paintings and sculptures. Some pieces are on loan from famous London art galleries. The state rooms, originally used for extravagant parties and receptions, are open for tours, private events and weddings; they include the morning room, ante room, library, dining room, palm room, music room, Lady Spencer's room, great room and painted room. The beautifully restored gardens are only open on certain days in the spring and summer. No parking is available at this attraction, so it's best to take a bus from Victoria Station or park your car at car parks and walk. An in-house chef and catering team offer full service, including wine from the wine cellar. Spencer house also provides invitation printing, flower arrangements, fireworks and entertainment. Tour the estate on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., but not in January and August. Only 20 people may tour at one time, so it's best to make reservations.
Spencer House
27 St. James's Pl,
London, SW1A 1NR, United Kingdom
011 (+44) 20 74090526
http://www.spencerhouse.co.uk
Take in a show at the Victoria Palace Theater, built in 1911. This magnificent theater features a gray marble foyer with Italian white marble pillars, gold mosaic and a beautiful statue of Pavlova over the cupola. The air-conditioned theater has 1,550 seats. "Grease" and "Billy Elliott" are two of the shows in recent years that achieved great popularity and won awards. The many improvements for disabled patrons include wheelchair access, headsets and handicap-accessible restrooms. Handicapped people may bring guide dogs and take drinks into the auditorium. Prices for shows are very reasonable compared to Broadway and other professional performances in the United States. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Victoria Palace Theatre
Victoria Street (opposite Victoria Station)
London, SW1E, United Kingdom
011 (+44) 844 248 5000
http:www.victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk
