BarbicanThe Barbican is a great one stop shop to immerse yourself in all things cultural. Theatre, art, dance, film and music all come together at the Barbican catering for every age and taste.
Silk Street,
London,
EC2Y 8DS
RoundhouseOne of the capital's most highly anticipated venues in recent years, culture vultures are flocking to the impressively refurbished Roundhouse. The landmark venue is the largest performing arts centre in North London with the exception of the arena spaces of Wembley and Alexandra Palace.
Originally a steam engine turning shed, the Grade II listed building now showcases a wide range of international performing arts including music, theatre, dance, circus and digital media.
Chalk Farm Road,
London,
NW1 8EH
Royal Albert HallOne of the world's most famous venues, when it comes to culture in London the Royal Albert Hall is unsurpassed. Best known for its concerts by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra the Royal Albert Hall doesn't only host classical music performances. Rock and hip hop performers and the internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil have all graced the stage at the Albert Hall and cultural exhibitions are also displayed throughout the year. Free lunchtime concerts offer an excellent way of experiencing the opulent interior of this much feted venue for the first time.
Kensington Gore,
Kensington Gore,
London,
SW7 2AP
Royal Festival HallRoyal Festival Hall caters to all ages with free and family friendly events, dance, literature, classical and contemporary music.
South Bank Centre,
Belvedere Road,
South Bank,
London,
SE1 8XX
Royal Opera HouseFor the first hundred years or so of its history, the theatre was primarily a playhouse, the Theatre Royal at Covent Garden. In the eighteenth century many of Handel's operas began to be performed there, and in 1892 after the theatre was destroyed by fire for the second time it was renamed the Royal Opera House.
The current version was reopened in 1999 and now opens during the daytime. Thousands of visitors now attend the opera house to eat lunch, look at the exhibitions, and marvel at the views from the amphitheatre.
Bow Street,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2E 9DD
The ScoopThe amphitheatre sits on the riverfront close to Tower Bridge and only a short walk away from London Bridge. During the summer months The Scoop hosts a regular series of free events including theatre productions, music, films and photographic exhibitions.
With its relaxed atmosphere and spectacular setting the events prove popular with everyone from local workers and tourists to young children and their grandparents.
More London,
London,
SE1 2DA
Shakespeares Globe TheatreThe most famous London theatre, Shakespeares Globe Theatre is an essential stop on the capital's cultural trail. Thespians flock to the faithfully reconstructed open air playhouse which was designed in 1599.
Shakespeare worked and wrote many of his plays at the Globe Theatre and his plays continue to be performed to a full house. Gallery seating and standing room is provided just as it was over 400 years ago. The theatre season runs from May to October and includes plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries as well as more recent playwrights.
21 New Globe Walk,
Bankside,
London,
SE1 9DT
Wigmore HallWigmore Hall was built in 1901 by the German piano firm Bechstein next to its then showrooms on Wigmore Street and was intended to be both impressive yet intimate enough for recitals.
Today, Wigmore Hall still attracts a cultured audience thanks to its civilised concerts. Particularly popular are the lunchtime and coffee concerts although the chamber music and jazz performances are also likely to sell out well in advance.
36 Wigmore Street ,
Marylebone,
London,
W1U 2BP