Things to see and do London

Freemasonry continues to intrigue non-members. The museum features a large collection of Masonic objects and materials. Some have belonged to famous Freemasons: Winston Churchill, Edward VII... The tour and bookshop provide an insight into the shared values of Freemasonry, its development from the ^18th century to the present day, and the importance of England as the cradle of the organization. A unique opportunity to learn more about this centuries-old tradition.

A great deal for those on a budget, several free 2-hour guided tours cover a wide range of classic sites, including Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and The Mall. You'll recognize the guides by their red T-shirts or red umbrellas. The company organizes these free tours in several cities around the world, and also offers other private guided tours for a fee on its website.

Founded in 1901 to bring fine art to the heart of the popular and working-class East End, Whitechapel Gallery has distinguished itself by always presenting leading avant-garde artists. It is here that Picasso, Rothko, Frida Kahlo and Nan Goldin exhibited internationally for the first time. The magnificent Art Deco building was designed by the architect Townsend. The gallery is open all year round and also offers bookshop and coffee shop. There are always artists to discover in this space dedicated to contemporary art.

An important collection of objects relating to the famous Victorian writer Charles Dickens, a specialist in works for young people. In the artist's only surviving home, the museum, opened in 1925, welcomes tourists from all over the world to meet the father ofOliver Twist and Great Expectations . In this seemingly ordinary house, which is indistinguishable from the others from the street, discover paintings, original manuscripts and personal objects that retrace Dickens' life and work and plunge us into his intimacy.

As you stroll through the grounds of Hampstead Heath, you'll come across Kenwood House, a sumptuous ^18th-century mansion once owned by the Earl of Mansfield. In 1925, the house was bought by beer magnate Edward Cecil Guiness, who installed his art collection here, including several paintings by British masters, as well as a set of four canvases by François Boucher, a self-portrait by Rembrandt, and works by Van Dyck and Vermeer. Outside, the beautiful English garden plunges into the park.

A rather unusual museum, inspired by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who helped build the world's first river tunnel under the Thames (this was in 1825). The tunnel has since been flooded, but you can still go down into the original hall, some fifteen meters below ground; to do so, you have to kneel down to use the only passage available. When the weather's nice, you can enjoy a cocktail on the garden terrace. The museum also offers interesting guided tours.

This museum, which opened in 2006, showcases the very best in British cartoons, caricatures and satirical drawings from the ^18th century to the present day. No Tintin or Asterix here. The collection of 1,500 drawings focuses on British humor as we know it. Four special exhibitions are held each year. The permanent exhibitions tell the story of cartooning in all its forms, from the political satire of Hogarth to the social satire of Bateman or Pont. The store is well worth a visit.

The London Bicycle Tour Company offers a variety of guided bike tours across London. Their most popular tour is the Classic Tour, which takes you through iconic landmarks from Westminster to the City. The tour starts in Lambeth on the Southbank and you'll be supplied with a bike, helmet and guide. You'll pass through lanes and cycle paths to discover London's highlights such as Buckingham Palace, where you may be able to watch the Changing of the Guard, Covent Garden and the magnificent St Paul's Cathedral. Cycling will enable you to explore areas that are difficult to access on foot, and to discover secret corners of the city. Your guide will give you not only interesting historical information about London, but also practical advice and local tips. Please note that participation in the Changing the Guard depends on time, day and weather conditions.

Founded in the late 19th century, this Egyptological museum houses one of the world's largest collections of Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology. Admission is free and no reservation is necessary.

The Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy is a natural history museum in London. The museum houses a varied collection of animals and comparative anatomy, including specimens such as quagga skeletons, dodo bones and an African python. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions, events and projects related to zoology. For animal and natural science enthusiasts, the Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy is a must-see in London.