Day Out in Westminster

Tate Britain and Parliament

Start your morning at Tate Britain, Millbank, just a short walk from Pimlico station. Spend some time marvelling at the fantastic exhibits, which include a magnificent collection of Turners.

Stroll down Millbank along the river and cross soaking up the views and stunning architecture. Pass through the Victoria Tower Gardens to see a cast of Rodin's Burghers of Calais and take in the view of the Houses of Parliament.

Exit the park onto St.Margaret's Street. The Houses of Parliament are closed to the public during the winter holidays but remember to follow the road around to see St Stephen's Tower, commonly but wrongly known as Big Ben after the name of its bell. You can peek through the gates of the Houses of Parliament for a better look but watch out for the guards.

Westminster Abbey and Lunch at the Library

On the left hand side of St Margaret's Street is Westminster Abbey. Tour the stunning abbey and its grounds. Sundays at Westminster Abbey are for worship only but anyone is welcome to attend.

Give your tired feet a rest at the Cinnamon Club on Great Smith Street near Westminster Abbey. This top London restaurant serves contemporary Indian food in the unique setting of the Old Westminster Library.

Cabinet War Rooms and Buckingham Palace

After lunch, visit the Cabinet War Rooms, just past Parliament Square. The rooms where Churchill and his cabinet held office during the Second World War have all been fully restored.

Next make your way down Bird Cage Walk, with St James's Park on your right, to Buckingham Palace. Admire the Queen's official London residence and then walk through Green Park to the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner. This English Heritage treasure is now open to the public. Go inside to learn about its fascinating past uses, which include what was once London's smallest police station - later the second smallest ever - and for magnificent views of the Royal Parks.

Apsley House and Trafalgar Square

Visit the nearby Apsley House, also known as Number 1 London. This was the opulent home of the first Duke of Wellington and houses his impressive art collection.

Walk back across the park to the Mall and carry on to Trafalgar Square. Enjoy dinner in the atmospheric Café in the Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields church. This café is well known for its tasty and relatively inexpensive food.

Finally, if you walk up to vibrant Leicester Square, you'll find many cinemas, theatres, cafés and bars where you can enjoy all kinds of entertainment.