Around Town

1. Congress Centre
The Grade II-listed TUC HQ is an excellent example of 1950s architecture and one of the most significant post-war listed buildings in London. Its features include sculptures by Jacob Epstein and Bernard Meadows.
Congress Centre, 23-28 Great Russell St, WC1. Tottenham Court Rd tube. Sat 10am-1pm, regular tours on first-come-first-served basis.

Feature continues

2. Lloyd's of London
This is one of the City’s most celebrated and controversial buildings but a key piece of hi-tech architecture. The tour takes in the ground floor and the eleventh-floor gallery.
Lloyd’s of London, 1 Lime St, EC3. Bank tube/DLR or Monument tube or Liverpool St tube/rail. Sat 10am-5pm, regular tours, last entry 4pm.


3. Theatre and Television Studios, Alexandra Palace
One of the few surviving grand, nineteenth-century pleasure palaces, this hilltop Grade II-listed building has great views. You’ll be able to peek in the theatre as well as the BBC studios from which television was first broadcast in 1936.
Theatre and Television Studios, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22. Wood Green tube then W3. Children under 12 not admitted. Sat 1-5pm, open access.


4. Brent Town Hall
A classic example of a pre-war modern Town Hall. The tour covers the council chamber, public gallery, committee rooms, library and grand hall.
Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley.Wembley Park tube or Wembley Central rail.Sat 10am-5pm, open access.


5. Channel 4 Television
A RIBA award-winner, this features a curving glass-and-steel atrium. The reception, walkway and restaurant will be open to view.
Channel 4 Television, 124 Horseferry Rd, SW1. St James’s Park tube or Victoria tube/rail. Sat 10am-5pm, open access.


6. Queen Mary College, Institute of Cell & Molecular Science
The glass-walled structure of Will Alsop’s new landmark building features Bruce McLean art.
Queen Mary College, Institute of Cell & Molecular Science, 4 Newark St, E1. Whitechapel tube. Sat, Sun 10am-5pm, regular tours.

7. Wigmore Hall
There will be performances during the day by students of the Royal Academy of Music, while executive and artistic director John Gilhoolywill be on hand during the tours to discuss the refurb.
Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore St, W1. Bond St tube. Sat 1.30-4.30pm, open access.


8. Foreign Office and India House
The tour of these Grade I-listed Victorian government office buildings takes in the grand staircase, Locarno suite, council chamber and the spectacularly decorated Durban Court.
Foreign Office and India House, King Charles St,SW1. Westminster tube. Sat, Sun 10am-5pm,open access, last entry 4.30pm. Expect queues.


9. Hackney Empire
The best example of Edwardian variety theatre left in London, the Empire benefited from a refurbishment and extension last year. You’ll get access to the stalls, dress circle and foyer.
Hackney Empire, 219 Mare St, E8. Bethnal Green tube or Hackney Central rail. Sat 11am-4pm, open access, last entry 3.30pm.


10. Old Royal Naval College
Designed by Christopher Wren in 1696, this Grade I-listed building was finished by Nicholas Hawksmoor and John Vanbrugh in the mideighteenth century. It now houses the University of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music.
Old Royal Naval College, entry from pier via Cutty Sark Gardens, SE10. Cutty Sark DLR or Greenwich rail or North Greenwich tube. Sat, Sun 10am-5pm, regular tours.