London highlights- beyond the obvious

[TheGander]

My French cousin is visiting in a week. Im
looking for new places to take him as over the years we’ve done all the obvious things- the big museums, the parks, a lot of the concert halls. He’s into art, music, traditional architecture, history. Not so interested in science, modern architecture . I’m thinking of taking him to a museum of Italian modern art in North London for a change b it would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you!

The Canal Museum near Coaldrops Yard is interesting.

Haven't rtft so some of these may have been suggested already:

Courtauld Gallery
London Transport Museum
Cutty Sark
Greenwich Market and a meal in the Coach & Horses pub
Kew Gardens
Regent's Canal walk

Windsor & Eton for a day maybe? Not London, but ticks lots of boxes and easy to get to by car or train.

The new British Library exhibition on maps is excellent. A beautiful hand drawn map of the South Coast done for Henry VIII was my highlight. If you've never seen the permanent exhibition it's free.

Also look at going to a service at Westminster Abbey for the music

Highgate cemetery is fascinating. What about the Brunel museum?

Yes Highgate Cemetery is definitely worth visiting. Just make sure you book a guided tour as that’s the only way you can see the western part (which is the best!).

We did a guided tour of the Old Bailey recently and that was fascinating. They only do a very limited number of them but because they take place on Saturdays when the courts aren’t in use, it means you can not only see the courts themselves (and have a seat in the witness box if you fancy it) but you also get to see the holding cells and the judges’ dining room. It’s quite an experience!

Eltham palace? https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eltham-palace-and-gardens/ Can be combined with a trip to Greenwich. It's both modern AND the place Elizabeth 1 grew up in.

The White Cube Gallery is alwyas worth a visit https://www.whitecube.com/

London Guildhall has both an art gallery and a Roman Ampitheatre in it's basement

Backstage tour at either the ENO or the Royal Opera house. Leighton Hoise museum and the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park

We’re heading down to London in the spring, so this is giving me lots of ideas, and I’m taking notes.

Last time we went the highlight for me was a tour of the Houses of Parliament, which your MP can organise for you for free.

No you don't need a guide for the West cemetry. It's £10 to visit both sides.

Sorry, I missed out some key words and explained that very badly. Duh! You can only visit the catacombs in the West side if you’re with a guided tour. They remain locked for everyone else.

If you visit Highgate, take a spare pen or pencil to give to Douglas Adams.

They do still have funerals there, and people visiting family graves, so be aware and act accordingly.