1. Lambeth Palace

The Archbishop of Canterbury's official London residence dates from the 13th century, but it is the red-brick Tudor Gatehouse, from 1485, that gives it a distinctive appearance.

• Lambeth Palace Road SE1
• Closed to the public, but tours of the garden given at 2pm Wed and Thu
• Admission charge

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2. Houses of Parliament

A Gothic revival building from 1870 by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin, the Houses of Parliament cover 8 acres and have 1,100 rooms around 11 courtyards. The Commons Chamber is where Members of Parliament sit and debate policy.

• Parliament Sq SW1
• The Strangers' Galleries in the two chambers at the Houses of Parliament have limited seating for visitors during debates. Times are posted outside St Stephen's gate, or phone 020 7219 4272
• Tours can be arranged through MPs (overseas visitors should phone 020 7219 4750)
• www.parliament.uk

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3. Savoy Hotel

London's first grand hotel was built in 1897. Its Chinese lacquered "ascending rooms" were the first elevators in Europe. Oscar Wilde objected to the new-fangled built-in plumbing: he wanted to ring for his hot water like a gentleman. Adjoining the hotel is the art nouveau Savoy Theatre, built on the site of the medieval Savoy Palace.

• Strand WC21

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4. Millennium Bridge

This stunning, blade-like suspension bridge links Tate Modern on Bankside with St Paul's and the City opposite. Unfortunately, this new footbridge suffered from excessive movement when it opened to a rush of pedestrians in 2000. It has since reopened and is a delightful and apt approach to Tate Modern.

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5. Shakespeare's Globe

This modern reconstruction in oak, thatch and 36,000 handmade bricks is near the site of the original Globe Theatre, which burned down in 1613. The centre of the theatre is uncovered, so performances only happen during part of the year, but there is an interesting exhibition, plus a caf and restaurant with river views.

• New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1
• Bookings: 020 7401 9919
• Exhibition/theatre tour: May-Sep: 9am-noon daily; Oct-Apr: 10am-5pm daily
• Admission charge

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6. HMS Belfast

The last of the big-gun armoured ships, HMS Belfast was built in 1938 and saw active service in World War II and Korea. In 1971 she was saved for the nation as an example of an early 20th-century British warship and opened as a museum. Visitors can tour the bridge, the huge engine rooms, the galley and the messdecks, where you get an idea of what life must have been like on board.

• Morgan's Lane, Tooley St SE1
• Open Mar-Oct: 10am-6pm daily; Nov-Feb: 10am-5pm daily
• Admission charge

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7. Tower Bridge

London's enduring landmark is a neo-gothic wonder. A masterly piece of civil engineering, the bridge was built in 1894 with steam pumps to raise its two halves. Guided tours include views from the top.

• SE1
• Open 9:30-6pm
• Admission charge

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8. St Katharine's Dock

The first and most successful piece of modern Docklands development was this handsome dock beside Tower Bridge. Refurbished in the 1980s, the area is surrounded by apartments, shops and cafs.

• E1

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9. The Cutty Sark

Built in 1869, this is the last of the record-breaking tea-clippers that brought the leaves to thirsty London. On board you can see how the merchant seamen lived, and exhibits below decks show the history of sail and the Pacific trade routes.

• King William Walk SE20
• Train to Greenwich; DLR Cutty Sark
• Open 10am-5pm daily
• Admission charge

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10. Thames Flood Barrier

This huge barrier across the lower reaches of the Thames, just past Greenwich, was built in 1982 to prevent the dangerous combination of wind and tides from flooding the city. The Visitors' Centre explains the problem, detailing a long history of flooding in London.

• Visitors' Centre
• Unity Way SE18
• Train to Charlton
• Open 10:30am-4:30pm daily
• Admission charge

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