Five Famous Britons

Get up close and personal

With a good chance of rain still in the forecast, get up close and personal with five of the most famous people in British History while staying dry.

Jane Austen : Jane Austen’s House Museum (Chawton) — The Grade I listed building is considered one of the most important literary sites in the world. Austen spent the last eight years of her life and where she is said to have completed six novels. The Museum includes Austen family items, including original pieces of furniture (the most striking is the small table where she wrote her novels), books, jewelry, and textiles.
www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk/ ✆ +44 1420 83262
Winchester Road, Chawton, Hampshire GU34 1SD

Winston Churchill : Churchill War Rooms (London) — As part of your admission, there is an audio tour (adults have a version and kids have their own version). In addition to this technical gadget, there is a lot to see and do for young kids and older teens. It is incredibly well-organized with interactive, interesting exhibits and actual rooms that have been untouched since 1945. Because it is part of a working government building today, it is a bit of a maze to walk through (keep your kids close since there is no cell signal). 
www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms ✆ +44 2074 165000
Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AQ

Charles Darwin : Down Home (Downe) — Down House maintained by English Heritage is where Charles Darwin spent 40 years of his life with his family.  The award-winning exhibition highlights Darwin's life's work and features the study that has been left intact from Darwin’s time. There is a multimedia guide for Darwin's family rooms and friendly, knowledgeable staff. It is worth visiting the garden where Darwin’s children helped test his theories and you’ll see the ‘stair slide’ that was put in place for them to enjoy — mark of a true genius!
www.english-heritage.org.uk ✆ +44 1689 859119
Luxted Road, Downe, Orpington BR6 7JT

Diana, Princess of Wales : Diana — Her Fashion Story (London) — The exhibition covers the most iconic outfits worn by Diana, the Princess of Wales, from her first public appearances in the 80s to those worn in the 90s. Highlights include the blouse worn for her engagement portrait to the velvet evening gown worn while dancing with John Travolta at the White House. A 'White Garden' has been installed to complement the exhibition and commemorates the 20th anniversary of her passing.  It is also where Prince Harry formally announced his engagement to Meghan Markle.  Until February 28, 2019 (closed April 16 - 25)
www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace ✆ +44 2031 666000
Kensington Palace State Apartments, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX

Florence Nightingale : Florence Nightingale Museum (London) — This small, compact museum is traces the life and work of Florence Nightingale, pioneer of modern nursing. It features a collection of artifacts and memorabilia, including the famous lamp which earned her the nickname ‘The Lady of the Lamp’ and even her pet owl she had while visiting patients.  Free 15-minute public tours are included in the price of admission on Tuesdays (except during school holidays).
www.florence-nightingale.co.uk ✆ +44 2071 884400
St Thomas’ Hospital, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EW

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