London Transport Museum

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Wait! Come back! This one is much more entertaining than it sounds. In what used to part of the Covent Garden market, you’ll find the story of London’s public transport came to be, with buses and chunks of trains on show. Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it? Displays range from the first steam-powered underground engine to a horse drawn bus. They’re especially good for small children (you can board many of the exhibits) or engineering nuts. But also by their new shoes. How were the exhibits? The museum runs an interesting program of off-site events including films, talks, and tours of disused stations—check the website for dates. The Friday Lates are an intermittent schedule of evening events; a recent one showcased talks and workshops about how transport contributed to the Swinging Sixties. Any guided tours worth trying? There are various guided tours available, but not on a daily basis. For instance, the Depot Discovery tours cover the highlights of the collection, take place on the last Friday and Saturday of the month, and costs $17. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere? The cafe is slightly uninspiring but it does do a red Routemaster martini. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? You can whizz around the first floor, which houses some of the biggest exhibits, easily within an hour." - Laura Goulden