If you go . . .
2012 Summer Games attractions, venues
Olympic Park
Site of marquee events such as swimming, track and field, and basketball preliminaries. Only visitors with tickets to events inside or ground tickets can enter. www.london2012.com/spectators/venues/olympic-park/
More ticketing information at www.tickets.london2012.com. Americans need to purchase tickets from CoSport (www.cosport.com), the authorized ticket reseller in the States.
The northern area of Olympic Park is set to reopen one year from the opening ceremonies, on July 27, 2013, and the southern part around Easter 2014.
ArcellorMittal Orbit
Accessible only to visitors who also hold Olympic Park ground or event tickets. Adults $23.25, seniors and 16 and under $11.
Hyde Park
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park
The largest of London’s Royal Parks will be both venue and gathering place.
Greenwich Park
www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/greenwich-park
As the site of equestrian events, the Royal Park will probably draw some royals.
Horse Guards Parade
www.london2012.com/venue/horse-guards-parade
Destined to be an iconic venue, it will host beach volleyball among historic buildings.
National Hospitality Houses
www.visitlondon.com/london2012/national-hospitality-houses-for-london-2012
Different countries will showcase their national cultures and their partying cultures at these
houses. Many have large areas open to the public.
Museums and palaces near Olympic venues
Churchill War Rooms
Clive Steps, King Charles Street
www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms
Relive Britain’s WWII history, adults $23.25, seniors and students $18.65, under 16 free.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road
Exhibits showcase collections focused on art and design, free.
Royal Observatory
Greenwich Park
Blackheath Avenue
www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory
Lessons in time-keeping and astronomy greet visitors, as does the famed meridian line, free. Closed July 7-Aug. 3
Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens
www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace Recently renovated and reopened, the palace was once home to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Adults $22.50, seniors and students $18.65, under 16 free.