London - Kensington

The Commonwealth Institute is the center for Commonwealth education and culture in Britain. Its purpose is to increase knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth, its nations and people and the principles upon which it is based. Situated in the spectacular historic building next to Holland Park, the Institute's three floors of permanent exhibition galleries show the history, landscape, wildlife, arts, crafts and cultures of the 50 Commonwealth countries. A cultural program of special exhibitions, live events, cultural festivals, children's holiday activities and workshops is on offer to the public, and an education program for teachers and schools is also available.

Fulham Road, between Finborough Road and Old Church Street is filled with specialty shops selling everything from jewelery to antiques.

Holland Park, situated to the west of Kensington Gardens, is particularly attractive in spring when tulips are in bloom, and in summer when performances take place in the open-air theater.

Church Street in Kensington has a wide variety of antique shops, art galleries and street markets. It runs between Notting Hill Gate and Kensington High Street.

Kensington Roof Gardens cover 2.5 acres on the sixth floor roof of a department store. They were established in 1938 with many exotic plants, flamingoes, birds, a Spanish garden with pergolas, fountains and palm trees, an Elizabethan herb garden and old-fashioned roses.

Leighton House is a Victorian mansion with a romantic garden.

Additional attractions include an Arab hall with mosaic floor and antique Middle Eastern tiles, and the studio where Lord Leighton worked. The house is set in beautiful parkland with extensive views of the Lakeland fells. There are also daily flying displays with birds of prey.

Lindsey House is a National Trust property in London's Kensington area. This 17th C house is built on the former site of Sir Thomas Moore's garden and can boast one of the finest exterior constructions of its day.

Linley Sambourne House was the home of the artist and "Punch" cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne, with 19th century furniture and pictures.

On Saturdays Portobello Road Market has antiques and second-hand goods; Mon.-Fri. it offers only fruit and vegetables.

The Portobello market dates back to the 19th century, when gypsies would gather there to trade horses. The Antiques market started in 1948, after the closure of the Caledonian market.

The market runs along Portobello Road, between Westray (M40) and Pembridge Villas.