http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33579 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33579 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33556 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33556 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33547 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33547 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33546 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33546 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33545 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33545 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33538 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33538 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33534 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33534 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33533 The collection includes everything from microscopic slides to mammoth skeletons, a dinosaur gallery to Darwin’s work on natural selection and an enormous life-size model of a blue whale.
The National History Museum also offers special exhibitions, an outdoor ice skating rink (in winter) and a wildlife garden. Admission to the permanent collection is free.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33533 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33527 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33527 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33523 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33523 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33520 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33520 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33519 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33519 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33518 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33518 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33515 There is a vast array of pickled body parts, the skeleton of a 7’ 7” ‘Irish giant’, the tooth of an extinct giant sloth, and a slightly grisly display of pickled foetuses. More recent additions include Churchill’s dentures.
There is also the opportunity to try your hand at simulated keyhole surgery, and watch footage of brain surgery. Educational and fun at the same time!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33515 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33508 Want some fun in London, then try this. Reminiscent of a Victorian Gin Palace with a retro twist, PURL, with its beams, piano bar and leather chairs, is made up of intimate alcoves underneath a road in Marylebone.
A list of cocktails thought up in the ‘lab’ at the rear, is influenced by ‘molecular mixology’. Don’t be too surprised to see a little chemistry! Liquid nitrogen, smoke and fire mixed with more traditional spirits - even a touch of caviar!
This is a truly exciting place to be. Enjoy!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33508 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33460 It's an incredibly artistic experience, with bands playing, poets reading, actors swooning and tales of life and love being shared- all set in the beautiful and intimate chapel of the House of St. Barnabas on Greek St.
There's plenty of excellent drink flowing too, especially the exotic cocktails with hilariously unbelievable names- I just wish I could remember them!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33460 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33443 Trying to smuggle a cashbox up my jumper, during a fake heist of an old police station in South London, has to be one of my highlights of 2011.
Between £10 and £21 for each activity, usually lasting a couple of hours. For some events 100% of the revenue is donated to Mind. The crew are great and events usually end in the pub.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33443 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33418 The bar has the appearance and feel of a dark basement untouched since Pepys left. Nicotine stained walls of tongue-n-groove boards, history-stained stone floors, and rickety tables and chairs under the low, brick-domed ceiling of the original wine cellars are not retro but original features. Candles light the reticent faces of illicit encounters. The staff are efficient and friendly and pull schooners and beakers of sherry, Madeiras, or port from the barrels stacked behind the bar. Excellent wines are also available by bottle or glass. Recently homemade food has been introduced, and the tables spill out into Watergate Walk to the side. But stay indoors to enjoy the uniqueness and excellence of Gordon’s Wine Bar, and drink deep the history of London.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33418 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33228 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33228 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33227 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33227