London Knightsbridge and Belgravia

Apsley House Hyde Park Corner (020 7499 5676; www.english-heritage.org.uk ) Named for Baron Apsley, the house later known as "No.1, London" was bought in 1817 by the Duke of Wellington, whose heirs still occupy a modest suite on the top floor. The house is a stunning architectural triumph, from the gilded mirrors to the gilded oval spiral staircase. Perhaps the most fantastic of all the valuable collections in the house is Wellington's art collection, much of which he received from monarchs around Europe after the Battle of Waterloo. One of the most sought after pieces is Velazquez's beautiful The Water Seller of Seville, which he painted in 1600. Throughout the house you can find various trinkets, such as a silver-gilt dessert plate bearing Napoleon's arms, the key to the city of Pamplona (granted after the Duke captured the city), the death masks of Wellington and Napoleon, and a stunning 6.7m Egyptian service set, given by Napoleon to Josephine as a divorce present. Scholars maintain that the dessert service was meant as a mean joke about Josephine's weight. It's huge. Hyde Park Corner. Arch is wheelchair-accessible; house is not. Complimentary audio tours. June 18th is Wellington Day, so check for special events. £6, joint ticket with Wellington Arch £7.40; concessions £5.10/6.30; children £3/3.70; family joint £18.50. Open W-Su Apr-Oct 11am-5pm; Nov-Mar 11am-4pm. Last entry 30min. before close. Takes credit cards.

Serpentine Boating Lake, Hyde Park ( 020 7262 1330 ; www.theboathouselondon.co.uk ) Created in memory of Queen Caroline between 1727 and 1731, the Serpentine Boating Lake is one of the most beautiful parts of Hyde Park. Rented boats drift lazily across the placid waters as fat waterfowl battle it out on the shore for pieces of bread. Boats can be rented and taken out for any amount of time. Be sure to check out the nearby Rose Garden. Hyde Park Corner. Hyde Park. Pedal boats and row boats £7 per person per 30min., £9 per person per hr. Open daily Jan-Nov 10am-6pm (earlier in low season). Stays open later depending on weather. Boats don't go out if it's raining. Closed in Dec. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

The Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner ( 020 7930 2726 ; N/A ) Commissioned by King George IV and built between 1828 and 1830 as a back gate to Buckingham Palace, the Wellington Arch is a famous London landmark. Visitors are treated to a history of the arch, which doesn't quite merit the cost, and then a reasonable view from the observation deck, which is more or less tree-level with Hyde Park. The arch was originally topped with a large statue of the Duke of Wellington, but he was taken down in 1883. In 1912, a new statue took its place. The current statue is Quadriga, the angel of Peace, descending on the chariot of war driven by youth. It's an interesting commentary on British society's evolution, but the exhibition and view are most worth it if you also get the well-priced joint ticket with the Apsley House. Hyde Park Corner. £3.70, joint ticket with Apsley House £7.40, concessions £3.10/6.30; child £1.90/3.70, family joint £18.50. Open W-Su Apr-Sept 10am-5pm; Oct-Mar 10am-4pm. Last entry 30min. before close. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.

Brompton Oratory, Brompton Rd. ( 020 7808 0900 ; www.bromptonoratory.com ) Built between 1880 and 1884, the Brompton Oratory is named after its founders, the Oratorians. Its nave, wider than St. Paul's, is breathtaking. The architecture of this still-functional church is marble-packed and filled with Baroque flourishes, as well as Soviet secrets: the KGB used the oratory as a drop point for secret messages during the Cold War. Knightsbridge. Left onto Brompton Rd. Wheelchair-accessible at side entrance to the left of the church. Free. Open daily 6:30am-8pm. Services: M-F mass at 7, 8, 10am, 12:30, 6pm (Latin); Sa 7, 8, 10am, 6pm. Wheelchair access.