SW3 Area Guide

Discover the world’s oldest clock and watch collection in its new home at the Science Museum. The collection includes more than 600 watches, 90 clocks, 30 marine chronometers and a number of fine sundials and examples of hand engraving, mapping the history of innovation in watch and clock making in London from 1600 to the present day. Assembled by the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and once located in the Guildhall, this remarkable array of timepieces traces the story of the capital’s clockmakers—from their first marine chronometers and mechanical clocks through the evolution of the wristwatch. John Harrison was the inventor of the marine chronometer. Among the collection’s highlights is the fifth chronometer he made, which he completed in 1770, and a four-month duration longcase clock by the father of English watchmaking, Thomas Tompion. An intricate British-made watch, the Space Traveller II, is now on display. Watchmaker George Daniels made almost every part of this watch by hand in the early 1980s.

Cadogan Hall’s unmissable regular comedy series returns, as March’s show is headlined by national treasure Jenny Eclair. Stand-up comedian Jenny Eclair was the first woman to win the Perrier Award – the UK’s top comedy award – in 1995. Since then, she has taken multiple shows on tour, starred in BBC1’s Grumpy Old Women and co-hosts the podcast Older and Wider, the podcast for “people who don’t know what a podcast is”. Jenny featured on Series 15 of Taskmaster and hosts Taskmaster: The People’s Podcast. Jenny is also a critically acclaimed author with seven novels, a collection of short stories and a number of non-fiction books under her belt. Comedy at Cadogan Hall is our regular mixed bill comedy night. Our beautiful auditorium is a unique and intimate space to see big household names as well as the best emerging talent. The first show was headlined by Sara Pascoe, and since then our stage has been graced by Ed Gamble, Dylan Moran, Lucy Beaumont, Nish Kumar, Kemah Bob, John Robins, Bridget Christie, Sam Campbell, Richard Herring, Ivo Graham, Phil Wang and Desiree Burch, to name a few. “Superb line-ups” Bruce Dessau, Beyond the Joke This event is presented by Cadogan Hall with Berk’s Nest, the award-winning live comedy production company behind shows from Nick Mohammed, Catherine Cohen, Sophie Duker, and many more. Line-ups, including headliners, are subject to change. Refunds will not be offered in the event of line-up changes. Age guidance: 14+.

Discover how the world can generate and use energy more sustainably to limit climate change in our free gallery. Looking at the past, present and future of energy systems, Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery features recognisable and surprising objects plus interactive exhibits to highlight how we can journey to a more sustainable world—and our role in achieving that low carbon future. See a pioneering electric taxi that’s 100 years old, challenge yourself to balance electricity supply and demand in one of our interactive games, and marvel at a vast seven metre tidal turbine blade, which helped generate enough electricity to power a thousand homes. This free gallery contains three sections, each exploring this century’s defining challenge in a different way:Future Planet explores the climate change we are already experiencing and how scientists use complex computer models to glimpse the climate futures we could face, depending on the decisions we make today.Future Energy focuses on the technologies—and the people behind them—that are reimagining how energy is supplied and used today, as well as showcasing artefacts that have led the way in the energy transition away from fossil fuels.Our Future looks forward to an inspiring new world that is being imagined, with children’s creative ideas of how the world will meet its future energy needs showcased through a hands-on, interactive table. Find out more about the Science Museum Group's approach to sustainability .

Step into Paradox Museum London and see the world from a new perspective. Explore mind-bending exhibits like the Infinity Well, Zero Gravity Room, Paradox Sofa, and Paradox Tunnel, where reality is redefined and gravity is challenged. Each exhibit pushes your perception and creativity. Get your tickets now for this immersive experience! Black Friday .hidden-word { display: none; }

Experience the magic of Christmas with one of the world’s finest choral ensembles. Harry Christophers and The Sixteen return to Cadogan Hall for their highly anticipated annual yuletide concert. From medieval melodies to modern compositions, this musical journey celebrates the heart of Christmas – a humble birth surrounded by heavenly song. It isn’t Christmas at Cadogan Hall without The Sixteen’s extraordinary, atmospheric seasonal celebration and we look forward to welcoming all ages for an unforgettable evening of beauty and joy. Early booking advised.

Celebrate the festive season in style with the sensational Down for the Count Swing Orchestra, as they "Swing Into Christmas"! Fast becoming a holiday tradition for audiences around the country, this is a Christmas spectacular like no other – Down for the Count’s 30-piece big band with strings is one of the largest swing bands currently touring the UK. Directed by conductor and compère Mike Paul-Smith and featuring some of the UK’s top vocalists and instrumentalists, the orchestra recreates the sounds of Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday in a unique performance full of joy and humour, which has won the hearts of music lovers up and down the country. Audiences of all ages will be captivated by vibrant takes of iconic songs, including The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting), I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and New York, New York, alongside many fantastic new song selections for the 2025 show – all performed in authentic big-band-with-strings style. The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is one of the UK's most highly-regarded vintage ensembles, having sold out shows at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, The London Jazz Festival, and many other prestigious venues. It may be cold outside, but a night with the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is guaranteed to leave you and the whole family in the warm glow of the holiday spirit! Programme includes: - I've Got You Under My Skin - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting) - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Theme from New York, New York …and many more!