Society of Antiquaries

The Society of Antiquaries sits on Burlington House in Piccadilly, and it's one of those places that catches most visitors completely off guard. You'll walk past it dozens of times without realising what's inside - a working learned society that's been quietly collecting and studying British history since 1707. The reading rooms are open to the public, and they're genuinely impressive: leather-bound volumes, manuscripts, prints and drawings spanning centuries. The library alone is worth an hour of browsing if you're the sort who gets excited about rare books and original documents. It's free to visit, though you'll need to register at the desk.

Historians and serious heritage enthusiasts will get far more out of this than casual browsers. If you're just after a quick look, don't bother - the appeal is in sitting down and actually engaging with what's here. Families with teenagers interested in history might enjoy it; younger kids will find it dull pretty quickly. The atmosphere is scholarly and quiet, which is either its greatest charm or its main limitation depending on what you want from a day out.

Visit on a weekday morning when it's less crowded. Allow at least ninety minutes if you want to do it properly. Given its Piccadilly location, it works well as part of a Central London loop - though if you're staying at Lovat Parks just outside the capital, this is more of a dedicated trip than a park-day activity. Proper food for thought, though, if research and old documents are your thing.