Property of the month...

Our holiday villa rental of the month is The Penthouse, a luxurious apartment in Mullins, Barbados. To see the property's website click here.

London tourist attractions

HMS Belfast Historic Ship: World War II cruiser weighing 11,500 tonnes, now a floating naval museum, with 9 decks to explore. Visitors can explore all decks, from the Captain's Bridge to the Boiler and Engine rooms well below the ship's waterline. Areas to visitinclude the sailors' mess- decks, the galley, sick bay, operations room and the six-inch gun turrets. Shop and refreshment facilities available, plus a full education service to pre-booked groups. Also exhibition telling thestory of HMS Belfast, from inception in the mid-30s to the decision to save her.

Somerset House: Home to the Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery of world famous paintings, the magnificent Gilbert Collection of decorative arts and the Hermitage Rooms, an exhibition of treasures from The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg. The refurbished Thames River Terrace is now a public promenade, with an open-air summer cafe and restaurant. The restored Seamen's Hall and Nelson Stair, the display of an 18th century Commissioner's Barge and interpretation gallery are all open free of charge. Christmas Ice Rink from 27 Nov-30 Jan in the Courtyard.

Southwark Cathedral (pictured above): Oldest Gothic church in London (c1220) with interesting memorials connected with the Elizabethan theatres of Bankside. Window and memorial to William Shakespeare, burial place of his brother Edmond. A chapel commemorates John Harvard, benefactor of Harvard University and there are choral services with the fine Lewis organ. An archaeological chamber reveals a Roman road and 17th century Southwark Pottery Kilns. There is a permanent exhibition, shop and refectory/restaurant. Landscaped gardens with Shakespearean and biblical painting.

Eltham Palace: Take a step back in time to the glamour of the 1930s in this magnificent example of Art Deco style. Famed for its amazing mix of cutting edge design. It also features the preserved 15th Century Great Hall - the boyhood home ofHenry VIII. Also there, truly outstanding Art Deco gardens.

Prince Henry's Room and Samuel Pepys Exhibition: One of the few buildings left untouched by the Great Fire of London in 1666. There is a collection of items on loan from the Pepys Society and original 17thC wood panelling. Also has one of the best remaining Jacobean-enriched plasterceilings in London.

St Martin-in-the-Fields Church: Historic church overlooking Trafalgar Square, designed by James Gibbs and built in 1726. Cafe in the Crypt. Gift shop. Art gallery and market in the courtyard. Candelit concerts Thursday-Saturday. Free lunchtime recitals Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Brass rubbing centre. All profits go to support the work of the church, with its particular ministry to the homeless.

St Marylebone Parish Church: Built in 1813-17 by Thomas Hardwick, this is the church in which Robert Browning was married to Elizabeth Barrett in 1846. A Browning Room here contains relics of the poet. Has many historical links including the baptisms of Lord Byron and Nelson's daughter Horatia, the marriage of Sheridan to Miss Linley and the graves of Charles and Samuel Wesley.

Clarence House Summer Opening: Guided tours of the five ground floor rooms of Clarence House which are used for official engagements. Clarence House was the former London home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and is soon to be The Prince of Wales's official London residence. Much of the Queen Mother's collection of works of art and furniture remain as they were, with examples of Faberge, English porcelain and silver, and works by John Piper. All tours must be pre-booked in advance, call the booking line on (020) 7766 7303.

Fenton House: William and Mary house which now contains the Benton Fletcher collection of early keyboard instruments and the Binning collection of embroideries, porcelain and furniture. The harpsichords, virginals, spinets are still used. Also picturesque walled gardens.