The Royal Society, London, UK

The Royal Society of London, as it is formally known, is the UK's premier scientific academy. As their website states,"The Royal Society is the independent scientific academy of the UK and the Commonwealth dedicated to promoting excellence in science. The Society plays an influential role in national and international science policy and supports developments in science engineering and technology in a wide range of ways."

"The origins of the Royal Society lie in an "invisible college" of natural philosophers who began meeting in the mid-1640s to discuss the ideas of Francis Bacon. Its official foundation date is 28 November 1660, when 12 of them met at Gresham College after a lecture by Christopher Wren, the Gresham Professor of Astronomy, and decided to found 'a Colledge for the Promoting of Physico-Mathematicall Experimentall Learning'. This group included Wren himself, Robert Boyle, John Wilkins, Sir Robert Moray, and William, Viscount Brouncker."

It was not till 1967 that the Royal Society moved to its current premises at Carlton House Terrace, overlooking Hyde Park. Public tours of the Library and building need to be organised in advance, although from experience, if you are on your own the friendly staff will usually be happy to talk you through some of the key features. You will need to register upon entry with proof of identity and state the reason for your visit. For many, the reason is access to the Library where one can consult original works in their catalogue. Once in you will also have access to the Royal Society restaurant but be warned it is really only open during lunch.

The Royal Society also holds many public lectures, just take a look at their events diary and make sure to check if one needs to pre-register. There are also periodic exhibitions held at the premises, the largest and most public is the Summer Science Exhibition, mainly aimed at student groups it is open to anyone to attend. Again, just check their website for all details and dates.

The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) is just next door to the Royal Society so can be another Arts & Sciences day out.