People enjoying the sunshine by the river came across a lot of red-themed activity at London Bridge. Switzerland has taken over Glaziers' Hall for its Olympic House, and has thrown open the doors to the public. You can eat Swiss food, taste Swiss chocolate, experience Swiss mountains and enjoy Swiss cultural events. It's open daily until 11pm, and more information about its activities is here.
While many other countries' headquarters are less welcoming to the general public, some which are inviting us in throughout the games include:
- Casa Brasil at Somerset House. Since Rio are hosting the games in 2016, expectations of this venue are high.There is a free exhibition, open daily (8am - 7pm) until 8 September.
- 53 African nations have come together at Africa Village, Kensington Gardens, so it should be well worth a visit. Open 27 July - 12 August, admission free.
- While you're in Kensington Gardens, you can also visit Russia's Sochi Park with its ice arena and interactive, 4D Visitor Experience Pavilion. It looks very entertaining - but with ticket prices to match, starting at £18 for a standard adult ticket.
- Perhaps most in tune with the corporate nature of the games is Holland Heineken House (no prizes for guessing who's sponsoring it). It has taken over Alexandra Palace with shops, cafes and a programme of events.
- Although Austria House occupies Trinity House, the public events are in its Tyrolean Alpine Gardens in front. If you fancy schnapps, apple strudel and yodelling, it will be open 26 July - 12 August.
- Similarly conforming to national stereotypes is Irish House, based in a pub (Big Chill, King's Cross) from 27 July - 12 August and open daily from 10am to 2am. Access to its live screenings, entertainment and barbeque is £10 (£15 after 6pm).
- Nearby, in Granary Square, is Kiwi House, base for New Zealanders, which offers barbeque food and entertainment. It costs £5 per day, more for some special events.
- The themed events at Imagine Denmark include two days of LEGO activities! Find details of its 'spotlight events' here.
- Maison d'Haiti is an exhibition of Haitian art, clothing and furnishings at William Road Gallery (7-9 William Road NW1, 26 July - 15 August).
- Information on Club France is not easy to come by, mostly addressed to would-be occupants, and in French, but their venue at Old Billingsgate is open to the public 9am-7pm daily (27 July - 12 August), at a cost of £5. That seems to give access to an exhibition and entertainment on the ground floor.
- German House, in Museum of Docklands, is equally tricky to pin down but appears to be open to the public daily from noon, 26 July to 12 August, with admission £10 after 5pm. Casa Italia should be offering an exhibition in the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre.
- A late starter is Jamaica House, which doesn't open until 5 August - but from then until 12 August dedicates itself to celebrating 50 years of independence. Go along to the O2 between 4pm and midnight for music, cultural events and food. It's free, although other events in the O2 celebrating Jamaica do have admission charges.
