Is there anything of interest in the area by the Imperial War Museum in London? My husband is interested in going there, while I am not, so we were thinking of splitting up for a morning or afternoon. I'm hesitant to go around by myself, but I thought that I could walk around the area if there were shops or other areas of interest nearby. Thanks!

There is Lambeth Palace fairly close, although I haven't been there. The area around the IWM is not upscale, and doesn't really have much shopping that I recall. But I wouldn't have any hesitation at all about going around by yourself just about anywhere in London during the day.

You could go to the Museum of Garden History at Lambeth Bridge, then to the Florence Nightingale Museum at Westminster Bridge and your husband could meet you there.

Why not do soething yu would enjoy that your husband might not - and then meet for lunch or tea? Harrods? Portrait gallery? Or do a ladies morning of hair and nails?

If I were you, I'd just send him off to the the museum and do something on your own near your hotel or shopping or a nice tea or just about anything. (but I actually think you would probably also enjoy the museum - it isn't just weapons, etc. - there is a lot about life on the homefront and things like that). There is no problem doing things on your own - most parts of London are perfectly safe. But there isn't much else of tremendous interest near the Imp. War Museum. Lambeth Palace and the garden museum are interesting but mostly for those w/ specialist interests.

There was also a significant exhibit on the Holocaust when I visited the IWM.

I usually hate war type museums but I found this one very well done and quite interesting. You might be surprised at how interesting you find this museum. There was an interesting exhibit on spies that was quite informative and well done.

I can also endorse the Holocaust Exhibition. Biggest such display in Europe, disturbing but gives a very clear context to this darkest period in modern history. Also there's a very good special exhibition on 'Women and War' - £7 entry (Museum itself is free). As for other things to do, the immediate vicinity is pretty dead. There's St George's RC cathedral across the road, rebuilt after war damage. Other places not so far mentioned include Dali Universe and London Aquarium at County Hall and London Eye ferris wheel.