There are a lot of companies that run bus tours around Hollywood and districts of Los Angeles such as Beverley Hills, Bel-Air and the Sunset Strip. It's a chance to see some of the jaw-dropping mansions of the rich and famous. Sometimes, the passengers only get to see a gated entrance, a high wall and security cameras but it's still a thrill. Some of the celebrity homes go back to the golden age of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s. Movie stars back then were American royalty and they held court in their palaces. We are a bit more irreverent now in our fan worship.

Homes on a tour may include the residences of mega stars such as Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand or Michael Douglas. The late television producer, Aaron Spelling's huge estate is also on route. Another landmark is the amazing Playboy Mansion, owned by Hugh Hefner. This 22 room Gothic pile has a waterfall and the famous swimming pool with its grotto and sauna, so beloved of Playboy pin ups. The house contains a wine cellar, tennis courts, zoo and aviary and games room. A games room is a typical element of celebrity homes and this one has a pinball machine, juke box, arcade games and player piano.

Someone would be very lucky to actually catch a glimpse of a star, pottering about his or her patio or diving into the pool. Elvis Presley however, did come down to the gates of Graceland to chat to the fans sometimes. Today, the Memphis mansion receives thousands of visitors each year. It's like a pilgrimage to see the memorabilia, clothes and gold and platinum discs. The chapel in the estate holds marriage ceremonies.

One of the most ostentatious show business residences is the Neverland Ranch, once home to Michael Jackson. It is the most eccentric of celebrity homes and has now been closed down but it used to be a Mecca for Jackson's friends and hanger-on's. Elizabeth Taylor even got married there in 1991. The estate, located in Santa Barbara County, contains a zoo and a theme park, with a ferris wheel, various rides and merry go round.