Our city guide to London
London is a colossal city in both size and stature. Whilst home to a wealth of history and mindful of age-old tradition, London also remains a world-leader in commerce, politics and culture and is home to globally recognised landmarks, old and new, around every corner. Sharing a language with the USA and a continent with Europe, London takes influences from both and the result is a global-city with a buzz like no other.
Places to visit in London
London remains an international showcase for England’s love-affair with tradition and pageantry. At the centre of the British Monarchy throughout the ages, London is home to a number of exquisite historic Royal Palaces including Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Hampton Court palace. Pomp and ceremony are celebrated frequently whether it be at the daily “Changing of the Guard” to the wandering Beefeater’s at the Tower of London or most recently (Apr 2011) at Westminster Abbey for the glorious wedding event of William Prince of Wales and Kate Middleton now Duchess of Cambridge.
Surrounding Westminster Abbey is London’s political quarter, instantly recognisable from the intricate clock-tower of one of London’s most prominent symbols in Big Ben. From here you’ll see the orderly streets of Westminster, Whitehall and Downing Street whilst tucked away you’ll uncover the intriguing Cabinet War Rooms museum where Churchill’s plight in World War II comes to life.
London is always at the very forefront of British (and international) culture. With a truly multicultural make-up there is a bar, cafe or restaurant for every taste. The West End is home to a vibrant nightlife and London’s renowned theatre district where you can catch international stars in big-name shows. There are literally dozens of world-class museums and galleries with something for every flavour, from the Victoria and Albert Museum, to the British Museum, to the Tate Modern Gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe exhibition. There is an array of cultural events to be enjoyed whether it’s a music gig at the renowned o2 arena, the stunning Chelsea Flower Show or the exotic celebrations of the Notting Hill Carnival.
London is a sporting city like no other, home to a number of England’s beloved football (or soccer) clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and the national Stadium at Wembley. However it doesn’t end at football, with international Cricket at Lords or the Oval, the annual London Marathon and the world’s most prestigious tennis event at Wimbledon. Not to mention London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Commercially, London has more to offer than any other city in the UK. In the plush districts of Kensington and Knightsbridge you’ll find big brands, such as Harrods Department Store, rub shoulders with independent boutiques whilst Oxford Street is home to myriad of high-street names and international labels. For a more informal shopping experience Covent Garden offers gifts and knick-knacks alongside creative street entertainment whilst a visit to one of London’s famous street markets, such as Camden Market and Portobello Road is a “must” for a true taste of London.
In London every location is a destination in itself. A boat cruise on the river Thames or a gentle stroll around the Princess Diana Memorial in Hyde Park, admiring the flowers of Kew Gardens or enjoying a peaceful viewing of St Pauls Cathedral are all equally as rewarding as experiencing the buzz of Soho, the bustle surrounding Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, the electric atmosphere around the statue of Eros on Piccadilly or seeing the glorious London skyline from the top of the London Eye.
Whether it’s iconic sites and historic landmarks, the pomp and pageantry of English tradition, the modern world of politics, culture and sport or simply to soak up the sights and sounds of a city with a life of its own, to experience London is to experience every aspect of English life and will make a highlight for any trip to England.
