London
London
London is the cultural, political and economic heart of Britain, famous for its world-class museums, galleries, royal palaces, shopping destinations, West End theatre shows and award-winning restaurants. Whether you want to stay in a 5-star luxury hotel and sip Champagne on the London Eye, or find a cheap hostel and stroll around one of London's beautiful Royal Parks, you're sure to find something that suits your budget and interests.Find your trip
Reopened recently at the very site of its original discovery, the ruins of this Roman Temple of Mithras are open for public visits in the basement of Bloomberg's European headquarters at number 12 Walbrook. There are also a few other exhibitions that include both historic artefacts and contemporary artwork. Entrance is free of charge.
Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s multi-award winning musical will redefine your expectations of the theatre. Brilliantly reimagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney’s beloved film has been transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as the King of the Pridelands.
WICKED, the West End and Broadway musical sensation, is already the 9th longest running musical in London theatre history. ‘Packed with wit, storming songs and beautiful costumes’ (The Guardian), WICKED imagines an ingenious backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely University friends on their journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Join the millions of people all over the world who have experienced ‘The most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter’ Daily Telegraph. Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story comes dramatically alive in Stephen Mallatratt’s ingenious stage adaptation. Now celebrating three decades in the West End, Robin Herford’s gripping production is a brilliantly successful study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror.
Experience the unmissable The Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End at Her Majesty's Theatre. Now celebrating 32 years, book your The Phantom of the Opera tickets today. Seen by over 140 million people worldwide, The Phantom of the Opera is the highest grossing musical of all time. Now celebrating 32 record-breaking years, this multi-award winning musical continues to captivate audiences at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End.
9 TO 5 The Musical is getting down to business - with a strictly limited season at the West End's Savoy Theatre. Tumble outta' bed and stumble to Dolly Parton’s rip-roaring West End musical! Starring Caroline Sheen, Amber Davies, Natalie McQueen, Bonnie Langford and Brian Conley, the smash-hit musical features a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick and an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton.
Celebrate the songs of ABBA with the smash-hit musical MAMMA MIA! in London at the Novello Theatre. Join the fun as the world’s favourite feel-good musical, MAMMA MIA! celebrates its twentieth anniversary in London’s West End. Now, in the musical’s 21st year, the producers are delighted to announce some major cast changes in the London production from Monday 10 June 2019 including Mazz Murray, (previously Tanya) who returns to play Donna. Seen by over 8 million people in the West End, MAMMA MIA! continues to break box office records at the Novello Theatre, its third London home.
One of the largest and most interesting museums in the world, the British Museum is home to some of the most treasured historical artefacts ever found. The extensive exhibition includes the Rosetta Stone, Assyrian treasures, Egyptian mummies and the museum's spectacularly illuminated Great Court, where you can find the museum's new restaurant. This restaurant is an ideal spot for taking afternoon tea under the court's spectacular roof. Free tours of the museum and guides are also available.
Reopened recently at the very site of its original discovery, the ruins of this Roman Temple of Mithras are open for public visits in the basement of Bloomberg's European headquarters at number 12 Walbrook. There are also a few other exhibitions that include both historic artefacts and contemporary artwork. Entrance is free of charge.
Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s multi-award winning musical will redefine your expectations of the theatre. Brilliantly reimagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney’s beloved film has been transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as the King of the Pridelands.
Rainforest Cafe brings the sights and sounds of the jungle to London's famous Piccadilly Circus, with elephants, gorillas, jaguars, crocodiles, butterflies, tropical fish tanks, an indoor waterfall and roaring thunderstorm sounds. Feeding time is a fun, family-friendly affair, with steaks, burgers, pasta and salads on the menu.
Dine in true British style with a beautiful raised view across the River Thames. This restaurant, bar and brasserie is a great place for a romantic meal, especially when combined with a casual stroll along the South Bank before and after your meal. Book ahead to make sure you get an alfresco table on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the scene with St Paul's Cathedral in the background. You can also expect to enjoy live jazz in the brasserie.
Colourfully decorated with Indian folk art and collages of firecracker labels, the Bayswater branch of Masala Zone is as warm and welcoming as the other restaurants in this growing chain. The menu takes inspiration from Indian street food and home-cooked dishes, with Indian grills and regional curries as well as tapas-style Thali platters.
Colourful and welcoming, Mestizo Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar serves quality, traditional Mexican cuisine. Downstairs from the relaxing restaurant you'll also find a stylish tequila bar serving cocktails, tequila and 'antojitos' (Mexican tapas).
Inamo is a pioneering Oriental fusion restaurant and bar where the control of the dining experience is placed firmly in your own hands, thanks to an interactive ordering system. Instead of reading a long list of dish names, you simply pick your favourite from an illustrated food and drinks menu projected onto your table surface. The pan-Asian menu includes influences from Japan, China, Thailand, Korea and beyond.
Housed in a former car showroom on Piccadilly, The Wolseley is an elegant café-restaurant inspired by the grand European style of years gone by. The food follows the same classic European thread, with favourite dishes including veal Holstein and chicken soup with dumplings. Pop in for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner... Any meal you fancy.
If the name alone doesn’t sell it, the three Michelin stars that Restaurant Gordon Ramsay was honoured with should. Located in affluent Chelsea, the restaurant serves up modern French food in an elegant, intimate atmosphere - under the masterly gaze of head chef Clare Smyth.
Located on the ground floor of the stylish Sanctum Soho Hotel, Wild Heart serves modern, seasonal British cuisine from breakfast through afternoon tea to dinner. A bar as well as a restaurant, it's also a good spot for a coffee, evening cocktail or glass of wine.
Rainforest Cafe brings the sights and sounds of the jungle to London's famous Piccadilly Circus, with elephants, gorillas, jaguars, crocodiles, butterflies, tropical fish tanks, an indoor waterfall and roaring thunderstorm sounds. Feeding time is a fun, family-friendly affair, with steaks, burgers, pasta and salads on the menu.
Dine in true British style with a beautiful raised view across the River Thames. This restaurant, bar and brasserie is a great place for a romantic meal, especially when combined with a casual stroll along the South Bank before and after your meal. Book ahead to make sure you get an alfresco table on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the scene with St Paul's Cathedral in the background. You can also expect to enjoy live jazz in the brasserie.
Oxford Street is the ultimate London shopping destination, packed with high-street fashion, international brands, technology, homewear and much, much more. No wonder its streets are always crowded with bag-laden shoppers! Favourite destinations include a huge branch of Topshop, plus iconic department stores such as Selfridges, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer.
Selfridges' flagship London store is one of the world's finest department stores. It is six floors of fabulous fashion, pop-up concessions, electrical gadgets, stylish homeware and tasty food. But it's far more than just a shopping destination. It's also a social hub - with events, bars, restaurants, cafés, art exhibitions and the odd rooftop party.
Harvey Nichols, or Harvey Nicks as it's known locally, is a favourite among London’s fashionistas. Its flagship Knightsbridge store opened in the 1880s and today boasts a massive eight floors of fashion, beauty and lifestyle collections. The fifth floor is given over to the stylish Fifth Floor Restaurant, Café and Bar - plus a food market and wine shop.
With its beautiful curved facades, listed architecture and elegant hotels, Regent Street is a cultural destination as well as a shopping hotspot. Top brands such as Liberty, Apple and Hamleys congregate here, alongside what is the largest Burberry store in the world.
Instantly recognisable by its iconic mock-Tudor frontage, Liberty is a lavish design emporium located just off Regent Street. It first opened its doors in 1875, and was later crowned by Oscar Wilde “the chosen resort of the artistic shopper.” Today it's best known for its top-quality fashion, jewellery, beauty, furniture, toys, oriental rugs and much more.
As well as its street entertainment, Covent Garden is famous for its covered markets - Apple Market, Jubilee Market and East Colonnade Market - which sell everything from British-made arts and crafts to jewellery and antiques. The area has many permanent shops too. From the ever-popular Disney Store to travel book shop Stanfords. Close by are two other unique London shopping destinations, Neal Street and Covent Garden's 'village' Seven Dials, a small agglomeration of streets packed with fashion boutiques, vintage shops, jewellers and design furniture stores.
Knightsbridge and the surrounding areas of Chelsea and South Kensington are known for their high-end fashion and prestigious brands. On Sloane Street, you'll find Prada, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Dolce et Gabbana, Fendi and many more top labels. The road intersects to the north with Brompton Road, home to the likes of Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and to the south with King's Road, where punk and other counterculture movements flourished in the 1960s. Today this is where you'll find a Vivienne Westwood shop and a Peter Jones department store.
Famous around the world, Harrods is a gold-and-green beacon in London's shopping scene. Inside the stunning store you'll find everything from homewares and kitchen essentials to books and beauty products. But most people make a beeline for the Harrods-branded gifts, fashion aisles and food hall - an ornate treasure trove of foodie delicacies and sweet treats.
Oxford Street is the ultimate London shopping destination, packed with high-street fashion, international brands, technology, homewear and much, much more. No wonder its streets are always crowded with bag-laden shoppers! Favourite destinations include a huge branch of Topshop, plus iconic department stores such as Selfridges, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer.
Selfridges' flagship London store is one of the world's finest department stores. It is six floors of fabulous fashion, pop-up concessions, electrical gadgets, stylish homeware and tasty food. But it's far more than just a shopping destination. It's also a social hub - with events, bars, restaurants, cafés, art exhibitions and the odd rooftop party.
Passport / Visa
Citizens of the European Union member-states, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland, and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) only require a valid passport to enter the UK. Residents of a further 10 countries do not require entry visas for stays under 6 months: the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Nationals of some further countries do not require a visa, but need to hold an entry certificate. Use the UK Government website to check for specific requirements: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Best Time to Visit
London is graced by a mild climate and, as such, can be visited at any time of the year. However, a few things need to be considered first. Most of the royal palaces and residences, like the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, are only open to the public during the summer months. Many of the city's most important festivals, like the British Summer Time Music Festival, also take place during this time. Late June to mid July is also when some of the best sales are on in shops around the capital. Spring is also a good season for a visit, since the weather is generally good and finding accomodation is both easier and cheaper (high season in London means a lot of tourists). And if you're not too bothered about the grey weather, then low season (January and February) can be a good option too, when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower.
Airport - London Heathrow
London Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with five terminals. There are various ways to travel from Heathrow Airport to your destination. Hotel Hoppa and Hotel By Bus are shared ride services, transporting travellers to (and from) local and Central London hotels by coach. The quickest journey is by train on the Heathrow ExpressB, which runs every 15 minutes (from approximately 5am to 11.45pm) and gets you into Central London in 15 minutes for £20. You can also travel into Central London via Heathrow Connect (£9.50), the Piccadilly line on London Underground, a coach to Victoria Coach Station (£6), bus (£1.40 Oyster/£2.40 cash) or taxi (£50 to £80 in a metred black cab).
Airport - London Gatwick
London Gatwick Airport is the second largest airport in the UK (Heathrow Airport is the largest), with two terminals: North and South. The fastest route from the airport into Central London is via the Gatwick Express, with trains departing every 15 minutes. The non-stop journey to Victoria Station takes 30 minutes and costs £19.90. Alternative travel options include going by First Capital Connect train to London Bridge, City Thameslink, Blackfriars, Farringdon or St Pancras International (£10 to St Pancras); Southern train services (£19.90 to Victoria Station), coach (£8), easyBus (£2 – online price) or taxi.
Airport - London Stansted
London Stansted Airport is the third busiest airport in the UK, and where many low-cost airlines serving Europe and the Mediterranean operate from. On the Stansted Express you can reach Liverpool Street station in 47 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes and the journey costs £23.40. You can also travel between Stansted Airport and Central London by coach with easyBus (£2 – online price), National Express (from £5) or Terravision (from £6). Alternatively book a minicab in advance with 24x7 Stansted. Black cabs do no operate from Stansted (though you can take one to the airport).
Airport - London Luton
London Luton Airport is located just 56km north-west of Central London, and is a popular base for low-cost airlines. A regular shuttle bus transports passengers from the airport to the nearest station, Luton Airport Parkway, which takes about 10 minutes. From the station you can catch an East Midlands Trains or First Capital Connect service into Central London taking somewhere between 21 and 25 minutes (for £13.50). Other options include the easyBus express service (from £2 – online price), the Green Line 757 coach service to Victoria Coach Station (for £17) or Terravision coaches to Victoria Coach Station (for £15). Each transport service stops at different destinations en route. A metered taxi ride to or from Central London costs around £80.
Airport - London City
London City Airport is a single runway airport located 9.5km east of Central London, and serving mainly short-haul and business flights. The airport is on the Docklands Light Railway, which connects to London's Tube network at Canning Town, Stratford and Bank and uses the same price structure. Buses serve the airport too, with numbers 473 and 474 providing a connection to other East London destinations. You can also take a cab from the taxi rank outside the airport.
Public Transport - Bus
London's bus network stretches right across the capital, and provides a frequent and accessible service. If you're using an Oyster card, a single trip costs £1.40. All you have to do is 'touch in' when you get on the bus. And remember there is a daily cap of £4.40 if you're using only bus and tram services. If you're paying by cash a single bus ticket is £2.40. Seven-day, one-month and annual bus passes are also available. To navigate your way around the network, pick up a Central London Bus Guide from travel information centres at larger Tube stations or use Transport for London's online Journey Planner. A reduced service of night buses operates throughout the night and the early hours of the morning. Most late-night routes will stop at Trafalgar Square. Various concessions are available for children, students, the elderly and disabled travellers.
Passport / Visa
Citizens of the European Union member-states, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland, and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) only require a valid passport to enter the UK. Residents of a further 10 countries do not require entry visas for stays under 6 months: the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Nationals of some further countries do not require a visa, but need to hold an entry certificate. Use the UK Government website to check for specific requirements: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Best Time to Visit
London is graced by a mild climate and, as such, can be visited at any time of the year. However, a few things need to be considered first. Most of the royal palaces and residences, like the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, are only open to the public during the summer months. Many of the city's most important festivals, like the British Summer Time Music Festival, also take place during this time. Late June to mid July is also when some of the best sales are on in shops around the capital. Spring is also a good season for a visit, since the weather is generally good and finding accomodation is both easier and cheaper (high season in London means a lot of tourists). And if you're not too bothered about the grey weather, then low season (January and February) can be a good option too, when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower.
