London
London
London is the cultural, political and economic heart of Britain, famous for 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 in one of London's beautiful Royal Parks, you'll find something to suit your budget and interests.Find your trip
One of the biggest and finest museums in the world, the British Museum is home to some of the most treasured historical artefacts in existence. The extensive exhibition include the Rosetta Stone, Assyrian treasures, the Egyptian mummies and the museum's spectacular, light-filled Great Court. A new restaurant has recently been opened in the Great Court; an ideal spot for afternoon tea under the magnificent roof. There are also free tours and guides to take advantage of at the museum.
You can find hundreds of the most famous, beautiful and challenging paintings in the world at the National Gallery. Discover inspiring art by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Monet and Van Gogh.
With more than 300 wax figures, the Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience and Spirit of London Taxi Ride, there's plenty to entertain at Madame Tussauds London. The uncannily lifelike wax figures of famous (and infamous) individuals from throughout history are, of course, the highlight, with everyone from Johnny Depp and One Direction to The Queen and Muhammad Ali making an appearance.
The Tower of London is one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. It's also a mysterious place full of dark secrets, strange stories and historic relics. Here you can admire the priceless Crown Jewels, explore the Medieval Palace, visit the infamous Bloody Tower, and go on a tour with a Yeoman Warder to learn about the many executions that took place here.
The Natural History Museum houses hundreds of amazing exhibits from the natural world in one of London's most beautiful landmark buildings. Highlights include the popular Dinosaurs gallery, the model blue whale, the Cocoon specimen centre and special events and debates in the Darwin Centre’s high-tech Attenborough Studio, including a chance to meet the scientists.
The 17th century St Paul's Cathedral on Ludgate Hill in the City of London is one of the city's most iconic buildings. It was designed by the illustrious Sir Christopher Wren and it was the highest building in London until as late as 1962. Use the touch-screen multimedia guides, or take a guided tour, to learn about the famous interior or, if you're feeling fit, climb up to the Whispering Gallery (to try out the acoustics) and on towards the golden Gallery at the top of the dome where you'll be rewarded with amazing views across London. You can also descend into the crypt where you'll find memorials of heroes such as Admiral Lord Nelson.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original open-air theatre on the banks of the river Thames, where the playwright, William Shakespeare, first staged many of his famous plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Midsummer Night’s Dream. Located just a few hundred yards from its original site, today's Globe Theatre stages classic and modern interpretations of Shakespeare's work as well as brand-new plays. And at just £5 for a standing ticket, you can't lose! The exhibition has audio guides available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese. There are expert guided tours as well every 30 minutes.
Located next to the London Eye along the South Bank, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium has one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life covering more than 500 species, 14 themed areas and two million litres of water. The exhibition includes favourites such as seahorses, octopus, zebra sharks and clown fish. It's also an interactive experience so you can feed the stingrays, see the sharks' feeding time, watch diving displays and go 'under the sea' in the glass tunnel walkway.
One of the biggest and finest museums in the world, the British Museum is home to some of the most treasured historical artefacts in existence. The extensive exhibition include the Rosetta Stone, Assyrian treasures, the Egyptian mummies and the museum's spectacular, light-filled Great Court. A new restaurant has recently been opened in the Great Court; an ideal spot for afternoon tea under the magnificent roof. There are also free tours and guides to take advantage of at the museum.
You can find hundreds of the most famous, beautiful and challenging paintings in the world at the National Gallery. Discover inspiring art by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Monet and Van Gogh.
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 full of 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, with 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 a social hub - with events, bars, restaurants, cafes, 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 arts and crafts to jewellery and antiques. The area has many permanent stores 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 collection of streets packed with fashion boutiques, vintage shops, jewellers and furniture design 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 it's where you'll find Vivienne Westwood's London shop and department store Peter Jones.
Famous around the world, Harrods is a gold-and-green beacon on 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 full of 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, with 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 a social hub - with events, bars, restaurants, cafes, 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, only open to the public during the summer months, and so do many of the city's most important festivals, like the British Summer Time Music Festival. Late June to mid July is also the period when you can find the best sales in town. Spring is also a good season for a visit, since the weather is generally good and it's easier and cheaper to find accommodation (high season in London means a lot of tourists). If you don't mind the miserable weather, low season (January and February) can be a good option too, with less tourists and lower prices.
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 with 24x7 Stansted – note: 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 to Central London in between 21 and 25 minutes (£13.50). Other options include the easyBusB express bus service (from £2 – online price), the Green Line 757 coach service to Victoria Coach Station (£17) and Terravision coaches to Victoria Coach Station (£15), each service stopping at different destinations en route. A metred 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 the numbers 473 and 474 providing a connection to other East London destinations. You can also pick up a taxi from the cab 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 – you simply 'tap in' when you get on the bus – and there is a daily cap of £4.40 if you're using only bus and tram services. A single bus fare is £2.40 if you're paying with cash. 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, with most routes passing through Trafalgar Square. All children under 16 travel for free (with a photo card, though 5-15 year olds need to show a proof-of-age photo card. Freedom Passes allow disabled and older passengers to travel for free.
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, only open to the public during the summer months, and so do many of the city's most important festivals, like the British Summer Time Music Festival. Late June to mid July is also the period when you can find the best sales in town. Spring is also a good season for a visit, since the weather is generally good and it's easier and cheaper to find accommodation (high season in London means a lot of tourists). If you don't mind the miserable weather, low season (January and February) can be a good option too, with less tourists and lower prices.
