Visit London
From red phone boxes to black cabs, there’s an iconic sight on every corner in England’s capital city.
Samuel Johnson once said: “When a man is tired of London, he’s tired of life.” London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It’s packed with things to see and do, from beautiful architecture and history to iconic landmarks and, of course, the Royal Family! It’s a shopaholic’s paradise, a culture vulture’s dream and a major foodie hotspot. But beyond this, every neighbourhood has something unique to offer.
Red telephone booths, double-decker buses and the Underground are synonymous with London, but the city is full of iconic sights. One of the most famous landmarks is Big Ben. You can’t take a trip to London without taking a photograph in front of the Elizabeth Tower and Houses of Parliament. Mistakenly, most people think Big Ben is the 96-metre (315-foot) clock tower, but it is in fact the massive 13-ton (13,760-kilogram) bell. It’s a spectacular sight to see, particularly when lit up at night. Tower Bridge is another landmark that often appears on postcards. One of the city’s most famous bridges, its high-level walkways not only offer incredible views of the city, but a different perspective of the River Thames through its glass floor. There are countless places for epic views, but arguably some of the best vistas can be seen from the London Eye, Europe’s largest observation wheel. There is also The View from The Shard; London’s tallest building offers the highest viewpoint at 244 metres (800 feet). If history is what you’re after, the Tower of London is the place to visit. This royal palace, fortress and infamous prison encompasses more than 1,000 years of history. Visitors can meet the iconic ‘Beefeaters’, hear tales of torture and execution, and visit the Crown Jewels at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
London has three other World Heritage Sites: the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, Maritime Greenwich, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The Palace of Westminster is not only a stunning piece of Victorian Gothic architecture, but it’s also home to the Houses of Parliament. Next door, Westminster Abbey is Britain’s coronation church and the venue for Prince William and Catherine’s wedding.
From affluent Mayfair to bohemian Camden, but the leafy area of Greenwich has some of the best highlights, including the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark and Greenwich Market. Here you can visit the home of Greenwich Mean Time, see the uniform that Nelson was wearing when he was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar, discover the world’s largest surviving tea clipper, or sample delicious food.
While 30 minutes from the city centre, Kew Gardens highlights its greener side. The world’s most diverse collection of living plants is housed here. Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, The Regent’s Park and St James’s Park are just a few of the other green spaces that draw attention to London’s natural beauty.
While spring is one of the best times to visit to see London in bloom, if you want a regal day out, you’ll have to come in the summer when Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official London residence, opens to the public. From the Changing of the Guard a formal ceremony of the Queen’s guards in their red uniforms and bearskin hats to the 19 lavish stately rooms inside, the palace never fails to impress. Other awe-inspiring palaces include Kensington, the birthplace of Queen Victoria; and Hampton Court, Henry VIII’s favourite royal residence. If you still haven’t had your royal quota, visit St Paul’s Cathedral to see where Prince Charles and Diana were married. Climb the 528 steps to the Golden Gallery for spectacular views, or listen to the acoustics in the Whispering Gallery.
Designed by Britain’s most famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul’s is not the only masterpiece. Christ Church at Spitalfields, the Old Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College and the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel are all visually astonishing and worth a trip.
London has a plethora of beautiful sights to see, but it’s also bursting with things to do. The city is packed with museums and galleries, many of which are free to visit. From the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum to Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers at The National Galley, it’s a treasure trove. Other cultural gems include Tate Modern and Tate Britain, the National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
Music fans are just as spoilt for choice. Visit the shooting locations for some of the most famous album covers, including the Beatles’ Abbey Road, or go to top-notch record stores and music venues. Among the best music venues are the Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The Roundhouse in Camden and the 02, which hosts some of the biggest names in music.
But it’s not just music and art. London has every form of entertainment from theatre in the West End or at Shakespeare’s Globe, to nightclubs, pubs and bars. Have a pint at The George Inn near London Bridge, where Shakespeare once drank, or sip a James Bond martini at DUKES Bar.
Dozens of new bars and restaurants open every month, making the city a holy grail for foodies. From street food to fine dining, there’s something for everyone. Visit Brick Lane for a curry, wander Borough Market or take your pick from one of almost 70 Michelin-starred restaurants. If you want the quintessential British experience, have a full English breakfast at a local café, enjoy afternoon tea at The Ritz, or eat fish and chips at Poppies.
London is also a fashion capital. From high-end boutiques in Mayfair to flagship stores on Oxford Street, you can shop until you drop. If you’re after more than just clothes, Harrods and Fortnum & Mason are almost attractions in their own right, and London’s markets, especially Portobello Road, are the perfect place to hunt for antiques and one-of-a-kind items.
London has something for everyone. Kids can get a thrill riding the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the world’s longest tunnel slide, and sports fans can visit Lord’s, Wembley or Wimbledon.
It’s such a multicultural city that you can dine on Asian food in Chinatown, watch French cinema at the Barbican, and learn Flamenco at the Southbank Centre all in one day. There are so many events from the Notting Hill Carnival to Chinese New Year. And there’s always something different to do. Ride a narrowboat on Regent’s Canal, watch street performers in Covent Garden or visit Sherlock Holmes’ Baker Street home.
One of the best things about London is that it’s ever-changing. You could visit a dozen times and never run out of new things to discover. You may get tired running around trying to do it all, but like Samuel Johnson, you’ll never get tired of London.
You can see palaces in London, but if you’re making the journey to the UK, you might as well make a trip to one of the best known of them all. Take a day trip to see the world’s oldest castle and the venue for two recent royal weddings. Walk in the footsteps of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle or Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank who were both married here. Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle, covering 13 acres (five hectares). It is currently one of the Queen’s residences, and she spends most of her private weekends here. The castle has more than 900 years of history and has been home to 39 monarchs. Take an audio tour narrated by Prince Charles to visit the opulent state rooms and marvel at the Gothic architecture of St George’s Chapel. When else will you get to wander a castle? It’s a one-hour train journey from London, but very much worth it for a magical day out.