Top Ten Attractions
-
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Big Ben is actually the name of the bell in the clock tower that chimes every fifteen minutes. Tours inside the elaborate parliamentary buildings are available, but security is ultra-tight and arrangements must be made in advance. http://www.parliament.uk
-
The Tower of London
Where the Crown Jewels are housed and where you can stand on the execution site of three English queens. The Tower Bridge exhibition is a short walk away and also worth a visit. http://www.royalarmouries.org
-
The London Eye
A fantastic 360-degree view of London from one of the 32 capsules on the Millennium Wheel. Currently £8.50 for adults, £5 for children – book online. http://www.londoneye.com
-
St Paul’s
The magnificent cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710. This is where Charles and Diana were married in 1981. http://www.stpauls.co.uk
-
Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s official London home – the Royal Standard flies above the building when she’s in residence. The state rooms are open to visitors in the summer. http://www.royal.gov.uk
-
Madame Tussaud’s
The renowned display of waxwork models of the famous and infamous. http://www.tussauds.com
-
Westminster Abbey
An architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries. A unique pageant of British history with tombs of kings and queens and memorials to the great. http://www.westminster-abbey.org
-
Trafalgar Square
considered to be the centre point of London. Here stands the 174-foot high column dedicated to Britain’s naval hero, Horatio Nelson. Look out for the pigeons!
-
The Thames
The waterway that’s so much part of London life. For a different view of the city, take a boat trip. http://www.riverthames.co.uk
-
Hyde Park
When everything’s got just a bit too much, take a break in one of London’s beautiful green spaces. http://www.royalparks.gov.uk
Eating and Drinking
British food used to be something of a joke, but things have changed and many world-famous chefs are making London a gourmet’s delight. The dining choices in London are endless. With such a mix of nationalities, it’s possible to sample food from practically every corner of the world any night of the week. The price range is equally as wide-ranging. Fashionable, expensive restaurants include Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s, The Ivy (a favourite showbiz haunt) and Tom Aikens. But there are many other restaurants that provide excellent value for money. A good listings guide will help, or book something stylish in advance with www.toptable.co.uk Many pubs and bars now have varied food options. Licensing laws have recently been relaxed, so the frustrating eleven o’clock closing time in pubs has become a thing of the past. And, of course, fast food outlets are everywhere.
Shopping
London vies with Paris as the shopping capital of the world. From trendy boutiques to teeming fashion stores to vibrant street markets, there’s something to suit even the most discerning of shoppers. Pick up the perfect gift from a luxury department store like Fortnum and Mason or while away an afternoon in the world famous halls of Harrods. Most things are more expensive in London than in other capitals, especially brand names, but bargains can be picked up at the many sales. The area around Oxford Street and Bond Street is the place for fashion stores and boutiques, but don’t miss these if you find time:
Night Life
London is a mecca for lovers of all types of music with concert halls, clubs, bars and night-spots all over the capital. London DJs are famous the world over and the club scene there is second to none. Concerts from classical to jazz and pop are happening all the time and many pubs have their own entertainment, including stand-up comedy. There’s a bustling mainstream theatre scene in the West End and a thriving fringe circuit. Multi-screen cinema complexes abound. There’s simply no excuse to stay in! The best – perhaps the only - way to sift through the many options is to get a good listings magazine. In-the-know Londoners swear by Time Out (www.timeout.com) which comes out weekly, is bang up-to-date and includes reviews as well as comprehensive lists of events.
