London has been a major settlement for 2,000 years going back to the Romans. The heart, the City of London, still retains many of its mediaeval boundaries.
London is a leading global city where arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, tourism, finance and the media all contribute to its prominence. In 2012 it will become the first city to host the Summer Olympics three times.
London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the Palace of Westminster and the historic settlement of Greenwich. Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Gherkin, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Trafalgar Square. Home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries and theatres there will never be a shortage of things to see and do.
Its extensive underground network, the oldest underground railway network in the world and the most extensive after the Shanghai Metro, will ensure that these places are easy to get to and if you don’t fancy the tube you can go by bus, taxi or, if you’re feeling energetic why not go by Boris Bike? Launched in July 2010, Boris bikes are London’s cycle hire scheme.
The West End is London’s main entertainment and shopping district, attracting millions of tourists every year. the East end is the area closest to the original Port of London, known for its high immigrant population as well as for being one of the poorest areas in London. Parts of it are presently being redeveloped for the 2012 Olympics.
London has over 3,000 green spaces and parks making it one of the greenest cities in the world: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, Green Park and St. James’s Park are all a short walk from the West End while the more expansive parklands of Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park are easy to get to by tube or bus.
With a population of nearly 8 million and covering an area of more than 620 square miles, London dominates the national horizon despite Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish devolution: this is where the country’s news and money are made and why the capital has a unique aura of excitement and success.
Check out some of the things you can do in London below…
Whitechapel Gallery
An excellent champion of contemporary art, holding major shows by living (or not long dead) artists.
Louis Vuitton
Leather goods store in London, England Luxury brand known for signature monogrammed handbags, luggage & more.
Camden Market
Started as a tiny crafts market, it has expanded greatly attracting more than 100,000 shoppers each weekend – cheap leather goods, furniture, street fashion and jewellery. To avoid the crowds arrive by 10.00 am.
Prince Edward Theatre
The Prince Edward Theatre is a West End theatre situated on Old Compton Street, just north of Leicester Square, in the City of Westminster, London.
Capacity: 1,716
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
White Hart Lane is the home of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club from 1899 to 2017. Its capacity varied over the years; when changed to all-seater it had a capacity of 36,284 before demolition. They currently play at Wembley Stadium for the 2017/18 season.
Brixton Academy
A refurbished Victorian hall, the Brixton Academy can hold 4,000. Hosts mainly mid-league bands.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Theatre in London, England The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, commonly known as Drury Lane is a West End theatre and Grade I listed building in Covent Garden, London, England. The building faces Catherine Street and backs onto Drury Lane.
Hackney Empire
This hundred year old theatre has a strong presence on the London circuit and is Britain’s leading black theatre. It presents a diverse mixture of comedy, drama, dance and opera throughout the year.
Fera at Claridge’s
Restaurant Chef Simon Rogan’s upscale eatery at Claridge’s offers elaborate tasting menus in an art deco space.
Website: feraatclaridges.co.uk
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Theatre in London, England The Apollo Victoria Theatre is a West End theatre on Wilton Road in the Westminster district of London, across from London Victoria Station. The Apollo Victoria Theatre opened on 15th October 1930.
Capacity: 2,304
Lords Cricket Ground
Lord’s, also known as Lord’s Cricket Ground, is a cricket venue in St John’s Wood, London. Named after its founder, Thomas Lord, it is owned by Marylebone Cricket Club and is the home of Middlesex County.
Capacity: 30,000
Maddox Club
Nightclub Chic members’ nightclub with stylish minimalist interior, Italian restaurant and celebrity crowd. 3-5 Mill St
Website: www.maddoxclub.com
Oxford Street
Shopping in Oxford Street Oxford Street is one of Europe’s much-loved High Street, featuring over 300 retailers from well-known retailers…
Hakkasan Mayfair
Restaurant Dim sum, Modern Cantonese delicacies and signature cocktails on 2 floors with designer decoration.
Website: hakkasan.com