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…
Chelsea Football Club
Chelsea Football Club is a professional football club based in Fulham, London, UK that competes in the English Premier League, of which they are reigning champions. Founded in 1905, the club’s home ground since then has been Stamford Bridge.
Capacity: 41,663
Annabel’s
Nightclub Elegant private club with starlit dance floor for the famous, the dressed-up and the well-heeled. 44 Berkeley Square Great cocktails · Groups · Wine Opens at 20:00
Website: http://annabels.co.uk/
Selfridges London
Selfridges department store is the biggest draw on Oxford Street, with a superb food hall, excellent clothes and first class restaurants.
Address: Selfridges & Co, 400 Oxford St, Marylebone, London W1A 1AB
Tape London
Nightclub Live music and DJ sets in a sophisticated setting with a full bar and trendy atmosphere. 17 Hanover Square
Website: http://tapelondon.com/
Borderline
Small basement gig with a diverse musical policy. Catch new bands and occasionally big names.
Backyard Comedy Club
Established by comedian Lee Hurst, this club attracts a consistently strong line up.
Hayward Gallery
The Hayward Gallery was opened by the Queen in 1968 and is an outstanding example of sixties brutalist architecture and…
Cirque le Soir
Nightclub Plush, circus-themed nightclub with DJs, burlesque snake charmers, fire eaters and indoor funfair.
Website: http://www.cirquelesoir.com/
National Gallery/National Portrait Gallery
Located next door to each other, at the top of Trafalgar Square, these comprehensive galleries make up the core of Britain’s art collection.
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill offers spectacular views of the city skyline from its 66 meter (216 foot) summit.
Gielgud Theatre
Theatre in London, England The Gielgud Theatre is a West End theatre, located on Shaftesbury Avenue in the City of Westminster, London, at the corner of Rupert Street. The house currently has 986 seats on three levels. The theatre was designed by W. G. R.
Capacity: 986
Park Chinois
Live music venue Opulent, high-end Chinese restaurant, with elegant live music, an extravagant menu and posh decor. Address: 17 Berkeley St, Mayfair, London W1J 8EA Hours: Open today · 12–5pm, 6pm–2am Reservations: opentable.co.uk Phone: 020 3327 8888
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
The Comedy Cafe
Long-established club on the edge of the City, often with impressive lineups and free admission for the new-acts slot on Wednesday nights.
Roka Mayfair
Japanese Premium Japanese charcoal-grilled dining in a setting of concrete, wood and stainless steel.
Website: rokarestaurant.com