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…
Backyard Comedy Club
Established by comedian Lee Hurst, this club attracts a consistently strong line up.
Regent’s Park
Home to London Zoo and an open-air theatre, Regent’s Park is surrounded by John Nash’s classical terraces.
Tower of London
One of London’s most amazing buildings and site of some of the most gruesome events in the Nation’s History.
London Palladium
The London Palladium is an iconic theatre and is known around the world. It has hosted performances stars all over the globe, includeing musicals and pantomimes, it is also host to Royal Variety performances.
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.
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/
Maddox Gallery
Mayfair’s Contemporary Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in Mayfair, London exhibiting an eclectic mix of paintings, sculpture and prints by blue chip, established and emerging artists.
Louis Vuitton
Leather goods store in London, England Luxury brand known for signature monogrammed handbags, luggage & more.
Royal National Theatre
The National Theatre in London is one of the United Kingdom’s three most prominent publicly funded performing arts venues, alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Opera House.
Corrigan’s Mayfair
Irish Modern British gourmet cuisine in a timeless gentleman’s-club setting with leather seats.
Website: corrigansmayfair.co.uk
Arsenal Football Club
Arsenal Football Club is a professional football club based in Highbury, London, England, that plays in the Premier League, the top flight of English football.
Capacity: 60,432
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
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.
CHANEL New Bond Street
Clothing store in London, England Iconic purveyor of high-end, Chanel-branded goods.
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.