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| City of London, London, England |
London is a magnet for tourists, it is a busy, bustling and exciting megalopolis which never stops, a real 24/7 city!! First impressions are an assault on the senses, it is so big and has so many people, so many buses and taxis, so many shops and markets, so many exhibitions and shows, so many ancient monuments and museums, so much night life, so many pubs and bars – and its all so different!! After a few days though, when you’ve flagged down your first London cab, caught your first bus or dared to try the ‘underground’, things don’t seem so bad as you begin to find your way around. Now is the time to see what you have come to see, take that walk along the Embankment, a stroll through Hyde Park, a spin on the ‘London Eye’, a boat trip on the Thames, a trip in an open topped double decker bus around the highlights of the city. Or maybe something more unique or specialised, such as seeing the London Motor Show or the Chelsea Flower Show, a night in Soho to experience the girly bars, a visit to the Albert hall, afternoon tea at the Ritz, a stroll down Petticoat Lane or Portobello Road, which is the world’s largest antique market, or catching up with one of those blockbuster live shows you missed in the West End – whatever takes your fancy, have fun - London is a great place and it will take you a lifetime to see it all. London lies within the top 20 largest cities in the world with its population of 15 milion, it is an amalgam of the mass of diverse peoples and cultures that live here - for example there are approximately 300 different languages spoken giving you some idea that this city is a truly an international city!!
London is the capital of England and is the result of 2000 years of development, much of it uncontrolled. The ancient city of London is the famous square mile which is the original ‘Londinium’, contained within the 2nd century Roman walls which defined the city for almost a thousand years. The original centre of Roman Londinium is marked with the ‘London Stone’, which is still visible on Cannon Street. Following the Norman Conquest, the city grew to encompass Westminster and areas further to the west. After the ‘Great Fire’ of 1666, which started in a bakery in Pudding Lane, the old city was devastated due primarily because most buildings of the time were constructed of timber. When London was re-constructed the majority of the old street plans were used with the ‘new’ London often being controlled by the large estate owners. At this time the main innovation became the square, an open space with grass and trees surrounded by terraces of houses. About this time too, the great parks were created: Hyde Park, St James’ Park and Regent’s Park. Originally royal hunting grounds, they were gradually ceded to the public and are what makes London unique among the world’s greatest capitals.
During the 19th century the economic strength and might of London caused unprecedented growth, with much of what you see today dating from the Victorian and Edwardian periods. ‘Gothic Revival’ buildings, such as the Houses of Parliament and St Pancras Railway Station made great imprint on the architecture of the day. Following the massive destructions caused by bombing during the Second World War, when many historic buildings were destroyed or badly damaged, much rebuilding and repair has taken place. Often described as a collection of villages, Greater London now covers an area of 620 square miles taking in places such as Croydon, Kingston-on-Thames and Harrow.
Many of the ‘Sights of London’ are well known to most people, but if you are new to the City an overview can be taken from the top of one of the London Transport open topped buses from where, in a couple of hours, the principal sights and places of interest can be pointed out. There are also, many guided walks and boat trips on the Thames which will roughly orientate you to the city before the tourist sight-seeing starts in earnest! The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular attractions, along with the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. The changing of the guard takes place each day in the forecourt of the Palace by regiments of the Brigade of the Guards. The Palace itself is 18th century but it received a face-lift in 1847 to show the facade you see today. Outside the gates, in front of the palace, is the memorial statue of Queen Victoria with gilded figure of Victory at the summit of the statue. The Tower of London is the most popular attraction in London, with millions visiting each year to see the ‘Crown Jewels’ and to wallow in its gory past. Many Kings and Queens, traitors and common criminals, have been imprisoned or executed here, since it was built by William the Conqueror 900 years ago. The White Tower, in the centre, was first to be built and later flanking towers and walls with an encircling moat were added. The moat was drained in the 19th century and grassed over, Traitors’ Gate is on the river and was built to bring prisoners to the tower by boat such as Sir Thomas Moore and Elizabeth I.
St Paul’s Cathedral is Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and remains one of London’s greatest landmarks. It was built after the Great Fire of 1666 which destroyed the previous Gothic Cathedral of the 13th century. The crypt contains tombs of Wren, Nelson, Wellington and Reynolds. It is famous for its Whispering Gallery, and the views of London from the external Golden Gallery!! Westminster Abbey is a Gothic church and is the traditional place where the Sovereigns of England are crowned and buried. It was built by Edward the Confessor before the coming of the Normans in the 11th century, and has been enlarged and altered over the years with the towers being added in the 18th century. Generations of English Kings and Queens have been buried here in beautifully carved tombs and there are memorials to statesmen, poets, scientists and others, including Dickens, Handel and Kipling. Nearby is the Palace of Westminster, otherwise known as the Houses of Parliament, with the Clock Tower or ‘Big Ben’ at its northern end, St Margaret’s Church, the official church of the House of Commons. A huge statue of Queen Boudicca in her war chariot stands on the Embankment by Westminster Bridge. Tower Bridge, the most distinctive of all London bridges, despite looking medieval was actually built only a century ago. The design was intended to harmonize the Tower of London and to give an impression of an ancient drawbridge. The Thames Barrier at Woolwich, however, is far more modern. Built to hold back the river and prevent flooding in the city, ten steel-plated gates between piers can be raised to form a continuous wall. Nearby, and still by the river, is the Millennium Dome. This was built to house the main celebrations of the year 2000 on the derelict site of the Greenwich Peninsula, and it is hoped that it will regenerate an area of 300 acres of dereliction. Nelson’s Column towers 185 feet above Trafalgar Square, named for his famous victory of 1805, which also ended his life. Below stately lions gaze across the square to the fountains designed as memorials to the First World War naval commanders, Admirals Beatty and Jellicoe. The National Gallery, built along the north side of the Square, holds some of the nation’s greatest art treasures. Around the corner in St Martin’s Place is the National Portrait Gallery with masterpieces of Henry VIII, Gladstone and Disraeli, among others. South Kensington is home to the museum complex including the Victoria Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, all excellent wet weather retreats. Other museums include the National Postal Museum in King Edward Street, where you can find out all about the ‘Penny Black’ and the Jewish Museum in Upper Woburn Place, which is crammed with ritual objects such as lamps, bells and ram’s horns!
If it is shopping that you want, then look no further than Harrods in Brompton Road where there is little that you cannot purchase. Whatever you want to see or do, there is something for everyone in London, as said previously it would take a lifetime to see it all – this is just a small taste!
Other sites it the city, worthy of mention:
Apsley House, home to the first Duke of Wellington and previously known as No.1, London, is now a museum in the care of English Heritage.
The Royal Albert Hall, used for concerts and sporting events and capable of holding 8000 spectators, is in sited in the ‘Museumland’ area of the city.
The Tate Gallery, situated on the river near Vauxhall Bridge, holds the national collection of modern paintings.
Royal Naval College at Greenwich, originally intended as a new palace for Charles II, became instead a home for retired seamen.
Westminster Cathedral, the premier church of Roman Catholics in England, with its contrasting bands of red brick and Portland stone is based on the Duomo in Siena.
Lord’s Cricket Ground in St John’s Wood, the acknowledge world headquarters of cricket.
Eltham Palace in Greenwich, built by Virginia and Stephen Courtauld in the 1930s Art Deco style, a masterpiece of the 20th century design.
Did you know that – the site of the gallows of Tyburn, where thousands of people were hanged between 1196 and 1783, is commemorated by a small bronze triangle in the ground west of the Marble Arch?
Did you know that ‘Big Ben’ is the largest four faced chiming clock in the world!!
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Best Western Phoenix Hotel
London
 |  The Phoenix Hotel is situated in a great location right in the heart of Bayswater, within easy reach of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and a short bus ride to Marble Arch and the shopping in Oxford St. It has a 19th Century elegance combined with a warm welcome and this makes it a popular choice for... |
Hilton London Olympia Hotel
London
 |  The Hilton Olympia is located right on Kensington High street with a bustling atmosphere right at your door step. Next to the Olympia Exhibition centre and just half a mile from Earls Court, one mile from Knightsbridges' famous Harrods and Royal Albert Hall and two miles from Kensington Palace. |
Crowne Plaza London - St. James
London
|  This stylish hotel is situated just around the corner from Buckingham Palace and close to many other famous London landmarks. The elegant Edwardian rooms are well appointed and many have views onto the stunning central fountain. |
Barkston Gardens Hotel
London
 | The Barkston Gardens Hotel is located in a quiet area of Earls Court, 200 metres from the underground and close to shops and restaurants.
The hotel was built at the turn of the 19th century. Orignally Victorian terrace houses which have been converted to comfortable hotel rooms with modern day faci... |
Victoria Park Plaza
London
| This hotel is in a perfect location for a visit to all the London attractions, within walking distance to Buckingham Palace, Harrods in Knightsbridge, Westminster Abbey, West End Theatres, Hyde Park, Green Park and Big Ben. The local underground, Victoria, is just minutes away providing easy access ... |
Holiday Inn London-Kingscross/Bloomsbury
London
 |  The Holiday Inn London Kings Cross/Bloomsbury is a central London hotel situated between the City of London and Londons West End. Kings Cross, Farringdon and Russell Square underground stations are all within easy walking distance. This fabulous location provides all customers with acces to famous t... |
St Giles Hotel
London
| The hotel is located within walking distance to Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road and right in the Heart of London's West End. The shopping district and major attractions are also moments away.
The hotel offers one of the largest sports and leisure facilities in Central London this is located ... |
Millennium Gloucester Hotel
London
|  This modern and elegantly furnished hotel is located in the heart of Kensington, less than a minute's walk from Gloucester Road underground station and an easy walk to Harrods. Nearby attractions include Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History, Science and Victoria & Albert Museums... |
Thistle Marble Arch
London
|  The Thistle Marble Arch is an art-deco style hotel and occupies an unrivalled position overlooking Oxford Street. It is a great location being only minutes from the main shopping areas of London and a short stroll to Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. Car parking is available nearby at an add... |
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Royal London
Sightseeing
London |  A fabulous tour of London! See the famous James Bond MI6 building before traveling to Lambeth Palace and Westminster Bridge with its fantastic views of the River Thames and London Eye. Then a stop in Parliament Square for a guided walking tour to observe the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and Westmi... |
The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace
Tour
London |  One of the finest working stables in existance, the Royal Mews provides a unique insight into the department of the Royal Household that provides transport by road for the Queen and other members of the Royal Family.
The Royal Mews houses the State vehicles, both horse-drawn carriages and motor car... |
Warwick Castle, Stratford , Oxford & the cotsworld
Tour
Oxford |  Enjoy a walking tour of Oxford. Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakesphere's birthplace, Warwick castle and its 60 acres of English garden and The Cotswolds. |
Hop On, Hop Off London
Sightseeing
London |  The Original London Sightseeing Tour provides more than just a great way to travel around London. Founded in 1951 at the time of The Festival of Britain and now the largest single sightseeing operator in the world, it has now become established as the essential introduction to London. It is the only... |
The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace
Tour
London |  The State rooms for the heart of the working palace and are open to visitors during the months of August and September when the Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland. These 19 rooms are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rube... |
The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Sightseeing
London |  The Queen's Gallery is a permanant space dedicated to changing exhibitions of items from the Royal Collection, the wide-ranging collection of art and treasures held in trust by The Queen for the Nation.
Shaped by personal tastes of kings and queens for more than 500 years, the Royal Collection incl... |
Houses of Parliament
Tour
London |  During the Summer months overseas travellers can arrange a visit of Parliament. It is a fully guided tour conducted by a Blue Badge Guide. The tour starts in Victoria Tower and proceeds through the Robin Room, Royal Gallery, Chambers of the House of Lords and House of Commons, Central Lobby, St Step... |
Yeoman Warder - Tower of London
Tour
London |  The Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters will entertain you with tales of intrigue, imprisionment, execution, torture and much more. These entertaining and at some time comical tours are informative and fun for all. Participation in a Yeoman Warder tour is included in your Tower of London admission ticket.... |
Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath
Tour
Bath |  A fascinating day out to three of our national treasures, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Georgian Bath. Including the State Apartments at Windsor Castle and the Roman Baths and Pump Room at Georgian Bath. |
Discovering London
Sightseeing
London |  Discover London with a complete full day tour, including St Paul's Cathedral, Changing of the Guard, the Tower of London, Thames River Cruise and the Tower of London.
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London & Paris
7 days |  Spend your time discovering London & Paris with this action packed tour. No need to negotiate maps, guidebooks, public transport & languages though, leave that to us! Your 3 days in London include a city tour to take in the major city sites, day trip to Bath & Stonehenge, tickets to a West End music... |
London & Paris + Amsterdam
9 days |  Spend your time discovering London, Paris & Amsterdam with this action packed tour. No need to negotiate maps, guidebooks, or public transport - leave that to us! Your 3 days in London include a city tour of the major sites, a day trip to Bath & Stonehenge, a tickets to a West End musical & plenty o... |
Cosmopolitan Europe
15 days |  This tour will suit those travellers who want to see mainstream Europe and with Prague thrown in as a bonus. With five two night stays the tour gives you time to relax and have some free time as well.
Begin in London before crossing to Brussels and through Germany. Highlights include a Rhine Rive... |
London & Paris + Rome
10 days |  Discover London, Paris & Rome with this action packed tour. No need for studying maps, guidebooks & languages - leave it to us! Your time in London include a city tour of the major sites, a day trip to Bath & Stonehenge, tickets to a West End musical. Onto Paris, via the English Channel, for a city ... |
Best of Europe
16 days |  This tour is a much more leisurely tour of Europe visiting five countries in 16 Days. There are five two night stays and these allow you time for relaxation and some free time.
This classic tour of Western Europe includes the must-see cities and sights. Begin in London with time to see the major... |
European Grandeur
27 days |  This is a well planned tour for those who want to see most of the popular places in Europe. Being long they have catered for many two night stays. The tour is very popular with visitors from the Southern Hemisphere who don't get a chance to visit Europe often. The tour also travels the opposite wa... |
London & Paris + 2 days Paris
9 days | Spend your time discovering London & Paris with this action-packed tour. No need to negotiate maps, guidebooks, or public transport - leave that to us! Your 3 days in London include a city tour of the major sites, a day trip to Bath & Stonehenge, tickets to a West End musical & plenty of free time. ... |
Wonders of Britain & Ireland
12 days |  Through the cities of London, Bath, Salisbury, Dublin and Oxford, experience the Britain and Ireland of a simpler time. On this tour see medieval castles and churches that have stood for centuries, admire Ireland's breathtaking Ring of Kerry and stand in awe before the mysterious Stonehenge.
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European Dream
8 days | Discover Rome with a local guide that takes you to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, cross the River Tiber to overlook the Forum and see the mighty Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. Journey towards Venice, through the Umbrian Hills to see the hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto, before entering Tus... |
European Whirl
12 days |  European Whirl visits 8 countries in 12 days. See the sights of Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France & the United Kingdom. The famous and beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne and Paris with all the hidden wonders in between. You'll drive... |
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