London travel guide

London - discover the capital

Learn all about London from its unique landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye to its rich cultural hotspots like the Tate Modern and the British museum. You’ll also find useful travel information such as a map of London, accommodation booking and information on famous attractions and events such the Notting Hill Carnival, Wimbledon, shopping on Oxford Street and much more. 





Memory of London

"It is my most favourite place in the whole world.  Even if I do actually see the whole world, I am sure it will still be my favourite!"


Scully, Washington, USA


There's nowhere like London

There's nowhere in the world quite like London. The capital of England and Britain, and the biggest city in the EU, London is a vibrant, multicultural, 24-hour city. Guide your way through the stimulating blends of old and new, the buzz of the city and the tranquillity of its many open spaces make London unique for both tourists and locals alike. Over 300 languages are spoken in London, contributing to the city's own fascinating culture and making it a fantastic place to travel to and experience culture from all over the world.

Culture and Heritage

London's ever-changing and diverse culture scene means there is always something new to see or do in London. And at the same time, the city retains its fantastic historical features, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Tower of London, Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey & St Margaret's Church and Maritime Greenwich, which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Attractions

London has the greatest concentration of major attractions in Britain. There are 238 attractions which are free to enter, and there's nowhere else in the world where you can see so much for so little. The amazing views from the London Eye, and the world's most visited modern art gallery, Tate Modern, are just 2 attractions you can't afford to miss.

Shopping

If there's one thing you'll never get tired of in London, it's shopping. With over 30,000 shops to choose from and a burgeoning reputation in the fashion world, you won't be disappointed. Oxford Street is Europe's biggest shopping area, Bond Street is designer label paradise, and the street markets of Camden, Portobello Road and Brick Lane are perfect for vintage hunters.

Sport

As with most places in Britain, football is the most popular sport in London. The city is home to several of England's leading football clubs, and boasts 13 professional teams - more than any other city in the world. London also has 4 rugby union teams, and is home to 2 test cricket grounds (Lords and the Oval), as well as Wimbledon. London was also chosen to host the 2012 Olympic Games, making it the first city in the world to host the Summer Olympics 3 times.

Food & drink

London is a world-class destination for food-lovers. With its smart restaurants, informal gastropubs, superb delis and buzzing cafés, there really is something to suit all tastes. And the choice is staggering - you'll find cuisine from over 70 countries and over 6,000 restaurants from which to choose: 45 of which are Michelin-starred!

Music and nightlife

London's music scene and heritage is truly spectacular. It has 400 live music venues catering for everything from opera and jazz to rock and hip hop, and all over the city you’ll find famous musical landmarks and reminders of some of the capital’s biggest music stars. Summer is a great time for live music in London – you can enjoy everything from pop and rock festivals to the world’s largest classical musical festival – the Proms.

Buy before you fly

There’s so much to see and do in London, so don’t waste time in queues, buy your travel passes and attraction tickets online! Any Londoner will tell you that the Oyster Card (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-GB/detail.aspx?ProductCode=T105) is an essential piece of London kit – it’s a travelcard that you can use on a pay-as-you-go basis or load up with a 1-day or 1-week travelcard. You also won’t want to be without the London Pass (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-GB/detail.aspx?ProductCode=Tp7), which gives you free entry to 50 top attractions, like Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, London Zoo, St Paul’s Cathedral and Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum – and that’s just 5 out of the 50!

Must see and do


Top daytime must-do's


Top night time must-do's
  • Theatres, restaurants, bars, clubs – enjoy a night out in the West End.
  • Explore one of London’s villages, like Greenwich, with its rich maritime history.
Abbey Road zebra crossing in St Johns Wood, London

London podcasts

China Trail

Discover the colourful and intriguing Chinese culture that has long been a part of the fabric of London. Explore the China Trail; the impressive collections of Chinese art and design at the V&A Museum; the restaurants of China Town in the West End; the Museum of Docklands which tells of the history of the Chinese settlers in London; and don't miss the 10 storey octagonal Chinese Pagoda at Kew Gardens.

China Trail (19.5Mb)

Sports Trail

Visit some of the most famous sports venues in the world. Start at Twickenham Stadium where 82,000 fans cheer along the cream of English and International rugby. Travel to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum for an interactive history of tennis and its champions and see the ghost of John McEnroe! Find out about the Ashes at the world-famous cricket ground, Lord's MCC, and go on a guided tour of the new Wembley Stadium.    

Sports Trail (17.7Mb)

World City Trail

London is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world and, throughout the ages, people from all corners of the globe have passed through or settled in this city. This trail explores the histories of the people in London, beginning at the Museum of London, the largest urban history museum. You'll also visit the Museum of Docklands before tracing your ancestry in the London Metropolitan Archives.

World City Trail (26.9Mb)

Features, attractions & events

We list over 15,000 attractions and events in Britain and here we feature a few of the best ones. If you want to find a specific event for when you’re over here, or top attractions near your destination, use our handy attractions and events search.

Royal Festival Hall

Made in Britain

Fashion, shopping, nightlife, music, art and architecture - we've put together the best of Britain's cultural highlights for you. Find out where Kate Moss shops, meet the woman who taught Stella McCartney everything she knows, and discover where you can get a slap-up meal at 04:00 in the morning!

Made in Britain
Oxford Street

Shopping in London

Forget New York, Paris and Milan. London is without a doubt the fashion capital of the world, and within seconds of arriving you'll discover just what all the fuss is about.

Shopping in London

Book & Buy

From hotels and plane tickets to top attractions and theatre shows. Now you can organise your travel wish list before you even leave.

Travel around Britain

Whether youre travelling by bus, coach or train, weve got lots of products to save you time and money.


 
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Accommodation

Use Britains largest accommodation directory to find the perfect place to stay during your trip.


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Maps & Books

We have lots of maps, books and guides covering every subject about Britain and travelling to the UK.


 
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Attractions & Events Tickets

Dont waste time during your trip, buy tickets to all Britains top attractions before you leave.


 
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