Nothing prepares you for your first taste of London. This great world city is far more than just the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. London is both old and new, a place where traditional pubs rub shoulders with the newest cocktail bars. Its most ancient castle is right next door to its newest skyscrapers. London’s energy is tangible in every journey on the Underground and every walk along the banks of the River Thames. From the palaces of shopping to the real Buckingham Palace, London really does have it all.

Geography

London includes many neighbourhoods: To the west, the City of Westminster is home to Westminster Abbey,the seat of government at the Palace of Westminster – and to the Queen’s London home at Buckingham Palace. The South Bank, which runs the length of the Thames in central London, includes a fine riverside walk, the National Theatre.

Camden, Hampstead and Islington in north London are traditionally home to the literary and liberal political elite as well as to some of London’s best restaurants. Lambeth to the south has Lambeth Palace, the London home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Nearby, buzzing Brixton is multicultural London at its finest. Chelsea, Mayfair and Kensington are West London’s richest residential neighbourhoods, all north of the river. East London’s districts of Hoxton, Shoreditch and Clerkenwell are now the capital’s trendiest areas for art galleries, night clubs and the newest cocktail bars. 

Accessibility

Fly in on a plane, experience the English Channel on a ferry, go hi-tech on Eurostar or go budget on a bus. The way you travel to London is a crucial part of your encounter with this wonderful city.

By train: One of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to reach central London from continental Europe is to use the Eurostar high speed train service. Eurostar trains use the 50 km of the Channel Tunnel as part of the journey to London’s St Pancras International Station.

By plane: London is served by six airports London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City Airport, London Luton, London Stansted and London Southend, varying in size and distance from the capital.

By car from mainland Europe: Some travellers to London prefer to bring their own transport with them. While parking in the capital can be expensive, many hotels offer special deals which include parking. Travellers should note that London’s Congestion Charge is levied on all but the most fuel-efficient vehicles on inner London’s roads.

By bus: London is accessible by bus from almost all major European cities. For travellers
with the time to spare, this option of travel to the British capital is certainly the cheapest and offers the full experience of a grand European road trip without the added stress of driving. Look for the special offer advance fairs on: IdBus, National Express and Megabus.

Attractions

London’s many attractions have turned it into one of the world’s most visited destinations. Whether visitors are seeking culture, shopping, palaces or a great night out, London has it all. London’s easy to use public transport systems are another key to its popularity. For the indulgent, no visit to London is complete without a ride in a black cab, driven only by those who have completed what’s still called “The Knowledge” of all the best ways to avoid London’s traffic congestion.