Visitor guide to London, England - home of the 2012 Olympics
Whether you arrive in London via the underground or inside one of the city's ubiquitous black taxicabs, you will immediately be greeted by a deep sense of history and met with the unique vibrancy of this incredible destination.
In its dark and troubled past, the city of London has survived Roman occupancy, sackings from the Celts, Romans, Vikings and Saxons, a Norman invasion, two great fires, the bubonic plague, Nazi bombings, the Spice Girls and Damien Hirst.
But the London of today promises something for everyone. The London Eye lifts visitors high above the river into vistas that stretch tight across the fading skies. Further down on the South Bank, the Tate Modern contains one of the world's most incredible collections of Modern Art, while the city's 30,000 stores and boutiques will exhaust even the most avid shopper, and its 6,000 restaurants are only too eager to demonstrate why Britons revere their chefs as celebrities.
For those interested in exploring the country's heritage, the Tower of London is an excellent starting point. First constructed in the 11th century, the Tower has been rebuilt several times as later monarchs have left their mark. Still one of London's biggest attractions, and a great celebration of pomp that is free to all visitors is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which happens daily.
As the great dome of St Paul's reflects the colours of the setting sun, London comes alive with an unrivalled nightlife. For those up for something more thrilling than dinner and the theatre, London has a vast number of bars and nightclubs catering to all tastes.
Why visit London?
England's historic capital was the centre of the British Empire for generations, and is imbued with a sense of history. Modern London has retained its ancient heritage and remains the focus of world events. Anyone wishing to understand and explore the origins of Western culture will revel in a holiday in London, where traditional attractions still amaze and astound.
Olympics in 2012
London is playing host to the Olympic Games in 2012. Find out more from the official websites:
When to visit
London is famed for its abundance of rain and fog, so an umbrella is a necessity when planning to travel to London on holiday any time of year. The best time to holiday in London is during spring (May and June) when the parks erupt in a profusion of flowering bulbs, or autumn, when the trees turn into golden hues and skies are often a murky blue. The long summer evenings make June and July good months to travel, although public transport can become oppressive on hot days. Winters are gloomy, dark and cold.
Who is it for?
A holiday in London is enjoyable for anyone and everyone. Families with children can visit numerous entertaining attractions, from the Tower of London with its bloody history to the London Dungeon and Madame Tussaud's waxworks museum or the London Eye with its stunning vistas of the city. Couples can enjoy the restaurants and nightlife, see a West End show, and explore the markets and famous shopping streets.
More information
Our London travel guide includes recent reviews of where to eat and what to do in London, whether on holiday or business. The Basics section includes essential advice for international travellers on entry requirements, customs, currency, tipping and more.
Whats on in London
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MINT Polo in the Park
Last updated Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:13:11 +0000
Don't miss London's premier polo event, MINT Polo in the Park at Hurlingham Park. 8-10 Jun |
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Luxury Camping at ZSL London Zoo
Last updated Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:42:42 +0000
Spend a night in a luxury tent at London Zoo with this very special package. 23-27 May |
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Mayor of London Presents: A Summer Like No Other
Last updated Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:02:22 +0000
The Mayor of London presents a fantastic series of free outdoor events to celebrate the London 2012 Games. Summer 2012 |
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English National Ballet presents My First Sleeping Beauty
Last updated Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:32:36 +0000
Introduce your children to the magical world of ballet at English National Ballet's My First Sleeping Beauty. 4-13 Apr Book online: http://visitlondon.eolts.co.uk/index.php?pg=72&action=show&showid=3147&WT.mc_id=rss_002 |
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Yayoi Kusama
Last updated Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:32:59 +0000
Wander through Yayoi Kusama's immersive installations at Tate Modern in London. 9 Feb-5 Jun |
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The Duchess of Malfi at the Old Vic
Last updated Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:35:08 +0000
Eve Best stars in an exciting new production of The Duchess of Malfi at the Old Vic this spring. 17 Mar-9 Jun Book online: http://visitlondon.eolts.co.uk/index.php?pg=72&action=show&showid=3143&WT.mc_id=rss_002 |
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Disney on Ice: Princesses and Heroes at Wembley Arena
Last updated Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:10:20 +0000
See your favourite Disney scenes recreated on the ice in this magical family show at Wembley Arena. 7-11 Mar |
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National Theatre Live
Last updated Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:50:56 +0000
See major National Theatre productions screened at a cinema near you. Until 29 Mar |
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London Fashion Weekend
Last updated Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:22:00 +0000
Attention style sirens: London Fashion Weekend is back at the glamorous Somerset House. 23-26 Feb |
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Balletboyz: The Talent
Last updated Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:02:06 +0000
The Balletboyz are back at Sadler's Wells in London. 3-4 Mar Book online: http://visitlondon.eolts.co.uk/index.php?pg=72&action=show&showid=2717&WT.mc_id=rss_002 |
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Royal River: Power, Pageantry and the Thames at the National Maritime Museum
Last updated Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:02:22 +0000
Explore the Royal Family's relationship with the Thames at the National Maritime Museum. 26 Apr-9 Sep |
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Barclaycard Wireless Festival 2012 at Hyde Park
Last updated Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:50:13 +0000
Rihanna headlines's this year's Wireless festival in Hyde Park. Also on the line-up are Jessie J and Calvin Harris. 6-8 Jul Book online: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Barclaycard-Wireless-tickets/artist/28989?camefrom=CFC_UK_BUYAT_vtlondon&brand=[=BRAND=]&WT.mc_id=rss_002 |
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Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton at the V&A
Last updated Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:02:22 +0000
See Cecil Beaton's photos of The Queen through the ages at the V&A. 8 Feb-22 Apr |
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The Queen: Art and Image at the National Portrait Gallery
Last updated Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:43:36 +0000
See 60 remarkable portraits of Queen Elizabeth II in this exhibition at London's National Portrait Gallery. 17 May-21 Oct |
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A Gala for The Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Last updated Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:02:22 +0000
Famed opera tenor Russell Watson helps celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at London’s Royal Albert Hall. 2 Jun |
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Diamond Jubilee Carriage Procession at St Paul's Cathedral
Last updated Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:49:39 +0000
Take to the streets to watch The Queen's Diamond Jubilee carriage procession to St Paul's Cathedral. 5 Jun |
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Hard Rock Calling 2012 at Hyde Park
Last updated Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:03:27 +0000
See The Boss live in London this summer as Bruce Springsteen headlines Hard Rock Calling. 13.-15 Jul Book online: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Hard-Rock-Calling-tickets/artist/51473?camefrom=CFC_UK_BUYAT_vtlondon&brand=[=BRAND=]&WT.mc_id=rss_002 |
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The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons
Last updated Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:48:18 +0000
A unique and traditional event celebrating The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in London and around the world. 4 Jun |
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The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt
Last updated Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:27:19 +0000
Search for designer eggs at Fabergé's record-breaking Easter egg hunt across London. 21 Feb-8 Apr |
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British Design 1948-2012: Innovation in the Modern Age at the V&A
Last updated Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:02:22 +0000
The V&A celebrates the best of British art and design since London last held the Olympic Games, in 1948. 1 Mar-31 Aug |
*TripBuster.co.uk and Digital Trip Ltd is in no way affiliated with London 2012 - this page is simply a guide to events, attractions and transport around London.