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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Ross Noble: Nonsensory Overload
Last updated Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:16:18 +0100
See hilarious comedian Ross Noble at the Hammersmith Apollo this December with his distinctive brand of quick wit . 12-13 Dec |
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Spots v Stripes
Last updated Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:42:20 +0100
Spots v Stripes are bringing their biggest, best games to celebrate a whole weekend of game playing in London. 11-12 Sep |
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Ross Noble: Nonsensory Overload
Last updated Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:16:18 +0100
See hilarious comedian Ross Noble at The Orchard Theatre this September with his distinctive brand of quick wit . 28 Sep |
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18th Raindance Film Festival
Last updated Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:10:55 +0100
Watch the best of new independent films and listen to indie filmmakers at the 18th Raindance Film Festival.29 Sep-10 Oct |
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Sci-Fi London: Oktoberfest
Last updated Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:31:25 +0100
Celebrate the best sci-fi filmmakers have to offer at the new mini film festival Sci-Fi London Oktoberfest. 14-16 Oct |
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The Glass Menagerie
Last updated Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:37:37 +0100
See Tennessee Williams's troubled early masterpiece The Glass Menagerie at the Young Vic Theatre this winter. 11 Nov-1 Jan |
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Matthew Bourne's Cinderella
Last updated Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:12:40 +0100
See acclaimed director Matthew Bourne's wartime adaption of the classic hit Cinderella at Sadler's Wells. 30 Nov-23 Jan Book online: http://visitlondon.eolts.co.uk/index.php?pg=72&action=show&showid=2564&WT.mc_id=rss_002 |
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Brick Lane Music Festival
Last updated Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:22:19 +0100
Head to London's East End for a weekend full of urban rhythms and hip-hop beats at the Brick Lane Music Festival. 18-19 Sep |
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Green Drops and Moonsquirters
Last updated Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:05:13 +0100
See work by acclaimed children's author Lauren Child at the interactive Green Drops and Moonsquirters exhibition. 2 Oct-3 Apr |
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Bedrock 12 with Carl Cox and John Digweed
Last updated Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:58:08 +0100
See world-renowned house DJs Carl Cox and John Digweed at Bedrock's 12th anniversary bash in London this October. 2 Oct Book online: http://www.seetickets.com/visitlondon/event.asp?ventown=london&artist=BEDROCK+12&filler1=visitlon&WT.mc_id=rss_002 |
*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.