London Guide

Getting to London

Being the UK’s biggest city, London is easily accessible whether you’re travelling by rail, road or air. The city’s three international airports, London City Airport, Gatwick and Heathrow, make London easily accessible not just from the rest of the UK, but from practically anywhere in the world. The multiple motorway networks ensure London is easy to reach from the north, east, south and west and excellent rail links across the UK and Europe mean this vibrant capital city is easy to reach, however you plan on travelling.

 

By Rail

London is the hub of the British Rail Network with most cities and towns providing frequent train services to the capital. London Kings Cross Station serves many UK destinations including Cambridge, Leeds, Newcastle upon Tyne and Edinburgh. You can travel to St Pancras International from the likes of Nottingham, Leicester and Sheffield. St Pancras is also home to the Eurostar, providing journeys to and from Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and many more. London is home to 9 mainline railway stations including St Pancras, Kings Cross, Euston and Waterloo. These stations are all well connected to London’s underground tube system so you can continue your journey with ease.

By Road

Getting to London by car is easy thanks to the M25 orbital motorway which encircles the city. Most of the major routes from England, Scotland and Wales end up here. From the north you can find the M25 by following the M1, M11 and M4. If you’re travelling from the west the best road to take is the M4 and from the South East you should take the M2. I you’re travelling to London from the South the M3 and M23 Motorways will lead you to the M25. Once you’ve reached the M25 the capital is within easy reach.

 

By Air

In London you will find flights to and from practically anywhere in the world from London CityAirport, Gatwick and Heathrow. The airports themselves are easy to reach from throughout the capital: London City Airport can be reached via the DLR line, Heathrow is on the Piccadilly Underground Line and Gatwick has its own designated train station. From there you can catch regular links to London Bridge and LondonVictoria railway stations.

 

Getting Around in London

Once you arrive in this vibrant and bustling city, there are multiple options you can use to get from place to place. From buses and taxis to the tube and the DLR, you can get around London with ease thanks to all the modes of transport on offer. Plus, there are many different ticket types available such as Oyster cards, travel cards and standard fares, so you can find the best option to suit your budget and travel needs however you plan on travelling.

By Bus

The iconic red London buses run throughout the capital and with frequent services it couldn’t be easier to get around. You can take in many famous sights along the way making this one of the more scenic transport choices during your London short break. Travel Cards and Oyster Cards are both accepted on the bus so it’s a cost effective way to travel, saving you plenty of money. The average cost of a single journey on London buses is £2.30 but with a pay as you go Oyster Card the price will be just £1.35

 

By Taxi

London is served by thousands of distinctive black cabs which can be found all over the city. You can book a cab in advance from your hotel to ensure you arrive at your destination in plenty of time but for extra convenience they can also be found at taxi ranks throughout the city or flagged down in the street. A fifteen minute journey between 12 and 8pm will typically cost somewhere between £8.40 and £13.40. There is a minimum fare of £2.40 for all journeys at all times

 

By Tube

The tube trains are efficient and run every 2-3 minutes. They provide access to destinations throughout the central area and suburbs and are split into 11 different colour coded zones. A number of different ticket types can be used on the tube. A daily travel card can be used throughout the day and is also valid on London buses; the average price of an off-peak travel card is £6.60. An Oyster Card is a contactless electronic smartcard which is the more cost effective option; it can be topped up with money at stations through the city.

Shopping in London

The world-famous department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols store everything you could possibly desire and the infamous Oxford Street is a hive of shopping activity. With over 4,000 shops for you to discover on your short break, the capital is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy. London has gained a reputation as the number one UK city for shopping and there’s a good reason why. The city is home to independent markets like Camden Stables and Brick Lane where you can find cool one-off buys alongside vintage pieces.

Top 5 Department Stores & Shopping Centres

 

Selfridges. 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

Dominating the west end of Oxford Street, this legendary department store has everything you could ever need spread across six floors, including high fashion departments, eleven places to eat and two exhibition halls

 

Harrods. 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL

This iconic department store is always the first stop for fashion lovers visiting London. What’s more, you’ll also find a food hall, designer collections, a toy floor and even a pet shop

 

Harvey Nichols. 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1

Browse the latest designer clothing collections, enjoy a bite to eat in the restaurant or relax in the fifth floor bar while taking in great views of the city; Harvey Nichols has it all

 

Westfield London. Centre Management Suite|Unit 4006, Ariel Way, London W12 7GF

Located near Wood Lane underground station, this is one of the UK’s largest shopping centres. It’s home to big brand clothing names and an excellent selection of food.

 

Fenwick. 63 New Bond St., W1

Situated in the up-market Bond Street area, Fenwick is modern department store selling fashion and homeware. For an added touch of luxury take full advantage of the restaurant, bar and spa facilities.

Eating Out in London

Whatever time of the day you want to eat out, you’re spoilt for choice in the capital. Celebrity chefs have chosen London as their city of choice for opening their own restaurants and you’ll find eateries from the likes of Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal dotted around the city. If you’re after something more family friendly there are still plenty of choices to suit your needs. From chain restaurants like Frankie and Benny’s and Wagamama to one-offs like the authentic Rainforest Café, you’ll find the perfect place to have a bite to eat with friends or family.

Top 5 Restaurants for a Special Occasion

 

Club Gascon. 57 West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9DS

A Michelin starred restaurant specialising in cuisine from the South-West of France. The restaurant provides an à la carte menu as well as a 5 course tasting menu available for lunch and dinner

 

Fifteen London. 15 Westland Place, London,N1 7LP

Founded by Jamie Oliver in 2002, this restaurant gave 15 unemployed young people the chance for a better future. The restaurant serves the finest Italian food in stylish surroundings and all proceeds go to the Jamie Oliver Foundation

 

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, London,SW1X 7LA

The restaurant features dishes inspired by traditional recipes from the past. Heston’s take on English fare is as innovative as we’ve all come to expect

 

Tamarind. 20 Queen Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5PR

Set in trendy Mayfair, this Michelin starred restaurant has a reputation for providing excellent Indian gastronomy. Now in its sixteenth year, Tamarind offers a sophisticated dining experience to all of its guests

 

Hakkasan. 8 Hanway Place,London, W1T 1HD

A luxurious Chinese restaurant with a Michelin star to it’s name. Specialising in Chinese and Cantonese cuisine, Hakkasan will provide you with an authentic Chinese dining experience

London Nightlife

London’s effervescent nightlife helps to set it apart from other cities. The capital is the best city to be in to see a theatre show or performance thanks to the wide range of venues including the Royal Opera House, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Royal National Theatre. If you’d prefer to see a film you’re spoilt for choice as London is jam packed with multiplexes and small independent cinemas including the Everyman Cinema in HampsteadVillage where you can see the latest releases in a cosier setting. The list of things to see and do is endless from burlesque shows to comedy clubs and live music venues.The O2 Arena hosts an array of events from pop music superstars to world class sporting events and comedy favourites to make sure there’s something to suit all audiences. Piccadilly Circus is a great London landmark to visit by night thanks to its vibrant screen displays and there’s no shortage of bars, restaurants and clubs in the surrounding area. You will have plenty of things to do by night during your time in London.

Top 10 London Nightlife

 

Royal Opera House. Covent Garden, London WC2E9DD

The well known theatre is home to the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera, featuring a host of productions and world famous stars throughout the year

 

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1

The theatre is dedicated to performing and exploring the works of Shakespeare as well as being home to Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition

 

The O2 Arena

After being transformed into a world class entertainment venue The O2 has hosted everything from international superstar musicians to exhilarating sporting events

 

The Comedy Store. WC1, near Picadilly, London

The Comedy Store is a popular comedy club where you can enjoy improvised stand up at its best for an evening out with a difference

 

Everyman Cinema. 5 Holly Bush Vale | Hampstead Village, London NW3 6TX

A small and friendly cinema where you can see highly anticipated blockbuster releases alongside a host of cult independent productions

 

Southbank Centre. Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

With a programme containing classical and world music, dance, literature and visual arts, this diverse venue attracts visitors from far and wide

 

Royal National Theatre. South Bank, Waterloo, London SE1 9PX

The Royal National Theatre is a venue that the entire family can enjoy, showing classic musicals, new plays and special events

 

The Barfly. 49 Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AN

The Barfly is an iconic live music venue which historically helped to launch the careers of Coldplay, Blur, Oasis and Franz Ferdinand

 

Volupte. 7-9 Norwich Street, London, EC4A 1EJ

Volupte is an entertainment venue providing its visitors with show stopping burlesque and cabaret performances accompanied by sophisticated cocktails

 

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s most famous landmarks. It attracts large crowds and is considered to be the hub of the capital

Bars in London

Our guide to London bars covers every kind of drinking spot. Stylish wine bars can be found throughout the capital and Kensington and Chelsea should be your destinations of choice for extensive wine lists and expensive tipples. If you’d prefer to enjoy an afternoon cocktail or spend some time in a classic beer garden you’re in luck.  Leicester Square and CoventGarden are jam packed with casual bars and outside seating areas, perfect for watching the world go by and doing a spot of people watching. Oxford Street is another good area for a daytime drink, the side streets are populated with intimate pubs and bars serving an array of drinks throughout the day. Many bars including Agenda Bar run happy hours throughout the day so you’ll be able to pick up drinks at cheaper prices, perfect for if you’re on a budget. When exploring the London bar scene you’re sure to find something a bit different. From New York-style cocktail bars like Idlewild to bars set in skyscrapers like The Drift in Heron Tower, the capital is the perfect place for finding some hidden gems.

Top 10 London Bars

 

Agenda Bar. Minster Court, 3 Mincing Lane, London,EC3R 7AA

Located in the centre of London, this airy and spacious bar provides the perfect setting for evening drinks. Plus you get 50% off drinks during Happy Hour, running from 5-8pm daily

 

Soho Theatre Bar, 21 Dean St, London, W1D 3NE

A trendy spot for a pre-theatre drink, the Soho Theatre Bar is also a popular hang out for London’s bright young things.

 

The Cork and Bottle. 44-46 Cranbourn Street, London Chinatown, London, WC2H 7AN

Situated in the bustling Leicester Square, The Cork and Bottle boasts an impressive and extensive wine list, meaning you’re sure to find a tipple to suit you

 

Davy’s St James. 20 King Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6QY

This traditional wine bar and restaurant is in an ideal location near Green Park tube station. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, candlelit tables and an excellent selection of own label, vintage and modern wines

 

The Drift. Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY

A striking bar and restaurant located in Heron Tower, the impressive new skyscraper on Bishopgate. Choose from a selection of innovative cocktails and try your hand at making your own at the mixology table

 

Eight Over Eight. 392 King’s Road, Chelsea, London,SW3 5UZ

Set in the affluent area of Chelsea, this vibrant bar has it all. The bar provides an extensive wine lists and a seemingly endless choice of cocktails

 

The Thirsty Bear, 62 Stamford St, London, SE1 9LX

London’s first self-service pub, pull your own beer at your table or order drinks or burgers at the touch of a button on the handy touch-screen tablets.

 

The Grenadier, 18 Wilton Row, London, SW1X 7NR

Originally built in 1720, The Grenadier is as traditional as they come – set in Belgravia, the supposedly haunted pub invites patrons to attach money to the ceiling to pay off the ghost’s debt.

 

The Terrace Bar and Food. South Bank, Southwark, London, SE1 9PX

The Terrace Bar is perfect for a pre or post show drink. Sporting views over the Thames, the bar is a welcome respite from the bustling city

 

BrewDog Camden, 113 Bayham St, Camden, London, NW1 0AG

BrewDog Camden is one of the city’s highest-rated bars – the decor is starkly minimalist and matches the edgy ambience of this cool pub, just minutes from Camden High Street.

London Attractions

London is the top UK city to go to for sightseeing and attractions and is visited by millions of people every year. Whether you want to soak up the culture in the galleries and museums, visit some famous landmarks or explore the parks and gardens come rain or shine, London has a lot to offer its visitors. London is full of iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Sqaure, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral. Newer attractions like the Cutty Sark are growing in popularity and rapidly making a name for themselves. Not forgetting some of the classic attractions including the London Eye, the Tower of London the London Aquarium and Madame Tussauds. The list of attractions is seemingly endless so you won’t run out of things to see and do. Entertainment venues are certainly worth a visit during the daytime too. The O2 Arena is no longer just a concert venue, it’s now home to the informative British Music Experience Museum and you can even climb up to its roof as part of the exhilarating Up at The O2 attraction.

Top 10 London Attractions

 

Tower of London. Tower Hill, Tower Hill tube, London EC3N 4AB, England

The Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous historic landmarks and is home to the famous crown jewels. It also acted as a prison cell for the famous Sir Walter Raleigh

 

Up at The O2. The O2, London SE10 0DX

You can now get a completely new perspective of the capital from the roof of The O2 Arena. Climbs take approximately 90 minutes and promise to be an unforgettable experience

 

Cutty Sark. King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10

This English clipper ship was built in 1869 and is a fun and informative way of delving into English history

 

Trafalgar Square. Centre of the City, London SW1A

This spacious square is considered as the centre of London, marked by Nelson’s Column, standing at 145-foot-high

 

Buckingham Palace. London SW1A 1AA

This world famous royal residence contains priceless works of art, fine furniture and decorations from the Royal Collection

 

Natural History Museum. Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD

A fascinating way of exploring the natural world throughout the ages; the Life and Earth galleries are a must see

 

St James’s Park. Horse Guards Road, The Storeyard, London SW1A 2BJ

St James’s Park is the oldest Royal Park in London, spread over 90 acres the park is a wildlife sanctuary for ducks, geese, swans and pelicans

 

St Paul’s Cathedral. St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

This majestic location has played hosts to such historic events as Winston Churchill’s state funeral and the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales

 

ZSL London Zoo. Regent’s Park | Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY

With over 720 species to see and a growing number of new exhibits, this is fun for all the family

 

National Gallery. Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Home to one of the greatest collections of European paintings in the world, the National Gallery is a must visit for anyone interested in art.