One of the key advantages of choosing London as a location for healthcare is the wide range of attractions and activities for patients between their treatments, as well as to keep their accompanying families entertained. As one of the most vibrant and busy cities in the world, London has plenty to off er visitors of all ages – from historical buildings and landmarks to cultural collections.
Since opening to mark the new millennium in 2000, the London Eye quickly became an iconic landmark of London and is one of the most popular attractions among visitors to the city. The big wheel provides a sedate viewing experience as passengers ride in pods that take around 30 minutes to make a full rotation.
For the widest view over the city, head to The Shard – at 244m, it measures up as Western Europe’s tallest building and provides a 360-degree vista over the city from its dedicated viewing floors at the peak of its glazed spire. As well as providing the highest vantage point over the city, The Shard also has a selection of high-rise restaurants and bars that off er the best in food and drink, combined with spectacular views. Further elevated dining experiences abound in the City of London, home of the capital’s fi nancial district and also many of its tallest buildings. Skyscrapers where diners can enjoy panoramic views include Tower 42 (Old Broad Street), 20 Fenchurch (commonly known as the Walkie Talkie, on Fenchurch Street) and Salesforce Tower (Bishopsgate).
Among the nearest and most striking sights to be viewed from The Shard is one of its most recognisable – Tower Bridge. Built in 1894, the bridge now provides its own attraction, The Tower Bridge Experience, which allows visitors to explore its history and view the Victorian engines that raise the two halves of its span. Adventurous people with a head for heights can also traverse the glass floor of the bridge’s 42m-high walkway.
The building that gives the bridge its name, the Tower of London, is one of the capital’s most popular visitor attractions. The historic castle, part of which dates back to 1078 and was built for William the Conqueror, was a royal residence until the 17th century and then served as a prison, until as late as the Second World War. The Tower of London has also long been the home of the spectacular Crown Jewels, part of the Royal Collection, the most powerful symbols of the British monarchy that are still used in regal ceremonies today.
Today’s official London residence of the monarch is Buckingham Palace, recognisable from countless state occasions when the royal family gathers on the balcony to greet celebrating crowds gathered on the Mall. A daily draw for tourists is the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard, a superb display of British pageantry. During the summer and early autumn, the palace’s State Rooms are opened to the public, allowing visitors to experience the splendour of its interior and the art works that form part of the Royal Collection.
Only a short walk from Buckingham Palace is another familiar sight from special royal occasions – Westminster Abbey, the setting for national commemorations and celebrations, including royal weddings. The famous dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, also a regular venue of royal events, has been a fixture of London’s skyline since the early 1700s, following the Great Fire of London, and both churches offer guided tours for those keen to discover the history of the Anglican Christian tradition.
Close to Westminster Abbey is the UK’s seat of government, the Houses of Parliament, comprising the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Guided tours revealing the history of these buildings and exploring the traditions of British politics are available on Saturdays and most weekdays when Parliament is in recess. In contrast, for a more modern take on government in the capital, head back towards Tower Bridge to visit City Hall, headquarters of the Greater London Authority, comprising the Mayor of London and the London Assembly. Designed by acclaimed architect Norman Foster and opened in 2002, this distinctively shaped building hosts various exhibitions and events that are open to the public.
Art lovers are spoilt for choice in London, with an array of world-renowned galleries across the capital. Foremost among these is the National Gallery, which houses one of the most famous collections of European art, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Gainsborough, Turner, Botticelli and Renoir. Adjacent to the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square is the National Portrait Gallery, the world’s largest art collection of personalities and faces, which displays works from the late Middle Ages to the present day.
Exhibiting both the traditional and the modern are London’s two Tate galleries. Situated on Millbank, on the north side of the River Thames, Tate Britain focuses on the best of British art, including regular special exhibitions. Further west along the river, on the South Bank opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern showcases modern art from around the world. A frequent boat service links the two galleries to provide a unique experience for visitors.
London’s famous museums also offer the chance to explore human history, art, culture and technology, and three of the best-known are clustered to the west of the city in Kensington. The Victoria and Albert Museum – popularly known as the V&A – celebrates art, design and creativity, with special exhibitions alongside permanent collections that include fashion, jewellery, sculpture, textiles, glass and ceramics.
Just across the road from the V&A are two of London’s most fascinating museums. Interactivity is at the heart of many of the exhibitions at the Science Museum, with numerous opportunities for visitors to demonstrate key scientific principles for themselves via hands-on activities. The history of space is also explored with an absorbing collection of exhibits from the US and Russian space programmes, including the Apollo 10 command capsule.
Adjacent to the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum is a must for anybody interested in the natural world, past and present. Collections highlighting today’s wildlife and environmental issues combine with exhibits from all eras, including one of the best-known assemblies of artefacts from the prehistoric world.
In Bloomsbury, the British Museum is a magnet for tourists clamouring to see historical exhibits from all around the world, including displays of items from ancient Egypt, Greece, the Middle East and Europe. For those that would like a more private viewing, the museum also offers out-of-hours guided tours.
London’s Royal Parks provide some respite from the busy city streets and provide a connection with nature in the heart of the capital – none more so than Regent’s Park, only a short distance from the Harley Street area. The northern section of Regent's Park is dedicated to London Zoo, where visitors can get a close-up view of around 750 species – including big cats, monkeys, apes, giraffes, penguins and lizards – as well as finding out about the conservation work of the Zoological Society of London.
Regent’s Park also has plenty to offer culture followers in the form of the Open Air Theatre. The theatre stages productions from June to September, with performances ranging from Shakespeare to musicals and children’s plays.
As night falls over the city, a recent addition to the visual delights of the capital becomes evident, as the bridges of the Thames are illuminated with an array of coloured lights that bring the river alive after dark. Illuminated River is described as the "longest public art project in the world" and, when completed, will trans form the capital at night, lighting up to 14 bridges along 2.3 miles of the Thames. The project is expected to be seen more than 130 mill ion times each year of its decade-long lifespan, and is perhaps best viewed from the water itself – river buses and tourist cruises, many of which offer dining, are an ideal way to experience a unique and dazzling display of architecture.
