The metropolis of London has evolved over centuries. Originally a small walled city, it has emerged as an expansive urban hub. Today, London is the biggest city in Western Europe, a melting pot of cultures that blend together to make London a thriving international centre. Covering a vast area and with influences from all around the world, the city offers plenty to explore and experience, from some of the world's most recognisable landmarks to lesser-known areas that reveal different aspects to this diverse destination.
Lush green parks are a distinctive feature of London, which has more parkland than any other capital. These sanctuaries within the city include the eight Royal Parks, which between them cover more than 5,000 acres.
Regent’s Park, just north of Harley Street, boasts the capital’s largest grassed area for sports and is home to the world-renowned ZSL London Zoo. In Hyde Park, visitors can take in famous landmarks including the Serpentine lake, Speakers’ Corner and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. From mid-November, the south-east corner of the park is transformed into Winter Wonderland, home to the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, seasonal shows, festive markets and more than 100 rides and attractions.
Another of the Royal Parks, Kensington Gardens, is situated behind Kensington Palace, a residence of the royal family since the 17th century. Its State Rooms are open to the public and the palace also hosts a range of exhibitions. St James’s Park is London’s oldest park and the site of the Blue Bridge, from which you can enjoy spectacular views across the lake to Buckingham Palace – home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Those seeking the two largest of the Royal Parks need to venture to the outskirts of the city. Richmond Park – the largest urban parkland in Europe – and Bushy Park, close to Hampton Court Palace, are both havens for wildlife, including deer.
Though sprawling, London is a fascinating city that is easy to explore on foot. From Harley Street, take a 15-minute stroll to Mayfair, setting for some of the country’s finest shops and restaurants, including London's largest concentration of five-star hotels. From here, visitors can make the short journey towards Oxford Street – a shoppers' paradise – and beyond to Soho.
Having shaken off a seedy past, Soho today is London’s playground – a square mile bound by Oxford Street to the north, Regent Street to the west, Piccadilly Circus to the south and Shaftesbury Avenue, Covent Garden and Leicester Square to the south-east. It is home to an eclectic mix of eateries, boutiques and nightlife options, including music venues catering to all tastes. Those with an appreciation for architecture will be captivated by Covent Garden, home to a bustling piazza and an elegant Market Building.
This entire area comprises London's famed West End, a concentration of the city's major tourist attractions, shops and amusement venues. The West End is best known as London's 'Theatreland' district, with 40 venues staging globally acclaimed productions. Cavernous theatres and more intimate venues sit alongside historical landmarks, restaurants and galleries. From Piccadilly Circus, visitors can take a five-minute walk to the Royal Academy of Arts, an artist-led institution hosting prominent exhibitions.
South of Soho is Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson's Column – a monument commemorating Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died in the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar – its iconic stone lion statues and the Fourth Plinth, which features a rolling programme of temporary artworks. Art lovers will also enjoy the National Gallery, which houses one of the world's greatest collections of paintings.
Many of London’s arts and historical attractions are free to visit, including the National Gallery; Tate Modern, Britain’s national gallery of international modern art; Tate Britain, home to a collection of British art from 1500 onwards; the British Museum in Bloomsbury, which is dedicated to human history, art and culture; the Museum of London, where you can learn about the city’s history; and the National Portrait Gallery, housing a collection of portraits of historical figures and famous people. To the west, in Kensington, visitors to the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum can experience interactive exhibitions and unique collections.
London's most-visited landmarks include Westminster Abbey – one of the world's great churches – Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. As the River Thames snakes east, it reaches the Southbank Centre – Europe’s largest centre for the arts. On the opposite bank is Somerset House, which stages outdoor concerts and film screenings in its impressive courtyard in the summer, and an ever-popular ice rink during the winter months.
Beyond the Millennium Bridge on the south bank of the river is Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of a 17th-century theatre where audiences of up to 1,400 spectators can see the Bard's plays re-enacted in an open-air setting.
The historic City of London – known as the Square Mile – is the heartland of London’s trading and financial services industries, featuring a unique blend of old and new that sees centuries-old buildings standing in the shadows of gleaming modern skyscrapers. Standing serenely amid the City's daily bustle is St Paul’s Cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of London and a Grade I listed building. The cathedral dates from the 17th century and is one of London's most famous and recognisable sights.
Within the City, visitors can take in ‘The View from the Shard’ – a panorama offering 360-degree views up to 40 miles – and the Gherkin, an iconic structure at the heart of London’s financial district. Venturing east will lead to the Tower of London, which houses the Crown Jewels, and the iconic Tower Bridge.
Head further along the Thames for the O2 arena and exhibitions, leafy Greenwich Park, the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory – location of the prime meridian.
Although London is a year-round tourist destination, many choose to align their visit with the city's cultural and sporting events. The All England Lawn Tennis Championships take place at Wimbledon in early July, attracting fans from all over the world. Another popular summer attraction is the Proms – an eight-week programme of mostly classical music concerts and events held in the Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall and the Royal Parks.
