Cruise Destination - London, swinging London

London is the swinging and vibrant capital city of England and the United Kingdom, and the centre of the Commonwealth.

by Alexander Naughton, editing by Earl of Cruise

London, Palace of Westminster from the dome on Methodist Central Hall - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)

Swinging London is a leading global city, with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport all contributing to its prominence. It is one of the world's leading financial centres.

London is a world cultural capital. It is the world's most-visited city as measured by international arrivals and has the world's largest city airport system measured by passenger traffic. London's 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education in Europe. In 2012, London became the first city to host the modern Summer Olympic Games three times.

London 360 from St. Paul's Cathedral, Sept 2007 - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)

London has a diverse range of peoples and cultures, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries. London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret's Church; and the historic settlement of Greenwich (in which the Royal Observatory marks the Prime Meridian, 0° longitude, and GMT). London has a wealth of 40,000 listed buildings and over 150 ancient monuments. Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and The Shard. London is home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries, sporting events and other cultural institutions, including the British Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Imperial War Museum, Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum, London Transport Museum, Museum of London, British Library and 40 West End theatres. The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world. Formed on 29 September 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, London’s Metropolitan Police Force is the oldest police force in the world. London is the greenest city of its size across the globe with green spaces covering nearly 40 per cent of Greater London.

Panorama London 2012 - Source: Wikipedia (orginal seize)

The City of London is the main financial district, and Canary Wharf has recently developed into a new financial and commercial hub in the London Docklands to the east. The West End is London's main entertainment and shopping district centred around Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Covent Garden, Oxford Street and Regent Street for example. Europe's busiest shopping area is Oxford Street, a shopping street nearly 1 mile (1.6 km) long, making it the longest shopping street in the United Kingdom. Oxford Street is home to vast numbers of retailers and department stores, including the world-famous Selfridges flagship store. Knightsbridge, home to the equally renowned Harrods department store, lies to the south-west.

Harrods, London, June 2009 - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)

The capital is home to many world leading entertainment and cultural institutions. London is a world cultural hotspot with 300 theatres, 500 cinema screens and 12,000 restaurants. The city is the home of Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose musicals have dominated the West End theatre since the late 20th century. The UK's Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Royal Opera and English National Opera are based in London and perform at the Royal Opera House, the London Coliseum, Sadler's Wells Theatre () and the Royal Albert Hall as well as touring the country. London is home to legendary fashion designers Vivienne Westwood, Galliano, Stella McCartney, Manolo Blahnik, and Jimmy Choo among others; its renowned art and fashion schools make it an international centre of fashion alongside Paris, Milan and New York. Indeed over 5,000 people attend London Fashion Week, which generates over £100m of orders for the UK fashion industry.

London is one of the major classical and popular music capitals of the world and is home to major music corporations, such as EMI, as well as countless bands, musicians and industry professionals. The city is also home to many orchestras and concert halls, such as the Barbican Arts Centre (principal base of the London Symphony Orchestra), Cadogan Hall (Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) and the Royal Albert Hall (The Proms). London's two main opera houses are the Royal Opera House and the Coliseum Theatre. The UK's second largest pipe organ can be found at the Royal Albert Hall (built by a Liverpool company - Henry Willis & Sons). Other significant instruments are found at the cathedrals and major churches. Several conservatoires are located within the city: Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Drama. London has numerous venues for rock and pop concerts, including large exhibition centres and arenas such as the Alexandra Palace, Olympia London (http://olympia.london/), Excel, Wembley Arena and the O2 Arena. The city is home to the first and original Hard Rock Cafe and the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Also it is home to a large number of events as around 250 festivals take place in London every year, including Europe’s biggest street festival, the Notting Hill Carnival.

Notting Hill Carnival - Source: Wikipedia

London and the UK have made an outstanding contribution to popular music culture on a global scale, fostering hundreds of iconic acts and classic artists loved the world over. UK youth culture has given birth to punk, dance and pop music, and UK festivals and venues attract millions of music fans each year. London is a leading centre for music heritage tourism.

A veritable candy store for anyone that loves music, London offers an incredible variety of grassroots venues, arenas, stadiums and festivals. There is something for everyone that suits every genre, scene or movement, whatever your musical persuasion. Music venues are located in and around every London borough and this vibrant live ecosystem is essential for our new and young artists to develop into the global chart toppers of tomorrow. Whether it is Adele from Tottenham, Dizzee Rascal from Bow or George Michael from Barnet. There are new and inventive festivals are popping up across the capital each and every year like Field Day and Citadel in Victoria Park, On Blackheath, British Summertime in Hyde Park and Wireless in Finsbury Park. On top of this we have concert venues of every shape and size, from The Royal Albert Hall to Wembley Stadium, Oval Space - a converted gas works in Bethnal Green, KOKO in Camden or the legendary 100 club on Oxford Street.

Since 1959 Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho has been a symbol of London and the home of British Jazz. It is one of the most respected Jazz Clubs in the world and some of the greatest names in music have performed on the historic stage - from Stan Getz, Buddy Rich and Donald Byrd to Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Art Blakey.

London, Chinatown - Source: Wikipedia

Brixton, in the South London borough of Lambeth is an area intertwined with music and cultural significance. Not only the birthplace of Britain’s most beloved musical son David Bowie, who spent his early years living at 40 Stansfield Road but an inspiration, touch paper and cultural melting pot that has inspired and ignited generations of musicians and fans alike. From the instantly recognisable bassline of The Clash’s Guns of Brixton, to Eddy Grants hit ‘Electric Avenue’ - Brixton has helped inspire a cultural narrative for its residents and visitors alike that keeps them coming back. Live music can be found everywhere throughout the borough. From the Windmill pub to JAMM via Hootenanny or the Electric (and countless more like them). There is something for everyone every night of the week.

The centre piece of Brixton’s live scene remains the O2Academy Brixton, a beautiful Grade II listed building and 5,000 capacity venue that is both internationally renowned. For more than thirty years, it has regularly attracted some the world’s most influential and important artists to perform and soak up its authenticity and electricity including The Clash, Amy Winehouse, Madonna, Blur, Florence and The Machine, Lady Gaga and thousands more like them.

Considered by many to be the most famous and culturally significant recording studio in the world, Abbey Road Studios has been attracting an estimated 300,000+ music fans a year to its home in North London for decades. Whether to follow in the footsteps of the Fab four by recreating the legendary Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ album sleeve on the crossing outside or to add their initials to the graffiti wall outside, the studio has become a premium destination for music lovers and tourists to make a pilgrimage to. For many years, the gate was as far as fans could get as Abbey Road Studios remains the world’s most in-demand and sought after recording facility. In 2014 Abbey Road partnered with Google to launch Inside Abbey Road - a unique and award-winning interactive digital experience that finally allowed fans to tour the studio virtually using Google Map technology. With over 2 million views in its first year, Inside Abbey Road proved the appetite for the studio is bigger than ever. Google recently launched a new app for use with its 3D cardboard headsets that brings Inside Abbey Road into VR. In 2015 as part of significant redevelopment and expansion Abbey Road opened an institute to help educate the next generation of studio engineers, producers and pioneers alongside its first retail outlet to sate the needs of its many visitors from around the world. The evolution of this British music institution and brand will help build its legacy for many generations to come.

London, Thames, Shangri-Lah Hotel, the Shard

LondonShangri-La Hotel in London The Shard - courtesy Süddeutsche Zeitung

London also has a growing technology cluster called Tech City which is located in Central and East London. London is one of the pre-eminent financial centres of the world for international business and commerce and vies with New York City as the most important location for international finance. Indeed it is one of the command centres of the global economy. London's largest industry is finance, and has over 480 overseas banks, more than any other city in the world. The City of London is home to the Bank of England, London Stock Exchange, and Lloyd's of London insurance market. Over half of the UK's top 100 listed companies (the FTSE 100) and over 100 of Europe's 500 largest companies have their headquarters in central London. Over 70% of the FTSE 100 are located within London's metropolitan area, and 75% of Fortune 500 companies have offices in London.

London by night, aerial view - courtesy Imperial College

Along with professional services, media companies are concentrated in London and the media distribution industry is London's second most competitive sector with many broadcasters being headquartered here. London is a major international communications centre with a virtually unrivalled number of media outlets. Almost all of the major media organizations in the UK are based in London. Much of the British media is concentrated in London. All the major television networks are headquartered in London including the BBC, which remains one of the world's most influential media organisations, and the largest Broadcaster in the world. Other networks headquartered in London include ITV, Channel 4, Five, CNN International and BSkyB. The newspaper market is dominated by London editions of the national newspapers, all of which are edited in London. Until the 1970s, most of the national newspapers were concentrated in Fleet Street, but in the 1980s they relocated to new premises with automated printing works. Most of these are in East London. However the term “Fleet Street” is still commonly used as a collective term for the national press.

London is the centre of British film and television production industries, with major studio facilities on the western fringes of the conurbation and a large post-production industry centred in Soho. London is the world’s third busiest film production centre, with over 14,000 ‘shooting days’ in 2012 including filming of the 23rd Bond film Skyfall. London has played a significant role in the film industry, and has major studios at Ealing, Elstree and Pinewood. London is a major centre for television production, with studios including BBC Television Centre, The Fountain Studios and The London Studios. London is one of the two leading centres of English-language publishing alongside New York. Globally important media companies based in London range from publishing group Pearson, to the information agency Reuters, to the world's number one advertising business group, WPP.

London is a major centre of higher education teaching and research and its 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education in Europe. The London School of Economics has been described as the world's leading social science institution for both teaching and research. With 125,000 students, the federal University of London is the largest contact teaching university in Europe. It includes four large multi-faculty universities – King's College London, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway and UCL. London is home to five major medical schools – Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (part of Queen Mary), King's College London School of Medicine (the largest medical school in Europe), Imperial College School of Medicine, UCL Medical School and St George's, University of London – and has a large number of affiliated teaching hospitals. It is also a major centre for biomedical research, and three of the UK's five academic health science centres are based in the city – Imperial College Healthcare, King's Health Partners and UCL Partners (the largest such centre in Europe). London has one of the world’s most powerful and innovative biosciences and health sectors, with a leading position in the science of stem cells and regenerative medicine. The £700m Francis CrickInstitute has now opened at St Pancras – in which the country’s leading universities and medical charities are cooperating to understand the basic biology behind human health. This is just a part of that growing cluster of academic health science expertise - a ‘Med City’ that stretches along the Euston Road corridor from Whitechapel to Imperial West at White City.

London is a city at the centre of the world – and a world in one city. Around 230 languages are spoken here and you'll find a wealth of different cultures and communities throughout the capital.

London is one of the world’s top tourism destinations, making tourism one of its prime industries, and it is Europe’s most visited city.

Azamara Club Cruises - courtesy Daily Mail

The River Thames runs through the heart of London, from Richmond in the west, through the central London borough of Westminster, to Greenwich in the east.

hms BELFAST - Source: Wikipedia

There are many attractions stretched along the banks of the River Thames like a string of pearls including the O2 Arena, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Somerset House, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern and the Houses of Parliament. There are also historic ships moored along the river including notable ships like HMS Belfast, HMS President, HQS Wellington, the Golden Hinde, the PS Tattershall Castle, the Hispaniola, etc. There are also a number of historic ships operation on the river such as the Havengore which was used to carry Sir Winston Churchill’s coffin at his state funeral and the Gloriana – the Queen’s Row Barge which was built for her Diamond Jubilee.

London river cruises and river buses are a great way to see the city.

The Port of London has been central to the economy of London since the founding of the city in the 1st century and was a major contributor to the growth and success of the city. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was the busiest port in the world, with wharves extending continuously along the Thames for 11 miles (18 km), and over 1,500 cranes handling 60,000 ships per year. In World War II it was a prime target for the Luftwaffe during The Blitz.

London Docklands - courtesy IDDC History

The Royal Docks comprise three docks in east London - the Royal Albert Dock, the Royal Victoria Dock and the King George V Dock built between 1880 and 1921 on riverside marshes in the London borough of Newham. The three docks collectively formed the largest enclosed docks in the world with a water area of nearly 250 acres and an overall estate of 1100 acres. The Royal Docks were finally closed for shipping in 1981. Since then they have been gradually regenerated and continue to be today. Historically the Royal Docks has been a gateway between London and its global markets: a centre for transactions and commerce attracting visitors and residents from all over the world. Now it can play a unique role to complement the London business economy and be an exciting new business destination. Innovative and iconic developments are springing up to create a world class business destination - such as TheSiemens Crystal and the Emirates Air Line cable car which links Royal Docks with North Greenwich and the O2 Arena. Indeed the North Greenwich has the potential to be used a cruise liner terminal as outlined in the London City Cruise Port proposal. Nearby there is also the Thames Barrier Park. Royal Docks London is also home to the Excel Exhibition and Convention Centre in Royal Victoria Dock and the historic ship s.s. Robin is berthed nearby as a tourist attraction. It is also home to the SunbornLondon Yacht Hotel and the floating GOOD Hotel London. The Excel Exhibition & Convention Centre and the adjoining Royal Victoria Dock regularly host major events such as the LondonBoat Show and the biannual Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEi) military, security and defence equipment exhibition. Royal Albert Dock is home to the London Regatta Centre and is a centre for rowing and other watersports but Royal Albert Basin at the eastern end is proposed to become a hub for green technologies and marine industries. A £1bn joint public and private investment is also proposed around Royal Albert Dock will create London’s first Asian Business Park. It will therefore become the capital’s third business district, alongside the City and Canary Wharf, and help forge new trade links with China and other economies in the Asia-Pacific region and securing billions of pounds of inward investment in the UK economy. Regeneration is also ongoing at Silvertown Quays and Royal Wharf.

The Royal Docks area has great transport links to central London, CanaryWharf, Stratford and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Woolwich Arsenal and Maritime Greenwich world heritage site. At the heart of Royal Docks London located between King George V Dock and Royal Albert Dock is London City Airport which is London’s premier business airport and has flights connecting to destinations across the UK, Europe and further afield. The Docklands Light Railway forms an excellent network linking the Royal Docks with surrounding areas such as Central London, Stratford, Greenwich, Woolwich, etc. In the future its connectivity will be further enhanced with the new Crossrail line (to be known as the Elizabeth Line) from 2018 which will link the Royal Docks to West London and Heathrow Airport.

London, the Olympic Games 2012, - promotion

London is also a major sporting city and hosted the Summer Olympics in 2012. London's most popular sport is football and it has fourteen League football clubs, including six in the Premier League: Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United. London also has five rugby union teams in the Aviva Premiership (London Irish, Saracens, Wasps, London Welsh and Harlequins), although only Harlequins and Saracens play in London (all the other three now play outside Greater London). Wembley Stadium is the home of the England football team and also venue for the FA Cup Final. Twickenham Stadium is the national home of rugby union. Cricket in London is served by two Test cricket grounds Lord's (home of Middlesex C.C.C.) in St John's Wood and the Oval (home of Surrey C.C.C.) in Kennington. One of London's best-known annual sports competitions is the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, held at the All England Club in the south-western suburb of Wimbledon. Other key events are the annual mass-participation London Marathon which sees some 35,000 runners attempt a 26.2 miles (42.2 km) course around the city, and the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race on the River Thames between Putney and Mortlake.

London is a major international air transport hub with the largest city airspace in the world and has six major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and London Southend. London Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport in the world for international traffic, and is the major hub of the nation's flag carrier, British Airways.

Wallpaper London Tower Bridge Olympic Games 2012

London, the Olympic Games 2012, Fireworks at the Tower Bridge - Wallpaper of zastavki.com

London's bus network is one of the largest in the world, running 24 hours a day, with 8,000 buses, 700 bus routes, and over 6 million passenger journeys made every weekday. London has the largest wheelchair accessible bus network in the world. The distinctive red double-decker buses are internationally recognised, especially the iconic Routemasters and a new contemporary version of them was introduced by the then Mayor of London (Boris Johnson), and are a signature feature of London transport along with black cabs and the Tube. London lies at the heart of the UK’s most extensive suburban rail network.

Since 2007 high-speed Eurostar trains link St. Pancras International with Lille, Paris, and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel. Recently the destinations served by Eurostar expanded to include Lyon, Avignon and Marseilles and also Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam. Journey times to Paris and Brussels are typically two-and-a-quarter hours and one hour 50 minutes respectively. So London has great transport links.

London is a world class global city and the leading financial, commercial, cultural, artistic, media, educational, scientific and innovation capital of the world. It is a great place to live, work, study, play and visit. Arguably London is the Greatest City on Earth and has unrivalled strengths and potential in many sectors.

Cruise Port of Call:

Currently cruise ships that visit London have three cruise terminals to berth at:

Central London Cruise Moorings:

These are three locations are the closest to Central London and include:

Tower Bridge Upper

Tower Bridge Upper mooring caters for smaller, specialist vessels up to 158 metres in length, which enjoy sailing through Tower Bridge and tying up alongside HMS Belfast, directly opposite the Tower of London.

George's Stair Tier

The PLA also offers moorings suited for super yachts at George’s Stairs Tier (just below Tower Bridge) for vessels up to 110m and Mill Stairs Upper Tier (just above Cherry Garden Pier) for vessels up to 35m.

Greenwich Ship Tier

Greenwich Ship Tier can accommodate vessels up to 228 metres in length and provides a stunning location close by the Naval College and in sight of the Cutty Sark. Vessels moored here are serviced through the world's first floating cruise terminal, PLA’s Welcome.

Other Cruise Terminals:

Additionally ships are able to berth occasionally in West India Dock near Canary Wharf or in Royal Docks London if required.

Further out down the River Thames is the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury. This is a significant way out of London and requires a bus transfer to Tilbury Town rail station for the c2c train services into London Fenchurch Street rail station.

The London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury is the historic cruise terminal for London. It comprises a passenger hall and landing stage and used to be fronted by Tilbury Riverside rail station (now since closed). With 350m of floating quayside, passenger reception and grand hall, this unique facility was opened in 1930 by the Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald, to serve the new larger passenger vessels offering world-wide services before the age of the aeroplane.

This Grade II listed structure of great historic significance was the gateway for emigrants with P&O and the Orient Line to Australia and the Commonwealth. In its heyday there were regular boat trains from Tilbury Riverside to London St Pancras.

This terminal is also where the Empire Windrush berthed. The SS Empire Windrush brought the first generation of migrant workers from the Caribbean to England in 1948, playing an integral part in the origins of multi-cultural Britain. On their arrival at Tilbury in June, 236 of the passengers were housed in the Clapham South deep shelter in south west London, many of them planning on only staying for a short time due to fears of poor climate and bad working conditions. A heritage plaque commemorating the 60th anniversary of this event is displayed in the Cruise Terminal. In the 1970's, with the demise of the British ocean liner fleet, the Terminal was no longer in use and the railway station closed. The emergence of cruising created new opportunities and the terminal re-opened in1995 and continues to offer a full service to the new European cruise market, a base for exciting voyages to the Baltic and tourists to London and the East of England.

Forth Ports are currently developing plans restore and re-use the Grade II* listed Tilbury Riverside site, comprising the disused historic railway station and landing stage. The concept involves the Big Ocean Project, the title for a unique collaborative project set to become the UK's first National Museum of Migration and Britain’s equivalent to New York’s Ellis Island. Tilbury Riverside is a unique and beautiful complex of forgotten heritage buildings on the Thames Estuary in Essex, built by Sir Edwin Cooper for the Port of London Authority in 1924 and remarkable for their historic significance. The liner terminal hosted one of the most significant events in Britain’s 20th-century social history: the arrival of the converted troop ship mv EMPIRE WINDRUSH in 1948. In the heyday of ocean voyages, tens of thousands passed through Tilbury Riverside embarking or disembarking from ships during onto glamorous & elegant passenger liners and steam trains, ready to cruise the world from this place of hope and aspiration - Big Ocean Project.

A notable visitor attraction worth visiting near Tilbury is Tilbury Fort . Tilbury Fort on the Thames estuary has protected London’s seaward approach from the 16th century through to the Second World War.

Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth I. famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Armada. The present fort is much the best example of its type in England, with its circuit of moats and bastioned outworks.

Tilbury Fort, also known historically as the Thermitage Bulwark and the West Tilbury Blockhouse, is an artillery fort on the north bank of the River Thames. The earliest version of the fort, comprising a small blockhouse with artillery covering the river, was constructed by King Henry VIII to protect London against attack from France as part of his Device programme. The River Thames was strategically important, as the city of London and the newly constructed royal dockyards of Deptford and Woolwich were vulnerable to seaborne attacks arriving up the estuary, which was a major maritime route, carrying 80 percent of England's exports. It was reinforced during the 1588 Spanish Armada invasion scare, after which it was reinforced with earthwork bastion. Queen Elizabeth I visited the fort by barge on 8 August 1588 and rode in procession to the nearby army camp, where she famously rallied her troops in a great speech including the famous line:

“I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a King and of a King of England too.”

Later Parliamentary forces used it to help secure the capital during the English Civil War of the 1640s. Following naval raids during the Anglo-Dutch Wars, the fort was enlarged by Sir Bernard de Gomme from 1670 onwards to form a star-shaped defensive work, with angular bastions, water-filled moats and two lines of guns facing onto the river.

In addition to protecting the Thames, in the 18th century Tilbury also began to be used a transit depot and for storing gunpowder. It continued to be essential for the defence of the capital and a new artillery battery was added in the south-east corner during the Napoleonic Wars. The fort became increasingly less significant as a defensive structure, however, as military technology developed in the 19th century. It was redeveloped to hold heavy artillery after 1868, providing a second-line of defence along the river, but further changes in technology meant that it had become obsolete by the end of the century. Instead Tilbury became a strategic depot, forming a logistical hub for storing and moving troops and materiel throughout the First World War. The fort had only a limited role in the Second World War and was demobilised in 1950. The 17th-century defences are considered to be the "best surviving example of their kind in Britain", and the fort includes the only surviving early 18th century gunpowder magazines in Britain. Today it is a visitor attraction operated by English Heritage.

Also there are plans for a new London City Cruise Port at Greenwich.

Cruise London

Central London Cruise Moorings (PLA)

West India Docks (Canal & River Trust)

London Royal Docks

London Cruise Terminal, Tilbury

London City Cruise Port, Greenwich

The Destination:

London is a great global city and visitor destination, its numerous neighbourhoods and attractions are too many to go into detail here.

Top 50 “Must See Sights” of London:

There are many sights in London but in this section we outline some of the sights and attractions that no visit to London would be complete without going to visit:

WATCH THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

The famous Changing the Guard ceremony takes place outside Buckingham Palace from 11.30am and lasts around 45mins. The Buckingham Palace Old Guard forms up in the palace’s forecourt from 11am and are joined by the St James’s Palace Old Guard at 11.15am. The New Guard then arrives from Wellington Barracks and takes over the responsibilities of the Old Guard in a formal ceremony accompanied by music. The Guard that looks after Buckingham Palace is called The Queen's Guard and is made up of soldiers on active duty from the Household Division’s Foot Guards. The guards are dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats.

SEE BIG BEN AND THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben, are among London's most iconic landmarks and must-see London attractions. Technically, Big Ben is the name given to the massive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons (13,760 kg). The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated.

EXPLORE TRAFALGAR SQUARE AND SEE NELSON’S COLUMN

Trafalgar Square is home to Nelson's Column, iconic stone lions, the famous Fourth Plinth and a lot of pigeons. It's a must-see destination for visitors to London. You'll often find cultural events, performances, shows and other special activities going on in the square by the fountains. At Christmas you'll find the biggest Christmas tree in London, an annual gift from the city of Oslo.

VISITTHE MUSEUM OF LONDON

The Museum of London tells the story of the world’s greatest city from prehistoric times to the present day. Step inside the Museum of London for an unforgettable journey through the capital's turbulent past. Discover prehistoric London, see how the city changed under Romans and Saxons, wonder at medieval London and examine the tumultuous years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire. Then venture into the Galleries of Modern London where you can walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor's Coach.

TAKE ATRIP ON THE LONDON EYE

The London Eye is centrally located in the heart of the capital, gracefully rotating over the River Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

At 135 metres, the London Eye is the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel; a feat of design and engineering, it has become the modern symbol representing the capital and a global icon. The experience showcases breathtaking 360-degree views of the capital and its famous landmarks and has been the number one visitor experience in the city for the past decade. The gradual rotation in one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules takes approximately 30 minutes and gives you an ever-changing perspective of London. Within each capsule, interactive guides allow you to explore the capital's iconic landmarks in several languages. An experience on the London Eye will lift you high enough to see up to 40 kilometres on a clear day and keep you close enough to see the spectacular details of the city unfolding beneath you.

VISIT THE LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

The Museum explores the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, its culture and society since 1800. Highlights include the iconic red London bus, the world’s first Underground steam train and the padded cell – a train carriage dating back to the 1890s. The Design for Travel gallery showcases pioneering advertising posters and artworks, which include Harry Beck’s original artwork for his ground-breaking London Underground map and the story of the development of the world famous roundel transport logo.

VISIT THE CABINET WAR ROOMS AND CHURCHILL MUSEUM

Visit Churchill War Rooms, part of Imperial War Museums, to discover the original Cabinet War Rooms, the underground headquarters that sheltered Churchill and his wartime government during the Blitz. Explore the historic rooms that once buzzed with strategies and secrets, and also visit the interactive Churchill Museum.

RELAX IN ONE OF LONDON’S ROYAL PARKS

The Royal Parks is responsible for managing and preserving over 5,000 acres of historic parkland across London, including valuable conservation areas and important habitats for wildlife. The Royal Parks comprise Bushy Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, St James's Park, The Green Park and The Regent's Park. They are the lungs of London and provide space for relaxation and enjoyment. Most were originally royal hunting chases, enclosed from the 15th century onwards, beginning with Greenwich Park in 1433. The parks were gradually opened to the public, beginning with The Regent's Park in 1845. The parks soon became popular places for relaxation, leisure and entertainment.

VISIT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history. Enjoy a unique comparison of the treasures of world cultures under one roof, centred around the magnificent Great Court. World-famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies are visited by up to six million visitors per year. In addition to the vast permanent collection, the museum’s special exhibitions, displays and events are all designed to advance understanding of the collection and cultures they represent.

TAKE A SELFIE AT PICCADILLY CIRCUS AND THE EROS STATUE

Piccadilly Circus is one of London's most popular tourist destinations. Here you can sit by the famous statue of Eros (a popular meeting point), or take some photos in front of the iconic advertising hoarding. From here, you can easily walk to Regent's Street, Piccadilly or Soho.

EXPLORE OXFORD STREET, REGENT STREET AND BOND STREET

The heart of London shopping, bustling Oxford Street has more than 300 shops, designer outlets and landmark stores: here you can find some of the best shopping in London. Home to the legendary Selfridges, it also boasts a range of famous department stores such as John Lewis and Debenhams scattered among every well-known high street chain imaginable. Grab some bargain fashion at Primark’s massive flagship store, and check the latest trends at Topshop in Oxford Circus.

An impressively elegant shopping street, Regent Street offers a good range of mid-priced fashion stores alongside some of the city's oldest and most famous shops, including Hamleys, Liberty and The Apple Store. Nearby, historic Jermyn Street is renowned for men's clothing shops and is so typically British it's enough to bring out the old-fashioned gent in anyone! Jermyn Street is particularly well known for its bespoke shirt makers such as Benson & Clegg and shoe shops including John Lobb.

Whether you've got money to burn and want to splash out on the very best in designer clothes, or just love luxury window shopping, Bond Street and Mayfair are the ideal places to go for some extravagant retail therapy. Popular with celebrities on a spree, this is probably London's most exclusive shopping area, home to big names, including Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Neighbouring South Molton Street boasts iconic fashion store, Browns.

EXPLORE LONDON ST. PANCRAS RAIL STATION

St Pancras Station was opened in 1868 and is one of the wonders of Victorian engineering. Along with the former Midland Grand Hotel, it is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Architecture and one of the most elegant stations in the World. It has recently been refurbished to accommodate international train services; its history is a remarkable tale of decay, restoration and spectacular rebirth.

The roof is made up of a series of wrought iron ribs resulting in a space 100ft high, 240ft wide and 700ft long. It was the largest single spanned roof in the world when first built, and its design was copied across the world, including at Grand Central Station in New York. The roof trusses form a pointed arch which is complemented beautifully by the architecture of the hotel.

In the 19th century St Pancras was one of the most important gateways into London. On opening it provided services to Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Bradford and from 1876 the station offered services all the way up to Edinburgh. In June 1874 the first Pullman service in the UK with restaurant car and sleeping accommodation, left the station, running initially to Bedford and by 1878 all the way to Wick at the northern tip of Scotland. This was the first time ever that meals were served to passengers on a train.

In 1966 proposals to demolish both Kings Cross and St Pancras were put forward by British Rail. However, following the public response from figures such as architectural historian Niklaus Pevsner and poet Sir John Betjeman, the station was listed Grade I in November 1967. The renewal of the Station for its new role as the London terminus for Eurostar services via the Channel Tunnel as well as domestic services took three years, from 2004 – 2007, and followed a rigorous and painstaking and process of conservation. The newly restored Station was opened by the Queen on 6th November 2007 at an opening concert performed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

St Pancras International has been home to some of the finest and most discussed pieces of public art – from the Martin Jennings statue of Sir John Betjeman, to Paul Day’s Meeting Place Statue, known to many as ‘the Lovers’.

The three icons – the Sir John Betjeman statue, ‘the Lovers’ statue and the Dent Clock – will be a familiar sight to regular visitors to St Pancras International. Certainly in the case of ‘the Lovers’, we invite you to explore the statue close-up. Less well-known is that its plinth carries a beautiful high-relief frieze in bronze, featuring images from the history of the tube and train.

The Sir John Betjeman honours the famous poet laureate. Sir John Betjeman was responsible for saving the Station and the Chambers from demolition in the 1960's. In tribute to the famous poet and railway enthusiast an 8.5ft sculpture by Martin Jennings has been designed to celebrate the man and his poetry.

The Meeting Place is a 9m tall bronze statue of an intimate pose by the world renowned sculptor Paul Day.

The famous St. Pancras Clock has been re constructed by the original makers Dent and now hangs high in the apex of the Barlow shed once more.

Sir John Betjeman called this Gothic treasure “too beautiful and too romantic to survive” in a world of tower blocks and concrete. Its survival against the odds will cause wonder; the building itself will take your breath away.

After years of devoted restoration, the former Midland Grand Hotel is reborn as the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and is hailed as London’s most romantic building. Its glorious Gothic Revival metalwork, gold leaf ceilings, hand-stencilled wall designs and a jaw-dropping grand staircase are as dazzling as the day the hotel in 1873.

As well as welcoming visitors to London, they want to serve the people who travel through the station day in, day out with something magical.

SEE A SHOW IN LONDON’S WEST END

West End Theatre Bookings

Really Usefull Theatres

- Adelphi - Cambridge - Her Majesty’s - London Palladium - New London - St. James - Theatre Royal

Aldwych Theatre

The Ambassador Theatre

Nimax Theatres

Apollo Victoria Theatre

ENO London Cliseum

Criterion Theatre

Dominion Theatre

Duke of York´s Theatre

Fortune Theatre

Delfont Mackintosh Theatres

Harold Pinter Theatre

Theatre Royal Haymarket

Leicester Square Theatre

Menier Chocolate Factory

The Old Vic Theatre

Sadler´s Wells Theatre

Phoenix Theatre

Savoy Theatre

The Mousetrap

The West End of London (commonly referred to as the West End) is an area of Central and West London containing many of the city's major tourist attractions, shops, businesses, government buildings and entertainment venues, including the West End theatres. While the City of London, or the Square Mile, is the main business and financial district in London, the West End is the main commercial and entertainment centre of the city. It is the largest central business district in the United Kingdom, comparable to Midtown Manhattan in New York City.

TAKE A SELFIE WITH PADDINGTON BEAR AT LONDON PADDINGTON

London Paddington station is one of London’s great railway termini. The children's book character Paddington Bear was named after the station. In the books, by Michael Bond, he is found at the station, having come from "deepest, darkest Peru" and with a note attached to his coat reading "please look after this bear, thank you". Paddington books have been translated into 30 languages across 70 titles and sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. There is a Paddington Bear shop on the concourse of London Paddington rail station. In 2014 a film was released inspired by the books. A statue of him by Marcus Cornish, based on the original drawings by Peggy Fortnum, is located under the clock on platform 1 at Paddington station.

VISIT TOWER BRIDGE

This must-see London attraction invites you to step inside the most famous bridge in the world to explore its iconic structure, spectacular views and glass floor, modern exhibitions and magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms!

VISIT HMS BELFAST

Hop on board HMS Belfast to explore what life was like living at war and at sea. Find your sea legs as you climb up and down ladders to explore all nine decks. Take the helm in the Captain's chair and navigate Europe's only surviving Second World War cruiser. Choose your action stations in the Operations Room and help recover a drowned plane. Keep a lookout up on the flag deck where you can get amazing 360-degree views of London, and delve deeper into the boiler and engine rooms 15ft below sea level.

VISIT MADAME TUSSAUDS LONDON

With 14 interactive areas, Madame Tussauds London combines glitz, glamour and incredible history with more than 300 stunning wax figures. Walk down the red carpet with Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Depp, before exploring their sports zone alongside Usain Bolt and David Beckham. Enjoy an audience with Her Majesty The Queen and Will and Kate before stepping on stage with music icons including Miley Cyrus. Then, after a behind-the-scenes look at how their sculptors work, ride in a taxi and relive the rich history of London. Now you can delve into the world of Star Wars at Madame Tussauds London. Your favourite heroes and villains from Star Wars Episodes I-VI have been brought to life in authentic walk-in sets, inspired by key scenes from the films, including the swamps of Dagobah, Jabba’s Throne Room and the flight deck of the Millennium Falcon.

VISIT THE CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM

The Charles Dickens Museum hosts the world’s biggest collection relating to Dickens, including letters, pictures, first editions, furniture, memorabilia and lovingly restored rooms. The famous novelist lived here from 1837 to 1839, and it was in this house at 48 Doughty Street that he wrote his masterpiece Oliver Twist, achieving international recognition as one of Britain’s best storytellers. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Dicken’s family home.

VISIT THE TOWER OF LONDON

Despite the Tower of London's grim reputation as a place of torture and death, within these walls you will also discover the history of a royal palace, an armoury and a powerful fortress. Don't miss Royal Beasts and learn about the wild and wondrous animals that have inhabited the Tower, making it the first London Zoo. Discover the priceless Crown Jewels, join an iconic Beefeater on a tour and hear their bloody tales, stand where famous heads have rolled, learn the legend of the Tower's ravens, storm the battlements, get to grips with swords and armour, and much more!

SEE THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD

The View from The Shard is the premium visitor attraction at the top of Western Europe's tallest building, and London's newest landmark, The Shard. Designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano, the Shard redefines London’s skyline and has become a dynamic symbol of London. At a height of up to 800ft or 244m, The View from The Shard offers spectacular views over London for up to 40 miles. Twice as high as any other vantage point in the city, it is the only place where visitors can see the entire city at once.

VISIT WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers; poets, priests, heroes and villains - Westminster Abbey is a must-see living pageant of British history. Every year, the Abbey welcomes over one million visitors who want to explore this wonderful 700-year-old building - the coronation church of England.

TAKE AFTERNOON TEA

Tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, finger sandwiches and dainty cakes... nothing could be more British than afternoon tea in London. From afternoon tea at The Ritz to The Savoy, there is an afternoon tea London venue to suit all tastes.

However advance booking is recommended (and often essential) due to the popularity of some of these afternoon tea venues and smart dress codes may apply so always best to check with the venue in advance.

In Fortnum & Mason's Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon you can choose from a range of teas selected by Fortnum's tea taster. The afternoon tea menu includes finger sandwiches, scones and cakes from the Highgrove Cake Carriage.

If you're a fan of fashion, head to The Berkeley's Caramel Room for the Prêt-à-Portea tea. The éclairs, cakes and fancies are all inspired by the latest fashion collections, and are served in miniature mouthfuls for the figure-conscious. Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and the Beckhams have all been spotted here.

Enjoy a fine selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones and French pastries alongside loose leaf and herbal teas in the light and airy surrounds of The Landmark London's Winter Garden.

Afternoon tea at The Langham has been a tradition since 1865. In the luxurious surroundings of the hotel's Palm Court, you can enjoy finger sandwiches, fresh scones with jam and cream, French pastries and specialist teas.

Brown's Hotel's award-winning afternoon tea is served in the English Tea Room, complete with wood panelling, fireplaces and original artworks. Relax to the sounds of the baby grand piano as you enjoy finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and cakes from the trolley. There's a choice of 17 teas, and two Tea Sommeliers to help you choose.

Afternoon tea is served five times a day in The Dorchester's famous marble and gilt Promenade. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches followed by warm scones with jam and cream, French pastries and a choice of fine and rare teas. You can also get afternoon tea in The Dorchester Spa's Spatisserie.

The Savoy's tea is served in the historic Thames Foyer, accompanied by a pianist playing on one of the hotel's traditional white pianos. Expect a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked raisin and plain scones, French pastries and Thames Foyer signature cakes, plus a huge selection of teas.

Tea at The Ritz is nothing less than an institution. It has become so popular that there are now five sittings every day at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Booking at least four weeks in advance is essential. Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Palm Court with music by a pianist or a harpist.

At Claridge’s the luxurious tea includes finger sandwiches, sweet pastries, freshly baked raisin and apple scones with jam and cream, and a choice of almost 40 teas. This popular afternoon tea is served daily at 1pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 5pm and 5.30pm.

TAKE A SELFIE AT PLATFORM 9 ¾ AT LONDON KINGS CROSS - Departures and Arrivals

The Hogwarts Express departs from Kings Cross. Visit platforms 4 and 5, which were used for filming, and take a photo pushing a trolley through to a magical world at the wall marked Platform 9¾ on the main concourse. Don't forget to visit the Harry Potter Shop, built to resemble Ollivander's wand shop.

VISIT THE SHERLOCK HOLMES MUSEUM

Welcome to 221B Baker Street, the London home of Sherlock Holmes.

According to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr Watson lived at this exact address. Take a step back to Victorian times and visit Holmes’ apartment. The museum hosts an exhibition featuring life-size waxworks from Sherlock Holmes’ most famous adventures, and a shop full of quirky objects and souvenirs.

VISIT THE ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH INCLUDING CUTTY SARK

Visit the Royal Museums Greenwich and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this UNESCO's World Heritage site. The complex includes the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House, the Royal Observatory (incorporating the Peter Harrison Planetarium) and the spectacular tea clipper Cutty Sark.

Venture onto one of the world's most famous ships and the last surviving tea clipper. Part of world heritage site, Maritime Greenwich, Cutty Sark has a rich history that can be explored by walking along the many decks and passageways.

At the Royal Observatory stand with a foot in each hemisphere and explore how great scientists first mapped the seas and the stars at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Now a museum, it's home to the Prime Meridian Line, the UK’s largest refracting telescope, a 4.5 billion year-old asteroid and London’s only planetarium. At the Peter Harrison Planetarium travel to the stars at London’s only planetarium, part of the Royal Observatory's modern Astronomy Centre. Experience the wonders of the night sky with a number of shows that could fly you into the heart of the Sun, transport you to distant galaxies, show you the birth of a star or land you on Mars.

The National Maritime Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the world. Learn about Britain's encounters with the world at sea, the Royal Navy, and the life of great British hero Admiral Horatio Nelson, and see the uniform he wore when he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Enjoy stunning art, architecture and royal history at the Queen’s House which now celebrates its 400th anniversary with a major new art exhibition. Built as a "house of delight" for James I’s wife, Anne of Denmark, this royal villa was designed by Inigo Jones in 1616 and is Britain’s first classical building.

VISIT THE OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE IN GREENWICH

Explore the Old Royal Naval College, an architectural masterpiece designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The Painted Hall – a baroque dining hall envisioned by Wren and painted by Sir James Thornhill – is worth the visit alone. Save time for walking the impressive grounds, which have featured in many recent movies.

VISIT THE MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS

Step inside a 200-year-old warehouse revealing the long history of London as a port through stories of trade, migration and commerce.

Discover a wealth of objects in world-class galleries, including Sailortown, an atmospheric recreation of 19th-century London; and London, Sugar & Slavery, which reveals the city's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. With unique finds, unusual objects and fascinating tours, the Museum of London Docklands is one of London's hidden treasures.

VISIT THE NATIONAL GALLERY

The National Gallery displays more than 2,000 Western European paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. You can explore inspiring art by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir and Van Gogh.

RECREATE THE BEATLES ALBUM COVER AT ABBEY ROAD

Follow in the footsteps of The Beatles by crossing the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing that's featured on the eponymous album cover.

EXPLORE COVENT GARDEN

Whether you want hip fashion, unique gifts, rare sweets or one-off handmade jewellery, Covent Garden is a great place to explore. You can stock up on the latest urban streetwear, funky cosmetics and shoes on Neal Street, check out imaginative arts and crafts at Covent Garden Market or just window shop around the stores.

There are three markets at the 19^th century Covent Garden plaza.

The Apple Market is found in the North Hall of the Marketing Building and sells British made crafts, jewellery, leather goods and more. You will always find a range of curios every day of the week. Open every day of the week, the East Colonnade Market has a variety of stalls selling products such as handmade soap, jewellery, handbags, hand-knitted children's clothing, a magician's stall, sweets, artwork and homeware. In the South Piazza, the Jubilee Market changes its wares daily. On Mondays, the market is dedicated to antiques. From Tuesday to Friday, a general market operates with traders selling clothes and household goods. At weekends, the market offers arts and crafts.

VISIT ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

Enter St Paul’s and enjoy the cathedral's awe-inspiring interior. Venture down to the crypt and discover the tombs and memorials of some of the nation’s greatest heroes such as Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Also visit Oculus, an award winning 270° immersive film experience. Visitors can try out the acoustic quirks of the Whispering Gallery and continue their climb to the Golden Gallery to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across London.

VISIT THE FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM

Florence Nightingale became a living legend as the 'Lady with the Lamp'. When she died in 1910, aged 90, she was famous around the world. But who was the real Florence Nightingale? The Florence Nightingale Museum follows her story and uncovers a woman of many talents, as well as flaws. Find out about her achievements and the reasons we remember her today. Travel through three pavilions which take you on a journey through the life and times of Florence Nightingale and from her Victorian childhood to the Crimean War and onto her years as an ardent campaigner.

ENJOY THE VIEW FROM PRIMOSE HILL IN REGENT’S PARK

The Regent’s Park, 166 hectares (410 acres) in area, was designed in 1811 by renowned architect John Nash and includes stunning rose gardens. The Park is the largest outdoor sports area in London catering for football, softball, rugby, and it also has a cricket pitch. The Park hosts London Zoo, the Open Air Theatre (performances end May to early September), and a boating lake. There are also wild bird species and waterfowl. There are public toilets with disabled access and baby changing rooms. Cafés include The Garden Café, The Honest Sausage, The Boathouse Café, and the Tennis Centre Café. The view from the top of Primrose Hill is one of London’s best, affording a fantastic panorama across the city.

VISIT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Hundreds of exciting, interactive exhibits in one of London’s most beautiful landmark buildings. Highlights include the popular Dinosaurs gallery, Mammals display with the unforgettable model blue whale and the spectacular Central Hall, home to the Museum’s iconic Diplodocus skeleton.

VISIT THE ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS AT KEW

Explore a World Heritage Site at Kew Gardens – the world's most famous garden. Explore over 130 hectares of landscapes and gardens, stroll a soaring treetop walkway and wander through tropical glasshouses reaching up to 27°C. Enjoy four cafes and restaurants, art galleries, a serene lake and waterlily pools. Kew's great glasshouses provide hours of undercover discovery for visitors of all ages. Be amazed by giant lily pads in the Waterlily House, delve into an exotic rainforest in the Palm House, and travel through 10 climatic zones in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Step inside Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens to discover Kew's history and explore a beautiful Georgian royal retreat.

VISIT THE ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM

The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain’s only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation, the science of flight and the Royal Air Force. If you’re searching for something different, why not take off to the Royal Air Force Museum in Colindale and navigate your way through the history of aviation from the earliest balloon flight to the latest Eurofighter? This world-class collection of more than 100 aircraft, aviation and wartime memorabilia offers a fun day out for all the family. Don't forget to visit the 3D cinema in Milestones of Flight, an awe-inspiring sound and light show that takes you back in time to the Battle of Britain.

VISIT THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Located by the river Thames, the centre offers sweeping views of the capital from the London Eye to St Paul's Cathedral. The Southbank Centre is a unique metropolitan arts centre, with acres of creative space and an extraordinary history. It includes the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Hayward Gallery.

VISIT TATE MODERN

Sitting grandly on the banks of the Thames is Tate Modern, Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art. Its unique shape is due to it previously being a power station. The gallery's restaurants offer fabulous views across the city.

VISIT THE VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM

The V&A celebrates art and design with 3,000 years' worth of amazing artefacts from around the world. A real treasure trove of goodies, you never know what you'll discover next: furniture, paintings, sculpture, metalwork and textiles; the list goes on and on…

STROLL AND ADMIRE THE BOATS AT ST KATHERINE’S DOCK

St. Katharine Docks offers great facilities in an iconic setting. As the only central London marina, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of sailing up the Thames and mooring right next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. They welcome vessels from all over the world, and many people visit St Katherine Docks just to watch the locking in take place each day. Today it is managed by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas. Steeped in heritage and truly unique, St. Katharine Docks are home to a collection of high-quality offices, restaurants and bars. It is truly a vibrant and dynamic London quarter.

VISIT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM

From the future of space travel to asking that difficult question: "who am I?", the Science Museum makes your brain perform Olympic-standard mental gymnastics. See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years; and don't forget the awesome Imax cinema.

VISIT TATE BRITAIN

London's Tate Britain holds the largest collection of British art in the world from 1500 to the present day. You'll find masterpieces by Gainsborough, Hogarth, Millais, Whistler, as well as outstanding modern and contemporary artists such as Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and Damien Hirst. We also have the largest collection of works by JMW Turner in the world.

VISIT SOMERSET HOUSE

Somerset House is home to London's Courtauld Gallery with its collection of Old Masters, Impressionist and Post-impressionist paintings, and The Embankment Galleries with a rotating programme of exhibitions dedicated to art, design, fashion and photography.

TAKE THE WARNER BROS STUDIO TOUR LONDON AND SEE THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London provides an amazing new opportunity to explore the magic of the Harry Potter films – the most successful film series of all time. This unique walking tour takes you behind-the-scenes and showcases a huge array of beautiful sets, costumes and props. It also reveals some closely guarded secrets, including facts about the special effects and animatronics that made these films so hugely popular all over the world.

VISIT THE BRITISH LIBRARY

The British Library is the UK’s national library and home to the Sir John Ritblat Gallery: Treasures of the British Library, where some of the most significant world treasures can be seen for free, including: Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s First Folio, Lewis Carroll’s manuscripts of Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, Beatles lyrics handwritten by John Lennon, and drawings on pages from Leonardo’s Da Vinci’s Notebook.

EXPLORE THE CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN

Second oldest botanic garden in England, particularly linked with medicinal plants through its foundation by the worshipful Society of Apothecaries in 1673. Three and a half-acre garden with one of the oldest rock gardens in Europe, herb garden with culinary and medicinal plants, botanical order beds, glasshouses, rare plants and tender species. Largest olive tree outdoors in Britain.

VISIT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

The National Portrait Gallery near Trafalgar Square is home to the world's largest collection of faces and personalities, from Tudor times to the present. From Shakespeare to kings and queens, and icons of our time, it also has a photographic collection and one of the best roof-top restaurants in London.

VISIT SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE

Experience today's working theatre and visit Bankside, the Soho of Elizabethan London. Shakespeare’s Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse designed in 1599 where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed.

VISIT THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

IWM London tells the story of those whose lives have been shaped by war from the First World War to the present day. Discover their new First World War Galleries as well as their permanent exhibitions including The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes and Secret War. Explore stories and key moments from the Second World War in A Family in Wartime and The Holocaust Exhibition.

LISTEN TO SOME LIVE JAZZ AT RONNIE SCOTT’S

Since 1959 Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has been a symbol of London and the home of British Jazz. It is one of the most respected Jazz Clubs in the world and some of the greatest names in music have performed on the historic stage – from Stan Getz, Buddy Rich and Donald Byrd to Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Art Blakey.

Notable Hotels:

As you can imagine there are numerous excellent hotels in London. But here are some of the more notable and famous hotels to look out for:

Athenaeum Hotel

The Goring

The Mayfair Hotel

London Hilton on Park Lane

Andaz London Liverpool Street

Corinthia Hotel London

The Courthouse Hotel

COMO The Halkin, London

The Landmark London

The Langham London