London Travel Information

London is quite simply one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Its rich historic past blends with a dynamic present to create one of the most extraordinarily exciting places in the world. That is reflected in a wealth of architecture and a range of cultures that is constantly evolving and enriching the city.

As well as being one of the world’s greatest business centres and the venue for conferences & meetings, London is a year-round tourist hotspot. Few of its attractions close or significantly reduce their opening hours in winter. Your best chance of experiencing good weather is, of course, in the Summer but there's certainly no guarantee of sun even in July and August,. And that's when you can expect the biggest crowds and highest premium prices.

With countless museums, galleries and entertainment possibilities throughout the city, you’ll never be disappointed with just how much London has to offer.

Greater London has a population of 7.2 million people and is one of Europe’s most densely populated areas. It is home to 1 in 8 of UK’s population and has 3 million households.

Shopping

London boasts many diverse shopping areas, each with its own character and specialities, including some of the world's finest department stores. You’ll find the highest quality fashion, cosmetics and furnishings in every one. There's Selfridges, a must-see, must-have palace for the label-conscious, Harrods, where the food hall is simply breathtaking, Harvey Nichols with its legendary sales, Liberty where tradition blends with cutting-edge design, and Fortnum & Mason, a little piece of living history. In addition, there is a huge choice of small specialist establishments, from fine art galleries to tiny craft shops. With its wealth of history, London is a superb place to source art and antiques. Search for those extra-special pieces in Bond Street and Kensington Church Street, or browse the markets of Portobello and Bermondsey for hidden gems.

Eating Out

English cooking is superb and there are some restaurants specialising in traditional authentic English dishes. For those who want variety, London and the larger cities offer every type of ethnic food imaginable, Indian and Chinese being particularly popular and good value for money. The British pub is nothing short of a national institution and even the smallest village in the remotest corner of the country will usually have at least one. There are probably as many beers in England as there are cheeses in France. Wine bars and cocktail bars are now common in the larger cities and towns, with the latter often having a 'happy hour' (when prices are reduced) in the early evening.