Tuesday, January 21, 2014

The Best of London

By Peter Frank


Recent figures indicate that London welcomes over 15 million overseas visitors every year, making it the second most visited city in the world. Unsurprisingly, there are many good reasons why it enjoys such popularity.

Whether it's the view over the Millenium Bridge towards St Pauls Cathedral or that over the Thames towards the Palace of Westminster, London's cityscape is second to none. For a bird's eye view of its iconic skyline, book yourself a place on the London Eye or The View from the Shard.

London has eight royal parks, three of which (Richmond, Greenwich and Bushy) boast their own herds of deer. There are numerous other parks, two botanical gardens and several heaths and commons. Both Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill offer fantastic views of London.

Tours along the River Thames are great for exploring the city at a leisurely pace and giving you alternative views of London's many landmarks. Cruises can be themed, combined with a meal or just accompanied by informed commentary. There is also a regular river bus service throughout the day.

London can now lay claim to the largest urban shopping centre in Europe: Westfield Stratford. For the more traditional shopper though, there is still the allure of Harrods, Liberty, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

Britain is famous for its obsession with sport, so it comes as no surprise that London hosts a multitude of sporting competitions. For those who are more interested in the history of sport, there are guided tours available of most Premiership football clubs, as well as of Lords Cricket Ground and Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club.

Rainy days provide the perfect excuse to visit indoor attractions. If the Royal Family are your guilty pleasure then a visit to the Royal Mews or the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace would be perfect - although you are more likely to come face to face with a family member at Madame Tussauds!

You don't have to spend money to enjoy a great day out in London; nearly all of the museum and art galleries offer free admission, although you will have to pay to see special exhibitions.

For many, the words 'London's West End' are synonymous with the best and most cutting edge theatre in the world. Furthermore, many of London's theatres now offer backstage tours as well as onstage performances. For fans of opera there's the Royal Opera House or the London Coliseum, whilst Sadler's Wells and The Royal Ballet should keep dance enthusiasts happy.

London offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget. There are hostels, halls of residence and self-catering apartments for those travelling on a shoestring, whilst the more conventional type of hotel may suit the less price-conscious visitor.

Whatever the time of year, whatever the hour of day, there's always something new going on in London. From pop-up markets to original street performers to the latest exhibition at the Science Museum, London's culture is constantly evolving.




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