London Self Catering Holiday Visitor Information
London City - Capital of Britain
London, capital city of Britain, home to Queen Elizabeth, Changing of the guard, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and so much more.
With over 15 milliion visitors a year - London is a city you can visit time after time. From the traditions of history: Buckingham Palace, or the Tower of London to the thrill of the London West-end - there is so much to see and do, you will find yourself wanting to return before you have even left.
Areas in London - What is where?
Westminster is the official centre of London - home to the houses of Parliament, the Queen, Westminster Abbery and the official residence of the Prime Minister. The boundaries of Westminster are easily walkable. visit Westminster Abbey - where many kings and queens are buried.
The corridors of power begin on the south side in Trafalgar Square where there is a bronze statue of a man on horseback which points to the heart of Westminster.
What should I see?
Visit the top 10 tourist attractions
Starting with one of the most popular tourist destinations and interest is Britain's Royal Family - here you will find the official website for the Royal Family which include events and their history. This is a handy website for any Royalist, or someone interested in researching the British Monarchy before arriving to Britain. My only advice (and this is for all the main tourist landlmarks), is go early (if possible) to avoid the queues, or at least minimise the queues. If you can, try to avoid the popular holiday times (ie: School holidays).
Tower Bridge is another landmark that must be seen when visiting Londong.
Of course, not to forget: Madame Tussauds, Tower of London and of course not forgetting the British Museum which is always a family favourite. The London Eye is a spectacle in itself. Again the queues can be lengthy so try to London Eye book-online.
Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament
Another very famous landmark is the 'Big Ben' tower at the Houses of Parliament. Unknown to many UK residents, it is actually possible to book a tour of the tower (although it must be arrange through the MP and nearly 6 months in advance). If you do get a change to visit the inside, it is well worth the trouble. However, it also magnificent to view Big Ben while simply strolling by the Parliament buildinge on your visit to London. Or visit the Big Ben Website for further information.
London's Infamous West End
Infamous for the Theatres, Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square; Covent Garden and the heart of London's main entertainment centre.
For all theatre information to see what's on and what's new in London. If you have your heart set on seeing a certain show, it is best to book in advance. A handy tip for booking is to simply contact the Theatre Direct, where you will probably get the best priced ticket. . Or if you have the time visit Leicester Square for half price tickets for various shows, but of course you have to be quite flexible on what you see as not all shows will be available.
But of course it is not just the Theatres that are in the West End; there are a great selection of Restaurants, and of course the infamous Chinatown where you can have a variety of Chinese styole foods.
Convent Garden was for centuries the local fruit and vegetable market; and today it still hosts the building where the stall were. It is famouse for the workplace of Eliza Doolittle, and today it is certainly a nice place to shop. Visit the markets, and the various Street Performers that appear all year around here. it is a lively place, and you will never be bored. You will also see a host of events that happen all around this area. Of course there is also a variety of restaurant and cafes in this area.
Or walkby the Savoy, possibly London's most iconic hotel - simply walk around and take-in the atmosphere
The Soho district of the West End is host to the many night clubs, of all kinds!
The West End also hosts the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.
