Big Ben refers to the 13 ton bell in the clock tower of Westminster Palace. Opinion is divided as to whether it was named after the then Commissioner of Works, or a famous prize-fighter of the time.
There’s no more iconic landmark in the capital than the London Eye, which is why the Big Boy is going all-out this year to celebrate its 10th b-day. A number of events are lined up for it. Read more.
TRAVEL FACT: Located in the heart of London, this popular square is the backdrop for many well-known films and TV shows, and is a common meeting place for events and festivals.
The best place to visit if you want to learn more about London’s history. And of course it houses the Crown Jewels, the most famous jewellery collection in the world
Westminster Abbey was built by Edward the Confessor and completed just before his death in 1065. Since William the Conqueror all the kings & queens of England have been crowned here.
The British Museum began from the collection of naturalist Sir Hans Sloane which he left to the nation on his death in 1753. Now it houses 7 million objects including more than 100 Egyptian mummies.
One of London's most iconic landmarks offers a spectacular view, if you have a head for heights that is.
This iconic London landmark even has a private venue for hire, with wonderful views over the City. Is it London’s most stylish party venue?
Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, George III acquired it in 1762 as a private house. It became an official royal residence in the reign of Queen Victoria, when it was greatly enlarged.
TRAVEL FACT: In British culture, the name implies a bussing about with people. Piccadilly Circus is referred to the Times Square of London.
The market is bustling with shoppers, tourists and performers on the weekend. Except for the many restaurants and cafes, there is also the famous Royal Opera.
Marie Tussaud, born in Strasbourg in 1761, made her first wax figure of the great French philosopher Voltaire in 1777. She opened a museum in London in 1835.
Opened in 1881, the museum facade uses terracotta tiles which were resistant to the soot of Victorian London. The largest of the famous dinosaur skeletons in the central hall is a diplodocus.
Much of the collection was inherited from the Museum of Patents (est 1858) and includes early locomotives such as Stephenson’s Rocket and Puffing Billy, and the first jet engine.
Holding concerts of The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, and events attended by personalities like The Queen and the Dalai Lama, this hall never fails to hold great shows. Box Office open 9am - 9pm daily.
TRAVEL TIP: Surf the web while you are in London - a lot of great artists perform in the Park
King's Cross Station is used again in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) as platform 9¾, really platform 4, from where the Hogwart's express departs, this time without Harry and Ron.
London’s most exciting market has it all: antiques, food, streetwear and even typically British bits and pieces.
Superb location, with outstanding terrace views along the Thames, and handy for south bank attractions; decent efficiently served food Read more.
Set in a stunning park, and sitting precisely on the Prime Meridian of the world, the Royal Observatory is a great way to spend an afternoon in South London.
Considered as London's shopping Mecca, this place is home to department stores like John Lewis and Selfridges and flagship stores like Debenhams and Zara. There are 300 more stores to choose from.
Begin with the venerable discount theatre ticket booth, TKTS, in Leicester Square (tkts.co.uk): try to arrive well before opening time (9am) to get the best choice of shows for the evening.
Make sure to check out the new acquisitions room to see the latest items acquired by the museum.
Harrods’ magical Christmas window display was created with the help of Oscar de la Renta, Valentino and Marchesa, who dressed Disney’s fairy-tale princesses. See the gowns here: bit.ly/TR7FPp Read more.
In the area around here we saw 58% more threatened homelessness related problems than last year but enquiries about social housing rent arrears were down 18%.
The second bridge here was completed in 1945. Because there was a war on, much of the work was carried out by women and so this used to be known as ‘the ladies’ bridge’.
This paradeground is the scene of the world famous Trooping the Colour, which since 1748 has marked the monarch’s birthday. The march past of the Household Division involves almost 400 musicians.
Siège du Parlement Britannique, le Palais de Westminster est un bijou architectural, de style néogothique. Écoutez le son de Big Ben à 17h, avec un bon thé! So british. ;)
This mother church of English Roman Catholics was completed in Early Christian Byzantine style in 1903. Since that day Masses have been sung here everyday without interruption.
London’s most famous modern nightclub was opened in 1991 by Old Etonian the Hon. James Palumbo. It’s modelled on the famous Paradise Garage club in New York, where ‘garage’ music was born.
We're sure we saw a documentary in which the bridge was destroyed. Someone called Harry Potter was involved somehow. Anyhow, it appears to still be here, helping you get from Tate Modern to St Paul's.
A reconstruction of the famous Elizabethan open-air theatre where Shakespeare worked, true to the spirit of the original, celebrating and educating about Shakespeare’s work.
The Bankside Power Station was built as a ‘cathedral of power’ in 1963, but closed in 1981. It reopened as one of Europe’s finest modern art galleries in 2000. The Turbine Hall is 35m high.
As the cool autumn weather sets in, the vibrant lanterns in Chinatown have inspired us to experiment with the season’s oriental trend. See how the look made its mark on the catwalk here: bit.ly/TdNPID Read more.
No.10 was given to Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first ‘prime minister’, by George II in thanks for his service. Walpole’s official title, First Lord of the Treasury, still remains on the letterbox.
In 1814, a fishmonger's lad took a pony to the top of the Monument, just for the fun of it. Would you credit it?
Located between platforms 9 & 10 is the magical platform 9 3/4, reached only by those travelling to the Hogwarts Academy, such as Harry and his friends in 2001's "Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone." Read more.
Located out in Shepherd's Bush, it's not the most central place to shop in London, but has everything you need for a whole day of shopping, eating and entertainment.
If you get your Windsor Castle ticket stamped before you leave it is valid for a whole year
The world’s largest toy shop began life in 1760 as Noah’s Ark at 231 High Holborn. The Regent Street branch opened in 1881, and was bombed 5 times during the war.
Coming from Oxford Street, this feels straight from a Harry Potter book. After a hard day of shopping, sit down here and have a cocktail or a beer.
Gents, create your own stylish and timeless Grenson shoes at the G:Lab on the lower floor.
