London, UK

London is one of those cities which most people have on their bucket list. Whether it is because they love the British Royal Family, they are massive history buffs, or they wanna see landmarks from the Harry Potter movies, London is truly a city that has something for everyone.

Check out this quick guide to London so you are prepared for your visit.

Best time to visit London

One of the best times of the year to visit would be the festive months, November and December. When the days get shorter and the nights get longer, out come the festive lights and decorations. There is a special attraction that transforms Hyde Park over these months into a festive experience called “Winter Wonderland”. If you prefer the warmer weather consider June or September. July and August are extremely busy due to the European summer vacation, and London is no exception to this.

Getting around London

Being the country’s capital, London is an overwhelmingly large place. Simply walking from one side of the city to the other could take you a whole day. And that’s without stopping to rest or see the sights. Luckily the versatile transportation options make up for that. For a quick means of going from A to B check out the London Underground. This sprawling network of railways built under the streets is quick and convenient! For a cheaper option, the bus network is the way to go. If privacy is what you seek, a London cab is easy to catch from the street. For those who like a tour as you travel look into getting a double-decker sight-seeing bus. They will take you around London stopping at various attractions along the way.

London history, politics, and significant buildings

As one of the oldest and largest cities in England, London is a true survivor. Over the centuries there have been wars, plagues, and disasters. Not to mention one or two “great” fires…

London is also the home to the British Royal Family. Their main palace is located in The City of Westminster, Central London. Buckingham Palace is without a doubt one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Not only for its scale, decadence, and inhabitants but also for the Queen’s guard standing resolutely on watch outside.  

According to some historians, it is debatable whether the Queen is still the ruling power in the country after the establishment of the Parliament back in 1215.   Despite parliament being established so early in our history, it was not till much later in 1918, during the First World War that this came into full effect.

Standing close to Parliament to the towering monument of time known as “Big Ben”. This recognisable landmark is a gigantic clock, and its chimes echo throughout the area every hour. The bell that causes this is said to weigh over 13 tonnes or 13kg! In the evening, see it illuminate in vivid colours. There is even a different configuration to say when parliament is or isn’t in session. This bell tower was built as an extension to Westminster in 1844 after a fire destroyed the original parliamentary building.

Further up the Thames lies another royal structure on the riverbank, the Tower of London. Originally built in 1066 as a stronghold by William the Conqueror it was later used as a jail and execution ground for prisoners accused of treason and other heinous crimes. One notable resident was Guy Fawkes, the man accused of the gunpowder plot of 1605. Today it is maintained and protected by UNESCO as one of the world heritage sites around the world. 

What to do in London

For those more interested in world history than local history, there are a number of museums in the area. Check out The London Transport Museum, Royal Air Force Museum, and last but not least the Natural History Museum which first opened its doors in 1860.

With a little dose of history, mixed with fun is Madame Tussauds. Internationally famous for its life-size and unique replicates of real celebrities, this is just one of many locations around the world.

For the artists and art enthusiasts, there are a number of galleries as well such as the Tate Modern and the National Gallery, both holding works as old as 1260.

A must-do for families is Hamleys. Hamley’s is not only the biggest toy shop in London but also the biggest in the world. Offering a wide variety of trinkets and marvels across its massive seven floors, it first opened in 1881. Hamley’s has survived both world wars and has evolved from the simple toys of yesteryear to the modern electrical wonders of today.

The London Zoo is the biggest and widely considered the best zoo in the country. The zoo offers many experiences for visitors such as guided tours and feeding opportunities.

A short drive outside the city is the Warner Bros. studio, home of the Harry Potter tour. A must for fans, it is a fun and full day of everything Harry Potter.

For a few weeks over the summer, Buckingham Palace is open to the public for tours of the grounds and selected rooms. The Houses of Parliament offers a similar service with the added benefit of afternoon tea included. Both tours are absolutely must-have experiences for those interested in its history or politics! 

These activities and places mentioned are only a few of what London has to offer.

Final Thoughts

London is a bustling metropolis with many fantastic attractions for people of all ages and interests. It is even suitable for those looking for a short holiday, no matter what time of year you are able to go.