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London has over 200 museums which can easily vie for the highest number of museums in any city of the world. Most of these museums are free to enter and they include three of the top museums of the world. Whereas the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and Science Museum are among the biggest in the world in terms of their collections, London also has tiny museums in terms of the size of their collections, their physical space and quality. Some of these smaller museums are described below.

Cartoon Museum: This London Museum is located on Little Russell Street and it exhibits British cartoons, caricatures, comic strips and animation from the 18th century to date. This diminutive museum has a library that has over 5,000 books and 4,000 comics and it issues catalogues and has a collection of over 1,700 original cartoons and prints, out of which it features a changing display of over 250 exhibits. Despite the fact that there has always been a strong historical tradition of comic art, Britain has never had a cartoon museum until 23 February 2006 when this museum was opened by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

The museum endeavours to preserve the best of British cartoons, caricatures, comics and animation. It has a gallery, archives and innovative exhibitions so that cartoon creations of the past and the present become accessible to all for the purposes of education, research and enjoyment, as per its mission statement. The museum has three galleries where temporary exhibitions are held and it has a permanent collection also. Some of the prominent exhibits are created by Hogarth, John Tenniel, H M Bateman, Matt, Steve Bell, Charles Schulz and Posy Simmonds. Even though it has a library of 5,000 books, which can be accessed for research by appointment, its space is limited to just one room upstairs and one room down. Although it is the smallest museum on London’s Museum Mile, it is certainly not the smallest in London.

If you wish to stay in one of the best hotels in London that offers exquisitely comfortable accommodation along with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities and offers personalised services while having affordable rates, your best choice is The Shaftesbury Hotel London which is also centrally located in the heart of the city, close to most places of interest.

Twinings Tea Shop & Museum: Twinings is a heritage tea brand and the Twining shop on the Strand can boast of being the first tearoom in London, having opened in 1717, and being home to a tiny Tea Museum which only has a collection of objects in a few cases. If you visit this place, you will be able to see the original copy of Twinings’ Royal Warrant that was granted by Queen Victoria in 1837, and a selection of Twinings tea caddies and historic packaging. You can also see the original paintings of the Twinings founders. The museum displays the history of the Twinings and there is a Loose Tea Bar where you can sample Twinings’ finest tea. At this shop, you will find one of the best selections of Twinings teas and even coffee, including many that cannot be found in any other local shop. It also offers a tea-tasting room.

If you wish to have a feel of staying in a home away from home while on a trip to London, it would be best to stay at Paddington Court Suites as you can get spacious accommodation along with kitchenette facilities and other superb amenities that you can enjoy with your family, besides being located close to Paddington station and most of the attractions of London.

The Faraday Effect, Trinity Buoy Wharf: Designed and created by artists Ana Ospina and Fourth Wall Creations and located in a shed in one the oddest dockland pockets in Trinity Buoy Wharf, The Faraday Effect is a mini-museum dedicated to the work of scientist Michael Faraday. It is one of the smallest museums in London. It provides an interactive experience that unveils the life and times of the famous scientist who was the scientific advisor to Trinity House and who had conducted many of his experiments right there in the Experimental Lighthouse. It is an immersive installation, recreating Faraday’s workshop that has been decorated with discovered objects, antiques, sound recordings, historic documents, explanatory notes, and fishing ephemera. Its location at Trinity Buoy Wharf is because of its connection to Faraday who worked as the Scientific Advisor for nearly 30 years and conducted many tests in electric lighting for lighthouses for which he used the Experimental Lighthouse located at Trinity Buoy Wharf in the 1850s.

Museum of Soho: This museum was started by members of the Soho Society, Bryan Burroughs and Roy Harrison, in 1990 and initially it was housed in St Anne’s Church but very soon it was digitised and has become London’s first ‘virtual’ museum. It does contend to being the smallest museum in London but without a physical home, it is difficult to grant this title of the smallest museum to it. The artefacts in the museum can be accessed via a large screen in Sherwood Street, opposite the Piccadilly Theatre. For ogling the illustrations, objects, galleries and articles that deal with Soho’s unique history, you have to touch the screen. The Museum of Soho’s collection can also be accessed online whereas its website features pictures, videos, documents and a lot more regarding the diverse history of the area.

Considering all aspects, the Faraday Effect does qualify for being the smallest museum in London.

London is an absolutely fascinating place to visit whether you are heading there for the first time, or you have been a number of times and still want to come back for more. There is a rich history to the city, a vibrant mix of cultures, plenty of astonishing and awe-inspiring landmarks and lots of exciting and fun-filled attractions to keep you going as well.  But with a city so full of things to do, how does the first time visitor decide which ones are worth seeing and which ones can wait until the next time you come to London?

This is a tricky one as it really depends on the type of thing you enjoy doing.  If you are looking for history then attractions such as the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Westminster Abbey are perfect options.  For thrill-seekers, you might want to try Up at the O2, the treetop walk through Kew Gardens or heading out to nearby theme parks such as Thorpe Park.  There’s plenty for families to do too with many of London’s leading art galleries and museums offering free entry and free activities designed to keep children engaged and interested.  Then there are all the other attractions and landmarks we could mention!  There is never an easy way to break down which attractions should be considered ‘must-see’ but we have tried our best to garner a variety which should appeal to the majority of first-time visitors to the city and which should give you a real flavour of what makes London so appealing to the millions of tourists who come here each year:-

The London Eye

You will find that plenty of London residents have their own opinion on the London Eye and its continued presence in the city (not to mention the cost of a ride) but there is something about this attraction which just keeps on drawing people to it year after year.  Since the London Eye was installed in the city, there have been many other cities following suit with giant ferris wheels of their own; Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle to name but a few but none can compare to the London Eye; it is the tallest one of its kind in the whole of Europe and offers visitors the chance to step into one of the 32 see-through capsules and be treated to a magnificent view across London.  It takes around half an hour to complete the trip, and there are interactive screens for those who are interested in discovering insightful information during the ride.  Visitors are also free to move around inside the capsules so you can make sure you take in the 360 degree panoramic view over London; on a clear day you can see as far as Windsor Castle.

London Markets

For a true understanding of what makes London tick, you should definitely plan in time to head to one of London’s bustling markets.  The city was created on trade and the markets were one of the first ways in which this was achieved.  Although new markets crop up constantly across the city, there are some which have been in place for hundreds of years such as Old Spitalfields Market and Borough Market, which is less than 20 minutes from the Montcalm at the Brewery hotel.  The main market day in London tends to be a Saturday but for midweek visitors there are some that take place throughout the week such as Camden Market and Greenwich Market.  A stroll around one of London’s markets is a real treat and something which every tourist should experience.  Many of the markets are also surrounded by independent shops and cafes too which make the perfect place to browse and enjoy a refreshment break once you’ve wandered around the variety of stalls.

The Tower of London

This historical landmark is situated in the heart of the city, and from the Montcalm Hotel London City should be very easy to reach.  Even if you aren’t a particular fan of history you should still take the opportunity to explore this attraction which has over 1,000 years of history and has played a role in almost every significant period of time in London.  It was originally built as a fortress but has also been a palace, a zoo, a place of execution and a prison and is now home to the Crown Jewels.  There are regular special events which take place, usually aimed at families as well as live performances, Beefeaters dressed in full livery and the mystery of the two Princes who vanished from the tower to contend with too.

Buckingham Palace

If you don’t fancy a trip to the Tower of London then you might instead prefer a quick visit to the London residence of HM The Queen Elizabeth.  Royalist or not, you can’t fail to be impressed by the size and scale of the palace with its 775 rooms; the building is 108 metres long across the front, 120 metres deep and 24 metres high and is a real landmark in the city. If you are staying in the Marble Arch by Montcalm then you are just a short walk away from this magnificent building and could surely find time to stop and pose for a photograph or two outside the iconic black fencing.  

The Royal Parks

London is home to a surprising number of parks and the eight Royal Parks are each fine examples of beautiful and picturesque spaces which are just crying out to be explored.  You could stick to central London and visit the likes of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens or head further afield to Richmond Park, but we would truly recommend making the most out of these wonderful spaces whether you have small children who need to run and play and burn off steam or you simply want to enjoy some fresh air and space in the busy city.

The City of London is an area within Greater London which is roughly based around the original Roman settlement of Londinium.  It was from this part of the city that London grew and expanded to become the capital city that we know today.  The City of London is home to some of London’s best known landmarks and attractions including Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and Old Spitalfields Market as well as many modern additions to boot.  Whether you fancy a spot of shopping, want to educate yourself or take a step back through history then you can find this and more in the City of London.  Here are some of our favourite things to do in this fascinating part of the city:-

St Paul’s Cathedral

This iconic church building is a very recognisable part of the London skyline, particularly the dome which crowns the top of this historic landmark.  Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 1670s, you could simply stand and admire the exterior of the building or you could pay the entry fee and step inside to see the awe-inspiring interior and discover more about the history of the site and the existing cathedral.  There are a number of things worth seeing inside the cathedral; you can discover the burial place of some of the most prominent figures in Britain’s history, climb the stairs to the very top of the dome and appreciate the view across the city or try out the unique acoustics in the Whispering Gallery.  For a great view of the exterior of the cathedral it is worth heading across to One New Change and travelling up to the terrace.  It is free to do this and the terrace is open from 6am until late in the evening, offering a spectacular view of the cathedral and the dome.

Tate Modern

From one of the oldest buildings in the city now to one which showcases all things contemporary, the Tate Modern is the UK’s national gallery of modern art and its location in the heart of the city, not to mention its free entry, makes it the ideal art gallery to visit if you are staying in one of the hotels in central London.  It is possible to see works of art by names such as Picasso, Cezanne, Warhol and Pollock; the building itself is pretty impressive too being housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the River Thames.  As well as the permanent works of art displayed here there are regularly changing temporary exhibitions, talks and events and activities designed to help children and families engage with the world of art.

Monument to the Great Fire of London

London has seen many significant events take place at its gates and none more so than the Great Fire of London which occurred in 1666.  This is an event which is well documented and saw huge parts of the city being completely razed to the ground along with a number of important and historical buildings at the time.  Within the City of London there is a monument commemorating this devastating event and built to celebrate the rebuilding of London, located close to where the fire is thought to have broken out: a bakery on Pudding Lane.  It is possible to climb the 311 steps inside the monument and look out across the city.  You can even take home a certificate stating that you made the climb.  It is perfectly accessible from the Montcalm Hotel London City and is a worthwhile excursion if you want a cost-effective viewing platform.

London Transport Museum

These days London is well known for its comprehensive public transport network which makes travel across the vast city so simple and straightforward; and it is possible to discover the origins of this network of transport in the London Transport Museum.  There are vintage buses, trams and trains, plus over 350,000 other items relating to the world of transport including posters, signs, models, photographs, staff uniforms and engineering designs.  If you have an interest in the development of transport, or you simply want further insight into how the modern day system in London came into being then you will almost definitely want to visit this museum.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of London’s most famous landmarks and one of the city’s most famous bridges to boot.  It is possible to join the millions of people who cross it every day but there is also an exhibition which allows you to discover the history behind the construction of the bridge through interactive displays as well as offering you the chance to look down on the River Thames through the high level glass walkway, 42 metres above the water.  Tower Bridge is often used as a backdrop for movies and is easily one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city.

The Science Museum

One of the city’s biggest attractions, the Science Museum gets more than 3 million visitors each year and with good reason.  The exhibitions here cover all areas of science and technology and there are lots of interactive displays to keep people of all ages interested and engaged.  There are also online exhibits and a learning area too.  Exhibitions include Making the Modern World, Exploring Space, an IMAX theatre, Journeys Through Medicine and a Clockmakers Museum.  Entry to most of the exhibitions is free and the museum is open almost every single day of the year.  It is the perfect attraction if the weather turns out to be a little miserable and wet, or if you want to spend a couple of hours exploring and discovering one of the city’s leading museums.  There is also a regularly changing programme of special events and plenty happening during the school holidays to keep the family occupied too.

Christmas is a festival which is celebrated worldwide and especially in the Christian dominant countries. Thus, you can expect London to be one of those countries that celebrate this much-loved festival. However, it can be said that the city, not only celebrates the festival but, does it in its own unique way. Many those have traveled to this place during the month of December and have got a chance to be with a British family; they have noticed the little differences and funny things which the nation follows unlike anywhere else in the world.

When you are staying at Paddington Court Executive Rooms, it is hard for you to observe such quirky traditions and fun things which are followed here. Instead, you will get the Hotel Rewards Programs to enjoy. It is highly recommended that if you get a chance then, try to spend Christmas in London with a British family or get into a local pub or restaurants which your closets chance to see the difference in British Christmas traditions than with rest of the world.

Festive Jumpers All Around

Yes, you have seen and heard yourself right, festive jumpers is one of the most common things you will notice in London. In a public place or on streets you will find many people wearing the festive jumpers. Some are bright, some are funny, and some are flashy, yet they are worn by festive British people completely indulging in the celebration. At the same time, the jumper tradition has become even more popular since 2012, after third Friday of December was declared as the official National Christmas Jumper Day. The day is organized by Save the Children to raise money for children all across the world with the motto, “help make the world better with a sweater.”

Festive Closure Of Transportation

Do not panic if you are unable to spot any of London’s red public buses on the streets or the tube stations are closed for that matter. Christmas is a huge celebration in this nation and so to honor the festive spirit, public transport ceases to run from the early evening of 24th December and stay closed the next day of 25th December. During these days of the year, the quietness of the surrounding overwhelms such a big city as there is no traffic or horn to be heard on streets. It is a different experience altogether. In case, you need to get around in the city there is the hop on and hop off bus tour to get you places.

Christmas Crackers Are Fun

Another UK tradition which is of great fun is cracker pulling. You will see these festive and sparkly cardboard tubes in the majority of supermarkets or as a decoration in restaurant tables during the entire festive month. The cardboard crackers contain little surprises which all the guest must open at the same time by crossing their arms and then pulling it all together. The crackers contain jokes and paper hats which the guests must wear during the Christmas dinner.

Some Special Christmas Festive

There are some foods in Britain which you will only find during the Christmas Day, and they are also not available anywhere else in the world during the same festive month. Foods like, mince pies and Christmas Pudding are some of the foods which are enjoyed by the people throughout the month of December and especially on 25th of December. The tradition of Christmas Pudding dates back to the medieval times and it is sometimes prepared a year in advance. The high alcohol content in the pudding stops it from going bad, and you can also set it alight on the table.  Other types of Christmas foods which are also included in traditional UK Christmas dinner are Pigs in Blankets and Brussels sprouts.

Boxing Day

Another bank holiday to mark in your diary when you are visiting the United Kingdom, is Boxing Day or St Stephen’s Day on 26th of December. This day was traditionally celebrated by distributing money and other goods to employees by the employers. And this tradition was followed during the Victorian times. In present times, it is also an important day as it marks the beginning of the sales in the month of December.

Pouring Brandy Sauce On Everything

It is another traditional way to celebrate Christmas in UK. Pouring brandy in all the Christmas food makes it even more delicious, and it is also regarded as an alternative to Christmas pudding topping. It comes with loads of cream mixed with cognac and it is also very good to taste.

Advent Calendars

These calendars have German origin but, they are quite popular in UK and non-existent in Spain. This calendar makes the countdown to Christmas even more exciting and fun. It opens a little door each day before Christmas and behind that door there is a treat hidden for you. These gifts are usually chocolates. However, the modern versions might contain many gifts ranging from Lego to toiletries.

A Whole Week Off For Christmas

A lot of workplaces in UK stay closed during the Christmas period till the New Year expect of the places like doctors, retail, pubs and others. It gives everyone lot of time to spend time with their friends and family and getting all the warmth of love and festivity. It is another great ritual to enjoy during the Christmas time in UK.

Wearing A Paper Crown

Christmas makes everyone king and the paper crowns worn on this day are made out of tissue paper unfolded into an actual crown. Both adults and children don together in the crown making expedition making it a colorful sight. The paper hat was an addition to the cracker in the early 1900s, and this tradition has been carried on since then.

Thus, if you are planning to celebrate Christmas this year in UK, look out for all these traditions and little fun things which might make your stay in the city even more fun unlike any other place in the world.

Belgravia is a beautiful place to visit at Christmas time as it is embraces all things festive with lights, markets and bright shop window displays. The area’s retailers are taking part in the seasonal celebrations and there will be an award for best window display this year. This will be very exciting for tourists heading to this part of London who can enjoy the festive cheer. Travellers must venture to the amazing Harrods to see its brilliant window display, as they never let customers down with their Christmas lights. This iconic British store is a truly wonderful place for tourists to go shopping to get all their presents for family and friends.

A brilliant arts destination that travellers can venture to when they are in the Belgravia area is the beautiful Cadogan Hall. This venue offers the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Christmas Cracker event on Sunday, December 18 that has special guest vocalists and great festive songs. On December 20 and 21 there is an event at the concert hall called The Sixteen, which offers a diverse Christmas programme of traditional carols and older music pieces. Both these events will really get tourists in the mood for festive season with amazing music and singing. Tourists must also look out for the many carol-singers who will be on the streets of Belgravia, who are usually wrapped up warm and singing live to raise money for charity.

Visitors heading to the city of London will want to stay at the centre close to the main attractions and sights. A great choice of accommodation is Park Avenue Hotel in Belgravia that offers fantastic rooms and suites that are air-conditioned and offer a work desk and Wi-Fi internet. Other amenities include a flatscreen television and bathrooms that have luxury toiletries and a hairdryer. This hotel in Belgravia is a fabulous place to stay for both business and leisure tourists who will be pleased to be based close to Victoria station.

Travellers should also venture to the wonderful landmark of Westminster Abbey that offers many free carol concerts, services and midnight mass in the lead up to Christmas. A great venue to see for its building, it is also just a lovely place to be around the festive season. Visitors on holiday in December will love the idea of just having a wander around the area going past Buckingham Palace and also walking along Piccadilly that’s always lit up well with Christmas lights and have the best show window fronts for tourists to enjoy during their trip.

Another superb destination near Piccadilly that travellers should visit is the amazing Hyde Park that at this time of year has Winter Wonderland. This fantastic destination is ideal for families and groups of friends who want to go ice-skating and enjoy the amazing Christmas markets. There are more than 200 chalets at this event that sell crafts, gifts and decorations.

There is an opportunity to meet Santa and travellers can also warm themselves up with a cup of hot chocolate or try a glass of mulled wine. Belgravia is a superb place to see at any time of year, but it really puts some effort into Christmas making it a complete joy to visit.

Tourists should remember that visiting London is not just about heading to the major sights and landmarks. There is always something going on in terms of special events and seasonal occasions. As the year is coming to an end tourists should look out for what is happening in 2017 and maybe plan their holiday for a particular event. Kicking off January is the top New Year’s Day Parade that annually takes place on the streets of central London. Each year the acrobats, dancers and marching bands make this colourful celebration come alive. There are thousands of great performers from across the UK celebrating the start of the New Year.

Travellers will no doubt come across a number of charity runs in the summer months, but there are plenty going on in the winter also. The first major race of 2017 is the Cancer Research Winter 10K Run that is held on a route that has a number of incredible landmarks. These include Trafalgar Square and St Paul’s Cathedral among many others. This is a top spectator sport that’s great for those watching, but also amazing for the runners who are encouraged by the crowd’s cheers to reach the finishing line. This exciting event will be held on February 5 and is a brilliant way to discover a range of major landmarks in London.

Tourists will want to stay close to attractions and choosing a great hotel near Victoria station would be ideal. The Astors Belgravia Victoria hotel is a fantastic choice that has wonderful rooms with air-conditioning and modern comforts such as a flatscreen television, telephone and Wi-Fi internet. This Ebury Street hotel is found on a pretty tree-lined road close to a number of superb restaurants and cafes. A bonus to staying here is that it’s very easy to travel around as Victoria station is nearby with tubes, overground trains and buses. The residence is perfect for travellers who are visiting the UK for either work or leisure. This brilliant luxury hotel also has excellent staff members who really look after their guests.

An event in the UK that is always guaranteed to be fun is celebrating St Patrick’s Day. The Irish community in London is amazing and there will be plenty of lively celebrations across the city. The occasion that is held annually on March 17 remembers the patron saint of Ireland, St Patrick. Although not a public holiday the capital often has events that are marked on the weekend closest to the day. Next year there will be a three-day celebration that offers the famous St Patrick’s Day parade in central London and Trafalgar Square on March 19.

If tourists are fond of the royal family then they should book a holiday to be in the UK for the Queen’s official birthday on June 17. The Trooping the Colour event is a very traditional ceremony that takes place on Horse Guards Parade, near St James’s Park. It marks the Queen’s birthday and features hundreds of horses, officers and talented musicians from the Household Division. The Queen attends this event herself and carries out an inspection of her troops before they are led down The Mall in a parade to her home Buckingham Palace.

Travellers will definitely want to put Hyde Park on their list of places to visit when they head to central London. This superb destination is a favourite with families who will adore taking their children there for a walk, cycle or out on a boat on the Serpentine River in the summer months. At this time of year the park hosts its amazing event of Winter Wonderland that is full of activities including ice-skating, a massive observation wheel and a lovely Christmas market. There are more than 200 chalets at this destination with festive items on sale, and the Angels Christmas Market that offers unique gifts, crafts, decorations and jewellery.

There is also a top circus and a traditional fairground that younger children will love for its carousel and funhouse. There is also Santa Land that gives parents and their offspring the chance to meet Father Christmas and his elves. There are many places to eat here and tourists will love the seasonal food on offer that really hits the spot in this cold weather. There are a number of eateries here with food that includes churros and drinks such as traditional Christmas mulled wine and delicious hot chocolate. There is also plenty to enjoy at the Bavarian Village where tourists can try out some German sausage and gluhwein.

Travellers heading to the city of London will want to stay at the centre and the best place to pick is the Admiral Hotel. This amazing accommodation is found at the heart of the capital and is a great hotel near Hyde Park. Travellers will adore the top rooms at this residence that offer modern amenities including a flatscreen television and Wi-Fi internet. They will also appreciate being close to Paddington station that allows them to get around the city easily. The living spaces are very comfortable and have a fridge allowing guests to keep food and drink cool. This luxury accommodation is perfect for both leisure and business travellers.

The Admiral Hotel has a wonderful restaurant that serves up a delicious traditional English breakfast, which is a superb way to start the day when heading out for sightseeing. This is a complimentary meal that comes with booking the room, so tourists need to not worry about eating out first thing in the morning. Another great part of Winter Wonderland, in Hyde Park, is an amazing area with tables, walls and sculptures that are created entirely from ice and is somewhere tourists can have a cocktail. Travellers will adore heading to this incredible green space even in the winter months as there is so much to enjoy when there.

It is so much fun for tourists to wrap up warm in scarves, hats and gloves and just have a wander around the park. There is the opportunity to visit the Serpentine Lake and head to the park’s galleries that have contemporary art. Travellers will enjoy venturing to Hyde Park’s fantastic playground that is dedicated to the late Princess Diana. It has a pirate ship in the middle with a sensory trail and toys, and is a wonderful place for young children. Hyde Park is just a lovely destination to visit at any time of year for travellers in London.

Travellers taking a trip to the city of London will be very excited by the amount of shopping destinations available to them. There are several great places to head to in the capital selling a range of goods from luxury designer items to high street brands and vintage products. The most famous of the shopping places has to be Oxford Street that is known for its department stores including John Lewis, Debenhams and Selfridges. There is also the flagship store of Topshop and the road offers the popular store of Primark. Travellers can easily get to this destination by heading to Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road or Oxford Circus tube station.

Visitors in London must also make a trip to Regent Street that offers many fashion stores and famous destinations such as the Apple Store, Liberty and toy shop Hamleys. Tourists should also venture to Bond Street and Mayfair that offer luxury items and provides huge names such as Louis Vuitton and Burberry. Travellers often like going to shopping centres to head to all their favourite stores under one roof and the best that the capital has to offer is Westfield. Visitors in east London can visit Westfield Stratford City that has around 250 shops, while at the other end of the capital there is Westfield London in White City.

Tourists heading to London will be very excited by what the city has to offer in terms of places to reside. Travellers should try and find a hotel near Bayswater station that will be close to attractions and sights. The MStay Hyde Park hotel is a fantastic place to head for a holiday that offers a range of air-conditioned rooms that have complimentary Wi-Fi and an LCD digital television. There is also an en-suite shower room and a kitchenette that will help travellers during their stay. Tourists will appreciate the large room sizes available so groups can stay together in the triple and family size rooms at this magnificent hotel in London.

A wonderful shopping destination that tourists can visit is the amazing Carnaby Street that is located between Oxford Street and Regent Street. This has more than 150 brands and many independent restaurants and bars. Travellers on a break in the city of London will love this place for its boutiques and new designer labels, as well as its vibrant atmosphere. Covent Garden is equally as intriguing with its popular market and chance to find unique items such as handmade jewellery and arts and crafts. For designer items tourists go to Knightsbridge for its top department stores including the world-famous Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

For something very special travellers must visit Savile Row that is the home of bespoke tailoring. It is a place where tourists can purchase a handmade suit by going to shops such as Henry Poole & Co and Ozwald Boateng. Retail enthusiasts who want to have fun when they are shopping must head to Notting Hill for its excellent Portobello Road Market that has a huge array of vintage clothing, antiques, books and gifts on offer. Travellers will certainly have a massive amount of choice when it comes to shopping in the centre of London.

Travellers will often want to head on holiday with their families and may need to think about what pleases the elderly members of the group. Luckily the English capital caters for all ages of tourists, so there is plenty for them to see and do for free. A great place to take fellow travellers of an older age is the wonderful National Gallery. This exquisite destination is located in the vibrant Trafalgar Square and includes paintings from incredible artists such as Rubens and Michelangelo. All visitors will appreciate a beautiful building and it doesn’t get much better than heading to St Paul’s Cathedral that truly dominates the London skyline.

This stunning piece of architecture is definitely worth a visit when in the capital, as is the magnificent Westminster Abbey. If tourists attend a church service it is actually free to enter these popular destinations. Another great arts venue is The Wallace Collection, which sometimes gets overlooked due to the large amount of cultural destinations in the capital. This attraction is somewhat of a hidden gem and includes French 18th century paintings and furniture among other wonderful pieces of art. It has outstanding works by greats such as Titian and Rembrandt, and is only a five minute walk away from Oxford Circus tube station.

Tourists should make the choice of staying at a central London accommodation and pick a hotel near Bayswater station. This puts them right at the heart of the city and close to many attractions and sights. The best place to choose in this situation is the MStay Hyde Park hotel that offers excellent rooms with many modern comforts such as an LCD digital television and complimentary Wi-Fi. This hotel is great for business and leisure guests who will feel very comfortable especially due to the amazing staff service. The rooms also have a kitchenette with hob as well as a private en-suite shower room. The residence is a lovely place to return to after a long day of sightseeing or working in the city of London.

A fabulous part of London is Hampstead Heath and tourists should definitely take their older travelling companions to this stunning green space. It’s a little quieter than the major parks in London such as Hyde Park, so is ideal for a relaxing time away from the bustling city centre. Tourists can walk up to the top of Parliament Hill to admire the capital. Nearby there is also Kenwood House that offers a beautiful building of a neoclassical white villa. There are many pieces of artwork inside that will impress visitors when they head to this great destination.

A day trip to Greenwich, in south London, is also a fun way to see a brilliant part of the city of London. Travellers can head to the Royal Observatory that played a huge role in the history of astronomy. Visitors should also have a wander of Greenwich Park and visit the wonderful market that offer amazing gifts and unique arts and crafts. A lovely walk that can be taken at a leisurely pace is from Little Venice to Camden Town along the gorgeous Regent’s Canal. Along the way tourists will come across many narrowboats and end up at Camden Market.

Something that tourists perhaps don’t consider when they come to London is how to get around. They may only think about transport when they are actually in the country and getting ready to travel to their hotel. A trip to a capital city such as London can be expensive so tourists should plan ahead before they get there. Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest transport stops in the world and thankfully there are many ways to travel from there to central London. The first time a holiday-maker arrives at Heathrow airport it may be a bit daunting, so working out how to get from there to an accommodation is very important.

The cheapest way is to catch a National Express bus that runs quite regularly from the airport’s bus station. This is a great option for tourists who want to save money, but the journey is naturally longer than say taking a taxi. The bus will drop travellers off at Victoria Station so they will be at the heart of the city making it easy to catch a tube train or taxi onto the hotel. Visitors can obviously take a taxi from the airport, but they must remember that a black cab will be more expensive than a hired minicab, which has to be called in advance. The benefit of a black cab is that it can be immediately hailed from outside the airport.

Tourists arriving in the UK will want to stay at a hotel that is close to the heart of London and the best destination they can head to is a hotel in Queensway. A great choice is the MStay Hyde Park hotel that is found close to attractions and sights. The large rooms at this hotel are air-conditioned and have many modern comforts such as an LCD digital television and complimentary Wi-Fi that is ideal for checking emails. Travellers will adore the en-suite shower room and the gorgeous kitchenette that is available with a hob for cooking.

Taking a trip on the underground is usually the best bet for tourists who can very easily catch the Piccadilly Line into central London. The tube trains start running at around 5am and carry on until midnight on weekdays and Sunday. Recently the Night Tube began and along with the Piccadilly Line, there is also the Northern, Central and Victoria services that are open 24 hours a day on Friday and Saturday nights. This is great for tourists who have flights that arrive at Heathrow Airport in the early hours of the morning. This is a fairly cheap way to get into the centre of London, and takes about 50 minutes to get right to the heart of the city.

A great route that travellers should take is the Heathrow Express train from the airport to Paddington Station. This is a popular non-stop service that takes only 15 minutes and is charged at a reasonable rate. There is also the Heathrow Connect Service that makes several stops along the way at stations such as Southall, Hanwell and Ealing Broadway. Tourists have a final option with hiring a car which can be useful if visitors are thinking of driving somewhere outside of London for a day trip or the travelling group is a large one.

Tourists taking a trip to London will definitely have Hyde Park on their list of activities when they visit the city. This wonderful green space is popular with travellers of all ages who will enjoy heading to the children’s playground, Serpentine Galleries or playing some sport. The park is one of the largest in the capital and was created in 1536 by Henry VIII for hunting. In 1637 the green space was opened to the public and now it has become one of the most popular attractions in London. The park has actually got famous landmarks within it that appeal to many travellers such as the beautiful Serpentine Lake that is great for boating.

There is also the amazing Speakers’ Corner that offers the chance for travellers to head there and listen to great orators talk about the important topics of the day. This historic platform has been used by many important figures including the suffragettes during their struggle for getting votes for women. Other people who have used the stage include the author of Animal Farm, George Orwell, and German philosopher Karl Marx. Travellers can also see the stunning memorial fountain dedicated to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. This beautiful structure is a place where tourists can dip their toes in the water in the summer.

Travellers staying in the capital will want to be close to attractions such as Hyde Park so should venture to a hotel in Queensway such as the amazing MStay Hyde Park hotel. This superb destination has air-conditioned rooms that offer many modern amenities including an LCD digital television and complimentary Wi-Fi that’s great for checking emails. There is also an en-suite shower room and a kitchenette with a hob that tourists who like to cook can use. Visitors to this accommodation will appreciate its different sizes of rooms that include triple and family making this a wonderful destination for large travelling groups.

Travellers may enter the green space through the Marble Arch end of the park and get to marvel at the wonderful gateway there. This white marble arch was created in 1827 for Buckingham Palace, but was moved to where it is now in 1851. The gorgeous design was created by architect John Nash who based it on the Arch of Constantine in Rome. The truly magnificent band stand in Hyde Park is a stunning part of the green space that was built in 1869. Musicians appreciate this top structure’s octagonal roof for its incredible acoustics.

There are many sports that tourists can play when in the park including football and tennis. Travellers can also go horse-riding if they are skilled at this, and if not then they can get lessons for beginners. Hyde Park is also known for its annual music gigs and has a history of hosting some of the most famous singers in the world. A lovely place to visit is the park’s Rose Garden that is a very tranquil place for tourists who want to have a break. Here there’s the lovely marble Boy and Dolphin Fountain made in 1862. This was created by British sculptor Alexander Munro, who was friends with Alice in Wonderland author, Lewis Carroll.

London is a city that is traveller inviting and it respects every one of the general population who come here interestingly. You can wear loads of things in the city and have an extraordinary time.

The city has numerous things to provide for the guests. In spite of the fact that you are here interestingly you can appreciate the city more. In the event that you are worn out on the bustling life, commotion and the group then you can have a quiet stroll along the Waterloo Bridge and appreciate. Particularly in winter the environment is cool. You will see the Southbank sparkling with pleasant lights. To have some more peace you can go to a few parks like the Hyde Park and have some cool time. In the recreation center your children can appreciate the play zone while you can have some cool and crisp time. You can invest great energy with nature here.

As a first time visitor you should first guarantee that you get a decent place to remain. There are numerous great lodgings in the city like the BEST WESTERN PLUS Park Grand London Heathrow where you can get a decent remain. As the lodgings are well known, they get full almost and consequently you have to do the propel booking of your room. There are numerous attractions those are justified regardless of a visit. A hefty portion of the exhibition halls and displays offer free passage. You can check the points of interest of such places on the web and after that choose where you might want to go. There are many good places to see near the hotel where you can go and have some great time.

London is an incredible place for the customers and there are numerous great departmental stores and shopping avenues where you can do bunches of shopping. A portion of the things might be exorbitant and you have to remember how much cash you have. You can likewise do bartering here. There are numerous great eateries and bars here where you can get the most genuine and moderate British sustenance. You can choose from an extraordinary assortment of beverages here. On the off chance that you have less time in hands then you can likewise do Shopping around Heathrow Airport and spare time. This might be minimal exorbitant yet this can spare your time without a doubt.

To spare your cash and time you can take an oyster card and go through the underground. You have to see the yellow lines at the underground and take after different rules. There are numerous attractions in the city those are free of cost. Before you begin for some place, simply guarantee if the climate is to support you or not. In the event that you have less time in hands then you can go to the London eye and you can see the majority of the outstanding London attractions initially. On the off chance that you have less time in hands then you can remain in an inn that is close to the air terminal and spare your time. There are numerous attractions close Heathrow Airport where you can go and invest energy. Also there are many good hotels near London Heathrow where you can have a nice stay. You can book your hotel room online in advance.

While one visits London surprisingly one can really become involved with the tumultuous feel and after that guests would doubtlessly have an incredible affair attempting to get around to the genuine experience that London is really popular for. One has numerous methods for appreciating the city on the off chance that one is here interestingly. One can likewise guarantee that the outing to the city is as agreeable and helpful as could be expected under the circumstances. The city has every one of the accommodations and the offices that make the general experience a genuine pleasure for all who come here interestingly.

Getting around to the city is a one stop encounter which gives one an open transport framework that permits one to figure the best sort of city enjoyments. In the event that one is going to here interestingly, then one is certain to get charmed and pleased with the diverse methods of transport and correspondence which frame the pillar of visits here. The City is in actuality renowned for every one of the extravagances and solaces which are without a doubt an awesome method for supporting visits here. The City Mapper is a London application that is for sure an amazing apparatus that really guarantees one would be guided the most ideal way imaginable. One can likewise drive around the city furthermore know about the avenues and additionally the toll changes. Parking spots are not generally simple to discover and one can have the most ideal methods for stopping in the city with the goal that one can book them furthermore make game plans for getting a charge out of a general city encounter.

In the event that one is from London then one has the propensity for remaining cool while going around the city. This is the correct counsel that one ought to likewise provide for a man coming here surprisingly as one truly would love to be a piece of an ordeal that is really so ordinary of London and it is just in this way than one can have a casual and agreeable remain here. The whole experience appropriate from the earliest starting point to the end of the stay here is undoubtedly something that one would without a doubt love to reclaim and this is the reason a newcomer would love to be a piece of an extraordinary ordeal that is charming as well as energizing

So regardless of the possibility that you are at London surprisingly you can appreciate it taking care of business. Simply result in these present circumstances awesome city and see the supernatural occurrence happening.

London is such a vast metropolis with so many attractions and things to do that if you really wish to experience at least some of its offerings, you need a minimum of a week’s stay. However, you need to plan out the trip if you wish to make the most of your stay.

First Day: You should join a sightseeing bus that will take you round most of famous attractions to give you an overview of the place, such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms, No 10 Downing Street, and Horse Guards. You can catch the Red Route at Trafalgar Square that will take you up the Strand and Fleet Street, going past St Paul’s Cathedral. You will see Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Victoria Embankment and Westminster and then reach Parliament Square and see Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms and then reach Whitehall and finally Trafalgar Square.

For staying near most attractions in central London, it would be best to choose Shaftesbury London Hyde Park that also offers most comfortable accommodation and the best of facilities.

Second Day: Starting from Trafalgar Square where you will see Nelson’s Column and then the National Gallery and then you can walk down Northumberland Avenue and cross over Hungerford Bridge to see London Dungeon and London Aquarium in County and finally take a ride on the London Eye.

Third Day: You can start either from the British Museum or from the Museum of London. You will then walk to St Paul’s Cathedral if you start from the Museum of London or else you have to get the 521 bus. Walking across Millennium Bridge you reach the other side of the river to see Tate Modern or to take a guided tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. You can then see The Shard and get a splendid view of the city from its viewing deck.

If you wish to stay in central London at an affordable cost, it is best to choose to stay at one of the Hotels Near Bayswater Road as they are comfortable, affordable and are near most attractions.

Fourth Day: You should plan to see the Tower of London and Tower Bridge and take a ride on the cable car across the Thames and attend a concert at the O2.

Fifth Day: You can see two of the three Museums - Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and then do some shopping at Harrods. Alternatively, you can see Madame Tussauds and then the London Zoo.

Sixth Day: You can see Changing of the Guard and then have afternoon tea at the Montcalm London Marble Arch before visiting Piccadilly Circus, and shopping at Regent Street and Oxford Street. You can then enjoy a theatre show at one of the theatres in West End.

Seventh Day: You should plan to see Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Park, Royal Observatory, and then take a boat ride back to Westminster.

One of the best ways of seeing and experiencing London’s most iconic areas is sightseeing by bike that has the added advantage of costing you practically nothing. This mode of exploring London has become all the more attractive, now that London has become pro-bike with bike-friendly pavements promenades. Moreover, you will get ample opportunities to indulge your photography instincts and achieve great results. A bike tour will also keep you fit as you would be exercising your muscles and building up your stamina for a few hours. Another bonus benefit is that you will be able to gather more information, get closer and become more interactive while meeting various people and visiting historic buildings and little-known places, than if you were taking a bus tour.

It is best to contact a famous bike tour company and join one of their tours. These companies are located centrally so that it is easy to reach them, especially if you are staying at Shaftesbury Hyde Park International which is situated in the heart of London close to most places of interest and offers luxurious accommodation with ideal facilities and services at a cost that you can easily afford. Three main biking tours are available so that you can choose the one that would suit you the most, depending upon the time convenient to you, whether you just wish to explore iconic sights or if you wish to explore sports-related places. You can even opt for a night tour!

Tour of Central London: This is the most popular biking tour, basically because most of the main attractions of London are located in or around central London and as such it is easy to cover many of them without spending much time or energy. Some of the most significant landmarks are in this area such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral along with Theatreland in West End and the financial district. The tour sets off from Waterloo and moves along Southbank providing amazing views along the river. You will then cross over to the other side of the river and wind your way through Westminster and reach St James’s Park. If you can reach there at the right time, you will be able to watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The tour will then take you back to Trafalgar Square and to Leicester Square so that you can peep into Chinatown before you reach and admire the fantastic cobbled streets of Covent Garden. There are some old law firms around Leather Lane Market and Smithfield Market that you can explore and then it will be time to cross the river again, over the Millennium Bridge. This journey will take you three hours but you will cover many of the main attractions and also get enough time to stop for a while, relax and have a coffee. On the way you will also get many photo opportunities.

If you are visiting London and would like to explore it by joining a bike tour, it would be best to stay at a Hyde Park Accommodation as you will be located in the heart of the city and would get the option of choosing from all categories of hotels depending on your budget.

Olympic Tour: If you like sports and would love to visit all places connected with it and the Olympics that took place in 2012, it would be best to join this tour which has duration of seven hours. This tour also starts on the Southbank and takes you past Tate Modern Art Gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and over the Tower Bridge. You can then reach Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park after making your way through East London’s canals from Canary Wharf. You will get the opportunity to see the Olympic Stadium and the new attraction ArcelorMittal Orbit which is a huge red spiralling monument that offers stunning views of the City around East London. The other attractions in the Park are an Aquatic Centre, Velodrome and Copper Box Arena. During your tour, you will get time to relax and explore the park as you like.

In order to be able to stay in comfortable accommodation in the heart of the city in a luxury hotel you can avail of Best Hotel Deals London that will provide attractive discounts as well as some great packages.

Night Tour: If you wish to explore London with a new perspective altogether, you can take the night biking tour that will be all the more enjoyable during the summer. You will enjoy seeing London’s landmarks illuminated and looking gorgeous against the backdrop of coloured skies. The tour will start at Gabriel’s Wharf on the Southbank and then proceed to Tower Bridge and St Katherine’s Dock. You will then go through the City of London and go over the Millennium Bridge to the Tate Modern Art Gallery. At this point, you will get an opportunity to relax at Founders Arms pub which is located right on the river and as such also affords the opportunity to take some lovely photographs of the views that you can get up and down the Thames. The next leg of the journey will take you along the river west to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben which presents one of the best historic silhouettes and sceneries. You will then go past the stunning Gothic UNESCO Westminster Abbey and then on to Trafalgar Square and the cultural Covent Garden. If there is sufficient time left, you can go through Chinatown and Soho and see how vibrant these places are, particularly at night. You will then reach back to where you started at Waterloo Bridge and relax at the Studio 6 pub with a drink.

Going away is exciting, however, your pre holiday time is usually filled with packing, hunting for passports and and ensuring that you have visas, tickets and other documents. It can be a very stressful time but this guide is designed to take the pain out of packing, to make sure you have everything you need neatly tucked away rather than having to use your body weight to close your case and to ensure that you become a packing master.

1. Choose Your Luggage Wisely

Ask yourself the following questions: How long is your trip going to be? Is it a business trip or a personal getaway?

Answering these two questions will help you determine the size and type of luggage you’ll need to take with you. If you’re going away for the weekend, you’ll only need a tote bag, whereas a 10-day excursion will require a snazzy suitcase on wheels.

2. Check the weather

While no weather forecast is 100 percent accurate, having a general idea of what the weather’s going to be like during your trip will help you decide on the clothes you should pack. If you’re heading to Australia, odds are you will need flip flops and shorts whereas if you’re heading to the Paddington Court Hotel in Britain, you may need jeans and a waterproof jacket.

3. Go over your itinerary

What will you be doing on your trip? It’s important to not only pack for what you’re definitely doing, but for spontaneous celebrations and events that might pop up. If you know someone who has already visited your holiday destination, ask them what there is to do in the area and what you will need to pack to cater for those activities.

4. Get All Cosmetics in Travel Size

Most cosmetic products are available in travel sizes or, if they’re not, you can invest in travel size bottles to dispense them in. Some recommend purchasing your toiletries at your destination to save space, but if you’re picky make sure you have packed:

a mini brush and comb

travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste

mini zip-top bags for accessories

travel-sized bottles for your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer, toner, sunscreen etc

large zip-top bags for your bottles in case they leak

A bag for your shoes to stop marks on your clothes

a second set of chargers for your laptop, tablet and mobile phone

a mini hair dryer (which doubles as a steamer if any clothing ends up wrinkled) and mini straighteners or/and curling irons

Pack these items in an outside pocket or at the top of your case so no pressure is put on them, and they can easily be accessed at airport security if you’re asked to remove them for inspection.

Always Pack Outside Your Suitcase

Gather everything on your itemized list and place them around your suitcase so you can decide what will make the cut because you’re guaranteed not to need everything that is one your list.

Focus on basic neutral colors such as black, white, grey, cream and navy because the more versatile your clothing is, the easier it will be to mix and match outfits, and so you won’t have to pack as much.

Choosing different styles of clothing made of fabric that doesn’t crease easily will make your life so much easier. Eight versatile pieces that blend well together will create up to 24 different outfits which will be more than enough for your trip; a tank top and pair of comfy shorts can double as pajamas, and a big t-shirt can double as both a nightie and cover-up for the beach.

Use accents such as jewelry and scarves to pump up the volume on your outfits—they hardly take up any space and will transform an outfit.

When it comes to shoes, wear your heaviest shoes and choose comfortable, light ones to pack.

Pack Odd Shaped Items First

This technique will need to be used at home when you’re packing to go and at the hotel in Paddington, if you’re venturing to London, on your return to make sure you have everything in your suitcase.

Packing items likes shoes, blow dryers, and purses around the outer perimeter will give you the space you need to pack your clothes etc in the middle. It is important to use the nook and cranny: use the odd-shaped cracks between these items to tuck in your socks, bathing suits, underwear and belts.

Stuff your socks and other underwear in your shoes to both maximize space, and keep your shoes from squishing. This process will ensure that everything is evenly distributed and the weight of your items won’t break or crush anything during your trip.

Don’t Pack Your Bulky Items, Wear Them Instead

If you wear your bulkier items like your coat, jeans and sweater instead of packing them, this will save loads of space in your suitcase. Plus, dressing in layers offers you the convenience of adding or discarding them depending on where you’re going and the temperature when you arrive. Also, by wearing your heavier items, you can either pack more in your case or leave the additional space to bring back souvenirs.

Make Sure Your Carry-On is Organised incase of Emergencies

Consider your carry-on an emergency kit: if you were to ever lose your luggage or get stuck at the airport, what essentials are you going to need to have with you to enjoy your trip no matter what happens? Here are just some of the items you should consider including in your carry-on:

make-up

any prescribed medication needed

anti-nausea, pain killers

Immodium, bug spray, Benadryl

prescription glasses and sunglasses

bottled water and snacks

toothbrush and toothpaste

swimsuit and sunscreen

underwear

spare top

books/magazines

cash/I.D.

As we all know, London has a colourful and diverse history which can be seen in its famous landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and St Pauls Cathedral. With these historical gems that span centuries, there is probably little surprise that London is home to some of the oldest eateries in the world with some still open today for you to enjoy. This guide will span over 200 years, allowing you to take your tastebuds of a culinary journey to experience an array of quintessentially British food. If you are a history lover who is also a foodie at heart, this guide will be everything you want and more.

Wiltons

Wiltons has a long history with its street stall first setting up in 1742. George William Wilton began his business in Haymarket, selling fresh cockles, shrimps and oysters on his stall and then progressed to a fishmonger shop in Trafalgar Square at the turn of the 19th century. The very first Wiltons restaurant opened its doors 1840 on Ryder Street, situated near Park Grand Paddington Court accommodation, and, since then, it has moved and can now be found on Jermyn Street where is still serves food that would make George William Wilton proud.

Simpson’s Tavern

Simpson’s Tavern is deemed to be London’s first ever chophouse and opened to locals in 1757 and has been serving good, wholesome British food ever since. A chophouse is an old British tradition that served a fine selection of meats and ale for hundreds of years. Thomas Simpson founded the tavern after the destruction of his first restaurant and his ‘Original Fish Dinner’ became famous throughout the city, so much so that the price was kept at the same price of 2/- until the first part of the 1900’s. Tradition meant, and still means, so much to Simpson’s Tavern that ladies were not permitted to enter until 1916, up until then it was a gentleman’s club. Today, anyone and everyone is welcome to the tavern so jump on the tube near the Paddington Court Executive and head to the City of London to dine on a hearty meal and a good old-fashioned pint in the capital’s original chophouse.

Rules

The oldest restaurant in the city is based a short walk away from the hotel near Hyde Park. Rules was born in 1798 and has been known ever since for its game dishes. It has welcomed many through its doors over the centuries and has been enjoyed by the likes of Charles Dickens and Charlie Chaplin, and, during the Second World War, it was very popular due to its selection of rabbit, grouse and pheasant which was a luxury for the city’s inhabitants during rations. The best time to visit is from the 12th of August, when the game season begins, but make sure you get there early to get a seat.

Simpsons-in-the-Strand

Simpsons-in-the-Strand began its life as a coffee house and smoking room before developing a reputation for the best English food in the city in the mid 19th century. It has had an impressive clientele in its day with Charles Dickens, P.G. Wodehouse, Vincent Van Gogh and George Bernard Shaw all being regular visitors. Simpsons-in-the-Strand has a unique historical connection to the game of chess as it was the place to come if you wanted to enjoy a game; the waiters still serve dishes on silver trolleys that glide between tables, an act that ensured that no game was disturbed and, even though the game is no longer played here, the trolley tradition lives on.

Gordon’s Wine Bar

If you are looking for an experience as well as delicious food and wines, then Gordon’s Wine Bar is the place to visit. It is well known by Londoners and tourists alike due to its historical connections with Samuel Pepys, the diarist who recorded major events such as the Great Fire of London in 1666. It opened in 1890 making it the oldest wine bar in the world and is set in the vaults of the Georgian houses with electricity only running in certain parts of the bar. The vaults themselves, where the vats and barrels used to be stored, will transport you to the earlier days of the bar with rickety wooden tables and chairs that are lit by candlelight. The walls are littered with its history and the small bar is stocked with a grand selection of wines; whether you enjoy white, rose or red, Gordon’s will have something for you. The food is a simple but delicious buffet with an array of fresh breads, rolls, meats, pies salad and cheese; you can create your own board and a standard board of cheese, ham and bread will cost around £12. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy a great tasting wine while being submerged in history, Gordon’s Wine Bar is simply it.

Veeraswamy

An Indian has become one of British publics most favourite cuisines and it is quite surprising to learn that the very first Indian restaurant in Britain was in the form of Veeraswamy in 1926. The youngest of the group, it possibly has the grandest history; it was opened 90 years by a man whose grandfather was an English general and his grandmother was an Indian princess. Veeraswamy quickly became the place to go and be seen, especially by the elite, mainly due to its exotic dishes and prime spot looking over Regent Street. In 2016, Indian restaurants are all over the city but Veeraswamy is still the best with its fine selection of dishes and its fascinating history.