About London

From its iconic landmarks and famous institutions to its world renowned theatre, high profile fashion, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, London offers a plethora of exciting and entertaining activities of all interests. As the capital city, London has been established as an international transport hub and a leader in international finance, politics, education, culture, communications, entertainment, fashion and the arts. London will host the Summer Olympics of 2012, making it the first city in the world to host the Summer Olympics three times. Rich with history and culture, there is never a dull moment in London; however, be sure to bring an umbrella because light precipitation is a common occurrence.

History

Londinium, the first major settlement in the area, was founded by the Romans in AD 43. The settlement occupied about 1 square mile and was encompassed by protective walls. The settlement lasted about seventeen years until the Celts invaded, but it did not have much time to grow due to trouble in the Roman Empire and by the 5th century it was abandoned. About 600 AD, the Anglo-Saxons formed a new settlement upstream from the deserted Roman city, around what is now Covent Garden. After several invasions and under the influence of various English kings, London began to prosper as an international trading centre and political arena.

Trouble arose in 1013 when the Danish King Canute raided the city and forced out the English King Aethelred the Unready. The English quickly regained power when Aethelred’s army retaliated by pulling down the London Bridge with the Danish battalion stationed on top (hence the nursery rhyme “London Bridge is falling down”). Over the years London became the largest and most prosperous city in England, entering the medieval era.
From the 11th century to the 17th century, England was defined under numerous kings and queens, several major battles, opposing religious views, and finally the Great Plague. After killing thousands of people, the plague finally ended with an enormous disaster in 1666, the Great Fire of London. The rebuilding took over ten years; however, the growth did not stop.

Implementation of railways allowed small countryside towns easy access to the expanding city which was merging with neighboring settlements. Upon expansion, intense traffic congestion led to the creation of the world’s first metro system – the London Underground – in 1863. The lack of architectural unity in London is due to the rebuilding from war bombs in the early to mid-1900s. Today, London is Europe’s largest city economy and an essential component in global currency transactions.

Walking Distance of Hotel

Attractions: 8-10 minute walk from Harrods and Sloan Street (great shopping districts). 20-25 minute walk from the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. 2 minute walk from Hype Park. 8-10 minute walk from Buckingham Palace. 10-15 minute walk from St. James’ Palace (with the Grenadier Guards).

Tubes: Hyde Park Corner station is to the left of the hotel and about a 2 minute walk. The Piccadilly line, which runs through the heart of central London, stops here. Green Park station is a 5 minute walk from the hotel to the left then left down Piccadilly Street. Here, the Piccadilly, Victoria, and Jubilee lines cross.

Map of the Area

Top 10 London Tourist Attractions

London Eye

The London Eye really has to be included in a trip to London. The 32 capsules carry over 15,000 visitors every day. Because of the way the capsules are suspended it allows for a full 360 degree-panorama when you're at the top of the wheel. Tickets can also be booked online, which will saves a lot of time. The queues look long when you arrive but they move quickly as everyone is issued with a timed ticket. Don't forget your camera!

Tower of London

This is where the Crown Jewels are housed, which are quite spectacular. It's also where you can stand on the execution site of three English queens! The Tower Bridge Exhibition is also worth seeing and is only a short walk from the Tower of London.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official residence. The State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September. If you are visiting at a different time of the year go along to see the Changing of the Guard which happens on scheduled days so check before setting off, and arrive early to get a good position to watch the action!

Trafalgar Square

Come and marvel at Nelson's Column and the four huge lion statues. On the north side of the square you can visit the National Gallery and just around the corner on St. Martin's Lane is the National Portrait Gallery. Both have both permanent displays and special exhibitions so check what's on before you go.

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is situated within a converted power station and has an imposing position opposite St. Paul's Cathedral along the River Thames. You can visit again and again as the modern art displays change quite frequently. You'll often find enormous 'installations' in the Turbine Hall on the ground floor. Right outside is the Millennium Bridge.

Museum of London

If you're interested in London's history then this is the place to visit. The museum has seven permanent galleries displaying just some of the amazing wealth of material in their collections. Learn about London from the days when the whole population would fit on one double decker bus! Make sure you see the Lord Mayor's Coach, which was built in 1757 and is still used every year for the Lord Mayor's Show.

British Museum

Don't be fooled into thinking the British Museum is full of artifacts from old England. No, in days gone by the English were incredible warriors and the British Museum is full of the treasures the soldiers brought back from distance shores. Those treasures include the Rosetta Stone, the Easter Island statue, and the earliest known image of Christ. You will find a lot of Ancient Greek and Egyptian treasures including the Elgin Marbles.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is all about discovering the natural world around us and appeals to all age groups. Don't miss 'The Power Within' where you can experience what an earthquake feels like!

Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament is only a short walk down Whitehall from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square. The building is stunning from Parliament Square, but it is worth taking a walk over Westminster Bridge and getting the view from the River side. 'Big Ben' is actually the name of the bell in the clock tower which chimes every 15 minutes. Tours inside the Houses of Parliament are available for overseas visitors are only available during August and September.

V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)

Near the Natural History Museum and Science Museum in South Kensington, the V&A is a great museum of art and design, and holds over 3000 years worth of artifacts from many of the world's richest cultures, including the most comprehensive collection of British design and art from 1500 to 1900. There's furniture, ceramics, photography, sculpture, and much more.

Sightseeing Tour

Bus tours are available at www.bigbustours.com. Places to see within the city are: Parliament buildings and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium/Wobbly Bridge, Buckingham palace, St. James’ Palace, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Harrods, Tower of London, and Hyde Park.

Theatre

London is known worldwide for its immaculate theatre productions, featuring The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Lion King, Mary Poppins, We Will Rock You, STOMP, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Mamma Mia, Evita, The Blue Man Group, Footloose, and many more! Leicester Square (via Piccadilly Line) is the hub of the Theatre district. The official half price ticket booth is located in the center of the square as a freestanding building with “TKTS” on the side. There are many “half price” or discounted ticket booths in the area but the TKTS is the one the theatre box offices work directly with. Also, check online at www.lastminute.com for special offers.

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