It’s not down to chance that London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The capital city of England attracts almost 20 million tourists a year (pre-COVID figures) and has some of the most popular attractions in Europe. With great value hotels like the Park Grand Lancaster Gate being the icing on the cake, everyone has to visit the city at least once in their life.
But if you’re still not convinced, this blog will outline some of the main reasons that London has become one of the best cities for tourists in the world. From landmarks and attractions to the authentic character of the English capital, guests of Lonodn hotel deals with breakfast included are set to have one of the most memorable holidays of their life.
A Little About London
London has changed hands a fair amount over the past two millennia. First founded by the Romans in 43 AD, the area’s riverside links into the North Sea made it the perfect place for trade and transport to develop. Once confined to the City of Westminster and the City of London, the outer 32 boroughs of the rapidly expanding city were not incorporated into London until the 1960s. In that time, the industrial revolution, mass migration and several large fires – most notably the Great Fire of London in 1666, all morphed the once small output into the monolith city it is today.
A City of Villages
As mentioned, London has grown exponentially over its 2000 year life. This means there are plenty of different places with distinctive personalities for visitors to enjoy. The city of London’s 32 boroughs are among the most diverse places in the country and vary dramatically in terms of architecture, history and attractions. Whilst you won’t be able to see all of these districts in one visit (unless you’re staying in London for a whole year!), you can still drink in several of them during your trip.
Free Museums
London’s museum scene is second to none, and what’s more, the vast majority of the largest ones are free to visit. The South Kensington trio of the Science, Natural History and Victoria & Albert Design Museum are all free to visit and have a lot of architectural history between them too. Other free museums that are well worth visiting include the V&A Museum of Childhood, the Museum of London and the British Museum – one of the largest history museums in the world.
Free Art Galleries
And it’s not just history either. Tourists can enjoy works from the likes of JW Turner and Picasso at museums such as the Tate Modern and Britain and the National Gallery. The contemporary art galleries are certainly not scarce either, the White Cube in Bermondsey and the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens boast a wealth of art exhibitions from some of the 21st century’s most exciting creatives.
Events Every Day Of The Week
Whatever your interests may be, a quick search on Google for what to do in London will spoil you for choice. From food festivals to talks on literature and cinema, the city is a hotbed for culture – and that’s before you even check the What’s On Theatre list!
The London Pub Scene
The London bar scene is like no other in the world. Whether your Indian afternoon tea in London’s Park Grand Lancaster Gate hasn’t quite wetted the whistle, or you’re just looking for a spot to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, the history and culture of London’s local boozers need no introduction and should be sampled by all (adult) visitors.
The Green Spaces Of London
Did you know that 18% of London is public green space? With thousands of parks across the boroughs of the city, 8 definitely stand out – the Royal Parks, first created as private land for the monarchy. Dotted across the city centre and into the further reaches of West London, it’s well worth visiting a few of them to get a true sense of that Great British “fresh air”. There are several forests to enjoy too, including the ancient Epping Forest in East London and Hampstead Heath.
Diverse Dining
From the Lancaster Gate restaurants to Sunday roasts at the local pub, dining in London is like no other. Whilst English cuisine might be nothing much to write home about, the many influences and cultures in London have led to the emergence of a huge food scene. For starters, why not head down to Borough Market near London Bridge to sample the wares of London’s best ingredients producers and street food vendors?
An Historic Music Scene
For nights out, there’s nothing that beats a legendary live music night. Whether you’re into R&B, hip hop or rock, the music scene and many subcultures of London have led to unique live acts almost every night of the week. What’s more, you don’t always have to pay a pretty penny to see local bands, community venues like the Brixton Windmill and the Shacklewell Arms put on the best in alternative music for as littles as a pint.
Viewpoints To Take Your Breath Away
Whilst sightseeing can really wear you out, you can see many of the city’s most iconic landmarks in one go – and often for free as well. Viewpoints such as Primrose Hill and the Greenwich Observatory allow you to view upon the expanse of the city. Other options for snapping that panoramic moneyshot of your holiday include a trip on the London Eye ferris wheel and a visit to the Tower Bridge exhibition.
Amazing Transport Links
It might span 1500 square kilometres, but London has 400 kilometres of underground railway lines sitting right beneath – and around – it. The 11 tube lines of London mean that it’s now easier than ever to navigate from one side of the city to another – often in less than an hour. Don’t forget the buses either, the more hard to reach areas will no doubt be served by at least one of the 700 routes.
