The home of high tea and sconces with jam, London is a great place for families, honeymooners, and avid backpackers alike. The capital city of England has something for everyone. Situated on the banks of the river Thames, the name London was derived from the ancient name Londinium hinting at Roman-British origin.
Best Times to Visit
The fickle weather of London tour is known to all, but it is still a great destination all year around. The timing of your visit should be determined by what you want to experience in the city.
- December-January: Soak in the Christmas spirit and welcome the New Year. The fireworks at the London Eye are worth bundling up for.
- February: Cloudy weather and rains likely but Chinese New year celebrations brighten up the atmosphere.
- March-April: Great if you want to see spring and catch events such as the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race and the London Marathon.
- May-July: The best time to visit the city in terms of weather. The Queen’s birthday parade, Wimbledon championship, Derby and Ascot races, Covent Garden Festival, and flower shows are all held during this time.
- August: A great time to experience the countryside.
- September: A month of festivals, most of which are free events.
- October: The days get shorter and things get spooky with Halloween.
- November: Evenings call for warm clothing while the bonfire and fireworks on Guy Fawkes’ night light up the skies.
Where to Stay
Family run B&Bs (bed and breakfasts), budget to five-star hotels, caravans, hostels, and campsites are all available. Your budget and level of comfort should be key factors when you decide on this. Location will also figure in when you make your choice because proximity to attractions you want to visit will help cut down on the commute.
Transport
Public transport is one of the best ways to get around London attraction which has one of the world’s largest urban networks. The double decker buses are a fun way to go around the city while the underground rail network famously known as the ‘Tube’ is the easiest and quickest means of transport.
Get an Oyster travel card which can be used on the bus, tram, Tube, DLR (Docklands Light Rail), MBNA Thames River Clippers river bus service, London Overground, and National Rail services. This is similar to a credit card and ensures cashless travel with just a swipe at the entry gates.
Attractions
There are numerous things to do and sights to see when in London and quite a few are free.
- London Eye: This huge Ferris wheel towers over the skyline by the riverside. Whole capsules can be booked but it might be closed for maintenance around late January to early February.
- Tower of London: This 900-year-old building has variously served as a royal palace, prison, execution spot, arsenal, jewel house, and zoo.
- Royal Museums in Greenwich: This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, and the Queen’s House.
- Changing of the Guard: The ceremonial display famous across the globe takes place not just at Buckingham Palace, but also
- Madame Tussaud’s: Rub shoulders with your favourite celebrities, albeit in wax, at this fun museum.
- The London Dungeon: Come face to face with London’s gory past with live actors, thrilling rides and special effects.
- The Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Get on the sets of the Harry Potter film series and discover behind-the-scene secrets.
A city that is famous as a wonderful place to live in does its best to satisfy even the shortest trip of a traveller.
