Travel Guide to London, UK
After a culture hit, I would head for a bit of shopping on Sloane Street, Sloane Square and the King’s Road. I also love window shopping for antiques on Pimlico Road. I would have lunch outside at La Poule au Pot
(231 Ebury Street, SW1) – the restaurant’s simple-yet-authentic French country food is fantastic.
I would spend the afternoon doing a Thames river cruise from Westminster Bridge to Greenwich. At Greenwich I would visit the National Maritime Museum, walk up Greenwich Hill to explore the newly refurbished Royal Observatory (Blackheath Ave, SE10) and its planetarium, and to step over the Greenwich Meridian, at 0° longitude. The views over the City of London and Canary Wharf from Greenwich Hill are wonderful – it’s a great spot for memorable photos.
Back in Central London, I’d have a quick freshen up and then head to the theatre; I am a great lover of dramas and plays and London’s theatre scene has so much to offer to people of all tastes and ages. After a show, dinner would have to be at one of London’s many outstanding Asian restaurants: Hakkasan (8 Hanway Pl, W1), Zuma (3 Raphael St, SW7), China Tang (Dorchester Hotel, 53 Park Lane, W1), Umu (14 – 16 Bruton Pl, W1), Nobu (19 Old Park Lane, W1), Eight Over Eight (392 King’s Rd, SW3), Royal China (13 Queensway, W2) or Kai of Mayfair (65 South Audley St, W1). Drinks at the brand new and unique Paramount (103 New Oxford St, W1) – an exclusive club on the 32nd floor of Centre Point – is the best place to round off the day (overseas membership is available).
The top things visitors should do in London are:
- 2.The British Museum (Great Russell St, WC1);
- 3.Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (followed by a walk in St. James’s Park). The Guard Change takes place at 11:30am daily from May until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting;
- 4.Explore the city on foot – any central London area will do. Walk around the neighbourhood of your choice and soak up the local atmosphere;
- 5.Visit the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace – they’re open from July – September;
- 6.Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
If you’re after a quintessential London experience then go on the Jack the Ripper walking tour (+44 (0)20 8530 8443 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)20 8530 8443 end_of_the_skype_highlighting), a ghost walk and journey through the darker side of London’s history – hang on tight!
To find out all about London and its rich history visit The Museum of London (150 London Wall, EC2), or simply take to the streets – every street and square in the city tells a story.
The strangest things to do in London are visiting the Tower of London and being guided around by one of the Beefeaters (wardens), and watching wild foxes prowling London’s neighbourhoods at night. Over the years the foxes have colonised the city by following the rail tracks into town – there are an estimated 17,000 living and breading at the bottom of many Londoners’ gardens.
When it comes to getting around London you are in full control – there are so many choices to suit all budgets: walking, extensive underground and bus networks, friendly and knowledgeable taxi drivers, great sightseeing tour buses, very exiting walking tours and unique private guides to cater to every subject. I guess the notorious British weather will always influence your final choice! The total number in the party also can also influence your decision, for 3 to 5 people, and for short journeys during the day, it is just as cost effective to take a taxi. If in doubt, ask your hotel concierge or a local – Londoners will always be happy to help you out.
I recommend that visitors to London stay at the Connaught hotel (Carlos Pl, W1). I know I am biased, but the Connaught has the feel of a private country home in the heart of Mayfair village. The hotel has a warm atmosphere and unique décor, artwork and furniture. The Connaught staff is dedicated to showing every guest enthusiasm and care.
If you want to eat like a local in London visit Bellamy’s, La Petit Maison, The Guinea Grill or Scott’s. Bellamy’s (18 Bruton Pl, W1) is a modern style bistro in the heart of Mayfair. It’s stylish with black leather chairs, has a friendly atmosphere and gracious service. There’s an old-fashioned English simplicity to the menu. La Petit Maison (54 Brook Mews, W1) is the perfect modern spot for a
relaxed lunch of French food whilst shopping on Bond Street. The Guinea Grill (30 Bruton Pl, W1) opened in 1952 and is a cosy and classic English restaurant renowned for its perfect grills, quality steaks and steak and kidney pies. Scott’s (20 Mount Street, W1) mixes heritage and glamour to great effect; it was recently voted restaurant of the year and is excellent for all occactions. The Oyster Bar at Scott’s is the best location for a quick and stylish meal – you could well see an A-Lister or famous fat cat sampling the seafood dishes.
If you’re in London to eat like a king book a table at Hélène Darroze at the Connaught (Carlos Pl, W1) for specially produced dishes with a strong French influence from Hélène’s birthplace in Les Landes. The restaurant is a unique space with many listed features and a relaxed atmosphere. The Greenhouse (27a Hays Mews, W1) is another great place; it’s an eclectic modern restaurant whose Head Chef, Antonin Bonnet, is a perfectionist when is come to creating Continental dishes with rich Asian flavours. The service is impeccable and friendly and the 100-page wine list is astonishing whilst catering to all budgets. The Square (6 – 10 Bruton St, W1) also serves food fit for a king. It is an award winning restaurant offering exemplary dishes and impeccable attention to detail. Chef / Proprietor, Philip Howard, is well known around the world for preparing modern French delicacies.
If you’re an epicurean visiting London on a budget then check out the chain of Wagamama restaurants for Japanese food, the Busaba Eathai chain for Thai food and the Carluccio’s restaurants for Italian food. Vegetarians should head to Mildred’s (45 Lexington St, W1); an independently owned restaurant in the heart of Soho. Chinese food fans should go to Cha Cha Moon (15 – 21 Ganton St, W1) just off Carnaby Street. For the very best Milanese veal in London visit La Genova (32 North Audley St, W1).
Whilst you’re in London you must try Afternoon Tea, it’s a quintessentially British experience. You should also go to the pub – The Grenadier (see below) offers pies, world famous Dover Sole, Fish & Chips, plus games.
London’s best bars include:
1. Paramount (103 New Oxford St, W1), for its views over London;
2. The bar at Zuma (3 Raphael St, SW7), which is still the most dynamic and buzzy spot in the city;
3. The Grenadier (18 Wilton Row, SW1), for a real slice of history and a pint of authentic local ale;
4. The Duke of Wellington (63 Eaton Terrace, SW1), which is a well hidden pub just off Knightsbridge that used to be an Officers’ Mess;
5. The Connaught Bar (naturally!), for the cocktails. Santino and his team of mixologists offer the best cocktails in the city.
If I want to dance I go to Movida (8 Argyll St, W1) or Boujis (43 Thurloe St, SW7).
My favourite shops in London are G. Heywood Hill (10 Curzon St, W1), a hidden treasure of a book shop owned by the Duke of Devonshire. The staff can source rare books, and on-site there are new, old and antiquarian books covering literature, history, architecture, biography and travel; there’s also a good collection of children’s books. It’s well worth a visit and is a traditional slice of England. I also love Thomas Goode (19 South Audley St, W1) for is English chinaware, silverware, linen, gifts and bespoke services. The shop holds three Royal Warrants and it’s not hard to see why. John Lobb (88 Jermyn St, SW1) has men’s shoes fit for a king and Selfridge’s department store (400 Oxford St, W1) has all the latest products and
fashions at sensible prices.
My favourite places in London are Primrose Hill, just north of Regent’s Park, for its views of the city; The Great Court at the British Museum; Trafalgar Square at night with a tripod and my camera; Richmond Park; Waterloo Bridge; the rooftop balcony at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden; and just in my car driving around London late at night when there’s no traffic and I have the city all to myself.
To relax I walk in London’s many parks, though I’m looking forward to the Aman Spa opening soon at the Connaught.
The best swimming pools in London are at One Aldwych Hotel (1 Aldwych, WC2), the Haymarket Hotel (1 Suffolk Pl, SW1) and the London Marriott Hotel County Hall (Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1). Again, I’m looking forward to the new pool and gym opening at the Connaught.
If you want to get out of London for the day I recommend Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Waddeston Manor, Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Blenheim Palace and Woodstock, the Cotswolds or any of the National Trust properties.
If you want to get outdoors in London go to Hyde Park(or any of the other London parks), boating, horse riding, cycling, jogging, walking, or do
a boat trip on the Regent’s Canal between Little Venice and Camden Town. If you’ve got children, they’ll enjoy a day at Legoland near Windsor or at London Zoo (Regent’s Park, NW1).
