London
In the aftermath of the 2012 Olympic Games, this could be the perfect time to pay a visit to the beautiful city of London. The capital of the United Kingdom is home to many of the world’s finest landmarks, and its international profile after a hugely successful sporting spectacle has never been higher. Whether you plan to spend a few days in the city to view the main attractions or you’re intending to soak up the culture for a week or more, this is surely the time to do it.
Many people pay a visit to London purely to see one of the spectacular shows that are on offer in the glitzy West End. The city’s Theatreland district has dozens of superb playhouses offering the very latest in live entertainment. If you only ever visit a theatre once in a blue moon, you should make sure London is your next destination. Exciting thrillers, extravagant musicals, uproarious comedies – the choice is yours. Be prepared for an evening with the ultimate in wow factor.
One of the most pleasing aspects about visiting London is that the city is a wonderful combination of contemporary and traditional. Just a stone’s throw from some of the world’s most modern landmarks, such as the London Eye and The Shard, you’ll find historic beauties such as the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s no wonder so many people head to London on an annual basis, with many of them returning time after time to make sure they see and do everything.
A significant proportion of tourists choose to spend an afternoon viewing the timeless glory of London from the river. Boat trips along the Thames give visitors the chance to see the city from a unique perspective without having to put too much strain on tired legs. A great many of the city’s finest landmarks are located close to the banks of this truly iconic river, including Canary Wharf, the Tower of London, County Hall, the Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern. And of course, many of the bridges are truly spectacular.
It comes as something of a surprise to many first-time visitors that London is home to a vast number of public parks, gardens and open spaces. Amid the general hustle and bustle of one of the world’s busiest cities, you’ll find areas such as Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and St James’s Park, all of which provide some much-needed peace and quiet amid truly beautiful surroundings.
David Showell lives in southern England and is a regular visitor to London. He works for a car hire website.
