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To say that London has it all may sound like a ridiculous overstatement but it really isn’t far from the truth. Few, if any, cities can rival the extraordinary scope of the London experience, if you want history the Big Smoke is positively steeped in it but don’t think this is city defined by its landmarks and museums, London’s appeal lies in the juxtaposition of such rich cultural heritage with an edgy, of the moment sensibility that keeps it ahead of the curve and visitors on their toes.
In truth you could have a hundred trips to London and each one of them could be completely different, this is a city on a scale that can overwhelm and it’s not always easy choosing what to do in a limited time frame. The key is perhaps to decide which version of London you want to experience and then let it surprise you, because it almost certainly will. There are enough famous sightseeing must-visits - Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The National Gallery, Tate Modern, The London Eye, The Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge to name just a few - to leave even the most energetic visitor feeling hapless in their attempts to cram them all in, but it’s important to leave some time for less target driven exploration. There are plenty of expansive green spaces in London and parks like Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park and Richmond Park are worthwhile diversions from the tourist trail and great way to shrug off the hectic bustle of the streets for a few moments. Come the evening London is abuzz with nocturnal possibilities, if live music is your thing then you can pretty much guarantee that there’s a gig for you somewhere in town and if you like a dance then London’s club scene has long been at the cutting edge of club culture. To get a real feel for London’s scale and diversity venturing further field to neighbourhoods like urbane Islington or edgy Hackney is also a great idea, you’ll find that every area has its own distinct personality and even the city’s dingiest corners can reward exploration. London is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and the enormous variety of cultures and communities that call it home are a big part of what makes London the dynamic, infinitely fascinating city it is. When visiting London book a central London hotel which gives you a great starting point when exploring the city. Hotel Direct also have a great selection of West End hotels for all the theatre buffs. |
