Big Ben refers to the 13 ton bell in the clock tower of Westminster Palace. Opinion is divided as to whether it was named after the then Commissioner of Works, or a famous prize-fighter of the time.
There’s no more iconic landmark in the capital than the London Eye, which is why the Big Boy is going all-out this year to celebrate its 10th b-day. A number of events are lined up for it. Read more.
TRAVEL FACT: Located in the heart of London, this popular square is the backdrop for many well-known films and TV shows, and is a common meeting place for events and festivals.
The best place to visit if you want to learn more about London’s history. And of course it houses the Crown Jewels, the most famous jewellery collection in the world
Westminster Abbey was built by Edward the Confessor and completed just before his death in 1065. Since William the Conqueror all the kings & queens of England have been crowned here.
The British Museum began from the collection of naturalist Sir Hans Sloane which he left to the nation on his death in 1753. Now it houses 7 million objects including more than 100 Egyptian mummies.
One of London's most iconic landmarks offers a spectacular view, if you have a head for heights that is.
This iconic London landmark even has a private venue for hire, with wonderful views over the City. Is it London’s most stylish party venue?
Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, George III acquired it in 1762 as a private house. It became an official royal residence in the reign of Queen Victoria, when it was greatly enlarged.
TRAVEL FACT: In British culture, the name implies a bussing about with people. Piccadilly Circus is referred to the Times Square of London.
The market is bustling with shoppers, tourists and performers on the weekend. Except for the many restaurants and cafes, there is also the famous Royal Opera.
Marie Tussaud, born in Strasbourg in 1761, made her first wax figure of the great French philosopher Voltaire in 1777. She opened a museum in London in 1835.
Opened in 1881, the museum facade uses terracotta tiles which were resistant to the soot of Victorian London. The largest of the famous dinosaur skeletons in the central hall is a diplodocus.
Much of the collection was inherited from the Museum of Patents (est 1858) and includes early locomotives such as Stephenson’s Rocket and Puffing Billy, and the first jet engine.
Holding concerts of The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, and events attended by personalities like The Queen and the Dalai Lama, this hall never fails to hold great shows. Box Office open 9am - 9pm daily.
TRAVEL TIP: Surf the web while you are in London - a lot of great artists perform in the Park
King's Cross Station is used again in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) as platform 9¾, really platform 4, from where the Hogwart's express departs, this time without Harry and Ron.
For lovers of true rock and Queen 'We Will Rock You' at Dominion is a chance to listen to many of the band's songs live on stage. For others, this is another London's must-see musical.
London’s most exciting market has it all: antiques, food, streetwear and even typically British bits and pieces.
Made famous, of course, by The Beatles. Don't forget to walk over the crossing and savour the moment.
London Bridge was once crowded with buildings and prone to fires. It survived the 1666 Great Fire because an earlier fire had destroyed houses at the north end, creating a fire break!
Superb location, with outstanding terrace views along the Thames, and handy for south bank attractions; decent efficiently served food Read more.
A small, quiet place for book lovers, and one of the inspirations for Hugh Grant’s character in Notting Hill. Open from 10am to 6pm Mon-Sat and 12pm-5pm Sun. 13-15 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill.
Sat at tables outside Ethan Hunt congratulates Luther Stickell on being reinstated from the disavowed agent list and bids him goodbye in Mission: Impossible (1996).
Visit the London Beatles Store, for the world's largest selection of Beatles memorabilia!
In 1894 a French anarchist named Martial Bourdin was carrying a bomb through the park to the Observatory when it exploded and killed him. No one knows why he had decided to target the Observatory.
Set in a stunning park, and sitting precisely on the Prime Meridian of the world, the Royal Observatory is a great way to spend an afternoon in South London.
This grand Tudor palace was built by Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor Cardinal Wolsey, but passed to the king in 1529. His 4th queen Catherine Howard is said to haunt the gallery outside the chapel.
Considered as London's shopping Mecca, this place is home to department stores like John Lewis and Selfridges and flagship stores like Debenhams and Zara. There are 300 more stores to choose from.
Begin with the venerable discount theatre ticket booth, TKTS, in Leicester Square (tkts.co.uk): try to arrive well before opening time (9am) to get the best choice of shows for the evening.
TRAVEL FACT: These well-known groups of standing stones are one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.
Make sure to check out the new acquisitions room to see the latest items acquired by the museum.
The green, triangle-shaped expanse of leafy land just beyond the Ritz is Green Park. Read more.
Harrods’ magical Christmas window display was created with the help of Oscar de la Renta, Valentino and Marchesa, who dressed Disney’s fairy-tale princesses. See the gowns here: bit.ly/TR7FPp Read more.
In the area around here we saw 58% more threatened homelessness related problems than last year but enquiries about social housing rent arrears were down 18%.
Pickpockets operate in this area, so always keep your valuables hidden and your bag zipped up. Watch the ‘tricks of pickpockets’ and the tell-tale signs at http://goo.gl/UfI24 Read more.
The second bridge here was completed in 1945. Because there was a war on, much of the work was carried out by women and so this used to be known as ‘the ladies’ bridge’.
Lipsmackingly good duck & pork delicacies added to the menu; both meats are cooked the traditional way. We particularly like the Barbecued Char Siu Pork, which is best washed down with a Monkey Mojito Read more.
"An oasis of calm and good cheer amid the noise and chaos of Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. Real ales, often from local breweries such as Meantime and Ascot Ales, are the draw..." Read more.
Sculpted from Italian marble and based on the Arch of Constantine in Rome, this was built in 1827 as the entrance to Buckingham Palace. It was moved here in 1851 when the palace was enlarged.
‘Soho’ is thought to come from the hunting and battle cry of the Duke of Monmouth, a local landlord. He used it at the Battle of Sedgemoor where he was defeated in 1685, and later executed.
TRAVEL FACT: Witness a rally, protest, or public debate in the most noted speaking corner located on the north-east corner of Hyde Park in London.
This paradeground is the scene of the world famous Trooping the Colour, which since 1748 has marked the monarch’s birthday. The march past of the Household Division involves almost 400 musicians.
Siège du Parlement Britannique, le Palais de Westminster est un bijou architectural, de style néogothique. Écoutez le son de Big Ben à 17h, avec un bon thé! So british. ;)
Finally! A British train station that actually has free WiFi and which you don't have to pay for using the toilets!
A hidden statue of ‘the boy who never grew up’ can be found in Kensington Gardens, where Peter Pan used to come to play with the fairies and sail the Serpentine with a nest for a boat.
Sprawling brass beast of a bar, with more types of beer than you could shake an inebriated fist at. Any first-time visitor must try the oyster stout (no bivalves were harmed in the making).
This mother church of English Roman Catholics was completed in Early Christian Byzantine style in 1903. Since that day Masses have been sung here everyday without interruption.
Although firstly a scientific organisation, this British institution houses numerous collection of plants and botanical information and as such is a living encyclopaedia on the plant kingdom.
London’s most famous modern nightclub was opened in 1991 by Old Etonian the Hon. James Palumbo. It’s modelled on the famous Paradise Garage club in New York, where ‘garage’ music was born.
We're sure we saw a documentary in which the bridge was destroyed. Someone called Harry Potter was involved somehow. Anyhow, it appears to still be here, helping you get from Tate Modern to St Paul's.
On 14 June 1971, two wild & crazy Americans opened up a burger joint in the heart of London. Thankfully for us, their venture proved successful, now counting Cafe, Hotel & Casino locations worldwide.
Delicious & affordable rustic Italian dishes, inspired by the "Italian table" to create a relaxed environment. Recommend the smokey mozzarella arancini! Read more.
A reconstruction of the famous Elizabethan open-air theatre where Shakespeare worked, true to the spirit of the original, celebrating and educating about Shakespeare’s work.
The Icecreamists shouts loudest of all the ice cream parlours – but look beyond the publicity stunts, the banging music and the adolescent decor, and there are actually some decent ices on offer. Read more.
The Bankside Power Station was built as a ‘cathedral of power’ in 1963, but closed in 1981. It reopened as one of Europe’s finest modern art galleries in 2000. The Turbine Hall is 35m high.
The museum is located in the former Royal Bethlem Hospital for the mentally ill (from where the term ‘bedlam’ comes). The iconic guns at the front are 15 inch naval cannon, both used in action in WW2.
One of the best pubs I've been to in London. Very old school. If it's packed downstairs, you'll prob find seats upstairs.
One of the most famous stadiums in the world, this venue will host some of the world’s best in the London 2012 Olympic Football Tourney.
This place will have the gymnastics competition and the basketball gold medal game. In other words, it’s not a bad place to spend some quality time while at the Olympics.
As the cool autumn weather sets in, the vibrant lanterns in Chinatown have inspired us to experiment with the season’s oriental trend. See how the look made its mark on the catwalk here: bit.ly/TdNPID Read more.
No.10 was given to Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first ‘prime minister’, by George II in thanks for his service. Walpole’s official title, First Lord of the Treasury, still remains on the letterbox.
Enter our prize draw to win a family ticket to Sea Life. And if you don’t win, not to worry! Simply grab yourself a free 2 for 1 voucher and get 2 for 1 entry to any Sea Life location across the UK. Read more.
In 1814, a fishmonger's lad took a pony to the top of the Monument, just for the fun of it. Would you credit it?
This former power station was bought by the manufacturers of Oxo beef stock cubes in the 1920s. Can you spot how they managed to bypass advertising restrictions with their new tower?
An often overlooked attraction in Greenwich, but contains some remarkable paintings. Seek out the sinking of the Scharnhorst in the south-west corner of the top floor.
Fun, delicious, glamorous and one of the most fashionable haunts in town. An excellent dining experience from the master chef himself. -Catherine Ommanney, Real Housewives of DC
Located between platforms 9 & 10 is the magical platform 9 3/4, reached only by those travelling to the Hogwarts Academy, such as Harry and his friends in 2001's "Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone." Read more.
Olympic Stadium, the centerpiece of Olympic Park, is the site of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Read more.
This arch, built in honour of the hero of the Battle of Waterloo, once formed a grand western entrance to London, but had to be moved aside in 1885 as it created a notorious traffic bottleneck.
Discover the RED NEVER FOLLOWS exhibition celebrating HUGO's 20th anniversary with 20 artworks by 20 urban creatives, which is on display from July 31st - Sept 1st, 2013 http://bit.ly/redneverfollows_
Definitely try the butter beer on the outside lot. It's pretty sweet, but totally amazing.
Located out in Shepherd's Bush, it's not the most central place to shop in London, but has everything you need for a whole day of shopping, eating and entertainment.
Jump off the Overground line at Rotherhithe for a pint and some food at one of London’s best pubs. It takes its name from the ship that took the Pilgrim Fathers to New England in 1620. Read more.
This is where The Beatles left on the bus at the start of The Magical Mystery Tour film.
While its star performances can be sold out within hours, in the summer you can watch its performances live in squares around London!
If you get your Windsor Castle ticket stamped before you leave it is valid for a whole year
A super little neighbourhood pub in Bloomsbury with an inspired beer selection, cheese and meat boards, and thoughtful design touches. There’s live music, comedy and a regular quiz. Read more.
One of the most exciting beer selections in the city sees 37 of them on draught and a doorstopper of a list that includes rarely seen brews from the world over. Read more.
Their world's-strongest, 41% quadruple IPA "Sink the Bismarck" could be named "Sink [Your Name]" if you're not responsible. Side note: You're not responsible. Read more.
Do visit this bustling food market where top London chefs come to buy their ingredients. If you don’t find it here, where will you? Open from Thursday to Saturday, but come early to avoid the crowds! Read more.
Try and keep the jazz theme going by ordering The Ellington, The Fitzgerald or the luxurious house-named champagne cocktail. Read more.
London Zoo was opened for Fellows of the Zoological Society of London in 1828, only opening to the public in 1847 to aid funding. It currently houses 755 species of animal.
Don't be put off if it looks busy. This one goes back a long way. And despite the appearances, it's not a Sam Smith's pub.
The world’s largest toy shop began life in 1760 as Noah’s Ark at 231 High Holborn. The Regent Street branch opened in 1881, and was bombed 5 times during the war.
Originally a convent garden owned by the Benedictines of Westminster, the site was developed by the 4th earl of Bedford. It was laid out in the 1630s as a piazza, to the design of Inigo Jones
The lion sculpture was once painted red and stood over the Red Lion Brewery on the South Bank in the 18th century. When the area was redeveloped in the 1950s the lion was saved and moved here.
The Mall took on its current form as a royal processional route around 1912. The palace approach was widened, and Admiralty Arch was built at one end and the Victoria Memorial at the other
This WW2 cruiser, now a tourist attraction, took part in the sinking of the German battleship Scharnhorst and in the D-Day landings. Her guns are aimed at an M1 service station 12.5 miles away.
The brainchild of Sir Terence Conran, the world’s first modern design museum opened in 1989, devoted to every aspect of design ‘from furniture to graphics, and architecture to industrial design’.
Stomp is an Olivier Award winning show combining percussion, movement and visual comedy. Currently in its 5th year in London! Read more.
Camden Market actually refers to the several markets that cover the northern end of Camden Town. Each market has a character of its own. Read more.
Food prepared by Andrea Zuccolo, sculptures from the Academy’s permanent collection & a bar made from lava stone from Mount Etna are some of the reasons why you should enjoy a bit of British culture. Read more.
Late night? Need a pick-me-up? Monmouth has arguably the best coffee in london, grab a book and settle in!
In addition to serving possibly the best chips in North London, the Lock Tavern showcases some awesome DJs and live acts Read more.
Harry and Dumbledore's Army fly Thestrals over Canary Wharf on their way to The Ministry of Magic to save Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007).
Dr.Sloane, who purchased the Manor of Chelsea in 1712, was a physician who also invented milk chocolate, adapted from a Jamaican custom. It was originally marketed as medicine.
The line-ups aboard Boat Show, a floating comedy club situated opposite the London Eye, are consistently superb. T Read more.
See UK history from Henry VII to today in portraits, then check out the ground and first floor temporary exhibitions. – Green Guide Editor
Stamford Bridge is home of Chelsea London and is located in Fulham, West London. The stdium is the 8th largest stdium in the Premier League, FC Cheslea is usually ranked higher.
Arsenal Football Club was formed by workers from the Woolwich Arsenal in the 1886, hence their nickname ‘the Gunners’. The club moved north of the river to Highbury in 1913.
This underground headquarters was Winston Churchill’s command post during World War Two (even though he used to insist on going on to the roof to watch the bombing raids!).
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: There was no 221B Baker Street when Doyle first published Holmes, but this museum is likely to now be where he imagined it so long ago.
Oxford Circus got its new diagonal pedestrian crossing in 2009. It was inspired by crossings in Tokyo like the one at Shibuya, and in recognition of this Japanese musicians played at the opening.
