Travel guide
Weather & Climate
Temperatures : The average maximum temperature in summer is around 22°C, while winter temperatures average 5°C.
Best time to visit: : For warmer days, visit London in summer (from June to mid-September).
London has a temperate climate, with cold winters and warmer summers. Be sure to bring your brolly, as rain can be expected at any time.
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LONDON IS BEST FOR…
Culture vultures: The museums are free to visit, you’ll find art galleries at every turn, and the West End is alive with theatres and shows. Cultural exploration in the city is virtually endless.
Shoppers: Shops galore on Oxford Street, luxury shopping on Bond Street, hidden gems in the backstreets; all this and more makes this the shopping capital of Europe, making London breaks ideal for a shop of retail therapy.
Foodies: London is a haven for food lovers, with something to suit every taste. Head to Carnaby Street for fantastic street food, tuck in at a traditional London pub, or splash out at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The choice is yours.
Fast facts:
Language: The language spoken here is English.
Currency: The currency used is the Pound Sterling (£).
Fly to: Heathrow (LHR) is about 20 miles from the city centre.
Tourist Information: Further London tourist information can be found at https://www.visitlondon.com/.
Visa / Health:
Visit www.gov.uk for recommendations and advice on visas and health ahead of London city breaks.
Getting around
By train: The London Underground and Overground trains will get you all around the busy city for an affordable price.
By bus: Explore the city by taking a red bus; they’re efficient, on time and can take you almost anywhere. You can also book a spot on a tour bus, and get on or off as you wish.
By bicycle: Boris Bikes can be found all around the city. It’s quick and easy to hire them, and your first 30 minutes are absolutely free.
Events
New Year’s Day Parade: Timing London city breaks with New Year means you can experience one of the buzziest times of year in the capital. Thousands of performers from all over the world gather here to celebrate the New Year in the streets of London.
Notting Hill Carnival: The streets of Notting Hill transform into a colourful carnival for three days every August. Expect performances and costumes everywhere you look, and plenty of singing and dancing in the streets.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show: For five days in May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea transform into a magnificent garden show, attracting people from far and wide. Tickets are cheaper if you buy in advance.
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in London, a vibrant city packed full of historic sights, cultural attractions and world-class entertainment. Whether your idea of the perfect break involves browsing the city’s museums, eating out or shopping until you drop; London has something for everyone.
Places to go
One of the best ways to experience the city’s cultural scene is to head for the theatres of the West End and catch a show. These change regularly, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on listings, as you’ll find everything from musicals to dance spectaculars and opera. Ticket prices are competitive too, and if you attend a matinee, you’ll often find your seats are upgraded free of charge.
Where better to take in the London skyline after dusk than on the London Eye? This should be at the top of any list when it comes to London holidays. From your pod set 135m metres above the city, you’ll have spectacular views of London landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Shard. Enjoy a 30-minute rotation, with some of the best views of the city; you can see for 25 miles in all directions.
Things to do in London
Westminster Abbey
Visit the most important religious building in London, Westminster Abbey, and discover the tombs of royals and literary greats through the ages.
Camden Market
Make your way to London’s most famous alternative shopping district and spend a few hours browsing the stalls at Camden Market, which has more …
British Museum
Walk through more than 70,000 exhibits as you pay a visit to one of the best museum’s in the world, the British Museum, with artefacts spanning an …
Madame Tussauds
Get up close and personal with your favourite celebrities and pay a visit to the iconic Madame Tussauds in London. Rub shoulders with stars …
Tate Modern Gallery
While in the capital, make sure you go and see the world famous artwork on display at the Tate Modern. As you walk across the Millennium Bridge, …
The London Eye
Take in views of the capital with a ride on the iconic London Eye. Standing high at 135m, you’ll enjoy a panorama right across the city as you …