London

You will find that there’s nowhere quite like London. The stimulating blend of old and new, the buzz of the city, the tranquillity of its many open spaces, and the amazingly diverse cultural scene all make London unique. British people, and the people from different countries and cultures who call Britain home, interact to make London a vibrant and lively city.

Attractions

London has the greatest concentration of major attractions in Britain and boasts four World Heritage Sites. There are 238 attractions, which are free to enter, and there's nowhere else in the world where you can see so much for so little.

London has the greatest concentration of major attractions in Britain and boasts four World Heritage Sites. There are 238 attractions, which are free to enter, and there's nowhere else in the world where you can see so much for so little.

Tours are ideal if you want to get under the skin of the city and discover its rich history. You can choose from a guided tour on an open top bus, a coach tour, a walking tour, a river Thames cruise and much more. Coachhirebooking.co.uk offer all sizes of coaches for private hire.

Royal London

Royal attractions, palaces and castles, the Changing of the Guard...  There’s a wealth of Royal heritage in and around London. Don’t miss the most recent addition to the Royal Parks. The Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Walk is a seven-mile long pathway crossing St James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which takes in many famous buildings associated with Diana en route. On the western edge of Hyde Park, near the Serpentine, is the new Diana Memorial Fountain, opened in summer 2004.

Museums & Galleries

The city’s museums and galleries are constantly renewing their displays and adding new extensions. Most now have fantastic shops, cafés and restaurants – many, like the Tate Modern, with stunning views over the city. Admission to more than 70 of London’s museums and galleries is now free – including the V&A, Natural History Museum, National Gallery and Science Museum. Enjoy a museum day or night – many offer late night openings on Friday and Saturday nights.

If you are planning a school trip, or a group party Coachhirebooking can help with your coach hire requirements.

Shopping

The city’s shopping scene has changed dramatically over the last few years. Many of the top department stores, including the world-famous Selfridges, have become fabulous 21st century temples to shopping. Quintessentially British brands have put a new spin on our traditional excellence in tailoring – see for yourself at flagship stores like Burberry on New Bond Street. Then there’s the increasing availability of designer-look fashions at reasonably priced high-street stores all over the city. The flagship Topshop on Oxford Circus is just one of these fashion meccas, loved by celebrities and fashion journalists alike. 

Perhaps the most relaxing way to shop in London is to wander along one of the capital’s colourful and fascinating street markets – Camden, Portobello, Spitalfields and Petticoat Lane are just some of the markets worth a visit.

With over 30,000 shops and 26 major street markets to choose from, the sheer variety on offer is hard to imagine. This handy shopping guide is essential reading before planning any shopping trip!

Outdoors

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in one of central London’s glorious parks. Few major world cities have as much green space as London – while away your time in over 1,800 parks, elegant garden squares and other open spaces (uk.visitlondon.com/city_guide/sports_outdoors/f_parks.html).

Or there’s wild London

Get close to a myriad of creatures at a zoo and explore nature at Kew Gardens.

If you’re after more rigorous outdoor pursuits, there’s also plenty of choice.  Whether you prefer watching or taking part, London offers a huge variety of sports.

The London Pass

Your passport to London gives you FREE entry to over 50 favourite attractions.

The London Pass offers not only great value and convenience, but also enables you to beat the queues at selected attractions.

There are also special offers such as discounts at restaurants and theatres. Where the attraction is normally free to the public The London Pass gives you great offers, such as a free guided tour.

So whether you prefer museums or cinemas, galleries or ice-skating, cathedrals or zoos, with The London Pass there really is something for everyone.

London Pass Attractions - Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, HMS Belfast, London Zoo & London Aquarium, Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms, Kensington Palace, Royal Mews, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and many, many more.

Eat & drink

London is a world-class destination for food-lovers. With its smart restaurants, informal gastro pubs, superb delis and buzzing cafés, there really is something to suit all tastes. And the choice is staggering – there’s cuisine from over 70 countries and over 6,000 restaurants from which to choose: 31 of which are Michelin-starred!

Having a tipple

London has a vibrant bar and pub scene. With over 5,000 drinking establishments, the capital has everything from traditional British public houses to cutting-edge venues. You can opt for the tradition of the pub experience or hang out in the luxurious home of the first British Martini. 

Entertainment

London is fast becoming a 24-hour city, as it pulsates, hums and teems with life. It is a city that energises early birds and night owls alike. From pubs and clubs, to theatres, cinema and comedy, London is alive with events and productions in every possible type of venue, and there are many special events and festivals on throughout the year.

Music

London’s vibrant musical scene keeps on attracting big names and hot young talent. It's possible to rock ‘til you drop on a nightly basis in London, with pop megastars through to unsigned groups via look-alike tribute bands and world music. Check out BritMusic - London for more information.

Jazz is extremely popular in London and is currently enjoying a major revival. There are a few clubs specialising in jazz as well as a number of restaurants where you can relish the mellow jazz sounds while enjoying a delicious meal.

If you enjoy classical music, London is home to four of the world's largest orchestras – the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Clubs

Right now, the clubbing scene in London is probably the most exciting it has ever been. Each night – even on Sundays - you will find a huge variety of music to dance the night away to, from funky 70s beats and cheesy 80s pop to thumping drum n bass and jazzy Latin sounds.

World famous clubs are resident in London such as the mighty Ministry of Sound and the pure nostalgia of School Disco.

Top night-time must dos

1. Enjoy a meal at one of London’s gastro pubs, serving some of the best food in the capital.

If there is a larger party that are having a meal, why not hire a coach to take you there and back?

2. Take in a West End musical or play, or a summertime performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. 

3. Catch your favourite band performing at Wembley Arena  – or a jazz legend at Ronnie Scott’s.

4. Bar hop in Soho, Notting Hill or Hoxton/Shoreditch/Clerkenwell.

5. Fancy clubbing? Choose from any number of top nights at popular venues such as Fabric, Turnmills and Dogstar.

Information provided by: www.visitbritain.co.uk