London Things to Do

Once upon a time the Tower of London was all about locking people in. For nearly 1000 years it has been London’s royal fortress, stronghold, and prison. It was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1080 to scare the Londoners he’d just conquered, and also to hide inside if they revolted against him. Although many kings and queens have stayed within the tower walls over history, it was never built to be a royal palace but rather a fortress, which it was until late in the 19th century.

One of Sydney’s favorite and famous sons is Bill Granger. Now he’s opened his first restaurant in London, bringing to Notting Hill some of the laid back Aussie attitude combined with the excellent food that made Bill’s so popular in Sydney.

2012 promises to be an exciting year for London. The New Year began with the familiar sounds of the chimes of Big Ben, followed by a spectacular firework display over the River Thames. But there is even more to look forward to!

London‘s famous law-breaker is at it again. Graffiti artist Banksy has unleashed three new comments on the city – now we just have to find them and photograph them before the powers-that-be decide to remove them.

It’s that time of the year in London. As the days get shorter and the air gets colder and colder, people are strapping on ice skates and spinning in circles. Well, if you’re me, you are just falling down and bruising every part of yourself, but for other people the winter ice rinks across London are a highlight of the year.

Heading out in London on New Year’s Eve is a commitment. Be prepared for crowds, potentially spending lots of cash and getting home a challenge. A main focus is the free fireworks display at midnight based around the London Eye. People crowd along the both banks of the river between Waterloo and Lambeth Bridges in designated viewing areas and wait for Big Ben to toll midnight – then ten spectacular minutes of fireworks begins.

London has many secrets, be it streets, shops, legends, or something you never even thought of. One is The Cut. Tucked in just behind Waterloo Station and Southbank is a street called The Cut.

One of my favorite churches in London is St Martin in the Fields. It sits on the edge of Trafalgar Square opposite the National Gallery and it’s so pretty and, to me, just so London. Probably because of its location, which makes it symbolize the city for me. The 1726 church is very pretty from the outside and surprisingly plain inside, but there’s been a church on this site since at least 1222.

For the sixth week of our Viator’s 2011 Ultimate Holiday Giveaway, we’re giving away tickets to one of our most popular London tours!

1. Ham House. Terrible name, wonderful house. This gorgeous 17th century mansion is on the banks of the Thames River near elegant Richmond on the edge of London.