London Things to Do

Along with the vintage red telephone boxes, black taxi-cabs and the red-suited Royal guards with their towering bearskin hats, the double decker bus, traditionally painted in fire-engine red, has become one of the most famous symbols of London. While the classic red versions are now more commonly found emblazoned across souvenir mugs and key rings than chugging along the streets (although there are still some in action), the double-decker bus is still one of the most popular methods of transport for Londoner’s to get from A to B.

With its magnificent dome presiding over London’s skyline, St Paul’s Cathedral is not only the seat of the bishop of London, but is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. One of the largest churches in Europe, dedicated to Paul the Apostle, the cathedral sits atop Ludgate hill, the highest point of the City of London financial district, and remains a major tourist attraction, not least for the spectacular views afforded from its tower.

Like the fire-engine red telephone boxes, double decker buses and suited Royal guards in their bearskin hats; London’s famous Black Cabs are so iconic, they’ve even been immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds. Despite recent fears that the Coventry manufacturer who produces the ubiquitous Black Cabs is going bankrupt, the Austin FX designs are still very much a part of everyday life in the capital. London celebrities fall in and out of them on a seemingly nightly basis; politicians opt for them over a limo; Sir Laurence Olivier and Stanley Kubrick owned their own; and even Arnold Schwarzenegger allegedly had a fleet shipped out to California. Regardless of economic difficulties, it seems like the time-honored Black taxicab is here to stay.

With its myriad of international cuisine and cutting edge restaurants, London is rapidly gaining a reputation as a gourmet hotspot, but food, as with everything in the city, often comes with a hefty price tag. Thankfully those on a budget can still survive a trip to the capital, and to help you along the way, here are a few ideas for dining on a budget in London.

In a country where you’re never more than 113 km (70 miles) from the coast, it’s little surprise that London is a popular cruise destination, with the southern England ports of Southampton, Dover, Tilbury and Harwich frequently used as launch points for domestic and international cruises. First stop on the itinerary has to be the capital, but with limited time to explore London’s myriad of sights, book a shore excursion and dodge the crowds.

Whether you want to sip champagne overlooking the London skyline or party the night away on a River cruise, you’ll plenty are of ways to impress your lover in the British capital. Here are a few ideas for romantic things to do in London.

The mania of 2012′s Olympic games may have died down, but there’s still plenty of reasons to visit London in 2013. Here’s our top picks of the capital’s best attractions.

1. Best Museum

With the UK Premiere of the latest addition to the James Bond franchise, Skyfall, hitting London on October 26th, the world’s favorite spy is once again back in the spotlight. Marking the culmination of the Bond 50th anniversary year, the latest offering is the 23rd film in the franchise that started with Dr No back in 1962.

The dramatic site of the 2012 London Olympics, Olympic Park has been taking a break since the close of the games but plans are well under way to transform the space into the ‘Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’. Set to become East London’s biggest public park, equipped with event stages, children’s playgrounds and 35km of walkways and cycle routes, the idyllic parklands will be back on the tourist itinerary in July 2013, as the North Park reopens its gates. The remainder of the 560-acre (230-hectare) park, including hockey and tennis facilities, The South Plaza and stadium, the aquatic center and the Orbit, will be open by Easter of 2014.

Winning over a legion of new fans as the host of the London 2012 Olympics sailing events, Weymouth and Portland are among England‘s most attractive seaside resorts, drawing thousands to their shores each year.

Weymouth, with its sandy beaches and rugged coastal cliffs is the perfect antidote to London’s urban sprawl, earning itself a stellar reputation among outdoor adventurers. Rock-climbing, paragliding, hiking and cycling are all popular ways to soak up the scenic surroundings, and the resort has fast made a name for itself as a water sports hot-spot, with kite surfing, water skiing and wind surfing all on offer.