An introduction to London, England
London has something for everyone. The tourist attractions are known throughout the world, from Buckingham Palace to the London Dungeon. The city offers a range of art museums and galleries covering any matter you care to name, and more famous landmarks than you ever thought imaginable; around every corner, you will find familiar street names that will send you back to your childhood games of Monopoly.
London is one of the most important cities in the world. A city of contrasts, it is full of history and yet has a highly contemporary, buzzing environment which never sleeps. Its welcoming, cosmopolitan atmosphere is noteworthy, and, though they were written in the 18th century, Samuel Johnson’s words still hold true: ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.’.
This Guide to London would be incomplete if it did not mention of the sport, theatre and restaurant life available in London.
If you tire of incredible sightseeing, West End theatre, world-class music, Michelin-starred dining or partaking in any of the sport London has available, from riding in Hyde Park to watching Test Cricket at Lord’s or Premiership action from Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal at the spectacular Emirates stadium, then shop! You’ll be spoiled for choice. There’s Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Knightsbridge, Bond Street, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Portobello Road, King’s Road, not to mention the superb selection of markets, showing off the amazingly cosmopolitan selection of cultures in the UK’s capital.
London is built around the River Thames, which, in recent times, has become the focus of industry in London. the Thames has always been used for transportation, but, since a massive cleanup operation in recent years, it is also used to provide water-borne public transport, and following the refurbishment of its embankments, walkways and cyclepaths allow Londoners to enjoy riverside commuting or leisure pursuits.
London is a great place for walking; in fact, walking is a fantastic way to get to know the layout of the city. There are a range of lovely parks and public gardens throughout London, including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, connected by the stunning Serpentine and create the largest park in the centre of London.