London Travel Guide and Hotel Reviews

London has many varied museums and galleries and they make perfect outings for people on holiday in the bustling city of England’s capital.

The British Museum offers insights into the works of man from prehistoric times to modern day inventions, whilst the Science Museum offers interesting insights into scientific advances through the ages and looks forward into the exciting possibilities of space travel.  The Imperial War Museum displays the horror of the trenches in First World War, and gives insights into espionage during war times; the critically acclaimed Holocaust Exhibition gives a haunting insight into some of the most horrific pages in the history of the world.

Galleries such as the Royal Academy of Arts of the Tate Modern provide tourists with collections of art that have been wondered upon over the ages, work from renowned artists such as van Gogh or da Vinci can be enjoyed.

Most galleries and Museums in London are free to enter; however, some exhibitions do require ticket purchase.  More information can be obtained from Tourist Information websites and centres.

As the capital city of England, London offers plenty of options for visitors.  For impressive history, art and culture, shopping and beautiful palaces and parks, London is in a class of its own.

With so much to see, if your time is limited, then a cruise along the river Thames in London is a relaxing way to cross a few famous sights off your list.  Boats sail in all weathers and seasons and most have indoor and outdoor seating areas from which to enjoy the views.  Thames river boats weave their way through the heart of London giving unbroken views of iconic buildings such as The Tower of London, The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern art gallery.

Catch a boat from Westminster Pier and let it take you south east along the sweep of the river to Greenwich, where historic buildings by Christopher Wren sit in stunning parkland opposite modern architecture such as Canary Wharf across the river in Docklands.

To enjoy the many sights of London in a relaxing and unhurried fashion, splashing out on a Thames river cruise is highly recommended.

There are many children’s attractions in the city of London which makes finding something to suit everyone simple.  Here are three ideas to get you started.

Madame Tussauds

The queues along Marylebone Road bear testimony to its enduring popularity.  This museum of historic and contemporary waxwork figures fascinates children of all ages.  Kids rub shoulders with heroes like David Beckham or dance along with Beyoncé.  To avoid queues, book online.

The London Dungeon

Kids love the ghoulish and creepy, and it does not get much creepier than the London Dungeon, a museum celebrating London’s dark past.  Gruesome accounts of beheading, murder, torture and plague have kids screaming in terrified delight.  Features include good theme-park style rides and costumed staff that leap out of exhibits to frighten visitors when least expected.  Do expect to be repulsed, horrified and made slightly nervous.

Sea Life London Aquarium

Situated in County Hall, right by the Thames, this fantastic aquarium features sea life from around the globe.  Watch divers swim amongst the fish and enjoy busy feeding times.  Interactive displays and a supervised ‘touch-pool’ mean kids can get up close to some fascinating creatures.

As the official residences and office of Her Majesty the Queen, Buckingham Palace is one of the top destinations for visitors to London.

It is one of the few remaining working palaces in the world today, and its staterooms are used frequently by the Queen and her family when entertaining guests during official and ceremonial occasions.

Visitors can tour the 19 staterooms during the summer months, viewing the fantastic design and interior furnishings, which include some of Britain’s most precious treasures, including works by the likes of Rembrandt and Canova.

The gardens are also open to the public during the summer, when a visit to the palace itself can end in the beautiful outdoor surroundings. There are more than 350 rare and varied wild flowers in the grounds, great views of the palace and a beautiful lake.

For those interested, there is an exclusive tour with an expert guide and a copy of the guidebook, a glass of champagne and a discount on items bought in the Royal Collection shop, all included in the price.

A London icon for over half a century as the Bankside Power Station in South London, and now acting as a world renowned art gallery for over a decade, the Tate Modern building is a memorable site. With its tall, distinctive chimney stack, riverside location and selection of some of the most modern and exciting art in the world, this art gallery is a popular destination for many art lovers. 

Most recently, the Tate Modern has housed the incredible exhibition of Ai Weiwei’s Sunflower Seeds.  This challenging exhibit features 100 million perfectly realistic seeds, all painted and hand crafted from finest Chinese porcelain.  Other exhibits include works by Picasso, Matisse, Louise Bourgeois, and Anish Kapoor.  Visitors of any artistic inclination will find something of interest amongst this huge variety of modern artwork.

To get the most out of your visit it is best not to book just any random hotel London offers.  The Tate Modern and many other landmarks are on the banks of the River Thames, so it makes sense to book your London hotel somewhere nearby.  For the low budget backpacker, there are numerous hostels that offer comfortable rooms, facilities and breakfast, all for a low price.  The staff are friendly and you will find many like-minded travellers staying in these establishments.  In the middle of the range, there are many hotels in London well suited to families and those looking for a little more luxury.  For the ultimate in luxury, the most expensive hotels in London compare favourably with those anywhere in the world.