London is one of the most vibrant cities on the planet, a world-class metropolis that you need to visit at least once. It remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all around the world. With so many eclectic sights to see, you’ll want to visit at least once. Here are some of the spots that should definitely be on your itinerary.
St. Dunstan-in-the-East
St Dunstan-in-the-East is located halfway between two iconic London landmarks, the Tower of London and London Bridge. Built around 1100, it suffered extensive damage during the Great Fire of 1666 and was then largely destroyed during the Blitz in the Second World War. In 1967, 26 years after it was turned into rubble, the City of London Corporation decided to turn the former church into a public garden, which still stands today.
Outskirts wonders
One of the best things about London is that, as many beautiful things you can see in the city itself, you are also constantly close to lovely places both on the outskirts of the city and in the rest of England. Make sure you visit a website and look up parking Heathrow before heading out on your next journey, as you want your vehicle to be safe during this time. One of the most beautiful landmarks you can visit is Leeds Castle, located in the county of Kent, which borders Greater London to the northeast.
Building on the original structure began in 857 when a Saxon chief owned it. The Normans turned it into a stone stronghold, and then, over the centuries, it changed anytime a new owner bought it. Some famous individuals associated with the castle include Margaret de Badlesmere, Richard II, his first wife Anne of Bohemia, and Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.
Oxford is another place you need to visit, situated only 90 km northwest of London itself. You must also be careful to choose a suitable parking spot through Parkos.co.uk before you leave. The city is home to the famous University of Oxford, the oldest in the English-speaking world. It is also a wonder for architecture lovers, as it features buildings in every style and design, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon age. The seaside resort of Brighton is also worth a visit, owing to its diverse demographics and vibrant arts scene.
Local cuisine
There’s nothing quite like sampling a city’s local cuisine in order to really become accustomed to its unique culture. Since London is so diverse, it hosts a wide variety of eating establishments. The Twinings Tea Shop has a long history dating back three centuries ago. Originally known as Tom’s Coffee House, the establishment soon became renowned for serving some of the finest tea in all of London. And since there’s no way you’d go to London without sampling the national beverage, consider adding this iconic tea shop to your itinerary.
The Champion is a 19th-century pub featuring stained-glass windows. The menu features a wide assortment of seafood, cheese, steak and veggie dishes. The Churchill Arms, located at 119 Kensington Street, is said to be the first in London to serve Thai dishes in the early 1990s. By that time, the establishment was nearly 240 years old. The name comes from the interior theme, whose basis is the former British statesman Winston Churchill.
You can enjoy takeaway and sandwiches at Cabmen’s Shelter in Russell Square. The distinctive, vibrant green hut was initially a place of refuge for cabbies looking to shelter from the bad weather. If you’d like to try some delicatessen, try Panzer’s Deli & Grocery, where you can sample exclusive produce such as fennel and chicken soup, as well as a wide assortment of deli fish and meats, including the famous lox and smoked salmon.
Darwin Centre Spirit Collection
This museum collection was opened to the public in September 2009 and is home to over twenty-two million preserved animal specimens. They are conserved in alcohol, and while some are on display, others are stored in cabinets that are several metres long. Although these are typically inaccessible to the general public, you can sign up for a tour of the centre which will include the exhibits as well. Several of the animals preserved in the collection are the first of their species to ever be discovered. One of the most outstanding animals in the entire exhibition is probably a female giant squid known as Archie.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Established in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, this garden was established as a means of growing plants that could be used as medicines. Nowadays, it features around 5,000 healing and edible plants. Some species include plants historically associated with witchcraft, including deadly nightshade, mandrake and henbane. After the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, the Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest in Britain. The rock garden inside is the earliest of its kind in Europe, devoted to hosting Mediterranean and alpine plants.
Shopping
You can’t come to London without doing some shopping as well. And while the large shopping malls are undoubtedly second-to-none, it’s also great to visit some of the local stores, for a genuine London atmosphere. Huntsman & Sons is one of the most famous fashion houses in the city, located at 11 Savile Row. It is known for its high-quality cashmere and leather, as well as its bespoke tailoring. It entered pop culture after being featured in the spy comedy franchise Kingsman.
Goodwin’s Court is also one of the ideal locations for an authentic shopping experience. The row of shops was built around 1690, and actress Nell Gwynn, one of the favourite mistresses of Charles II, is believed to be one of the area’s earliest residents. Goodwin’s Court would have been very popular then, but as the place became less profitable, it was gradually replaced with theatre agents and offices. Now, nameplates show the businesses located within.
From impressive landmarks to quirky restaurants and excellent shopping experiences, there are many reasons why you should make time to see London at least once. You’ll want to keep returning to the English capital year after year.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
