Essential London | The top sights in London
The best cultural and historical sights in London and beyond.
Events and exhibitions in the open air, galleries and museums in London
King Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose, sank in the Solent on the south coast of England during an engagement with the French Fleet in July 1545. The disaster was witnessed by many, including the King. It was 450 years before she was seen again - after the world’s largest underwater archaeological excavation brought her [...]
Every day of the week in London, there are two guard changing ceremonies that display the splendour of Britain’s constitutional monarchy against a backdrop of historic royal palaces. One guard changing is located at ‘Horse Guards’, off Whitehall, and the other takes place outside Buckingham Palace. Both ceremonies happen at 11am, except on Sunday when [...]
Earlier this year, we set off to 'The Athens of the North' to visit some of my old haunts, see the key sights once again - and watch a rather important rugby match. In the early 1800's Edinburgh re-branded itself 'The Athens of the North' to reflect its growing importance. It has been the capital [...]
The 105th Tour de France starts on Saturday 7 July in the Vendee. Some 3500 km later, the 22 teams and 176 riders will aim to complete the 21 stages in Paris, on Sunday 29 July. To see the final stage in Paris, book an early departure (c.7am) on Eurostar (St Pancras to Gare de [...]
In Covent Garden, is the world's best museum of public transportation. This is the London Transport Museum. We can be sure of this, because London holds a series of world firsts; the first underwater tunnel for mass-transit purposes in 1840, the earliest underground railway in 1863, the earliest electrified underground line in 1890 and the [...]
Here are 5 experiences that take you away from fellow tourists – giving you the London vibe that locals seek. We’ve chosen places that are all located in central London – so easy to reach and not requiring any special travel arrangements. 1 Friday late at the V&A On the first Friday of each month, [...]
We're not going to let the major Royal event of 2018 go without a mention. Referring of course to the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the 19 May at St Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle. Once married, the couple will live together in the second largest apartment of Kensington Palace - moving out [...]
The British Library re-located to new premises near St Pancras Station, Euston Road in 1997. The building is an expansive state of the art premises utilising hi-tech book storage and retrieval systems. It also offers free seating and Wi-Fi for around 300 people - many are students, but you’ll be very welcome. No special pass [...]
We took a trip on the historic ‘Mail Rail’; London's underground post office railway that runs west to east through the centre of London. The carriages fit two people in each one – bit of a squeeze for my brother and me, but great fun! It’s an immersive experience that takes you back nearly 100 [...]
A centrepiece of remembrance The Cenotaph in Whitehall is truly special. It, more than any other monument, has been embraced by the people of the United Kingdom as their monument. This article covers how the Cenotaph in Whitehall came about - and why it is so special. The 11 November 1918 was Armistice Day; when [...]