As the owner of City of London... Welcome!

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom.London has been a major settlement for two millennia and the history of London goes back to its founding by the Romans, when it was named Londinium. London's core, the ancient City of London, the 'square mile', retains its medieval boundaries. Since at least the nineteenth century, the name "London" has also referred to the metropolis developed around it.

London is a major global city and one of the world's largest financial centres. Central London is home to the headquarters of more than half of the UK's top 100 listed companies (the FTSE 100) and more than 100 of Europe's 500 largest. London's influence in politics, finance, education, entertainment, media, fashion, the arts and culture in general contributes to its global position. It is a major tourist destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. London hosted the 1908 and 1948 Summer Olympics and will host the 2012 Summer Olympics.

London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church.

London has a diverse range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries.

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PLACES TO GO:

London is renowned for its wealth of attractions that can either educate of its gruesome past, or allow you to marvel over its modern skyline. Scattered across this vast city are a range of diverse attractions that can entertain young and old; men and women; resident or tourist. All these venues allow you to witness and immerse yourself in the complexity and cosmopolitanism of London society.

- National History Museum (http://www.nhm.ac.uk/)

"Our vision is to advance our knowledge of the natural world, inspiring better care of our planet. Our mission is to maintain and develop our collections, and use them to promote the discovery, understanding, responsible use and enjoyment of the natural world."

- The London Eye (http://www.londoneye.com/)

"At 135m, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. It was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and was launched in 2000. It has already won over 75 awards for national and international tourism, outstanding architectural quality and engineering achievement and has now welcomed over 36 million visitors."

- Madame Tussauds (http://www.madametussauds.com/london/)

"Millions and millions of people have flocked through the doors of Madame Tussauds since they first opened over 200 years ago and it remains just as popular as it ever was. There are many reasons for this enduring success, but at the heart of it all is good, old-fashioned curiosity."

- The Tower of London (http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/)

"Explore the wonders of this awesome fortress, and the stories behind them. Discover for yourself some of the Tower’s sights and stories, whether you’re planning your visit or just wanting to learn more about this iconic palace and its history."

- Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament
(http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/big-ben/)

"The Clock Tower was completed in 1859 and the Great Clock started on 31 May, with the Great Bell's strikes heard for the first time on 11 July and the quarter bells first chimed on 7 September."

- The London Dungeons (http://www.the-dungeons.co.uk/london/en/index.htm)

"It opened in 1976, initially designed as more of a museum of "horrible history", but the Dungeon has evolved to become an actor-led, interactive experience."


(Content courtesy of respective websites)

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PLACES TO EAT:

Throughout London you are spoilt for choice as to where to wine and dine. Whether you are opting for the cheap and cheerful, or the Michelin starred, London provides you with all you cuisine needs.

- Food for Thought (http://www.food4thoughtlondon.co.uk/)

"The vegetarian food here is immensely satisfying, with wonderfully fresh produce pepped up with splashes of inspiration."

- Baozi Inn

"Chinese food in Chinatown very rarely goes beyond classic Cantonese cooking, but Baozi Inn breaks the mould by serving the traditional street foods of Sichuan and Beijing."

- Mangal Ocakbasi (http://www.mangal1.com/)

"Mangal was the first Turkish ocakbasi barbecue in London, and its success sparked a wave of imitators in Dalston and across London."

- Cah Chi (http://www.cahchi.com/)

"The original Cah Chi in Raynes Park has long been one of our favourite Korean restaurants; this new branch has a different vibe, but it has the advantage of being slightly closer to central London."

- The Clerkenwell Kitchen (http://www.theclerkenwellkitchen.co.uk/www/)

"This fantastic eatery deserves all the praise it gets – not only does the owner Emma Miles, boast commendable culinary provenance, they do their darndest to make the Kitchen as sustainable as possible."

- Chez Bruce (http://www.chezbruce.co.uk/)

"Although oversubscribed – it’s booked yonks ahead – the appeal of Chez Bruse is simple. It’s the sort of upmarket neighbourhood restaurant we’d all like to live near."

- Momo (http://momoresto.com/)

"North African food in a very atmospheric setting, immediately evocative of fantasy casbahs. The sour-sweet flavours of the meat and fruit tagines are a pleasure fit for a king, and the grainy couscous is a good foil to the watery sauces."

- J Sheekey (http://www.j-sheekey.co.uk/)

"Still as old-school as ever, and all the more charming for it, J Sheekey continues to woo Londoners and tourists alike with its theatrical buzz and stellar seafood."

- L'Autre Pied (http://www.lautrepied.co.uk/)

"It’s no surprise that L’Autre Pied recently won its first Michelin star, as sister restaurant to the fabled Pied à Terre (two stars). Marcus Eaves’ cooking is accomplished and precise, with imaginative yet well-considered flavour combinations."

- Fifteen (http://www.fifteen.net/) - Jamie Oliver

"The popularity of Jamie Oliver's first-born - and, lest we forget, charitable - restaurant has shown no signs of abating since its genesis in 2002. This remains a destination for youthful diners, who don't hold back on photo-snapping inside and outside the inconspicuous venue."

- Maze (http://www.gordonramsay.com/maze/) - Gordon Ramsey

"Maze restaurant continues to shine a little brighter than the other starry establishments in the Gordon Ramsay firmament, despite the departure of chef Jason Atherton in spring 2010. The sleek, handsome room with curved wood veneer and cream leather seating is cheerfully light-filled and offers pleasing leafy views over Grosvenor Square."

- Rhodes 24 (http://www.rhodes24.co.uk/) - Gary Rhodes

"Riding the lift to the 24th floor, after clearing the airport-style security downstairs, we thought no meal could be worth the hassle. On the way back down, we decided we were wrong. Rhodes Twenty Four can make you see traditional British cooking in a new light."

For more information on restaurants in London, please visit:

- http://www.timeout.com/london/


(Websites used where available)
(Content courtesy of TimeOut.com)

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PLACES TO STAY:

Within London there are many different locations to stay, whether you intend on visiting for a week, a few days or the lone night. Here are a sample of the best hotels and B&Bs.

- The Milestone Hotel (http://www.milestonehotel.com/)

"Despite competing in the same arena as some of the most famous names in the hotel world, The Milestone Hotel is proud to have been ranked "No.1 in the world for service" by Travel and Leisure Magazine 2008."

- Hotel 41 (http://www.41hotel.com/)

"There's a lot that's rather different about "41". Not just the name, but a whole new perspective on presenting five star luxury and service. Ever since it first opened, guests have arrived intrigued and left enthralled, and we hope you'll join them."

- Egerton House Hotel (http://www.egertonhousehotel.com/)

"The Egerton House has been meticulously refurbished with style and flair. This luxury townhouse hotel built in 1843, is located in one of London's most prestigious areas on a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge."

- The Soho Hotel (http://www.firmdale.com/index.php?page_id=7)

"The Soho Hotel has 91 individually designed bedrooms, suites and apartments and is situated in a quiet street in the heart of London's entertainment neighbourhood. It is surrounded by some of London's best restaurants and bars, vibrant cafes and most exciting theatre and nightlife."

- Bay Tree House B&B (http://www.baytreehouse.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/)

"James and Janice Monaghan welcome you to Bay Tree House, London Bed and Breakfast. Pamper yourself at our comfortable and affordably priced B & B accommodation. We have three large guest rooms beautifully decorated in Old English style. You will find our bed & breakfast in New Southgate, the Borough of Enfield, North London."

- 69 The Grove (http://www.69thegrove.com/)

"Welcome to our Bed and Breakfast catering for guests who are looking for a relaxing and tranquil home. This accomodation is perfect for those who are visiting London for a short break, holiday or business due to our location."

- Wychgate B&B (http://www.wynchgate.com/)

"We are a comfortable B&B in a quiet road in Southgate,
conveniently located for the West End."

For further information on the venues listed or additional locations to stay, please visit the following link:

- http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/


(Content courtesy of respective websites)
(Ratings based upon TripAdvisor.co.uk's user feedback)