London : book your hotel

The English capital is a beautiful destination for visitors year-round. Whether you’re planning a winter weekend break or a week’s holiday this summer, London boasts plenty of landmarks, attractions, restaurants and retail to see you through your trip.

First thing's first: how do you get to London from other parts of the UK? There are a few major train stations in the city, and arriving by rail is easiest. Whether you take the train to Euston, King's Cross or Paddington, these stations are all in Zone 1. That means they're very central and easy to find, with many onward transport options. When you arrive, hop on the tube and get to your hotel in no time. Or take a taxi or bus outside the train station to see more of the city above ground. You could also take the coach to the capital for a budget-friendly alternative to train travel. Most services will drop you off at Victoria Coach Station. From there, jump on the tube and reach any part of the city in minutes.

There are plenty of landmarks scattered around. You might start with the Tower of London, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Be sure to add St Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to your schedule. A ride on the London Eye? There's no better way to see the city's iconic skyline than from inside one of its best-loved landmarks! You could plan an extended visit to one attraction or shoot around on the tube, packing as many as possible into a day or weekend. Whatever way you explore, visiting London's landmarks is one of the best things to do in the city.

The Tower of London is a World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic attractions in the English capital. Discover the magnificent fortress during your visit and explore the city's most infamous prison. The Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels, the world-famous collection of over 23,000 gemstones, which you'll be able to see up close when you stop by. Meet the Tower of London ravens and learn about why they're considered the guardians of this national treasure, or book a Yeoman Warder Tour to hear captivating stories from throughout history.

Big Ben, the enormous clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, is another of London's world-recognised landmarks. The city skyline wouldn't be complete without the silhouette of this intricate clock tower, called the Elizabeth Tower, which has stood in place since 1843. Free tower and clock tours run throughout the day when no preservation works are scheduled. If you're lucky enough to join, you'll climb 334 steps to the top of the Elizabeth Tower, learning about its past along the way.

Westminster Abbey is a must-visit if you're interested in learning more about the city's rich history. This World Heritage Site has over 1,000 years of stories to tell, from coronations and royal weddings to funerals and the tombs of kings, queens, heroes and villains. Marvel at the Abbey from the outside; it's one of the most important Gothic buildings in the world. Inside, it's a place of worship as well as being home to many remarkable artefacts, stained glass, oil paintings, wax effigies and Britain's oldest door!

Who hasn't heard of Buckingham Palace? It's been home to English royalty for centuries, and it's the current home of Queen Elizabeth II. The working palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in London, surrounded by parks and adorned with priceless furnishings. It's a must for any visitor to London. A guided tour takes you through various drawing rooms, the Ballroom and the charming Music Room. Not to mention the stunning Throne Room. You'll see palace treasures and priceless art, explore the gardens and watch the unmistakable Changing the Guard ceremony.

Next, visit the South Bank to enjoy a ride on Europe's tallest observation wheel, the London Eye. Also called The Millennium Wheel, this attraction attracts over three million visitors a year thanks to its spectacular views across the English capital. Step inside a pod and ascend to 135 metres above ground level, looking for landmarks below.

St Paul's Cathedralmakes up part of the city's iconic skyline, sitting proudly on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London. The church is over 1,000 years old, an architectural masterpiece steeped in history. The building we see today was designed by Christopher Wren and completed in 1708.

Visiting museums and galleries is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in London. Whether you prefer classical or contemporary art, history, nature or innovation, there's a museum here with a collection for you.