London, capital of England
London, city, capital of the United Kingdom. It is among the oldest of the world's great cities—its history spanning nearly two millennia—and one of the most cosmopolitan. By far Britain's largest metropolis, it is also the country's economic, transportation, and cultural centre.
London is situated in southeastern England, lying astride the River Thames some 50 miles (80 km) upstream from its estuary on the North Sea. In satellite photographs the metropolis can be seen to sit compactly in a Green Belt of open land, with its principal ring highway (the M25 motorway) threaded around it at a radius of about 20 miles (30 km) from the city centre.
Things to do in London
Borough Market
This market is one of London's oldest and largest food markets, with over 100 delicatessens, butchers, fishmongers, and cheesemakers selling fresh produce, meats, artisanal delicacies, and more. It's where locals come to do their grocery runs, and where travelers can come to try some of the best British food in a historic setting. Join a food and market tour of London to make sure you don't miss any of the best stalls. It gets busy on weekend afternoons, and some traders aren't open on all days—typically on limited market days early in the week—so be sure to plan ahead.
Address:
8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL
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Windsor Castle
Visit the historic town of Windsor on a half-day tour from London, including round-trip transfers and entrance to the lavish Windsor Castle, the Official Residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Admire the mighty stronghold, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, peek into the royal bedchambers and see Queen Mary’s doll house, then stroll the beautiful gardens and enjoy free time in Windsor.
Address:
Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom
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London Eye
Located along the Thames River, this iconic observation wheel offers unobstructed views from its glass pods. During the 30-minute ride, you'll be able to see London's well-known buildings like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and The Shard. On a clear day, you can see up to 25 miles from the top—where Windsor Castle is. Sunset views here are otherworldly, but nightfall views of the twinkling lights are great too. London Eye can be reached easily by taking the Tube to Waterloo station. You might want to buy fast-track passes online in advance to skip the queues.
Address:
Westminster Bridge Road Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB England
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18 Facts about London
| 1. | The smallest city in England is London. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Big Ben isn't really called Big Ben. |
| 3. | There are over 170 museums in London, including 11 national ones. |
| 4. | London is considered a forest. |
| 5. | There are six ravens in the Tower of London. |
| 6. | The city has a Peter Pan Hospital. |
| 7. | Over 300 languages are spoken in London. |
| 8. | London was once the capital of 6 countries at the same time. |
| 9. | Feeding the pigeons in Trafalgar Square is illegal. |
| 10. | The world's oldest underground rail network is in London. |
| 11. | The quintessential double-decker buses weren't always red. |
| 12. | Some parts of London have been inhabited as early as 4000 BC. |
| 13. | There are some streets in London with derogatory names. |
| 14. | Flying a kite is illegal. |
| 15. | The Palace of Westminster was built on the bank of the Thames. |
| 16. | Cleopatra's Needle is a time capsule. |
| 17. | London has hosted the Olympics three times. |
| 18. | About a thousand bodies are buried beneath Aldgate Station. |