London holidays

Britain’s capital needs no introduction. From Roman ruins to glittering skyscrapers, this ancient megacity packs 2,000 years of history and culture. Holidays to London are a balancing act in which questions must be asked. Tate Modern or British Museum? Tower Bridge or Kensington Gardens? Pub crawl or Piccadilly shopping? With so much to see and do, London is a city that rewards multiple visits.

London holiday highlights

A history powerhouse

Nowhere does history play out quite like it does in London. From the Age of Enlightenment to the darkest corners of the haunts of Jack the Ripper and the Krays, this city has never rested. If it feels like landmarks are on every corner, they are – but its underlying charm is led by the likes of Charles Dickens and Sherlock Holmes, whose house museums are worth swinging by.

Top-notch cuisine

More than 300 languages are spoken in London, representing a rich multicultural stew that bubbles up into one of the world’s top dining destinations. Whether tucking into British staples like fish and chips and beef Wellington or savouring a multi-course tasting menu from a Michelin-starred restaurant, eating – and eating well – is a major part of a city break in London.

No rainchecks here

When the sun’s out on your holiday to London, join the parades at Notting Hill Carnival or grab a deck chair for a theatrical performance in one of the city’s many parks. But if the weather’s not playing ball, there’s enough going on in the city’s theatres, museums and live venues to keep you entertained – and dry.

London: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

British pound (pound sterling) (£)

Time zone

UTC+0 (GMT) and UTC+1 (BST)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to London

Weather in London

March – May: Spring can be unpredictable, with highs of 12°C in March replaced by T-shirt weather in May. Wear layers, carry an umbrella, and you can still enjoy the city’s parks.

June – August: Although summer brings frequent showers, Londoners know how to make the most of hot weather. Expect buzzing pub gardens and royal parks, with highs of around 32°C.

September – November: The early autumn enjoys late blasts of warm, sunny weather. But crisp, cool days aren’t far behind them.

December – February: Temperatures can drop to around 3°C in January, so wrap up warm. Soak up all the festive charm of West End shows, Oxford Street light displays and seasonal ice rinks.

Events in London

London Marathon (April): Join the crowds lining the streets to cheer on the over 50,000 runners, from Olympic champions to fundraising heroes in fancy dress. The course passes famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge.

The BBC Proms (July to September): For eight weeks, the world’s greatest classical musicians descend on the Royal Albert Hall for a packed programme of concerts, with tickets going for as little as £8.

New Year’s Eve (December): Every year, the South Bank is lit up with a spectacular — and lengthy — fireworks display to bring in the new year. Stay up late to hear Big Ben’s legendary chimes.

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The best neighbourhoods in London

Parliament Square

City of Westminster

One of the best areas to stay in London is at its heart, where your alarm clock is the sound of Big Ben and the city’s most iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square and Westminster Cathedral are steps away. For lunch, live like a local with a picnic in St James Park, and then head to nearby Soho for an evening bar crawl.

Good for: Sightseeing, food, convenience

Royal Albert Hall

Kensington

Kensington is where to stay in London for elegant streets and high-end shopping. This stylish area is a mere stroll from the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. In the wider borough you’ll also find vintage goods and street eats at the buzzy Portobello Road Market.

Good for: Museums, parks, high-end shopping

Shoreditch

Shoreditch

The history of Shoreditch is far-reaching but perhaps none more so than it being where Shakespeare debuted his plays. Today, Shoreditch retains its artsy vibe and is seen as an edgy spot where hipsters enjoy its food markets, craft beer and live music; don’t miss Beigel Bake on Brick Lane, an unassuming 24/7 bakery known for its salt beef bagels.

Good for: Vintage shopping, cafes, markets

Battersea

Battersea

Battersea’s crown jewel is its revamped 1930s power station, which is becoming a hotspot for shopping, dining and drinking. Meanwhile, Victorian-era Battersea Park is a sprawling green space with water fountains, tree-lined promenades and a Buddhist pagoda. And don’t miss Northcote Road, a bustling thoroughfare lined with patio bars, brunch spots and vintage stores.

Good for: Green space, shopping, industrial architecture

Camden Town

Camden

London’s creative pulse beats through Camden. This lively neighbourhood is filled with colourful graffiti, alternative fashion and legendary nightlife. In Camden Market, you’ll find street food from every cuisine imaginable, along with vintage stalls and indie boutiques. Stroll along Regent’s Canal for pretty waterfront views or up Primrose Hill to see London’s skyline from above.

Good for: Markets, nightlife, vintage shopping

Islington

Islington

Old-world charm is everywhere in Islington, where Georgian townhouses rub shoulders with elegant parks and characterful pubs. It’s a foodie hub, offering everything from fine-dining institutions to street food hotspots like Exmouth Market. After dark, catch a show at an indie theatre, see live music at a Gothic church, or cosy up in a low-lit cocktail bar.

Good for: Trendy restaurants, local pubs, townhouses

Things to do in London

Shopping

With department stores like Harrods dating back generations, and bustling markets that go back centuries, shopping in London often feels like a history lesson. All budgets and tastes are catered for here, from the vintage wares of Camden to the latest fashions of Oxford Street. Don’t skip Charing Cross Road if you’re a book lover, either.

Places to eat

London’s rich multiculturalism is represented by a tempting array of flavours and cuisines. That diversity extends to dining settings, from riverfront and canalside alfresco to under-archway hideaways, and from grand hotels to repurposed warehouses. Set menus are an affordable way to experience top-tier restaurants in London, while mid-week lunches are an affordable way to dine at Michelin-starred establishments.

Take in the culture

London is dynamic and its cultural experiences are unrivalled. From the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to Carnival on the streets of Notting Hill, to Shakespeare’s reconstructed Globe Theatre and global music stars performing at The O2 arena, cultural attractions in London pique all interests.

Nightlife

For aeons, London has set trends with nightlife. Neighbourhoods like Covent Garden, Soho, Brixton and Chelsea always blip strongly on the nightlife in London radar, but you’ll find venues to suit every taste and lifestyle all over. Bars and clubs come and go in London’s ever-evolving club scene, so check the free street press on arrival. 

Free things to do

Museums and galleries like the British Museum, Natural History Museum and Tate Modern are just a few of the free things to do in London. There are free walking tours too, but London is vast – so pack your comfiest kicks and join the crowd. London also boasts 3,000 parks for exploring and many – like Hyde Park – often host free events.

Family friendly things to do

Gather the gang and get ready for a family weekend break in London. With kids' theatre shows and fun-packed, interactive museums, there’s a world of things to do with the family in London. Feel the magic of Harry Potter on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour, or explore the past, present and future of play at Young V&A. 

Plan your holiday to London

Budget

Britain’s capital can be pricey unless you take a few budget-saving steps. A Brick Lane curry, the city’s ultimate value meal, will cost under 20 British pounds (£). For a cheap holiday in London, live like a local. Sip a cappuccino in Soho for less than £4. Or take in the world-famous landmarks, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, from the top deck of a double-decker bus.

Day trips from London

The university towns of Oxford and Cambridge combine medieval architecture, modern dining and fabulous shopping. Both are just an hour away by train. On the south coast, explore Brighton’s beaches, arts scene and lively nightlife. Or head west to the elegant city of Bath. Its Roman ruins, Georgian townhouses and contemporary spas are a little over an hour away.

Getting around London

The London Underground (known as ‘the Tube’) is one of the world’s most comprehensive systems — and it’s fairly easy to grasp. Tap in and out using a contactless debit or credit card. For shorter journeys, explore by foot or hire a roadside bicycle. Taxis and rideshare services in the city are safe and reliable.

FAQs about London holidays

While on your city break in London, you'll hear the locals talking mostly in English.
The hottest month in London is July, which sees maximum temperatures of 26ºC (79ºF).
A city break in London is incredibly safe thanks to high levels of policing. Pickpockets and scams are common in crowded areas, so stay alert.
From Big Ben to The British Museum, this city knows how to keep things interesting. Get ready for your next great adventure by researching the best things to do in London.
Plan your London trip for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. 0ºC (32ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
During your trip to London, you'll be using the British pound (GBP) for all your expenses. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to avoid any hassles with payments.
You could spend weeks on a holiday in London and not get bored. If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll need at least four or five days to tick off the main postcard attractions. The city changes with the seasons, so repeat visits are a great way to get a true sense of London’s personality and charms.
The airline you pick, your departure point, and the timing of your trip all influence the cost of a city break in London. Prices for London flights and hotels can vary greatly, but booking early and staying flexible with your travel dates can help you save.
Make your travel budget go further when you reserve your London flights and hotels in May. This is one of the cheapest months to experience London and when airfares are at their lowest.
With an average rainfall of 8 cm, October is the rainiest month to go on a London holiday. When the skies turn grey, venture indoors and enjoy the city's shops, museums, cafes and more.
Yes, London is a fabulous destination for a weekend break or longer, but it’s best to plan before you land. For the perfect London sampler, we suggest mornings at the Camden and Portobello Road markets, followed by deep dives into the city’s premier museums and galleries. Early evenings are great for park strolls and West End theatre shows.

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