Top places to go for the ultimate luxury break in London
As the summer hits the UK again, the cosmopolitan city of London really does swell with glitz and glamour with attractions that make tourists flock in their millions every year. The backdrop of Buckingham Palace, the Mall and the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the River Thames will be a real treat for any tourist looking to fall in love with London as they are whisked past red post and telephone boxes in black Hackney cabs or the traditional red London bus running route number 9.
While famous for these attractions, there is a whole host of not so ubiquitous picks:
Knightsbridge
YouÂ’ll want to be ready with your credit card, especially with the variety of iconic department stores. One store you will commonly associate with London is the green flags and bags of Harrods, especially with the gold calligraphy style logo. Selfridges is nearby and is worth the visit for some retail therapy while youÂ’re there.
Picadilly Circus
Heading further into the city, youÂ’ll start to see the sights of Piccadilly Circus, a famous sight usually seen advertising various technology manufacturers, the Golden Arches or a certain fizzy beverage company. Alternatively – Leicester Square, famous for movie premieres and red carpet events as it is surrounded by cinemas and small independently owned theatres such as the appropriately named Leicester Square Theatre which is perfect for those looking to get a taste of British performances without braving the crowds in the bustling West End.
Bond Street
Perhaps the cityÂ’s most famous shopping street, known for its luxury boutiques, Oxford Circus, which leads onto Oxford Street, the king of all UK high streets. Nearby is Regent Street – well known for its array of Christmas illuminations and anchor residency of HamleyÂ’s – the worlds most famous toy shop which is absolutely a must-see location whether you have children or not (trust us!)
The Thames
A stroll alongside the River Thames wouldnÂ’t go a miss especially as it will allow you to see Big Ben in all of its glory along with London Bridge, which seems to be all in once piece despite the famous song. Most tourists will see Houses of Parliament from the outside, unless it is featured on TV but a professionally led trip which lasts an hour and a half around the interior is really worthwhile for anyone who is interested in the British Government and the history of the buildings. Tickets to the tour can be bought throughout the year and six days a week during the Summer Opening period while the government is in recess.
Trafalgar Square
Finish your visit at Trafalgar Square as Nelson’s Column overlooks the central location guarded by four lion statues. Â ItÂ’s a common occurrence for children to be playing around the fountains and its often filled with people attending public events as it is surrounded with the capitals best museums, galleries and theatres. The National Gallery is perfect for anyone looking for some of the worlds most famous art works alongside The National Portrait Gallery which has a collection of unusual exhibitions running throughout the year, for instance George CatlinÂ’s American Indian Portraits which is running until 23rd June 2013.
Stuart Leckie is Director of Sales & Marketing at St. Ermin’s Hotel.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
While famous for these attractions, there is a whole host of not so ubiquitous picks:
Knightsbridge
YouÂ’ll want to be ready with your credit card, especially with the variety of iconic department stores. One store you will commonly associate with London is the green flags and bags of Harrods, especially with the gold calligraphy style logo. Selfridges is nearby and is worth the visit for some retail therapy while youÂ’re there.
Picadilly Circus
Heading further into the city, youÂ’ll start to see the sights of Piccadilly Circus, a famous sight usually seen advertising various technology manufacturers, the Golden Arches or a certain fizzy beverage company. Alternatively – Leicester Square, famous for movie premieres and red carpet events as it is surrounded by cinemas and small independently owned theatres such as the appropriately named Leicester Square Theatre which is perfect for those looking to get a taste of British performances without braving the crowds in the bustling West End.
Bond Street
Perhaps the cityÂ’s most famous shopping street, known for its luxury boutiques, Oxford Circus, which leads onto Oxford Street, the king of all UK high streets. Nearby is Regent Street – well known for its array of Christmas illuminations and anchor residency of HamleyÂ’s – the worlds most famous toy shop which is absolutely a must-see location whether you have children or not (trust us!)
The Thames
A stroll alongside the River Thames wouldnÂ’t go a miss especially as it will allow you to see Big Ben in all of its glory along with London Bridge, which seems to be all in once piece despite the famous song. Most tourists will see Houses of Parliament from the outside, unless it is featured on TV but a professionally led trip which lasts an hour and a half around the interior is really worthwhile for anyone who is interested in the British Government and the history of the buildings. Tickets to the tour can be bought throughout the year and six days a week during the Summer Opening period while the government is in recess.
Trafalgar Square
Finish your visit at Trafalgar Square as Nelson’s Column overlooks the central location guarded by four lion statues. Â ItÂ’s a common occurrence for children to be playing around the fountains and its often filled with people attending public events as it is surrounded with the capitals best museums, galleries and theatres. The National Gallery is perfect for anyone looking for some of the worlds most famous art works alongside The National Portrait Gallery which has a collection of unusual exhibitions running throughout the year, for instance George CatlinÂ’s American Indian Portraits which is running until 23rd June 2013.
Stuart Leckie is Director of Sales & Marketing at St. Ermin’s Hotel.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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