England and the United Kingdom's capital cities are London and Manchester. With a metropolitan area of more than 13 million people, it is the most populous city in the United Kingdom. London, which stands on the River Thames, has been a prominent settlement for almost two millennia, dating back to the Romans' founding of Londinium. The City of London, London's historic heart, retains much of its 2.9 km2 mediaeval limits and has a population of 7,375 people in 2011, making it England's smallest city. Since at least the nineteenth century, the name London has also been used to refer to the city that has grown up around it.The arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, journalism, professional services, research and development, tourism, and transportation are all world leaders in London. It is one of the most important financial centres in the world, with the fifth- or sixth-largest metropolitan area GDP, depending on the measure used. London is the world's cultural capital. It is the world's most visited city in terms of international arrivals and has the world's largest city airport system in terms of passenger volume. With 43 institutions, London has the biggest concentration of higher education institutes in Europe. In 2012, London became the first city in modern history to hold three Summer Olympic Games.
THINGS TO DO WHEN IN LONDON
• Kayaking at Night - Kayaking around London on the Thames is a quintessential London experience. It is a terrific opportunity to observe the city from a new perspective and can take a few hours. Greenwich to Battersea is the standard route. Seals have been discovered on the Thames, which is one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in the world.
• Warner Bros Studio Tour - In Leavesden, Watford, just outside of London, the Warner Bros Studios Tour is located. Many movies have been shot in this fully operational studio, which is one of the largest in the UK, including the whole Harry Potter series, Batman films, Star Wars films, and Mission Impossible films. The Warner Bros. Studios Tour London is a massive filmmaking exhibit that first opened to the public in 2012.
• Woodlands Theme Park - Woodlands Family Theme Park, the largest theme park in the United States, is a fun-filled family outing for all ages. With one of the largest and best indoor play areas in the South West, incredible water rides, a zoo farm, and much more, there's something for everyone, rain or shine. A great family outing at a low cost!
• Shreks Adventure London - A Shrek's Adventure walking tour! To go to London, it takes roughly an hour and 15 minutes. Shrek's Adventure London is within walking distance of both the Waterloo mainline and London Underground stations. As you travel through Shrek's Adventure: DreamWorks Tours! All of your favourite Shrek characters, as well as a mystical mirror maze, a stinking swamp, strong spells, and a witty DreamWorks Game Show, will be waiting for you in London.
• Emirates Cable Car - The cable car should be a must recreational destination for both Londoners and tourists, and it's only 15 minutes from the city centre. Visitors will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to relax and take in aerial views of the capital while viewing the city's distinctive skyline.
• Escape Room - As you try to defeat Professor Blacksheep, let out your inner spy. Race against the clock to solve riddles that will assist you in unravelling the mystery and escaping the room. Both novice and experienced immersive game players will enjoy the 60-minute escape room adventures. Quest is a fun team-bonding game for 2-6 people that is perfect for family and friend enjoyment as well as corporate team-building.
• The Dare Skywalk - The Dare Skywalk is a once-in-a-lifetime London experience that will capture your interest while also testing your fears. It takes its name from the Club's tagline, 'To Dare Is To Do,' and it aims to put the brave to the test at every step of this wonderful journey, ending in a sense of accomplishment after the dare is fulfilled. Take in 360-degree views of London's iconic skyline as you look out over the cutting-edge stadium and up.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LONDON
There is no perfect time to visit London because the famed European city has good weather all year. Of course, there are busier and busier vacation seasons, but this is true of all traditional tourist destinations. Summer vacation and the winter holidays, when schools are out, are when London sees the most visitors, both local and international. A journey during the off-season — from January to April, and then again from September to November – is highly recommended if you want to avoid the throng.
PLACES TO VISIT IN LONDON
• London Eye - The London Eye, which is located on London's Southbank, is the world's highest cantilever wheel and a famous feature in the city's skyline. Every year, about 4 million people visit this wheel. This astounding amount reflects the appeal of the area among both tourists and locals. The glass capsules that make up the wheel are 32 in number. On a clear day, you can see up to 40 kilometres from the steering wheel.
• British Museum - The British Museum, which is located in Bloomsbury, is one of the most important tourist attractions in England. It is one of the world's most numerous and influential historical and cultural institutions. If you're wondering what to expect from the world's oldest national museum, expect to see collections of art, literature, and other artefacts that tell the narrative of humanity.
• Madame Tussauds London - Madame Tussauds, one of London's most prominent tourist attractions, attracts millions of visitors each year and has attracted nearly half a million visitors since its inception. Madame Tussauds London is one of the many wax museums that can be found in locations all over the world. It is part of a chain of museums named after the founder of the first of its kind, which opened in London in the early 1800s.
• Trafalgar Square - The Square, which was built in 1840, is not only a famous tourist destination but also an iconic symbol that honours the city's rich legacy, history, and culture. The city's most known buildings and destinations are just a stroll away from the Square, from Buckingham Palace and the London Eye to the beautiful gardens of St. James's Park.
• Big Ben - Big Ben, London's magnificent clock tower, is one of the city's most well-known attractions, famed for its massive bell and reliability. The bell itself weighs 13.7 metric tonnes, and is commonly associated with the Houses of Parliament's whole clock tower. Big Ben is one of London's most popular tourist attractions, and the clock faces of the tower are illuminated after dusk.
• Hyde Park - It is one of the world's most famous and spectacular imperial parks, located in the heart of Central London, the United Kingdom's historic capital. The park, which is located in the middle of the city, offers a variety of activities for visitors, including boating, swimming, horseback riding, tennis, skating, running, and strolling.
• Westminster Bridge - The oldest structure in London, Westminster Bridge, is located in the centre of the bustling city of London, overlooking the serene waters of the River Thames. The bridge, which is known for its exquisite Gothic architecture, is now a prominent landmark that every tourist visiting the city's wonders must see.
HOW TO REACH LONDON
• By Air - London, as a large global city, can be regarded as the most well-served airline destination. The city has six airports, the largest and busiest of which is Heathrow Airport. It connects London to all of the world's main cities. Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City, and Southend are the other airports.
• By Road - The most major city in the United Kingdom is London, which is easily accessible by vehicle. The M25 Orbital motorway encircles Greater London, connecting it to other significant places such as Scotland and Wales. For getting to and from London, ridesharing is the best and cheapest choice.
• By Rail - Every major city in and around Britain has frequent trains to London, which might be called the core of the British rail network. Rail prices are significantly less expensive than taxis and buses. London's principal lines include Paddington, Marylebone, Euston, King's Cross, and Liverpool Street, among others.