If you want history and culture we've got it, we can also show you how to enjoy London to its maximum potential! If you want to hang around London's pubs and restaurants, see a show at a West End theatre, take in a concert of one of London's five symphony orchestras, visit the opera or see the next Smiths, Oasis or Rolling Stones appearing in a pub venue.

London has been an inspiration for artists and poets throughout the many centuries. Its bustling streets and waterways with their historical buildings, monuments, and bridges offer the tourist a spectacular overview of British history and heritage. London gives the visitor innumerable amazing museums and galleries, royal palaces, monuments, quaint squares and peaceful green parks, excellent shops, and of course an exciting nightlife! Offering centuries of history, and serving as an epicenter of shopping, theatre, film and art, London has more than enough for everyone to have a spectacular experience!

London's museums and galleries are ranked alongside the best in the world; meanwhile monuments from the capital's more glorious past are all over the city. From medieval banqueting halls and the great churches of Sir Christopher Wren to the Victorian architecture of the Great British Empire, it’s all there!

If this is your first trip to London, the major tourist attractions are a must see. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and on Horse Guards Parade are free. In August and September Buckingham Palace itself is open to visitors; if your lucky you may get to meet the Queen! Take a look at the Houses of Parliament and the famous clock tower that houses 'Big Ben'.

Other sights that are a must see include the Tower of London which is home to the crown jewels, Tower Bridge and London's newest attraction, the BA London Eye, the world's largest observation wheel.

We offer an insight into London’s deep rooted history, from the gruesome things to the glorious moments in English history.

Pedestrians and Traffic: We drive on the left hand side of the road, which means you should look right when crossing a road. Tourists have been killed forgetting this rule. Cars don’t have to stop automatically (though most will) if you wander into the road, and you can forget about motorbikes! At a crossing, they all stop if you set foot on the road, but again watch out for speeding motorcycles! A driving license is required if you want to rent a car.

Safety: London is a relatively safe city, and you are not restricted to where you can go in the centre at any time – in other districts slight caution is advised - at the North End of Notting Hill, in Brixton and anywhere South of Elephant and Castle you'd be better not to produce a large wad of cash in a narrow side street - but it's safe otherwise. There are little guns and knives, and lone women are usually safe to walk alone. The tube at night contains the usual drunks but is otherwise OK.

Languages: English is our language! Welsh is spoken in Wales only, and slang is NOT common in the centre as much as you think. Our language is not always the same as the American language; you will learn that as you go along ;-)

Weather: England's weather is a hot topic of conversation - it's not as bad as its thought, just very unpredictable. Our seasons are not clearly defined - like in central Europe - at any moment trouble can brew up in the Atlantic and lead to cold or wet weather!

By avoiding the busiest months of July and August will save you a bundle! The numbers of visitors will be a lot less. Of course, you may be thinking that the weather will be terrible? Of course, you can visit in the winter, but it gets dark by early evening and many places, and many of the top attractions i.e. castles and large house close to the public over the winter months. But if your interests lie elsewhere i.e. museums, art galleries, theatre or culture, winter would be a great, quiet time to visit!

Preparation is key.

Many people will require a visa to visit Britain, so if you do need one, then thoroughly advise that you apply for your visa well in advance of your trip date! I’ve seen so many holidays ruined because of visas! Research where you plan to visit so you will know what to do and where to go as soon as you set foot in Britain. Maps and guides can be purchased online for very cheap. Please also take some warm and waterproof clothing in your suitcase; the weather can change from being warm and sunny in the morning, to rainy and windy in the afternoon!

Are inoculations required?

As it stands, no inoculations needed to enter Britain, however you may need an inoculation to re-enter your own country of residence.

Medical insurance is a must!

You are only covered for free emergency treatment by the British National Health Service, unless you come from a member country of the European Union, or a country which has a reciprocal health-care agreement with Britain- so please obtain health insurance otherwise! It could end up costing you a fortune.

Electric voltage is 240v AC, 50 HZ

You may need an adapter or converter for anything electrical you bring with you. You can buy electrical items in the UK, but please be aware they may not function properly back home and could be dangerous. When buying electrical goods please ask for assistance.

Telephones

Most payphones in Britain take no less than 20p. I recommend that you purchase a phone card instead, and provided you get a good deal, could save you a bundle when phoning home! In Britain all the different areas use an area code all starting with the number ‘0’. If you are calling a number in the same area, then the area code is not necessary, but you may use it if you wish. You can obtain area codes in the phone book.

Note that British telephone books are often divided into two sections "Residential" (private numbers) and "Business".

When dialing to Britain from other countries, you use the country code for Britain - "44" - and then miss out the first "0" of the area code.

I hope this guide helps! It is a little general, but may give you a good idea for what to expect on your arrival in Britain! Have a good holiday! - James Stuart

Despite Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish transference, London is still where the country's news and money are made. London is where the central government resides and where unsophisticated life begins. Londoners' sense of superiority causes enormous resentment in the regions, but it is undeniable that the capital has a great measure of success in most walks of British life.

Most of the major attractions in Europe is located in London. London boasts four World Heritage Sites, 238 attractions that are free to enter (so there's nowhere else in the world where you can see so much for so little). Visit the many museums and castles that the city has to offer.

About thirty percent of London is open space; the other areas are filled with one of the 143 registered parks and gardens. Many of the parks have short walking paths and nature trails can be found in places like Hampstead Heath and Mile End Park, so let us put on our walking shoes and go for a stroll, take a picnic lunch for the end of your walk.

The National Gallery houses paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, including the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne along with other great works.

The British Museum exhibits the works of man from primitive to modern times with a collection from all around the world. The Rosetta stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase are included in this museum. - David Chandler