London & England
London is one of those cities that never runs out of things to discover. You can visit five times and still find neighborhoods, museums, restaurants, and experiences you missed. The history stretches back two thousand years to the Roman founding of Londinium. The cultural institutions are among the finest in the world. The theater scene rivals New York. The food, long the butt of jokes, has undergone a transformation that has made London one of the most exciting dining cities in Europe. And the pub, that quintessentially English institution, remains the best place in the world to sit with a pint and watch the world go by.
Beyond London, England offers a countryside that is achingly beautiful. The Cotswolds, with their honey colored stone villages, rolling hills, and dry stone walls, look like they were designed for a postcard. Bath is one of the most elegant cities in Europe. The Lake District in the northwest inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. And Stonehenge remains one of the most mysterious and powerful ancient sites on Earth.
Where to Go in London
The Tower of London is where the story of England comes to life. The Crown Jewels, the White Tower built by William the Conqueror, and the tales of executions and imprisonments within these walls make it one of the most compelling historical sites anywhere. Buckingham Palace, especially during the Changing of the Guard, is the other essential royal experience.
The British Museum is free to enter and houses one of the most important collections of human history in the world, including the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and Egyptian mummies. The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square has masterworks by Van Gogh, Monet, da Vinci, and Turner. The Tate Modern, in a converted power station on the South Bank, is one of the best contemporary art museums in the world.
The West End theater district around Shaftesbury Avenue and Covent Garden is home to dozens of productions running every night. Musicals, dramas, comedies, and one person shows compete for attention, and the quality is consistently excellent. Borough Market, just south of London Bridge, is the city’s most famous food market, with vendors selling everything from artisan bread and English cheese to fresh oysters and Ethiopian injera.
The neighborhoods are what give London its character. Notting Hill has pastel colored houses and the Portobello Road market. Shoreditch in East London is the street art and nightlife hub. South Kensington has three of the world’s best museums clustered together. Camden Town has its eclectic market and live music venues. And the South Bank walk along the Thames from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge passes the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Tate Modern.
Beyond London
The Cotswolds, about two hours west of London, are a rolling patchwork of green hills, ancient villages, and country pubs. Bourton on the Water, Bibury, Castle Combe, and Stow on the Wold are among the most visited, and each one earns the attention. The region is best explored by car, stopping at villages as the mood strikes.
Bath is a Georgian masterpiece built around the only natural hot springs in England. The Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, and the city’s honey colored architecture make it one of the most beautiful small cities in Europe. It is about 90 minutes from London by train.
Stonehenge, roughly two hours from London, needs no introduction. The stone circle is 5,000 years old, and standing in front of it at dawn or dusk, with the Salisbury Plain stretching in every direction, is a humbling experience. Book the inner circle access tour if you want to get close to the stones.
Where to Stay
Claridge’s in Mayfair is the quintessential London luxury hotel, with Art Deco style and impeccable service. The Savoy on the Strand is another grand dame with Thames views and a storied history. For something more contemporary, The Ned near the Bank of England is a members club and hotel in a restored 1920s bank building with multiple restaurants and a rooftop pool. Ham Yard Hotel in Soho is a Firmdale property with a design forward aesthetic and a location in the heart of the action.
Food and Drink
London’s food scene has exploded. Dishoom serves Bombay inspired cafe food that draws lines around the block. The Ledbury in Notting Hill holds two Michelin stars. Padella near Borough Market serves fresh pasta at prices that would make an Italian nod approvingly. And a proper Sunday roast at a good London pub, with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, and gravy, is one of the great comfort meals.
The pub is an institution. A pint of cask ale in a centuries old pub like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (established 1667) or The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden connects you to a tradition that is as English as the monarchy itself. Gin has also made a comeback, and London’s cocktail bars are among the best in the world.
Let Us Plan Your London Trip
London is one of the most rewarding cities in the world, and combining it with the English countryside creates a trip with incredible range. We will help you choose the right neighborhoods, book West End tickets, arrange day trips, and build an itinerary that captures both the grandeur and the charm of England.
