Time difference
GMT 0 hours
Timeless, traditional and titillating: Discover London
Discover London this winter, where the lights sparkle across the city’s supreme sights. Wrap up warm and wander along the River Thames, coffee cup in hand. Ride the London Eye, gaze at the grand Houses of Parliament, stroll down to the Tate Modern, then cosy up in a traditional pub.
Book a holiday in London and dart along Oxford Street for a spot of shopping – Liberty is a must-visit. Next, swoon through Britain’s iconic department store, Harrods, and meet up for a British treat of afternoon tea with friends. Still feeling peckish? Borough Market has plenty of tasty bites to try, while the foodie scenes of Camden and Dalston markets are great for the whole family.
Spend time wandering through the enchanting Kew Gardens, discover the lively atmosphere around South Bank and make your way to The National Gallery. Lap up London’s history with a trip to the British Museum and see the masterpieces of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Visit Buckingham Palace, then hop on the Underground and see Tower Bridge. It’s time to visit the UK’s characterful capital. Why wait, book your flight to London today.
Nobody knows London like British Airways
Discover the best of the big city with our expertise, whether you want to live London life like a local or squeeze the capital’s most iconic features into your trip, our guides will help you make the most of your holiday. From its unique world of experiences, seasonal highlights, and the quizzically unexpected – see the very best of London with us.
Looking for the quickest way to start your dream destination holiday?
Heathrow Express is the fastest way to travel between London Paddington and Heathrow Central. Non-stop in just 15 minutes from Terminal 2 & 3 and an extra 6 minutes from Terminal 5. Enjoy air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, luggage space and kids aged 15 and under travel for free. Book now.
Executive Club Members can collect 5 Avios for every £1/$1/€1 spent.
London fly-drives
Five iconic facts about London
The London Eye
Move aside Kate Moss (she’s looped the Millennium Wheel at least 25 times), it’s time for you to hop aboard the London Eye, the world’s fourth-largest Ferris wheel. Climb into one of 32 capsules (one for each borough of London) and cycle around the sky in around 30 minutes. The ride moves at a leisurely pace of 0.6 miles an hour. You will see London’s skyline, and on really clear days you may even spy Windsor Castle.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London has an engrossing history, including some gruesome tales; and it houses ravens, who are cared for by a designated Ravenmaster. While you’re there, you can learn about the superstitious reasons for their presence… Wander through the chambers, home to over 23,500 jewels and see the glistening Crown Jewels – then take a tour and keep an eye out for the restless ghosts and ghouls who have been spotted here.
The London Underground
Experience the capital like a Londoner with a ride on the Underground. Stretching across the heart of London and its peripheries, the Tube is the oldest and largest underground rail work. With an average of 2.7million Tube journeys made a day, it’s popular for commuters and tourists alike. Grab a copy of the London Underground map and navigate between the stations and zones, listening for talented buskers – you might just hear the next Ed Sheeran.
Museums of London
See as many of the city’s 250+ museums as you can. Visit Dippy (the 26-metre Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton) at The Natural History Museum, experience the Red Arrows 3D simulator at The Science Museum and see the 2018 award-winning Design Museum. You can also discover the past that shaped the nation at The Imperial War Museum and explore the world’s oldest national museum – The British Museum.
Parks in London
See London’s leafy side when you visit the city’s green spaces. Amble through the 650 acres of Hyde Park, with its 275 acres of beautiful Kensington Gardens. Be sure to look out for the statues and monuments scattered throughout Hyde Park, including the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. Stroll through the Royal Regents Park and take a seat on Primrose Hill, where Renee Zellweger once sat in the Bridget Jones film.
Prepare to go
Country code
+44
Best time to go
All year round
Tipping
10-15% of your bill
London visa and entry requirements
Despite the recent referendum vote for the UK to leave the European Union, visa-free travel is still in place for citizens of the EU to and from the UK.
Those arriving from some countries outside the EU may need to apply for a visa. To check if one is required, and for information on how to apply, please visit the UK Border Agency website.
If you are a national of some countries (including Australia and the USA) you can join the ‘Registered Traveller’ scheme and enjoy faster entry into the UK, as long as you have a biometric passport. Read the full list of eligible countries and conditions on the ‘Registered Traveller’ website.
Learn more about UK visa requirements
Remember, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you have the right visa and documents to be allowed entry into the UK when flying into London.
Discover more of London
Walk over London Bridge – not to beconfused with Tower Bridge anddiscover Borough Market
Emine Saner,
London based journalist and writer
