Culture makes a valuable contribution to life in London. It is a main reason why people choose to visit London on their holidays. 7 out of 10 tourists state culture as a reason for their stay in the capital.
5 free museums in London you must visit during half term. London boasts some of the best free museums in the world.
People move to London because it is one of the most cosmopolitan and welcoming cities on earth and businesses relocate here because it attracts dynamic professionals from a wide range of business sectors.
London almost receives more visitors annually than Paris and New York combined together. Why not visit London during the UK school holidays and explore this wonderful city.
The undisputed highlight of the London Christmas holiday season for many Londoners and tourists is the switching on of the lights on the huge Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square, the very heart of London.
The tree is a gift to Britain from the people of Norway, as a thank you for helping their country during the Second World War, and has been presented to Britain every year since 1947.
The tree is usually a Norwegian Spruce and often measures 60 feet tall, and the lighting ceremony, usually attended by thousands, takes place in early December.
From then until Christmas, you can enjoy carol singing around the tree on most evenings, as well as a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine to keep the chill away.
Spend Three Days in LondonWith its historic monuments, expansive parks and traditional pubs, there are few cities in the world that offer the experiences one can have in London.
It is a city of villages; from the medieval magnificence of the City of Westminster to the expensive boutiques of Kensington and Chelsea, each part offers the visitor something unique.
A short vacation in London will allow you only enough time to scratch the surface, but this article provides tips on where to go to make the most of your short holiday break in London.
Half Term Dates and London School Holidays 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Choose a London Borough from the list below to view the latest published school half term holiday dates. For London Voluntary Aided and Foundation schools it is the school Governing Body which sets the school's term and holiday dates.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that these London school half term holiday dates are accurate, there are occasions when circumstances beyond our control may result in changes.
London Half Term Dates - Latest UK School Holidays
Please note that some schools have decided to adopt slightly different half term and holiday dates to those shown here and it is therefore advisable to contact the individual school to confirm their dates.
Holidays and Short Breaks in London: Day One
Spend your first morning in the area around Parliament Square, where you can take a guided of Westminster Abbey to see highlights such as St Edwards Chapel, Coronation Chair, the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and the tomb of Queen Elizabeth I. See the gothic grace of Big Ben up close, ensuring not to overlook the statues of Oliver Cromwell, who led England's only republic, and Winston Churchill. Afterwards, walk to St James' Park, London's most elegant royal green space, to see the lake full of ducks, gulls and pelicans.
From the park you'll get panoramic views of Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II's official London residence. If you time your visit correctly, you can catch the Changing of the Guard, which takes place at 11am each morning between Monday and Saturday, and 10am on Sunday. You'll be hungry by now, so treat yourself to traditional English food in the historic pub, The Old Star (66 Broadway Street).
After lunch, cut across Green Park to Piccadilly Circus, then to Leicester Square from where you can stroll under the oriental archways of Chinatown. Continuing north-east on Shaftesbury Avenue will bring you to Covent Garden, near the West End, where you can catch a play. Afterwards, cross the River Thames at Waterloo Bridge for a ride on the famous London Eye (millennium wheel), where one revolution allows you to view the city in all its nocturnal splendour.
For dinner, there are many restaurants to choose from near the Eye.
Day Two of a short holiday break in London:
Start early by visiting St Paul's Cathedral, the famous symbol of resistance during the Second World War, when it stood high amid the ruins of the bombed city. A tour of the interior will reveal the tombs of Sir Christopher Wren and Lord Nelson. Afterwards, take a walk across the wobbly Millennium Bridge, which opened in 2000, to the Tate Modern, formerly the Bankside power station.
The gallery features eye-opening exhibits such as Marcel Duchamp's Fountain, Pierre Bonnard's The Bath, and Andy Warhol's Marilyn Diptych. By now you'll be hungry, so head over to the restaurant in the Oxo Tower, which offers spectacular views of the Thames River.
Once you're back on the South Bank, walk east towards Tower Bridge where you can admire this feat of Victorian engineering at your leisure. There's a Tower Bridge Experience tour, which lasts 90 minutes, and offers views from the higher walkways.
Cross over Tower Bridge to the distinctive landmark known as the Tower of London. Started by William the Conqueror in about 1080, it has been the scene of many bloody incidents in England's past, such as the beheading of the Tudor queens, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard.
It is difficult to take a flying visit of this medieval marvel; instead, take a guided tour or meander through the austere courtyards and inside the structures. It's best to allow an entire afternoon here. Have dinner at another traditional English pub, the Anchor Tap (23 Horsleydown Road, Bankside).
Day Three: London Sightseeing
Start your final day at the famed British Museum in Holborn. As there's no way you'll be able to see everything in a couple of hours, it may be worth making a note of your favourites beforehand, then seeking them out. If you're like most visitors, these will include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles and the Mummified Cat.
If you're up for a bit of fun (and still have money to spend) head to Madame Tussaud's, the waxwork museum that features models of Winston Churchill, the Queen, Princess Diana and even Robbie Williams. Afterwards, head slightly north into Regent's Park, where you'll find Queen Mary's Gardens. This is an ideal venue for lunch.
For the final part of your holiday, walk south to Hyde Park, where there are many activities to keep you occupied, such as taking a boat ride on the Serpentine, the main lake in the park. Stroll westwards to Kensington Gardens, which is virtually an extension of Hyde Park, and take in Albert Memorial, Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Palace, the former residence of the late Princess Diana. If
you've got time, take a guided tour of the palace to see its apartments, as well as its impressive Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
Finish the day off with dinner at Kensington's Ffionas restaurant (51 Kensington Church Street).
Author: by Malcolm Oakley
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