It seemed like a cheery place to live before the zombie apocalypse didn’t it? Just your average road, complete with a local newsagent and ignorant neighbours… But, change happens, and certainly hoards of zombies are an unwelcome change for Simon Pegg and Nick Frost – shame they couldn’t give us a more thorough tour of the area isn’t it?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – King’s Cross Station and Leadenhall Market

Now,  how many of us have wanted to visit King’s Cross Station to see if platform 9 ¾ really does exist? Whether you run into the wall yourself or simply sit back and watch others do it is irrelevant, it’s a must-see for any Potter fan.

However, it’s not just King’s Cross Station that featured in the Harry Potter films. Leadenhall Market, a relative unknown in comparison to King’s Cross Station, features more than one might expect. The curved entrance to the Leaky Cauldron is set at 42 Bull’s Head Passage, which is actually an opticians. This wizarding pub is not only hidden to the eyes of muggles, but leads to the mysterious Diagon Alley and fascinating shops like Eeylops Owl Emporium and Quality Quidditch Supplies.

Platform 9 3/4 by Laura Bittner / License: Creative Commons

A Hard Day’s Night – Various London Locations

The 1964 Beatles film, starring all four members of the Beatles, was filmed across a vast number of different landscapes (around 30), including 15 in London. They include various train stations; Marlyebone station, Crowcombe Heathfield Station, Paddington Station and Taunton Station. Other noticeable locations that featured in the film are Charlotte Street, Les AmbassadeursClub in Mayfair, and the Hammersmith Odeon. So if you’re a Beatles fanatic, get yourself down to London and start touring!

The Italian Job (1969) – Various London Locations

Although the plot of the film revolves around events in Turin, London was actually used for a lot of the film.  Alembic House, 93 Albert Embankment, in Vauxhall is one location used, where Charlie Croker (Michael Caine to you and I) introduces the team members to each other. Other locations used include Harley Street in Marlyebone, Portobello Road on Notting Hill and Du Cane Road, where the Wormwood Scrubs Prison can be found. Neat huh?

Casino Royale – Big Ben, Canary Wharf, Houses of Parliament

It goes without saying that all three of these locations had previous fame before the 2006 Bond film starring Daniel Craig. However, what you might not have known, is that M’s house, (James Bond’s boss to those of you who aren’t familiar with the Bond films) is actually located in Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf is a fantastic place to go and visit, and there are some cracking hotels near Canary Wharf that are well worth the price!

So there you have it; a whole host of London destinations that you may, or may not, have seen on the big screen. Regardless of whether you’re a film fanatic or not, I recommend that you get yourself down to London for a historic and culturally pleasing bit of sightseeing!

Jack McCourt is a 17 year old, writer, with previous experience of published poetry in anthologies. A keen and eager traveller, he is looking forward to experiencing a vast selection of different cultures and lifestyles, both in England and abroad. He Recommends BHRC for last minute London accommodation and attractions.

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The year was 1605, and the story has since become embedded in the national myth. Ardent republican and devout Catholic Guy Fawkes, with a band of like-minded miscreants, attempted to assassinate Protestant King James by blowing up the Houses of Parliament. The attempt failed, and Fawkes’ subsequent execution for treason has been commemorated each year since with audacious displays of fireworks and effigy-burning bonfires.

Fireworks in London, England, UK by Dominic Alves

It’s a national performance of pyrotechnics, played out across the country. London – home of the plotters and their political targets – naturally boasts some of the biggest events, both municipal and privately organized. Annual shows include Enfield Town Park and Brockwell Park.

Festivities begin on Friday 2nd November, with a number of shows taking place in West London, with Kingston a perennial favourite. For those south of the river, there will be events in Wimbledon Park and Dulwich Park. Most events kick off between 6 and 8, with entry fees ranging from zero to around £7 for adults.

On Guy Fawkes night itself, Monday 5th, the Battersea Park display promises to be a real highlight of the season. Blackheath and Southgate are among the other regions providing full public displays, with the usual assortment of funfairs and food stalls to keep the huddled masses warm and entertained. Entry to most events is less than ten pounds.

But it’s the post-script to Guy Fawkes night which has the longer history and arguably the more impressive fireworks. Boasting ‘the most dangerous and amazing of all the public fireworks shows in the capital’, the Lord Mayor’s Show has been setting London ablaze since at least 1535, with some version of the event dating back to 1215. The show welcomes in the new Lord Mayor of the city with a combination of explosive-packed barges on the Thames, acrobatic displays, thousands of citizenry and hundreds of floats parading through the streets, and the bombast of a military marching band.

On November 10th, the show is announced open at 11am by a fly-past from an RAF squadron, before the procession makes its way through Bank and Aldwych. Finally, the crowds witness the emergence of the Lord Mayor from a gilded State Coach, having sworn allegiance to the Queen at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Some 500,000 spectators are expected to line the city streets. The fireworks begin at 5pm, launched from a barge situated between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridge, with Embankment generally regarded as the best vantage point from which to watch the display.

Looking for a hotel in London this autumn? Consider a stay at the Holiday Inn London Regent’s Park hotel for a central, great value accommodation option.

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Tower of London, England, UK by xiquinhosilva

1. The Tower of London

One of London’s oldest and most popular attractions, the Tower of London was built in 1078, and remains one of the most well preserved medieval castles in the country. Its central location within the skyscrapers of the City of London financial district make it even more unique, as does its multiple galleries, and housing of the Crown Jewels.

2. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Located on the outskirts of the City of London financial district (about 10 minutes by Tube from the West End), St. Paul’s Cathedral has survived fire and the WWII Blitz to remain one of the capital’s most loved landmarks. Giving yourself the time to explore its artifacts, and the Whispering Gallery on the upper levels, is recommended.

Photo of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, England, UK by Garry Knight

3. Westminster Abbey

While a visit to Westminster, which contains the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, is always recommended, it’s worth taking the time to visit Westminster Abbey. The Gothic church is a regular destination for Royal weddings, contains a number of important burial sites, and includes fascinating museums exhibits.

Photo of Westminster Abbey, London by thetravelguru

4. Buckingham Palace

The Queen’s main residence is a constant favourite of visitors to London, and can be explored via guided tours of certain areas of the Palace. The Palace also includes art galleries, a gift shop, and the daily sight of the Changing of the Palace Guards.

Photo of Buckingham Palace, London by OwenXu

5. British Museum

Home to one of the world’s best collections of art and rare items, this Bloomsbury-based museum demands repeated exploration. First developed in the 18th century, the Museum, only a short walk from the West End, is particularly recommended for its Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts.

Photo of British Museum, London by DAVID HOLT

6. Victoria & Albert Museum

Part of a street of famous museums in Kensington, which also includes the National History Museum and the Science Museum, the V&A was opened in 1852 as a home for decorative art, and today represents one of the best places to see photography and contemporary design exhibits.

Photo of Victoria & Albert Museum, London by gailf548

7. London Eye

This enormous Ferris wheel represents the best way to get a panoramic view of London. Based by the Thames, and near to London Waterloo train station, the Eye offers 30 minute rides in its passenger capsules, with varying prices.

Photo of London Eye, England by Jim Bahn

8. The National Gallery

This art gallery by Trafalgar Square is home to over 2,300 paintings, and is free to enter. The gallery’s pillared facade takes you into a vast holding of art from painters such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Van Gogh.

Photo of The National Gallery on Trafalgar square, London by Maurice

9. Tate Modern

London’s best modern art gallery sits on the banks of the Thames, and faces towards St Paul’s on the other side of the river. The gallery contains changing and permanent exhibitions, and is free to enter.

Photo of Tate Modern, London by aaron.bihari

10. Natural History Museum

Another of Kensington’s world class museums, the Natural History Museum is dedicated to the natural sciences, and animal and insect collections. Particularly recommended is the enormous Blue Whale, and the museum’s dinosaur exhibits.

Photo of Natural History Museum, London by Heather Cowper

Author bio: Liam Ohm is a keen writer with a particular interest in things-to-do in London. He highly recommends Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tickets for another great day out during your time in London.

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Colosseum, Rome, Italy by admin

One of the reasons for this is the simple fact that lying on a sun-kissed beach, while a utopian experience for some, is seen as a rather boring activity for many. After an hour or two of topping up the tan, plenty of trippers start thinking about finding something to do to relieve the boredom, and that’s when problems can appear.

It’s perhaps fair to say that most seaside resorts, especially those in Southern Europe and North Africa, are a little off the beaten track. They may be home to a superb beach with row after row of sunbeds, and perhaps a collection of welcoming bars and restaurants, but they don’t have much else to keep the bored tourist interested.

Making the right choice

Most city break holidays offer a stunning collection of iconic landmarks, historic buildings and famous attractions, and most visitors find they run out of time before they get to see all the things they wanted to. Therefore, the major drawback about such trips is that they are often tiring and a little too hectic to be properly enjoyed.

To use an example, London attracts millions of tourists every year, and many of them manage to cram in visits to the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and Westminster Abbey. However, they may miss out on seeing Tower Bridge, the Science Museum, Wembley Stadium and the famous art gallery the Tate Modern.

Those travellers who can afford to do so actually enjoy a summer holiday and a city break every year, but of course there are millions who are unable to do this. Therefore, in some households a decision has to be taken at the beginning of the year about whether to head to the sunny beaches or to a historic capital city.

For budget travellers it’s possible to seek out the bargains in order to stretch the holiday cash further. By looking for special deals on the worldwide web, a significant sum of money can be saved, and you never know it could lead to the ability to enjoy both types of vacation in the coming year.

David Showell lives in England and has visited several countries all over the world. He knows he only has to click here for the best car hire deals when on holiday.

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Tower Bridge / Frank Steiner

One interesting thing about the survey was that there was actually a drop in the number of visitors in May, this was because May saw stunning weather in the UK and therefore there was a drop in indoor attractions in London but outside attractions saw a massive boost. This is a great consideration for the UK Tourism Companies, in order to be prepared for an un-predictable UK Climate, they should ensure the attractions can cater for both weather conditions.

What does this show?

It shows London is as popular as ever with overseas tourists flocking here in the Summer months to see all the fabulous culture and fine restaurants and attractions that London has to offer. It is also great to see that the attractions in London are appreciated by those that visit London and also shows just how important Tourism is to the UK and London economy. It also shows that people are willing to spend money on seeing attractions even if the pricing could be considered expensive, what is important to tourists to London is value for money – they are happy to pay more but they expect more for it.

Houses of Parliament / shining.darkness

What are the key attractions that people visit?

The Key attractions that are the most popular with tourists to London are the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Of course not everyone that wants to come to London spends just their time in London and there are a wealth of things outside London that people want to see such as Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath and even short trips up to Edinburgh. What this survey shows though is that those people who come to London don’t just stay in – they get out and about and visit the range of Museums, shows, attractions that are on offer in London and it is important to the UK Economy that these attractions remain at the front of other cities as they are a showpiece for London and a huge source of income to the UK.

For more information about London Attractions check out www.sightseeingtourslondon.com or to see some of the other great UK Sightseeing Tours on offer Click Here.

View London Attractions as Popular as Ever UK in a larger map

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St Ermin’s lobby

While it is strikingly apparent that the history of the hotel has really been embraced, its also notable that the hotel has been recently restored and has an unusually pleasant ‘contemporary sheen’ after a £30 million refurbishment that was undertaken through 2010 which has really added to the grandeur and luxury of the establishment.

Just outside the hotel’s grand cast iron gates is the quintessential London – St James’s park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are literally a stone’s throw away from the hotel which made this hotel the ideal spot for a first timer tourist in England’s capital.

As a famous saying goes ‘when a man is bored of London, he is bored of life,’ and I can now vouch for this. After spending a mere two days at this hotel (and frankly, saw what I thought was a lot of London) I gained a further appreciation and lust for exploring more of London. I think its only once you’ve had a small taste of the fascinating capital that you can really appreciate the magnitude of the place and the amount of exploring that is open to any tourist or traveller.

Caxton Grill Beef

For those that perhaps plan to stay a little longer in London than I did you’ll be pleased to hear (but likley unsurprised) that the hotel is in the perfect spot for exploring a little further too as there is an underground station just a five minute walk away. Or alternatively, there’s the low cost rental bicycles (otherwise known as ‘Boris bikes’ after the cities eccentric mayor) nearby if you fancy taking a more scene route!

Oh, and before I forget – if you’re a fan of steak don’t forget to check out the St Ermin’s on-site restaurant the Caxton Grill if you’re a steak fan, their Josper Grill (one of only 3 in the country) is sure to give you a steak experience you are unlikely to forget!

Written by Alex of The Luxury Holiday Blog.

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