London: an exciting city on the other side of the North Sea
Endless shopping, enjoying a musical or strolling through a large park? It's all possible in the versatile capital of England and the United Kingdom: London. In addition, there are several sights in the city that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Do you like to discover art and culture during one of your city trips? Then a holiday in London is more than enough of a challenge. London is also ideal for short breaks because of its excellent accessibility. It takes about an hour by plane from Schiphol in Amsterdam to land at one of the airports in London. You can also travel by car through the Channel Tunnel to London. Or give your trip an extra dimension, and take the ferry to the British capital. In any case, there are many ways to reach your holiday home in London. Just choose the method that suits you best, and then enjoy the cultural richness that you will find on your holidays in London.
Sightseeing: discover the varied offer during your holiday in London
London is an important historical city that still shows many traces of it. Take, for example, the Tower of London, the foundation stone of which was laid in 1078. Since then, it has grown into an imposing building that has played various roles for London, including that of royal palace, state prison, fortress, and the city's first zoo. The special history of the Tower of London can be seen for yourself during a visit to this royal castle. There are several exhibitions and guided tours. Then walk over the famous Tower Bridge near the Tower of London. Another highlight among London's attractions is Buckingham Palace. Like the Tower of London, this palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you travel there during the summer months, you have the chance to see the inside of the palace, because that's when the Queen of England goes on holiday. The rest of the year, Buckingham Palace is also worth a visit, as the famous change of guards of honour continues to take place. This is also fun for children to experience during one of their holidays in London. Those who like to experience some excitement while staying in a flat in London, can find it in the London Eye. From this 135 meter high Ferris wheel, you have a beautiful view over the city. You are in a closed capsule, but it is clear it may be a little too challenging for people who are afraid of heights. For art lovers, the National Gallery in London is a must see. When you get there, you'll discover a beautiful building. Inside, you will find paintings from the period 1250 to 1900 by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, Claude Monet and the famous Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh. There is almost no name in history that is as connected to London as Sherlock Holmes. In the British capital, the Sherlock Holmes Museum shows you how this fictitious detective lived and worked. Take your children with you, and let them empathize with this famous detective.
Spectacular events for a holiday in London
In bustling London, many events are organised every year. Celebrate New Year's Eve in a different way, and go to a Chinese New Year in London's Chinatown. Incidentally, this does not always coincide with our New Year, because the Chinese have a different calendar. Would you like to be in London at the turn of the western year? Then you can celebrate with hundreds of thousands of people in Trafalgar Square. Book your holiday home or flat in London on time, because this city is one of the most popular destinations for New Year's Eve. Sports enthusiasts also like to go to London for a city trip every year in the spring. Then one of the biggest marathons in the world takes place: the London Marathon. Approximately 40,000 runners, including international top runners, participate in this event. The fun factor is very high, because some participants are dressed up.
Add more dimension to your city trips to London with these activities
A city break to London is the Valhalla for shopaholics. Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Old Bond Street, among others, offer well-known chains, stylish businesses, trendy boutiques and designer shops. And those are not all the interesting shopping streets of London by far. To discover them all, you will probably have to travel to London more often. Are you tired of shopping? Then rest in a park. London has several beautiful specimens, such as Hyde Park, Regent's Park and the Kensington Gardens. Once you've regained your energy, London offers plenty of evening entertainment in the many clubs, bars and theatres. So London is really a city that is worth several city trips.