Flight and hotel London
Presenting London
Found towards the south east of England on the River Thames and usually enjoying the best weather in the UK, London truly deserves its status as a global city. With a history that pre-dates the Romans and a reputation as a world leader in everything from fashion to finance, London offers something for every traveller. As Samuel Johnson once put it, 'When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life'. Discover iconic landmarks, a superb international restaurant scene, top shopping and much more here.
What to know before visiting London
The city is one of the world’s primary hubs for flights, meaning there's plenty to choose from when booking London flights and hotels. Heathrow is the largest airport and encompasses five terminals, while Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City Airport all put you very close to, or right in the middle of, the British capital. Check flight deals from Dublin and Cork. The currency is the British pound and the main language spoken is, of course, English.
When is the best time to visit London?
The weather in London is usually mild and temperate throughout the year, without dramatically hot or cold months. Summers bring temperatures in the mid-20s or even higher, perfect for strolling the city's huge green spaces such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. Spring and autumn are very popular times to visit, especially if you plan on browsing markets, walking between landmarks and taking lots of photos of all the amazing sights.
A winter weekend in London is the ideal time to visit its great department stores, such as Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty, for some Christmas shopping, From Notting Hill Carnival in August to Winter Wonderland in December, there are plenty of annual events to check out in every season, making London a true year-round holiday destination.
What to do during London city breaks
Photography enthusiasts will have a great time sightseeing on London city breaks, perhaps from atop the iconic Shard skyscraper or the Sky Garden. In the warmer months, hire a ‘Boris Bike’, named after the former mayor, and see the sights around Westminster, go museum hopping in South Kensington or visit the markets and hipster cafés in Shoreditch.
The nightlife is incredibly varied, with the mega clubs of Leicester Square, relaxed hole-in-the-wall bars in Soho and exclusive cocktail lounges in Mayfair. Pubs are ideal for a more traditional, laid-back evening out.
What to see when you visit London
- Browse excellent free museums such as the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A, all next to each other in South Kensington.
- Go shopping on Oxford Street and grab lunch from the nearby restaurants, which serve every kind of cuisine imaginable.
- See Big Ben and Westminster Abbey at the heart of London.
- Visit the home of the Queen, Buckingham Palace, and tour the interior in the summer.
- Discover iconic Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery in front of it.
- See East London from high above on the Emirates Air Line cable car.
- Tour the abandoned tube station at Aldwych.
What to eat when you visit London
There’s possibly no better place to try traditional British food than during London package holidays. Sample everything, from Michelin-starred cuisine to fish and chips, roast dinners and pints of local ale. Fast food is extremely popular, especially kebabs and pizza, and you’ll find it easily around the centre and in East London. Around Oxford Street, you’ll find a great many chain restaurants serving surprisingly affordable mid-range options, with Italian being particularly popular.
After you've booked your London flight and hotel package, you can look forward to tasting a world of cuisine. High-end restaurants are easy to find in Mayfair and Knightsbridge, which is also where you'll find the iconic Harrods department store. Also worth seeing is the Sky Garden, one of the city's more unique restaurants, set on a rooftop.
What souvenirs can you bring back home from London?
Souvenir shops are never hard to find, especially around London's bigger shopping districts. Memorabilia featuring British flags and other motifs, especially relating to the Royal Family, are ever-popular gifts for people back home. If you prefer a more literal taste of England, pick up some loose leaf tea or biscuits from luxury foodseller Fortnum & Mason to bring back from your London package holidays.
The city's markets are stock full of unique souvenirs – head to Portobello for clothing, Borough for food and Camden Lock for a more general mix of goods. A London weekend is an excellent chance to find amazing gifts for loved ones, or perhaps yourself.