November 5th is known as Guy Fawkes Night in London and all across the United Kingdom. It’s an annual British observance commemorating the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605—but we’ll get into all that in a moment. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting London on this day, expect a citywide party made up of fireworks, sparklers, bonfires and plenty of food. Here’s everything you need to know about to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night in London. ... Read More
Though it’s not as popular as in the states, Halloween is still celebrated across the United Kingdom. The origins of the mid-autumn holiday can be traced back to the Celts, who lived across modern-day Britain, Ireland and also Northern France. Though some of the traditions from the Celtic holiday have been lost over time, others are still in practiced in full force. London is a particularly good place to get in on all the spooky action. Here’s how to celebrate Halloween in London. ... Read More
The UK has a very prestigious literary history. From serious Nobel Prize winners to worldwide sensations and genre-defining icons like William Shakespeare, there’s no shortage of British authors to discover. If you’re on the hunt for literature in London, start with these famous British authors whose legacy can still be found throughout the city of London and the United Kingdom. ... Read More
From rock and roll, punk and pop to classical concerts, epic festivals, and musical theater, London has a rich musical heritage that can still be explored today. Dating back centuries, there are many different events and festivals that have a long history in the capital. And there is always something new to discover: Music in London is always on the cutting edge. Here’s a primer on how to discover the city’s varied and historic music scene. ... Read More
London is a hotspot for design—especially doorway design, where storefronts are gorgeously dressed to make a creative statement. May (during the Chelsea Flower Show) is the perfect time to see the most impressive storefront displays, but some businesses like to show off all year round. Here are just a few of London’s prettiest storefronts to visit on your next trip to London. ... Read More
Sports are a big part of many Brits’ lives. In fact, many famous sports like rugby, cricket, lawn tennis, golf and football (soccer) began in Britain. There are also plenty of notable British sportsmen and women, such as Sir Roger Bannister who was the first man to run a mile in under four minutes. Here, we’re rounding up a few of the best places to observe famous British sports in London. ... Read More
London is home to many world-class art museums, such as The National Gallery, Tate Modern and Tate Britain. To make the most any fine art museum trip, it’s helpful to know about a bit about Britain’s most notable and famous artists, both from the past and present. Here, we’re highlighting a few of the most important figures and explaining where to find their art in London. ... Read More
Any first time visitor to London will tell you that the city is positively jammed with impressive monuments, statues and memorials. But though they’re often visually interesting to look at, these statues are even more impressive when you know a bit more about them. Here, we’re looking at a few of London’s best monuments and statues and at the fascinating histories and stories behind them. ... Read More
Each summer at the end of August, the usually quiet, aristocratic neighborhood of Notting Hill transforms into a high-energy hotbed of revelry and becomes the site of London’s biggest celebration and outdoor party: It’s time to celebrate Notting Hill Carnival. Here’s everything you need to know to have a wild first-time experience at this epic, weekend-long street party. ... Read More
Kensington is one of London’s most elegant and exclusive neighborhoods. It’s even the official home of royalty: Members of the royal family including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (a.k.a. Will and Kate) call Kensington their home. Given the prestigiousness of its residents, Kensington makes for an ideal setting for pushing out the boat. Here’s your Kensington guide: ... Read More
There is a massive French population in London. In fact, with an estimated 300,000 French citizens, London has more French nationals living in it than the cities of Bordeaux, Nantes and Strasbourg. French president Emmanuel Macron called London France’s “sixth city” in terms of its French population size, and it’s thought that more French people live in London than any other city outside of France. It’s no surprise then that Bastille Day, the national day of France celebrated annually on July 14, is a big deal in London. ... Read More
The annual London Festival of Architecture takes place in June. As the world’s biggest architecture-based festival, it makes sense that it’s held in London since London is one of the world’s most fascinating capitals from an architectural standpoint. From timeless Tudors to gravity-defying skyscrapers, the architecture in London is at once historic, diverse, influential and creative. ... Read More
Nothing beats the excitement and energy of Wimbledon. Even if you’re not planning on attending the tournament, visiting London during Wimbledon is a great idea. The city comes alive with all the excitement of the matches, and there are plenty of Wimbledon-themed activities to enjoy. Regardless of if you’re attending or not, this guide to Wimbledon covers all the basics. ... Read More
London is not only home to over 8 million human residents but also a wild population of animals. Talk about an urban jungle! London’s many green areas and parks play hosts to lots species of birds including pelicans, peacocks and parakeets—and that’s just the start. From stealth urban foxes to majestic stags, here’s where to spy some amazing wildlife in London. ... Read More
London loves a bit of royal pomp and circumstance, and if you do as well then you need to celebrate the annual Trooping the Colour this summer. Trooping the Colour, also called the Queen’s Birthday Parade, is an official British military event that celebrates the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Here’s everything you need to know about London’s Trooping the Colour. ... Read More
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