Driving to London

Country: England Capital: London Language: English Currency: Pound Sterling

Home to 9 million people, London is one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Most of the city's boroughs have their own unique character, and there's plenty to see in each. Buckingham Palace, the Big Ben, the London Eye and Nelson's Column are known the world over, but to truly experience what the capital has to offer time is needed.

London has certainly had its up and downs, the plague, the Great Fire of London and the First and Second World Wars threatened to destroy the city, however the city has thrived despite it all. Whilst it doesn't have the reputation in terms of beauty that cities such as Paris or Rome have, its array of restaurants, art spaces, shops and laidback charm make this one of the most exciting cities in the world.

If you like museums there is plenty on offer around South Kensington with the Natural History and Science Museums. Fans of design and fashion will enjoy the Victoria & Albert, while art lovers should head to the unmissable Tate Modern and Tate Britain. The South Bank complex by waterloo station is where you'll find the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall and Hayward gallery, not far away from the IMAX cinema. The British Museum contains objects and artifacts from around the world.

If you're in town to shop, you might want to visit the ever-bustling Oxford Street, with its array of high street shops, Selfridges is also located here. The Covent Garden area has more high-end high street shops, while Knightsbridge and Sloane Street are for designer shopping. Portobello Road market in Notting Hill has lots of quirky jewellery and furniture.

If you're not caught in typical British drizzle head to one of London's many green spaces. Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Primrose Hill and Kensington Gardens are just a few of the parks that Londoners will flock too as soon as the sun appears.

All of these places are within a few hours drive from London