The good, bad and ugly sides of London for tourists
The British capital’s magnificent architecture, cultural centres and vast green spaces are well worth the visit (as long as you can afford it)
The Good
London’s landmarks are etched into our consciousness from a young age and there’s an exhilarating sense of déjà vu for some of us when we first ride across Westminster Bridge on a bright red double-decker bus. The iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben demand our full attention and when we finally tear ourselves away, there’s St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace to investigate. To get your bearings, head down to the South Bank for a ride on the London Eye, with its 32 pods – one for each of the London boroughs – numbered one to 33 (there’s no capsule 13).
Talking of the river, the 163rd University Boat Race takes place on April 2, which means you have a full 12 months to get organised for the next one. To celebrate the timeless Thames tradition, local authorities put on free Boat Race in the Park events with big screens, beer tents, food and live music. Alternatively, head to one of the many riverside pubs, such as the Blue Anchor, that set up outside bars and barbecues, or find a spot along Putney embankment for good views in both directions.
In northwest London, stadium tours can be arranged at Wembley, the Home of Football, and Lords, the Home of Cricket. In the southwest of the city you’ll find Wimbledon, the Home of Tennis, and Twickenham, the Home of Rugby. In fact, this corner of the British capital offers plenty to see and do, is less touristy than central London and is only a short hop from Heathrow (Not the Home of Airports).A relaxing way to travel between the city and southwest London is by riverboat. Vessels pass beneath 15 bridges and negotiate two locks en route, stopping at that leafiest of suburbs, Richmond, before terminating at Hampton Court Palace. London boasts more green space than any other world capital and access to the 960-hectare Richmond Park is guaranteed by an 1872 act of parliament. Red deer roam among ancient oaks and, from high ground, St Paul’s is visible 20km away.
Completed in 1515, Hampton Court Palace was once the home of serial spouse botherer Henry VIII. Five of Henry’s wives shared his luxurious pad and the ghosts of two, Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard, are said to haunt the grounds. The magnificent state apartments and riverside gardens are open to visitors who lose themselves in Britain’s oldest surviving hedge maze.
