Planning Your Vacation to London?

Guided T London collection articles p travellers p their perfect vacation London.

Please click "Attractions" great attractions await y London.

Below y background information p y learn about London.

London capital largest y United Kingdom England, largest y western Europe. Situated River Thames South-E England, Greater London official population roughly 7.5 million people — although figure 14 million city's total metropolitan accurately reflects London's importance. London historically great, "world cities," remains global capital culture, fashion, finance, politics trade.

M I

London largest urban capital England United Kingdom. I populous municipality European Union, official population 7,512,400 ( -2006) within boundaries Greater London, 8,278,251 ( 2001) surrounding urban . T metropolitan estimated population between 12 14 million. London's diverse population draws range peoples, cultures, religions, 300 languages spoken within y. I influence politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion contributed status major global y.

A important settlement millennia, London's history g founding y Romans. Since settlement, London centre y important movements phenomena throughout history, English Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, Gothic Revival. London boasts World Heritage Sites: T Palace Westminster, Westminster Abbey S Margaret's Church; Tower London; historic settlement Greenwich; Royal Botanic Gardens, K. A result, y become popular tourist destinations world, popularity increased years economic growth.

T city's core, ancient Cy London, still retains limited mediaeval boundaries; since least 19 century "London" referred whole metropolis which developed around . Today conurbation forms London Greater London administrative area, elected mayor assembly.

Climate

London temperate marine climate, British Isles, regular generally light precipitation throughout year—unlike UK nearby coast. T warmest month July, average temperature range Greenwich 13.6 °C 22.8 °C (56.5 73.0 °F). Record g temperatures p 38.1 °C (101 °F) recorded different parts London 10 August 2003. T coolest month January, averaging 2.4 °C 7.9 °C (35.6 46.2 °F). Average annual precipitation 583.6 (22.98 ), February average driest month. S relatively uncommon, particularly because urban London p 5 °C (9 °F) hotter surrounding areas winter. Light snowfall, however, generally times every y. London USDA Hardiness 9, AHS H Z 2.

Architecture

T O2, largest structures world, originally built celebrate millennium, p g redevelopment project hosts y major events

London diverse characterised y y particular architectural style, having accumulated buildings g period drawn inexhaustible range influences. I , however, mainly brick built, commonly yellow London stock brick orange- variety, often decorated carvings white plaster mouldings. My grand houses public buildings ( National Gallery) constructed Portland stone. S areas city, particularly those j centre, characterised y white stucco whitewashed buildings. F structures p- Great F 1666, except trace Roman remains, Tower London scattered Tudor survivors Cy. A majority buildings London Edwardian Victorian periods. T disused ( rejuvenated) 1939 Battersea Power Station y river south- local landmark, while railway termini excellent examples Victorian architecture, notably S Pancras Paddington ( least internally).

T density London varies, g employment density central area, g residential densities inner London lower densities suburbs. I dense areas, concentration achieved medium- g- buildings. London's skyscrapers famous "Gherkin", Tower 42 O Canada Square usually found financial districts, Cy London Canary Wharf. Other notable modern buildings include Cy H Southwark distinctive shape, British Library Somers Town/Kings Cross, Great Court British Museum. W formerly Millennium Dome, located y Thames Canary Wharf, entertainment venue known T O2 Arena.

I recent years, development buildings encouraged London Plan, which erection y skyscrapers x decade, particularly Cy London Canary Wharf. T 72-storey, 1017- (310 ) "Shard London Bridge" y London Bridge station, 945- (288 ) Bishopsgate Tower around 20 other skyscrapers 500 (150 ) either proposed approved could transform city's skyline.

A great y monuments py homage people events y. T Monument Cy London provides views surrounding while commemorating Great F London, which originated nearby. Marble A Wellington Arch, north south P L respectively, royal connections, Albert Memorial Royal Albert H Kensington. Nelson's Column nationally-recognised monument Trafalgar Square, focal points centre.