The Insider

Beyond your tourist guide

- Take the Tate Boat, inspired by Damien Hirst’s Spots, along the Thames between Tate Modern and Tate Britain and enjoy the sights of Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and the London Eye from your spotted seat on board.  Departing every 40 minutes, the trip takes 20 minutes.
- Walk along the South Bank of the River Thames and take in the numerous attractions which lie along this route. Continue to Tower Bridge and cross to the Tower of London.  Take in the skyline of the city as it provides a modern back drop to this medieval architecture, notably The Gherkin at 30 St. Mary Axe in the heart of the City of London. Cross the Millennium Bridge to St.Paul’s Cathedral and experience the Whispering Gallery.
- On a Friday or Saturday visit Borough Market, to experience the energy of a working wholesale food market and enjoy a wide choice of fresh and organic produce. Stop by at the nearby Hays Galleria and Oxo Tower Wharf for shopping and The George Inn, one of the oldest pubs in London for refreshments.
- London has an extensive collection of museums and art galleries from the Natural History, Victoria and Albert to the National Portrait Gallery. For an alternative museum try the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221b Baker Street, Marylebone which re-creates his home and displays artifacts including his violin and magnifying glass.

Getting Around

- London is a great city to explore on foot.  Also use Black Cabs which are easily hailed down on the roadside or found at taxi ranks at stations. The knowledge ensures qualified drivers who can get you around London’s back roads avoiding major congestion. The iconic double decker buses are great to hop on and off for shorter journeys.
- The London Underground has extensive coverage in Central London and is well connected to mainline stations for travel further a field. Buy a Travel card or Oyster card.

Shops you’ll love

- Marylebone High Street offers chic shops from Cath Kidston, Emma Bridgewater to Conran, it has a village feel while being only a short walk to Oxford Street where you can find Selfridges for high street to designer clothes and the iconic Marks and Spencer flagship store.
- Be sure to find St. Christopher’s Place for clothes and shoes and great pizza.
- Head to Peter Jones, Sloane Square for the classic English department store experience then make your way down the King’s Road for a mix of stylish boutiques.  Recently finished Westfield, W12, offers a complete shopping and entertainment experience.

Pubs and Subs

- Dine at one of Gordon Ramsey’s restaurants, book ahead for the Hospital Road Restaurant, SW3, the capital’s only triple starred Michelin establishment. Or Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, N1 inspired by the television chef’s show. Booking is also essential to dine at The Ivy with a chance to rub shoulders with celebrity diners.
- The Oxo Tower Restaurant and bars offers one of the best views across London and the Gourmet Burger Kitchen at Westfield has great burgers and the best milkshakes.
- Browns Bar & Brasserie offers classic food at locations in Maddox Street and St.Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden.  And take afternoon tea at The Ritz. This is an institution in itself and well worth booking in advance; sandwich, scones and pastries are served on tiered stands in a classic setting

Outside the Box

- Visit Petersham Nurseries located in a unique setting adjacent to Richmond Park and the Thames, it has a shop with beautiful gifts and antiques, a tea room and an exceptional restaurant for lunch-- book ahead.
- Once a year, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an oasis of floral beauty and colour. It is the world’s most famous flower show and a flagship for garden design and creativity. Event takes place May 25-29 2010.
- Try an alternative sightseeing tour of the sights on a Duck Tour where you  travel in an amphibious vehicle on road around the City of Westminster then onto the River Thames.  And there’s the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, enjoy a stroll from Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column, through Admiralty Arch and along The Mall and reach the gates by 11:30 [daily between May-July, otherwise alternative days where you will see the ceremony.