London

Greater London

Greater London is the name given to describe the 32 London Boroughs that cover the area from Enfield to the North, Havering to the East, Bromley to the South and Hillingdon to the West. The area is marked by its density in population and is a key commuting area for those working in Central London.

West London
West London is home to some 1.6million people and includes some very well-to-do areas such as Kensington and Chelsea, Chiswick and Fulham. If you are familiar with the film Notting Hill you will be aware of the traditionally fashionable and expensive residential area of Notting Hill, made famous by Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. Nearby is the famous antique market at Portobello Road.  The area is also famous for Sloane Square and the Kings Road, a distinguished and attractive shopping street and thoroughfare. West London is also well served by museums and art galleries. In the Borough of Hillingdon lies Heathrow Airport and also you will not help but spot the iconic arch which covers the new Wembley Football Stadium.

East London
East London is the area of London that is probably gone through the most amount of change over the last few years and continues to do so. Huge areas have been regenerated such as the old Docklands area which is now home to Canary Wharf a major financial district. With the coming Olympics in 2012 another huge area is being regenerated to build the new Stadia and also to build new transport infrastructure to provide easy access for competitors and spectators. The landscape is being transformed and will be amazing when it is completed. Much of the area post-war became quite run down but has also created areas of charm and interest. Popular visitor attractions are the markets which still remain today such as Petticoat Lane, Brick Lane and Spitalfields. The area around Brick Lane is famous for its many curry restaurants and should not be missed.

South London
South London refers to the area immediately south of the River Thames. This area is predominantly a suburban area and is less well served by the tube system and better served by the extensive rail network. Famous attractions in this area are Greenwich, with its maritime museum, The Globe Theatre, sat on the banks of the Thames, Clapham Common, The Oval Cricket Ground, and Twickenham, the home of the English Rugby Team. To the south-west is the beautiful Hampton Court Palace again sat on the banks of the River Thames. The Palace was once owned by King Henry VIII and is beautiful inside and has magnificent gardens with its famous maze. Also to the south of London is the pretty village of Wimbledon which is home to the famous grass court championship for 2 weeks every year. 

North London
North London covers the suburbs of Hampstead and Highgate which retain a village atmosphere and incorporate some lovely heaths and walks. From Hampstead Heath, which includes Parliament Hill, you can see across the whole of London on a clear day. There is also a famous outdoor bathing pool here which is popular in the summer. Another excellent vantage point is Alexandra Park home of Alexandra Palace.