Visited by millions each year, London truly offers something for everyone, with every visit revealing something new. Around every corner, the city’s streets tell unique stories of its rich history, set alongside vibrant, modern developments that showcase a different side of the capital. Join CrossCountry as we explore some of the best things to do in London.
Train tickets to London
Although CrossCountry does not operate direct services to London, you can reach the capital easily by changing at key interchange stations such as Reading or Birmingham New Street, with frequent onward services into central London with alternative train providers.
Experience London
Places to eat in London
Considered by many to be the culinary capital of the world, you really are spoilt for choice when looking for places to eat in London.
Circolo Popolare provides a welcome combination of classic and fresh Italian dishes alongside some more modern concoctions. If you’re looking for something traditional and hearty, there are plenty of classic pasta dishes made fresh and in-house, such as their spaghetti al ragu. There are also some more inventive combinations if you’re feeling adventurous, such as their Doppio Tartufo pizza, with sautéed mushrooms and fresh truffles. This restaurant in the heart of Fitzrovia is unlike any other, with the walls adorned with over twenty thousand bottles from floor to ceiling.
If you’re looking for somewhere to go for a special brunch or lunch, Daisy Green has a wide selection of both sweet and savoury options. With a handful of restaurants dotted about the capital, you’re never too far away from some of their specialities, like the mouth-watering banana bread sandwich or their smashed avocado on charcoal sourdough. With each restaurant of Daisy Green providing both a unique but familiarly welcoming experience, you’ll want to travel back to London just for breakfast.
Places to stay in London
Choosing where to stay in London is an important choice to make. With the city being so vast and so many attractions to visit and tick off your list, you’ll want to make sure you’re well situated to make the most of your stay.
City Prime Camden offers a wide range of rooms designed for comfort and relaxation, allowing guests to unwind in their own private space. Its apartment-style accommodation also provides the independence and flexibility to experience London on their own terms. The hotel is just over a ten-minute bus journey into the centre of Camden, where you will be able to explore both wider London easily with its Northern Line connections, or take in the rich history of Camden itself.
Page8 Hotel is located in the heart of Westminster, providing guests with a perfectly situated base for exploring the very centre of London and its numerous attractions. Albeit modern and sleek, Page8 has been able to create a cosy atmosphere within each room, allowing guests to unwind after an eventful day of exploring the capital.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Heritage & culture in London
With multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites and centuries of history layered one on top of the other, London shows exactly why it is such a popular place to visit.
The Tower of London is at the top of many people's travel itineraries, and its story and history can tell you why. See the Crown Jewels with your own eyes, uncover hundreds of years of Royal history, and learn about the ravens - the guardians of The Tower of London. Getting to know the history of the tower helps you understand more about the UK’s history overall, so visiting this is a must.
You can’t visit London without taking in a show in the world-famous West End. With dozens of theatres packed into the area, there’s plenty of dazzling performances to choose from. Sing along to your favourite songs from Mamma Mia! or catch some of today’s leading actors in one of the many shows at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane.
Shopping in London
Covent Garden is an iconic shopping district in the centre of London, providing visitors with an astounding selection of boutique shops and retail giants. At the heart of Covent Garden is the world-famous Piazza, which is home to a number of your favourite high-end fashion houses as well as more independent boutique shops.
If you’re looking for something a little more functional and affordable, head to Westfield in Stratford. The enormous shopping centre has become an all-in-one leisure and retail destination since it opened in 2011. It continues to add famous retail names to its already impressive collection of over 200 shops. Beyond the shops, there’s plenty to keep the fun going, from bowling to catching a film at the cinema.
FAQs
London is served by the following major train stations: London Euston, London Marylebone, London Paddington, London St Pancras, London Victoria, and London Waterloo.
All major train stations are at the heart of London city centre, making travelling easy.
There are six major airports in London: London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted, and London Southend.
Try travelling during off-peak hours to reduce the cost of travel. You could also save 1/3 of every journey with a railcard – providing you’re eligible. Make sure to check our cheap tickets page for more tips on how to get cheap train tickets to London.