Travel Guide

Former Name

Londinium

Government Type

Constitutional Monarchy

Area Size

- City 2.6 km² - Greater London 1,577.3 km²

Time Zone

GMT/UTC 0 (Greenwich Mean Time / British Summer Time during daylight savings)

Climate

London has a temperate climate with regular but generally light precipitation throughout the year - unlike the rest of the UK and even the nearby coast. London is in fact among the driest of Europe's capitals, with water resources per head of population equivalent to Israel. The warmest month is July, with an average temperature range at Greenwich of 13.6 °C to 22.8 °C. Record high temperatures of up to 38.1 °C were recorded in different parts of London on 10 August 2003. The coolest month is January, averaging 2.4 °C to 7.9 °C. Average annual precipitation is 583.6 mm, with February on average the driest month. Snow is relatively uncommon, particularly because heat from the urban area can make London up to 5 °C hotter than the surrounding areas in winter. However light snowfall is seen on some days most winters.

Geography

Its primary geographical feature is the Thames, a navigable river which crosses the city from the southwest to the east. The Thames Valley is a floodplain surrounded by gently rolling hills such as Parliament Hill, Addington Hills, and Primrose Hill. These hills presented no significant obstacle to the growth of London from its origins as a port on the north side of the river, and therefore London is roughly circular.

Languages

English

Culture

London's cultural scene combines the assurance of long-standing tradition with the verve of regained creativity. The sheer breadth of cultural activities on offer in the capital is breathtaking, with over 150 theatres and 300 art galleries. Contemporary figures like Tracy Emin and Zadie Smith complement the rich heritage of Turner and Shakespeare.

History

Although a Celtic community settled around a ford across the River Thames, it was the Romans who first developed the square mile now known as the City of London. They built a bridge and an impressive city wall, and made Londinium an important port and the hub of their road system. The Romans left, but trade went on. Few traces of London dating from the Dark Ages can now be found, but the city survived the incursions of both the Saxons and Vikings. Fifty years before the Normans arrived, Edward the Confessor built his abbey and palace at Westminster. William the Conqueror found a city that was, without doubt, the richest and largest in the kingdom. He raised the White Tower (part of the Tower of London) and confirmed the city's independence and right to self-government. During the reign of Elizabeth I, the capital began to expand rapidly - in 40 years the population doubled to reach 200,000. Unfortunately, the medieval, Tudor and Jacobean parts of London were virtually destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666. The fire gave Christopher Wren the opportunity to build his famous churches, and the city's growth continued apace.

Travel Information

The UK's main airline is British Airways (BA). Heathrow (LHR) is 24km west of central London. The airport is linked to the Greater London area by the underground railway network. Heathrow Express runs between London Paddington and Heathrow. Heathrow Connect is a stopping train between London Paddington and Heathrow (journey time – 25 minutes). National Express runs coaches from Heathrow to London. There are numerous local bus services from Heathrow Central bus station. Taxis are available outside each airport terminal. Gatwick (LGW) is 45km south of central London. Gatwick Express is a fast train connecting the airport with London Victoria Station. There are also cheaper stopping trains from Victoria and London Bridge Station. National Express runs coaches to London there. Taxis are available outside the terminal. London City Airport (LCY) is 10km east of the City of London. Docklands Light Railway services run to the airport. The nearest Underground connection is at Canning Town (Jubilee Line). Trains from Silvertown Station, on the Silverlink Metro line, just beyond the airport terminal, connect with stations in north and west London. Stansted (STN) is 48km northeast of central London. The Stansted Express runs from London Liverpool Street to Stansted. Luton (LTN) is 51km northeast of London. Trains run to London. There are many ports offering ferry connections between England and mainland Europe, Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Wight, the Channel Isles and the Isle of Man. The rail network serves all main cities in the UK mainland. All routes radiate from London. England is served by a good network of motorways and trunk roads that connect all the main cities and towns. The main motorways are: M1: London, Luton, Leicester, Sheffield, Leeds. M2/A2: London to Dover. M3: London to Winchester. M4: London, Reading, Bristol, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea. M11: London to Cambridge. M20/A20: London to Folkestone. M25: London orbital. M40: London to Birmingham. London has a comprehensive metro service known as the ‘Underground' or, colloquially, as the ‘tube' and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). There is also an extensive network of overground rail services. There is an excellent network of buses. Taxis can be hailed in the street or ordered by phone. Leisure and commuter boat services on the River Thames are run by a variety of private companies. There are tram routes in south London.

Accommodation

Some London hotels, for example the Savoy, are famous the world over but there are many newer first-class hotels. In addition, there are many smaller hotels; in London, Earl's Court and the area around King's Cross are famous for their many streets of small hotels bearing such names as the Albany, Apollo or Victoria.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required by nationals of Australia, the EU, Canada and USA for stays of up to six months. Nationals not requiring visas are advised to be in possession of either a return ticket or, if arriving on a one-way ticket, proof of sufficient funds to accommodate and support themselves for the duration of stay. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to above except: EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed. A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.

Getting Around

Transport for London provides comprehensive information on all forms of transport within London. Bus service operate 24 hours a day. Tickets have to be bought prior to boarding and there is a fine for travelling without a valid ticket.The London Underground (Tube)is the oldest and most extensive underground system in the world. Various regional and commuter rail services run between numerous stations in the capital and often cover routes not served by the London underground. There are a number of passes available, including the One-day Travelcard, which can be used on buses and London Underground.London’s distinctive black taxi cabs are a pleasant way of getting around the city, as well as meeting the legendary ‘cabbies’. The lowest tariff is in effect Monday to Friday 0600-2000 (except public holidays). Tariffs are higher at night and at the weekend. London infamous congestion charge came into force in February 2003, and was extended in February 2007. There is now a daily charge of £8 for all vehicles entering the central London congestion charging zone Monday to Friday between 0700 and 1800.

Health & Safety

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to the UK and food and water can be considered safe. The British National Health Service is excellent; emergency treatment is free to visitors, but charges are made for routine medical care. A number of countries have reciprocal health agreements with the UK including Australia, New Zealand and EU countries. Visitors from other countries (including Canada, South Africa and the US) are advised to take out good medical insurance. It is generally safe to travel throughout the UK, although travellers are advised to take special care of their personal belongings in central London, where pick-pocketing is often reported. There is a risk of international terrorism, as demonstrated by the deadly terrorist bomb attacks in central London on three tubes and a bus on 7 July 2005 that killed over 50 people and injured about 700. On 21 July 2005, four attempted bomb attacks on three underground tube stations and a bus mirrored the attacks of 7 July, but no injuries were reported. Following the counter terrorist operation in the UK on 10 August 2006, security at all UK airports was tightened and restrictions on hand luggage introduced; Britain's national security level is now standing at severe following an airport attack at Glasgow International Airport on 30 June 2007, and security has been increased at all UK transport hubs. On 29 June 2007 two car bombs were discovered, and diffused, in London's West End.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year's Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 7 May - Early May Bank Holiday. 28 May - Spring Bank Holiday. 27 Aug - Summer Bank Holiday. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - Boxing Day.

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Electricity

240V 50HzHz AC

Working Hours

Business hours are officially Monday to Friday 9.00am or 9.30am until 5.00pm or 5.30pm, although in practice many companies have much longer hours.

Emergency Numbers

112/999