London Areas

1. Bayswater
Every Sunday Bayswater Road in London W2 is transformed into the world's liveliest open-air art show. Sidewalk-art at its best. This world famous show on the railings of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park is licensed by Westminster City Council. The Princess Diana Memorial Garden, the Peter Pan statue and the world's favorite Oxford Street shopping centre are all nearby. You also have Whiteleys offers a unique experience in central London - a luxurious and elegant shopping centre in the heart of Bayswater. The building retains its original Edwardian character and atmosphere, dating back to 1912, with sweeping marble and iron stairways, a beautiful glass dome, a famous water sculpture and original marble flooring throughout. Portobello Road market is very close by. Starting at the Notting Hill end are mainly antiques stalls selling toy soldiers, vases, bric-a-brac and general Victoriana.

2. Notting Hill
It's quite hard to believe that what is currently London's most fashionable area was described as "a massive slum, full of multi-occupied houses, crawling with rats and rubbish" only 40 years ago - definitely a no-go area. Such an area would not have warranted a second glance by London's hip and famous, let alone have inspired a film starring a bumbling Englishman and a starry American actress (if they did indeed made such films 40 years ago). The area had always been though of as the bad part of the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, yet in the past 30 or so years it has seen a massive transformation to the status it holds today. In this area, you have some of London’s most famous attractions, Carnival, Portobello Rd, That movie, the cinema and one of London’s best hotel, The Abbey Court.

3. Soho
Soho is without doubt London at its most vibrant. Packed into one square mile within central London, Soho contains a colourful mixture of homes, shops, restaurants, pubs and churches. Soho has an unmistakably cosmopolitan identity which has resulted from the influences of generations of European immigrants. The squares, streets and alleyways of Soho are lined with an array of restaurants, pubs, cafés and wine bars. Within the Soho district is Chinatown, the cultural centre of the UK's Chinese community. The Chinatown district is very lively with an excellent variety of restaurants and bars. Soho is one part of London not to be missed by those looking to experience the diverse cultures of this great city.

4. Westminster and St James's
The City of Westminster is a part of London very rich in history and tradition. Perhaps best known for being the home to the 'Mother of all Parliaments', Westminster has always played a major role in the development of British government. The Westminster district contains numerous examples of London's finest architecture, from the impressive façade of the houses of Parliament to the Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey. The St James's area also has a number of fine attractions and landmarks. The most impressive of which is St James's Palace situated at the western end of Pall Mall. The back streets of this district of London are lined with excellent restaurants, cafés and pubs. There are also some of London's finest hotels located in the area.

5. Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea was given the title 'Royal Borough' by King Edward VII in accordance with the late Queen Victoria's wishes that her birth place should have a distinction. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is home to some of the most interesting and enjoyable attractions in London. From the recently-popularised Notting Hill to Kensington high street. The district contains some of London's most famous landmarks, such as Kensington Palace and gardens, the Natural History Museum and the Royal Albert Hall. There are also many excellent hotels and restaurants in the district.

6. Knightsbridge and Belgravia
Knightsbridge and Belgravia is home to some of London's best known landmarks. From Harrods, arguably the most famous shop in the world, to Buckingham Palace the official residence of the Queen. The Knightsbridge and Belgravia district of London is clearly one of the most affluent areas of the city, although this great wealth is clear to see it is never vulgar in any way. As with other districts in London, Knightsbridge and Belgravia has a fine selection of hotels and restaurants such as the Lowndes hotel on Lowndes street and Chez Gerard on Yeoman's Row.

7. Mayfair
Mayfair is traditionally one of London's most sought after addresses and has always been an area of the city populated by the very cream of London's society. The name Mayfair comes from the annual fair that used to be held in the streets up until 1800. Mayfair is home to some of London's most prestigious hotels many of which are located along Park Lane. Mayfair also boasts some of London's finest shopping areas such as Bond Street and Savile Row. Being located in the very heart of London allows easy access to most of the major attractions and shopping districts.

8. Marylebone
The Marylebone district is a part of London with genteel charm. Well known for being one of central London's finest residential areas Marylebone also contains many fine restaurants and hotels such as the Landmark on Marylebone Road. Marylebone also has an excellent range of shops from the large department stores on Oxford Street to the more select shops found on and around Marylebone high street. Although the Marylebone district is not quite as lively as Soho or as grand as Mayfair it does have a certain charm of it's own, and with attractions like the world famous Madame Tussauds it is well worth a visit.

9. Covent Garden
The name of this London district is derived from the convent garden that surrounded the Abbey that once stood in the area. Until 1974 Covent Garden's chief fame was its fresh fruit and vegetable market. Today Covent Garden is famous for its shopping facilities and many theatres, some of which date back hundreds of years. Covent Garden although popular by day comes alive during the evening. With the many restaurants and bars surrounding the glowing piazza providing a welcome service to those who have come along to enjoy a show at one of the many theatres or perhaps an opera at the famous Covent Garden Royal Opera House.

10.Greenwich and Tower Hill
Greenwich has always played a significant role in international sea-faring. This is clear to see when considering that Greenwich was selected as the standard point (zero degrees latitude) from which all meridians should be measured. All international clock times are based on variations of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Greenwich is one of the finest parts of London south of the river Thames, with a good selection of restaurants pubs and attractions. Perhaps the most famous attraction is the Millennium Dome, the largest single structure in the UK built as a celebration of mankind's achievements. The Tower Hill area also contains a number of fascinating landmarks such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.