DK Travel : London

A city of infinite colour and variety, London is both richly historic, tracing its roots back over 2000 years, and unceasingly modern, at the forefront of fashion, music and the arts. There is a fantastic amount to interest and entertain the visitor here: a selection of the best of the best is explored here.

Dennis Severs' House, 18 Folgate Street, London E1

Located in the heart of Spitalfields, this early 18th century Huguenot house is an extraordinary time capsule that springs open and surprises fortunate passers-by on occasional Sundays and Mondays throughout the year. Its creator and restorer, Dennis Severs, was an artist who used his visitors' imagination as his canvas, and lived in the house in much the same way as its original inhabitants might have done in the 1730s – by candlelight and without any running water or electrical power. Oft nicknamed the Mary Celeste House, to enter its door is to pass through the frame of a painting: one with a time, smell, noise and life of its own... Yet from the outside, the gas lantern and the bamboo-caged canary are only the merest hints of the treasures that lie within... Still one of London's best-kept secrets, there is no other heritage experience in the City that even comes close to it.
Dennis Severs’ House

This 18th-century silk-weaver’s home (see Spitalfields) is kept perfectly in period and was created by artist Dennis Severs. Each room in this “still-life drama” appears as if the inhabitants have only just left it – dinner is half-eaten and cooking smells emanate from the kitchen.
Design Museum

Based in a clean white 1930s building beside Tower Bridge, this museum is the only one in Britain devoted to 20th- and 21st-century design. Regularly changing exhibitions feature the very best of modern design from the museum’s collection, including both product and graphic design, fashion, furniture, architecture and engineering.
Detroit

Dark and moody cocktail bar off Seven Dials. Mojito isn't bad but its not as good as Christopher's. A good place to start a mojito-crawl as there's usually enough room for a few of you to sit down.
Divertimenti

This innovative London kitchen store has a huge variety of cooking implements, utensils and tableware. Open Sunday afternoons.
Docklands Bar & Grill

The recently opened Docklands Bar & Grill is an evolutionary new brassiere set in a stunning waterfront location in the heart of London Docklands. Overlooking the historic Royal Victoria Dock, the O2 and Canary Wharf, it provides the perfect setting for romantic dining or a group celebration.

The menu was created in coordination with Hugo Arnold, food consultant to the infamous Conran and Soho House and offers a varied appeal for diners at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Docklands Bar & Grill has handpicked local suppliers and offers produce from the likes of Clarke’s of Kensington (supplier of Fortnum and Mason and Harvey Nichols), London Cure and Billingsgate seafood to ensure the best and freshest ingredients. As a result, their food is perfectly cultivated, flawlessly cooked and beautifully presented.

Docklands Bar & Grill creates a guilt-free, relaxing environment for all its guests. Tap water is offered without having to request it, friendly staff are on hand for all your needs and a special children’s menu is available.
Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre

Sailing, rowing and canoeing facilities are available here
Dog and Duck

This small, tiled premises is like a cosy front room in the heart of Soho. The Dog and Duck has a tiny bar, where you might bump into art students and designers, and a blackboard with the latest selection of beers from all corners of England.
Doggett’s Coat and Badge

Guildsmen from the Company of Watermen compete in a single sculls race
Dorchester

Part of the fabric of London, the Dorchester opened in 1931 and was the centre of glamorous London life for several decades. It can still out-swank most places. Book a “superior executive” for a view over Hyde Park.

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Hotel price categories

Prices are for a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under £70
- £70–£100
- £100–£150
- £150–£200
- over £200