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.

Dorset Square Hotel

Located in an elegant square near Regent’s Park, this stylish, modern small hotel is decorated in English country style. The theme is continued in its basement restaurant, The Potting Shed, which has live jazz Tuesday to Saturday. Rooms are decorated with antiques (two have four-posters) and there is a pleasant small garden.
Downing Street

The official home and office of Britain’s Prime Minister is one of four surviving houses built in 1680 for Sir George Downing (1623–84) who went to America as a boy and returned to fight for the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War. The building contains a State Dining Room and the Cabinet Room, where a group of 20 senior government ministers meets regularly to formulate policy. Next door, No. 11, is the traditional residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Downing Street has been closed to the public for security reasons since 1989.
Dr Johnson

Samuel Johnson (1709–84) was a towering literary figure who presided over gatherings in pubs, coffee houses and literary clubs, as well as in his own home, and had opinions on everything. His satirical poem,London (1738), attacked poverty in the city and his parliamentary sketches and dictionary made him famous.
Dr Johnson

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” said Dr Samuel Johnson (1709–84). He lived in the City from 1748 to 1759 and much of his famous dictionary was compiled here, with six copyists working in the garrett. His companion James Boswell reported on the social comings and goings in the house.
Dr Martens Store

The name is familiar but you will be surprised at the varieties that these boots and shoes come in. Well worth a browse
Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes

I loved this place on first site because the owner had an original idea. It might have been a cost cutting experiment, but it was pure genius – don’t bother to renovate the outside of the bar at all. On approach it looks like a couple of dodgy old shops and hence the name was born Dream Bags (half of it’s an old bag shop) Jaguar Shoes (you can guess what they sold there). It all gives it the vibe of being a bit of a secret – although word got out long ago about this little gem. Once inside the nonchalance continues with the exposed brick walls, dotted with select pieces of artwork, and a couple of very well worn leather sofas. It’s Hoxton, so obviously the music is of the indie variety, but it’s well chosen and varied. There’s a good selection of drinks, especially cocktails - I had the best mojito of my life in this place (and I’ve had a few). I’ve got to admit that there can be a slight pretension in the air – but it is a London bar after all, so don’t let that stop you. If the Hoxton thing is your cup of tea, it’s definitely one not to miss.
Driscoll House Hotel

Visitors from all over the world come to this south London hotel, which has been open since 1913. It offers good food and facilities – including eight pianos for residents to use. All its 200 rooms are for single occupancy only, and the price includes breakfast and dinner. Weekly rates available.
Duke of York Steps

A statue of the “Grand Old Duke of York”, subject of the nursery rhyme, is elevated above these steps off Pall Mall.
Dulwich Picture Gallery

If you have time, this suburban gallery is well worth a short train journey. Britain’s oldest art gallery, which had a face-lift for the Millennium, was opened in 1817. The important collection includes Murillo’sFlower Girl , Poussin’sTriumph of David and Rembrandt’sGirl at the Window .
Dulwich Picture Gallery

This wonderful gallery is well worth the journey from Central London. Apart from the stunning collection, there are regular exhibitions, Thursday lunchtime lectures and friends events, usually including music, food and wine, to which anyone is welcome.

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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