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.

Fenton House

This splendid 1686 mansion is the oldest in Hampstead. Its exceptionally fine collection of Oriental and European porcelain, furniture and needlework was bequeathed to the National Trust with the house in 1952. A formal walled garden contains an orchard.
Fenwick

An up-market, pleasantly small department store.
Festival of Britain

In 1951, the Festival of Britain was held at the South Bank to mark the centenary of the Great Exhibition.
Fielding Hotel

Ideally situated for Covent Garden, this quaint room-only hotel is a warren of oddly shaped rooms, with showers and basins tucked in corners. Outside there is all of Covent Garden to breakfast in.
Fifth Floor Café

Open all day for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner.
Finsbury Circus Gardens

Between Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations and flanked by grand stone buildings, Finsbury Circus Gardens are a relatively-large green oasis in the heart of the City of London. I like to come here occasionally for a sandwich under the trees, to feel the tube trains rumble under my feet, and to people-watch.

Finsbury Circus Gardens are the most “developed” of the City of London’s green spaces. There is a bandstand and the City of London bowling green, and the small “Pavilion” wine-bar and restaurant. Despite these attractions, I like to come here to sit on the grass with a sandwich and watch the world go by. It is always amazing to me just what a cosmopolitan place the City of London is – with people of many nationalities either lolling on the grass or strolling around the perimeter of the park. For most of the year, the bandstand is unused. During the summer a series of free lunchtime concerts take place , with the musicians sometimes competing with the noise from apparently never-ending reconstruction work on nearby buildings.

The bowling green appears to enjoy sporadic action throughout the year, although I have no idea if enthusiastic amateurs could sign up for a game on impulse.

Finsbury Circus Gardens are best visited when it is not raining – although the bandstand and the wine-bar can provide emergency shelter. It was open for a great snowball-throwing occasion in 2005, but unfortunately closed when snow made another rare appearance in London last year. In addition to the grass, there are plenty of benches to sit on. There are also plenty of nearby take-aways if you need lunch.

Finsbury Circus Gardens are open from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. They are also open on weekends from April to September.
Fire Station

This cavernous former fire station is a popular bar and restaurant. Close to Waterloo Station.
Firepower

An exciting new museum at the historic home of the Royal Artillery, there are hundreds of exhibits as well as a spectacular multi-media display.
First Radio Broadcast

The BBC made its first broadcast on New Year’s Day 1927.
fish!

Innovative fish dishes served in modern, stylish restaurants.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
- under £15
- £15–£25
- £25–£35
- £35–£50
- over £50
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