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.

Hampstead Heath

This green grandstand overlooking the city covers 8 sq km (3 sq miles) and is a rural mix of meadows, woods, lakes and ponds for both swimming and fishing. Head off in any direction, and make the Spaniards Inn or Kenwood House a stopping-off point.
Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill

A welcome retreat from the city, this large, open area is one of the best places in London for walking. Covering 800 acres of countryside, it contains ancient woodlands and ponds for swimming and fishing. The high point of Parliament Hill has great city views and is a popular place for kite-flying.

Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Theatre

This important fringe theatre is a venue for ambitious new writing, and has hosted plays by such innovative British artists as Harold Pinter.
Hampstead Village Guesthouse

This large Victorian family house, located just off the bottom of Hampstead High Street – and still full of the family memorabilia and toys – is now run as a guesthouse. There is a pleasant small garden in which guests can eat breakfast.
Hampton Court

The finest piece of Tudor architecture in Britain, Hampton Court was begun by Henry VIII’s ally Cardinal Wolsey in 1514 and later given to the king. It was enlarged first by Henry and then by William and Mary, who employed Christopher Wren as architect. Its many rooms include a huge kitchen, a Renaissance Picture Gallery, the Chapel Royal and fine royal apartments. Set in 60 acres, the gardens, with their famous maze, are as much an attraction as the palace.
Hampton Court

Visiting this historic, royal Tudor palace and its extensive grounds is a popular day out from London. As well as family trails and special exhibitions, tours of six separate areas with costumed or audio guides are available. Events held here throughout the year include a week-long music festival in June, which regularly attracts big-name performers. In July, the grounds are filled by the world’s largest flower show, organized by the Royal Horticultural Society. A frequent train service from Waterloo takes about half an hour but for a delightfully leisurely trip, catch a boat from Westminster Pier, which takes about four hours.
Handel’s Water Music

George Friedrich Handel’sWater Music was composed for a performance on King George I’s royal barge in 1711.
Harbour City

Specialities at this mid-range Cantonese restaurant include aromatic duck and dim sum: just say how much you want to spend and they will make it to order.
Harrods

I think everything under one roof - place to go to especially if weather is poor - enjoy lavish desserts and lunch as a treat with a friend.
Harrods

No backpacks, no torn jeans... Harrods’ doormen ensure even the people in the store are in the best possible taste. This world-famous emporium began life in 1849 as a small, impeccable grocer’s, and the present terracotta building was built in 1905. It is most striking at night, when it is illuminated by 11,500 lights. It has more than 150 departments and on no account should you miss the wonderfully tiled and decorated food halls. Pick up a floor plan as you go in. An Egyptian theme decorates the central well, at the bottom of which is a shrine to Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Al Fayed.

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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