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.

Langham Court Hotel

Located in a quiet side street near Oxford Circus, this enticing hotel, with its attractive facade, is as friendly inside as its exterior promises. Rooms are comfortably furnished and there is a good restaurant serving mainly French food.
Lauderdale House

Dating from the late 16th century, Lauderdale House was once associated with Charles II and his mistress Nell Gwynne. It now houses a popular arts and cultural centre, with regular concerts, exhibitions and Sunday craft and antique fairs.
Le Méridien

Walk directly from Gatwick’s North Terminal to this elegant hotel, which has a full range of facilities. It is linked to London by the Gatwick Express train service.
Le Metro

This smart wine bar makes a convenient rest stop for tired shoppers. Located just behind Harrods, it serves tea, coffee and a traditional menu of light meals, both for lunch and dinner.
LEEDS CASTLE, CANTERBURY, DOVER, GREENWICH and THAMES RIVER CRUISE

Private viewing of Leeds Castle plus exclusive cruise on the River Thames with tea and scones

Return: Westminster Pier at 6.45pm where the tour finishes

Highlights:

Private viewing of Leeds castle - The loveliest castle in the world.

Lunch in Dover (food and drinks not included)

Entrance to Canterbury Cathedral

Walking tour of historic Greenwich

Tea/sparkling wine and scones served on the cruise along the River Thames

The Tour:

LEEDS CASTLE

Described as the "loveliest castle in the world", Leeds Castle was once a Royal residence for six of Englands medieval queens, a palace of Henry VIII, and a retreat for the rich and powerful. The setting is simply idyllic. The Norman castle was built on two small islands, in the middle of a lake, and is surrounded by a vast estate. Our day begins with a private viewing prior to the castle opening to the public. We will explore the chapel, galleries, courtyards and banqueting hall before taking time to enjoy the setting and wildlife, which includes wildfowl, black swans and the birds of the aviary.

DOVER

Youve heard of the famous white cliffs of Dover? This is your chance to see them. Following our scenic drive along the old coastal road, we take lunch* in Dover, with a chance to see the historic white cliffs. On a clear day you can even see France. Dover itself is an historic port with a magnificent 12th century castle. *(Food and drinks not included in the price).

CANTERBURY

The ancient city of Canterbury has been the centre of Christian worship for almost 1,700 years. Its greatest treasure is the cathedral, infamous as the setting for the brutal murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170. When Henry II snapped "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?", four of his knights rode to the Cathedral and sliced Becketts head off. Canterbury became the centre of one of the most important medieval pilgrimages in Europe, immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. Your ticket includes entrance to the Cathedral and also allows some free time to explore the atmospheric old town.

GREENWICH AND THAMES CRUISE

Packed with exquisite parks, gardens, and architecture, Greenwich has strong connections with the sea, science, sovereigns and time. We will have time to take a look at the Cutty Sark, the fastest sailing ship of its time. As the early evening approaches we enjoy an exclusive reception of tea/sparkling wine and scones, as we gently cruise back to the centre of London. We will pass by historic sights such as the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before arriving at Westminster pier where our tour ends

Price: £69 adults | £65 child (up to 16 years)
Leicester Square

When this square was originally laid out in 1670 it was a grand and fashionable place to live. Celebrities of the 17th and 18th centuries to live here include Sir Isaac Newton and the painters Joshua Reynolds and William Hogarth. Today the square forms the heart of London’s West End entertainment district and houses the Empire and Art Deco Odeon cinemas. There is also a cut-price theatre ticket booth called “Tkts” on the southside of the square.
Leighton House

All the themes of the Victorian Aesthetic movement can be found in Leighton House. It was designed by Lord Leighton and his friend George Aitchison in the 1860s. Its high point is the fabulous Arab Hall, with a fountain and stained-glass cupola. Other friends contributed friezes and mosaics, but many features are original, notably the Islamic tiles, collected by Leighton and his friends on their travels.
Leisure Box

Go ice-skating and ten-pin bowling here – but try to avoid the after-school crowd.
Lemonia

Traditional and modern Greek dishes are served in a brasserie-style setting. There is an attractive conservatory.
Les Misérables

Victor Hugo’s 1862 French classic novel was adapted for the stage by Trevor Nunn for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1985. With music by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, “Les Mis ” tells the tale of downtrodden poor and the social and political struggles in revolutionary France. It is now at the Queens Theatre while its original home, the Palace Theatre, is undergoing renovation.

Jump to top

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