How you tackle London is up to you. Explore the historic sights, climbing castle stairs where kings and queens once set foot. Delve into foodie London, seeking out the latest hip pop-up restaurant before it closes.
Maybe you want to hit London’s famous shopping streets, arcades and department stores. Car rental in London gives you access to all of it – as well as the ability to explore the gems that lie within easy reach of the capital’s bright lights.
Big Ben and the Mother of Parliaments
Many think the phrase “the mother of parliaments” refers to Westminster, when in fact it covers England as a whole. Yet the Palace of Westminster, looming in Gothic splendor on the banks of the Thames, is still well worth the title. Originally a royal home, it’s become the center of modern-day democracy over the course of its near thousand-year history.
A visit here also lets you take in the towering Big Ben (which is the name of the great bell inside the clock, not the clock itself) before ducking inside the adjacent Westminster Abbey. Home to royal weddings, it’s also famous for Poets’ Corner, the Coronation Chair and the Shrine. Guided tours reveal its full, fascinating history.
Where to eat in London
The UK’s food used to be the butt of jokes, but that’s all in the past. London has become a destination city for foodies, with Michelin-class restaurateurs vying for space with culinary whiz kids who occupy the nooks and crannies of the capital with pop-ups and food trucks.
Borough Market is a thriving food stop next to Southwark Cathedral where you can stock up on food from around the world, drop into a restaurant and then walk it off along the Thames – you’re only a quill’s throw from The Globe, built on the site of Shakespeare’s original theater. Brockley Market, Hackney’s historic Broadway Market and Whitecross Street in Islington are also worth visiting to get a sense of the myriad of tastes dished up every day in London.
North and South
Londoners take whether they live north or south of the river very seriously. As a visitor, you get the best of both worlds. Head south to glorious Greenwich to see where time (at least the one the clocks run off) began – the Royal Observatory sitting in the heart of a wonderful park.
You’ll also find riverside cafes, the Maritime Museum and you can even climb aboard the Cutty Sark, the only remaining tea clipper ship in the world, recently restored.
In north London, Hampstead Heath is a popular example of urban countryside and the perfect place to amble through, whatever the season. Take in the Pergola, the ponds and springs in one of London’s favorite escapes.
Go wild in the West End
Once you’ve started to explore London’s incredible history – and a Beefeater tour of the Tower of London should definitely be on your itinerary – you may be in the mood for some modern-day culture.
A night out in the West End is always thrilling, whether you’re just taking in the atmosphere or booking to see a show in “Theatreland”. If your taste runs to musicals, comedy or drama you’ll find perfectly staged shows, often with Hollywood stars topping the bills.
London is increasingly a 24-hour city, and after you spill out of one of the famous theaters, you can witness the transformation from evening to night, whether in the glitzy Leicester Square or the statelier Trafalgar Square, dominated by Nelson’s Column and its bronze lions.
London is an exciting city that pays tribute to its long history while allowing the new to thrive and shine. Car rental in London means you can find your way around this metropolis, before perhaps heading out to explore the rest of the southeast and beyond.
Day trips from London
The intriguing history of England doesn’t begin and end with London – there are countless places to discover within fairly easy driving distance. The charming cathedral city of Canterbury boasts some of the UK’s finest medieval buildings. Overlooked by its imposing cathedral, which forms a trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites alongside with St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, the city’s wall dates back to Roman times.
For a break by the sea, head south to the vibrant town of Brighton. With its diverse and lively atmosphere this place is truly unique. From the heritage of the Royal Pavilion to the Victorian aquariums and the famous pebbled beach, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
Venture a little further afield to experience Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon, where you can walk in the footsteps of the world’s most famous writer and explore the timbered cottages he called home. Windsor Castle, the world's oldest and largest occupied castle, is just over an hour away.
Then there’s the mystical stone circle of Stonehenge, one of the true wonders of the world – just be aware that you need to reserve tickets in advance if you want to get up close and personal with this mysterious stone structure. With car rental in London, you can see it all.
