Cuisine
Local Favorite: Fish and Chips
Fish and chips are synonymous with England, but London has long proclaimed itself as the creator of the country's national dish. Most fish and chip shops use haddock in their recipes, but cod is common too. The fish is deep-fat fried, giving it a crispy, flaky texture. Chunky chips (French fries to Americans) are combined with the meal. Oftentimes, it is served with heaping doses of salt and vinegar to add flavor. Fish and chip diehards will have a side of mushy peas with their order. Mushy peas are just what they sound like but taste better than you might expect. Fish and chips can be found at local takeaways or in pubs. If you have it in a pub, be sure to wash it down with a real English ale.Restaurants
Landmarks
Tower Bridge
Buckingham Palace
London Eye
Big Ben
Tower of London
Hyde Park
St. Paul's Cathedral
The British Museum
Piccadilly Circus
Trafalgar Square
Top Tourist Attractions
Buckingham Palace
If there is one destination you must see in London, and there are a lot of them, it is Buckingham Palace. The London residence to the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace is iconic and unforgettable.
The Royal Family and the sights dedicated to it generate over £500 million a year. Buckingham Palace is the chief reason people travel to the city when it comes to the Royal Family. The changing of the guard is a unique experience. It is an opportunity to see the pomp of the British elite. When the Royal Family is away in the summertime, visitors can tour the state rooms in the palace and get a taste of what life is like inside.
The palace is also centrally located in London, and it gives visitors the chance to get to other tourist attractions quickly. The parks nearby are perfect for strolling through, and playgrounds are nicely situated for families with children.
British Museum
London is full of great museums like the Imperial War Museum, Tate, and the National Gallery, but the British Museum tops them all. There is so much to see at the museum that you will probably need more than a day to see it all.
Mercedes-Benz World
Located about an hour’s drive from London is Weybridge, where you will find Mercedes-Benz World. From guided tours and play areas for the kids, there’s something here for all members of the family. Mercedes-Benz World has driving experiences ranging from track driving to 4x4 off-roading. Each one gives you the opportunity to sit in a Mercedes/AMG car and feel the adrenaline flow through your veins. Whether you want to go on an off-road experience or drive an AMG GT R for half a day, there is a package that will give you the chance to fulfill your desires.
The main building at Mercedes-Benz World is filled with incredible exhibits and visitors can spend an entire day exploring its three floors. One of the top attractions is the “View Suspended II” display. This display shows the different parts of a Formula One car with each piece hanging from a cable connected to the ceiling. It’s a “must see” for every Formula One fan.
Brooklands Museum
While visiting Mercedes-Benz World or the London Bus Museum, it is easy to visit the Brooklands Museum at the same time in Weybridge. It is located on the site of Brooklands motor racing circuit. The site is renowned for being the birthplace of British motorsports and aviation.
While there are fantastic permanent exhibits to view, the museum has a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year. Whether it is automobiles or airplanes, motorcycles or bicycles, Brooklands Museum has an exhibit that will educate you on the topic.
There is also a 4D theatre that provides intense experiences that are more like rides than films. Take a lap around Le Mans, soar through the air as a part of the Red Arrows or get behind the wheel of the Napier-Railton driving experience. You can also tour the museum’s Concorde airplane and sit in the cockpit of the Concorde simulator.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the must-visit locations in London. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of street entertainers, the historic market selling local wares, and, of course, your traditional London souvenirs. The place is also home to plenty of indoor shops and restaurants next to the market. Within walking distance from Leicester Square and other central London attractions such as the Royal Opera House, home to the royal ballet, Covent Garden is a great place to stop and grab lunch or perhaps a hearty brunch to prepare for a shopping spree.
Transport Museum
Centered around the history of how people got around London, the museum features several old London busses you can get on and explore. The museum also has a unique human focus, with stories of the London transport workforce dating back over 200 years. The museum is fun for all the family, with exhibitions dedicated to inspiring the younger generation to work in engineering and transport-related industries.
F1 Arcade
One of London's newest F1-related attractions, the F1 Arcade brings the fun of racing simulators to the London nightlife scene. If you happen to be here for an F1 weekend, the venue even hosts race viewing alongside its usual activities. Whether you are a complete rookie to sim racing or know your way around a steering wheel, the staff ensures that everyone enjoys their F1 racing experience.
London’s variety of museums, history and tourist attractions makes it a unique travel destination. Whether you are just looking for something to do on holiday or going specifically with car enthusiast destinations in mind, London is a perfect holiday spot.
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