London holiday Packages
Whether you're a history buff, a culture vulture, or a shopaholic, London offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller. Immerse yourself in centuries of history, marvel at iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace and indulge in world-class shopping and dining. From the bustling streets of Covent Garden to the serene beauty of Hyde Park, London has something for everyone.
Qatar Airways Holidays offers a range of holiday packages in London, providing you with convenient flights from various departure points and a wide selection of luxurious hotels. You'll find the perfect accommodation to live it up like royalty or fit your budget-friendly needs!
To maximise your experience, consider the various holiday packages to London:
- Room only: A room only package provides accommodation only, offering travellers complete flexibility in planning their meals and activities. This option is ideal for those who prefer to explore the city at their own pace and discover hidden gems without being tied to a specific meal plan.
- Bed and breakfast: A bed and breakfast package includes accommodation and a daily breakfast. This option is perfect for travellers who enjoy a leisurely start to their day and prefer a more relaxed pace. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast each morning, setting you up for a day of exploring the city.
Good to know
London holiday experiences
Iconic landmarks and historical sites:
- Tower of London: Explore this historic castle and fortress, home to the Crown Jewels and the infamous ravens.
- Buckingham Palace: Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at this iconic royal residence.
- Westminster Abbey: Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of this historic church and the tombs of famous figures.
- Big Ben and Houses of Parliament: Marvel at the iconic clock tower and the seat of British government.
- St. Paul's Cathedral: Climb to the dome for panoramic views of the city.
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London Bridge: Pose right in front of the hugely iconic and historic bridge spanning the River Thames.
World-class museums and art galleries:
- British Museum: Discover a vast collection of artefacts from around the world.
- Tate Modern: Immerse yourself in contemporary art at this world-class museum.
- National Gallery: Admire masterpieces by renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Van Gogh.
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Victoria and Albert Museum: Explore a vast collection of art, design, and performance from around the world.
Cultural experiences and neighbourhoods:
- Covent Garden: Enjoy street performers, shopping, and dining in this vibrant district.
- Camden Town: Discover a unique blend of alternative culture, markets, and music venues.
- Notting Hill: Wander through colorful streets, browse trendy shops, and visit Portobello Road Market.
- Borough Market: Indulge in a foodie's paradise, with a wide range of fresh produce, street food, and artisanal products.
- West End: Catch a world-class theater performance in this renowned theater district.
- Soho: This vibrant neighbourhood is known for its trendy shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Mayfair: A luxurious district with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining.
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Chelsea: A stylish neighbourhood with beautiful houses, trendy shops, and the famous King's Road.
Day trips and boat rides:
- Windsor Castle: Visit the largest inhabited castle in the world and home to the British royal family.
- Bath: Explore the Roman baths and Georgian architecture of this historic city.
- Oxford: Discover the prestigious university city and its stunning colleges.
- Thames River Cruise: Take a boat tour along the River Thames, passing iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament.
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Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Explore London's top attractions at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
Cool experiences in London:
- Harry Potter Studio Tour: Immerse yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
- Sky Garden: Enjoy panoramic views of London from this modern skyscraper.
- Kew Gardens: Explore the stunning botanical gardens, home to a diverse collection of plants from around the world like giant water lilies, towering palms, and rare orchids.
- The Premier League: Attend a Premier League football match at one of London's iconic stadiums, such as Stamford Bridge, Emirates Stadium, or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Jack the Ripper Tour: Delve into the gruesome history of London's infamous serial killer.
- The Shard: Ascend to the top of this iconic skyscraper for panoramic views of the city.
Food, culture & wildlife:
Food: London’s culinary scene is a vibrant melting pot, reflecting the city's diverse cultural heritage.
- Traditional British cuisine: Indulge in classic dishes like fish and chips, roast beef, and shepherd's pie at traditional pubs like The Grapes or The Dog Tavern.
- Global influences: Explore the city's multicultural dining scene, where you can find everything from authentic Indian curries to Italian pizzas. Indian cuisine, in particular, has had a profound impact on British food culture, with dishes like chicken tikka masala becoming iconic.
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Street food: Savour delicious street food at iconic markets like Borough Market and Camden Market. From gourmet burgers to artisanal cheeses, these markets offer a culinary adventure for every palate.
Culture: London is a global cultural collage, offering a vibrant mix of history, art, and entertainment.
- Theatrical performances: Catch a West End show, renowned for its high-quality productions of musicals, plays, and operas.
- Music and festivals: Attend a world-class concert at the Royal Albert Hall or the Royal Opera House. If you’re travelling during the summer season, be sure to book your tickets to the Glastonbury music festival - it’s going to be an unforgettably electric experience.
- Brixton: Explore this diverse and multicultural area, known for its vibrant street art and music scene. Visit Brixton Market, a bustling market filled with fresh produce, international cuisine, and unique shops. Don't miss the chance to experience the energy of Brixton Academy, a legendary music venue.
- Literary London: Immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, a replica of his original playhouse. Or delve into the life and works of Charles Dickens at the Charles Dickens Museum, exploring his historic home and learning about his literary legacy.
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The British Library: Discover a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and maps, including the Magna Carta and the original manuscript of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Wildlife: While London is a bustling metropolis, there are still opportunities to encounter wildlife.
- Royal Parks: Visit iconic parks like Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Richmond Park, where you can spot deer, squirrels, and various bird species.
- London Zoo: Explore this historic zoo, home to a diverse range of animals from around the world.
- The Serpentine: This beautiful lake in Hyde Park is home to a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, swans, and geese.
Wildlife beyond London:
- Jurassic Coast: Explore this stunning coastline, known for its dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches.
- Norfolk Broads: A network of rivers and lakes, perfect for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
- The Cotswolds: This beautiful region is home to rolling hills, picturesque villages, and diverse wildlife, including deer, badgers, and owls.
- Lake District: A stunning area of mountains, lakes, and forests, perfect for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.
- Cornwall: This coastal region offers opportunities for whale watching, dolphin spotting, and seal watching.
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Isle of Wight: This island is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, choughs, and rare butterflies.
Travel Tips
- For most nationalities, a visa is required for visits to the United Kingdom. It is advisable to check the specific visa requirements for your country of origin.
- The official currency of the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP).
- English is the primary language spoken in London.
- London experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers.
- London offers a comprehensive public transportation system, including the iconic London Underground (Tube), buses, taxis, and overground trains.
- London is generally a safe city, but it's always advisable to take standard precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Casual attire is suitable for most occasions in London. However, it's recommended to dress appropriately for formal events, such as theatre visits or fine dining. With regards to alcohol, the legal drinking age in the UK is 18. Alcohol is widely available in pubs, bars, and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch.
- Tower of London: A historic castle and fortress with a fascinating history.
- British Museum: One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums.
- Tate Modern: A world-class modern and contemporary art museum.
- Covent Garden: A popular shopping and entertainment district.
- Westminster Abbey: A historic church with royal connections and stunning architecture.
- Hyde Park: A large park in central London, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
- Borough Market: A bustling food market with a wide variety of fresh produce, street food, and artisanal products.
- Camden Town: A vibrant neighbourhood known for its alternative culture, markets, and music venues.
- Notting Hill: A fashionable district with colourful houses, trendy shops, and a lively atmosphere.
- Harrods: A world-famous luxury department store located in Knightsbridge.
- Fortnum & Mason: A historic department store known for its high-quality food products located in Piccadilly.