Visit Britain

London, a city that brings forth images of power, royalty, history and grandeur, also reverberates with a cosmopolitan buzz. Stretching and then breaking its archetype, it goes further, and creates itself a new one. Contrasts are to be found in plenty, exhilarating and intimidating. Spectacular sights are found mixed with the seemingly ordinary, aristocracy mixed with the common folk. No stone is left unturned, the grubby underside exposed to the elements that polish it to a shine. It is hard not be suffused with the feeling of change within antiquity, and the need to reinvent oneself is felt everywhere in this old city with a new lease on life, timeless London.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 8-15 C
Summer: June to August 15-23 C
Autumn: September to November 11-16 C
Winter: December to February 5-8 C

Shopping:
London is a multicultural melting pot, and has a potpourri of products available that can meet the requirements of even the most eclectic shopping enthusiasts. From Saville Row suits to punk jewellery, Harrods hampers to Big Ben clocks, London has it all. There are over 83 major street markets, and market shoppers are very spoilt for choice. Try Portobello Road and Camden Market for huge antique emporiums, various foods, crafts and music; and try Brick Lane and Notting Hill for their funky street markets.

Must Do:
There is a lot to do in London, the city of many faces. Art galleries like Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the Royal Academy and the National Gallery are some of the best in the world, and give a true glimpse at London's history and world art. Other than the Big Ben, the Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, there is also the London Eye. This hi-tech marvel is a 135 metres high observation wheel that takes you for a 30 minute round allowing you to see over 55 landmarks. This experience combined with the Thames cruise, gives you a rewarding experience of London's spectacular sights. The city also has more parkland than most capitals of the world, and they are a splendid way to while away a lazy afternoon enjoying the local culture. You should also try to attend one of Shakespeare's plays at the Globe Theatre, or just see it and recreate the details with the excellent tour service available. Also try to visit the Windows on the World on the top floor of the Hilton, where you can get an unparalleled view of London's skyline. London has some of the best restaurants in the world, with varied cuisines, from Ethiopian to Japanese available. Fusion is always an alternative. Some relatively authentic Indian food can be found quite easily. If you have heard about it, and want to indulge in a hearty English breakfast, try it at The Wolseley. The nightlife of London is everything you want it to be: from wild to sedate to soothing. Whether it's dancing, drinking, listening or watching that really gets you going, London provides it all, with some of the best bars, pubs, operas, concerts, matches and stadiums in the world.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +44
Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP) 1 GBP is approximately 75 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT 0:0 hours IST-5:30 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

York is one of the oldest cities in the United Kingdom, founded in 71 AD as Eboracum, though the region is known to have been inhabited since around 8000 BC. Located on the River Ouse, York is a cathedral city, evinced by glorious 8th century York Minster cathedral dominating the skyline, even in modern times, when skyscrapers have joined the multitudes of monuments. The city is also known as City of Festivals, and is the home to many celebrations, such as the Viking Festival, the Roman Festival, Ebor Race Meeting, Christmas St Nicholas' Fair, and the Food and Drink Festival.

So, when in York, do visit famous York Minster, the medieval street - The Shambles, ancient Clifford's Tower, as well as the Jorvik Viking Centre, National Railway Museum, York Castle Museum, Ruins of St Mary's Abbey, Museum Gardens, King's Manor, Merchant Adventurers' Hall, Eboracum Legion Bathhouse, York Dungeon, and the York Maze.

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is an exciting melange of the old and new, evident in the division of the city into the Old City, and the New City. With a uniquely Scottish atmosphere, Edinburgh has the enormous Edinburgh Castle as a centrepiece, with other medieval edifices and Georgian grandeur combined with modern and contemporary architecture. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with a large number of pubs, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. The city is also a UNESCO world heritage site, as well as one of the UNESCO Creative Cities, as a City of Literature. There is much to do and see here, such as visiting Edinburgh Castle, Abbey and Palace of Holyroodhouse, St. Giles Cathedral, Camera Obscura, Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Rossyln Chapel.

The second largest city in the UK, Glasgow is a metropolis bursting with life. Located on the banks of the River Clyde, it is one of the most important centres for commerce, tourism, and culture in England, and has also been named one of the UNESCO Creative Cities, as a City of Music. There are over 100 musical events per week, ranging from pop-rock to jazz and Celtic music. Glasgow is also rich in architecture, with hundreds of beautiful and well-maintained Victorian and Edwardian buildings. There are also plenty of modern and avant-garde buildings to be seen. So, take a tour of the city, and try to see The Clyde Auditorium, The City Chambers, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow University, and The House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park. There are also lots of museums and art galleries in Glasgow worth visiting, such as the Burrel Collection, Transmission Gallery, People's Palace, Winter Gardens, and St. Mungo's Museum. Nelson's Memorial also must be visited.

The city centre is the most happening place of Glasgow, dotted with numerous shops, cultural venues, cinema theatres, eating joints and educational institutions. Visitors can shop at popular shopping centres, namely Buchanan Galleries and the St. Enoch Centre. University of Glasgow is another place of tourist interest, which is one of the oldest and largest educational institutions in the UK and contributed to the Scottish enlightenment. Christian cathedrals are other attractions of the city, popular among them are Glasgow Cathedral, St Andrew's Cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral and St. Luke's Cathedral. For art and culture lovers, Glasgow offers a wide range of cultural activities from curling to opera and ballet. In addition to these, the city also has several museums and art galleries, popular among them are Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Burrell Collection and Gallery of Modern Art.