|
Destination highlights
Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.
General information
This major international city of over 10 million people covers an area of 3,626 hectares (8,960 acres). With roots dating back to antiquity, London has much to offer: a broad range of architectural styles, some of the best museums and art galleries in the world, diverse theatre and excellent shopping.
Time zone
GMT
Language(s) spoken
English
Electrical system
Local voltage is 220 to 240 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.
Shopping hours
Monday to Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursday and Friday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm
Working hours
Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Time and distance to city centre
10-minute drive/1.6 kilometres/1 mile
Time and distance to shopping
- Knightsbridge: 15-minute walk/1 kilometre/0.5 miles
- Oxford Street: 15-minute walk/1 kilometre/0.5 miles
Time and distance to financial district
25-minute drive/3 kilometres/2 miles
View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com
Back to top
| Summer Bank Holiday |
August 25, 2008 |
| Christmas Day |
December 25, 2008 |
| Boxing Day |
December 26, 2008 |
| New Year's Day |
January 1, 2009 |
| Good Friday |
April 10, 2009 |
| Easter Monday |
April 13, 2009 |
| May Bank Holiday |
May 4, 2009 |
| Spring Bank Holiday |
May 25, 2009 |
| Summer Bank Holiday |
August 31, 2009 |
| Christmas Day |
December 25, 2009 |
| *Boxing Day |
December 26, 2009 |
| *Holidays falling on Saturday or Sunday are taken on the following Monday. |
| |
Seasonal highlights
Winter
- Christmas Lights and Tree: The lights on the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square are switched on by a celebrity. This is an impressive display and a major event.
Spring
- Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race: Oxford and Cambridge universities' members race 6.3 kilometres (4 miles) from Putney to Mortlake. The Riverside pubs in Hammersmith and Mortlake are popular places to watch the race.
- London Marathon: Come and enjoy the world's biggest road race, with around 35,000 starters running 42 kilometres (26.3 miles).
- Chelsea Flower Show: This world-renowned gardening show takes place over a few days by the river.
- Chelsea Antiques Fair: This fair is held twice a year, with a variety of antiques to offer.
- Gardens Summer Events: Take in some of this series of open-air events over the spring and summer months.
Summer
- Derby Day: This is the most important flat race of the horseracing season.
- Trooping the Colour: Even though the Queen's birthday is in April, she has an official birthday party on this day. She leaves Buckingham Palace at 10:40 am and travels down the Mall to the Horse Guards Parade. She will take to the balcony to watch a Royal Air Force jet fly past and will also witness a gun salute at the Tower of London.
- Royal Ascot: This is the horseracing event of the year taking place in June.
- Flower Festival: This flower show is a popular festival with displays and entertainment.
- Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships: This extremely popular sporting event takes place in London annually in the summer.
- Henley Royal Regatta: Enjoy this international rowing regatta.
- Notting Hill Carnival: Take part in this street party featuring bands, colourful floats and Caribbean food.
Fall
- Chelsea Antiques Fair: This fair is held twice a year, with a variety of antiques to offer.
- London Film Festival: An array of international films are shown.
- London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, Hyde Park: Display and kick-off of annual rally of vintage cars.
- November 5th, Guy Fawkes' Day - Fireworks Night.
- Lord Mayor's Show
|
