Things to do in Abbots Langley

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.

As you approach Westminster, towering Big Ben comes into view, standing majestically on the banks of the River Thames atop the glorious Houses of Parliament. Romanticised throughout the years in various films such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually”, Big Ben is the standing soul of this great city.

Home to the British Royal family since 1837, Buckingham Palace has for centuries been at the forefront of true British tradition. Having hosted countless lavish banquets, foreign dignitary receptions and state degrees, this elegant palace has withstood decades of change and stands today as the symbol of Britain’s constitutional monarchy.

This rather unusual name derives from a tailor named Roger Baker, famous for making the frilled collars worn by men the 17th Century. Contrary to popular belief, the “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic that trundles around the central statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, Piccadilly Circus is an amalgamation of bright lights, lavish entertainment and bustling commuters, a scene which attracts thousands of visitors each year, day and night.

Constructed as a tribute to commemorate the British Victory at Trafalgar in 1805, this lively square attracts a staggering 30 million visitors each year. Famous for its iconic statue of Admiral Lord Nelson, known as Nelson’s Column, the area has for decades been a gathering point for political rallies and New Year celebrations.

The London Eye is a great way to view all the sights of the city from one single standpoint. As you ascend this enormous rotating wheel, watch the city unfold at your feet. On a clear day visitors can see as far as Winsor Castle, almost 40 kilometres away.

For art buffs and history enthusiasts, the British Museum offers a staggering display of diverse material from all corners of the world. With a collection of over 8 million artefacts, visitors often find it difficult to view everything on offer in one day. So, whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare, this huge hub of information and history is definitely worth a visit.

Oxford Street is the one of the busiest and most dynamic shopping areas in Europe. It consists of a long street of about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) with approximately 300 individual shops and many restaurants. The Oxford Street branch of many companies and departments is often considered its flagship store. Its location in the center of London means the street is easy to access.

Leicester Square is a buzzing hub of activity, home to many diverse entertainment options. Once the site of music halls and old-fashioned movie houses, the square is now dotted with trendy restaurants, bars and cinemas. Watch mimes and other street performers, stroll around the central green area or try your luck at the casinos set in historic buildings.