London's contrasts and cacophonies both infuriate and seduce.

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At a Glance

   A double decker bus hurries through Piccadilly Circus at night

London - the grand resonance of its very name suggests history and might. Its opportunities for entertainment by day and night go on and on and on. It's a city that exhilarates and intimidates, stimulates and irritates in equal measure, a grubby Monopoly board studded with stellar sights.

It's a cosmopolitan mix of Third and First Worlds, chauffeurs and beggars, the stubbornly traditional and the proudly avant-garde. But somehow - between 'er Majesty and Pete Doherty, Bow Bells and Big Ben, the Tate Modern and the 2012 Olympics - it all hangs together.

When To Go

London is a year-round tourist centre, with few of its attractions closing or significantly reducing their opening hours in winter. Your best chance of good weather is, of course, at the height of summer in July and August, but there's certainly no guarantee of sun even in those months - plus it's when you can expect the biggest crowds and highest prices.

There are new rules governing the carriage of gels and liquids in cabin luggage, as part of counter-terrorism measures. Liquids such as toiletries must be carried individually in containers no greater than 100ml, which in turn must be placed in a transparent, resealable zip-lock bag (no bigger than 20cm x 20cm). This will need to be easily removed from your cabin baggage (max 56cm x 45cm x 25 cm) and x-rayed separately. These requirements, in place for the forseeable future, will mean some delay and disruption at airports and travellers should plan accordingly. For more information about the restrictions visit the UK Department for Transport website www.dft.gov.uk/airportsecurity. 

Fast Facts

   Tea and scones - a traditional English afternoon delight