Best of British

Swap New York City for London
We may not have the tallest or the biggest but we've certainly got the oldest and the most diverse. If you really can't face the torturous JFK immigration experience then stick to our glorious capital city and experience the familiar yet different, with our inspiring architecture, our fine dining, our shopping, our green parks and our vibrant arts and culture scene.

Stay at the London City Road Travelodge
There are 15 Travelodge hotels centrally located around the capital but to stay in the very heart of the City, choose the recently opened Grade II listed London City Road.
Location: 1-23 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AE

A few highlights to include on a London city break:

Canary Wharf
Take a trip east of the city and marvel at the architectural wonder that is London's very own mini-Manhattan! Canary Wharf extends over 97 acres and approximately 14.1 million square feet of office and retail space has been constructed to date housing 90,000 office workers.

The tower at One Canada Square has 50 floors, is 800 feet (244 metres) high and is the tallest building in Britain. However it's not all work and no play as Canary Wharf currently comprises over 200 shops, bars and restaurants within four retail malls and has a busy arts and events calendar. It also has great transport links with two Dockland Light Railway stations, a Jubilee Line station, car parks and approximately 20 acres of landscaped open spaces.
Location: Canary Wharf, London E14
More information: www.canarywharf.com or call 020 7418 2000

The Gastro-Pub
Gone are the days of the British swift half in the local while the sun glints through the cigarette-stained curtains. The relatively recent arrival of the sophisticated Gastro-Pub is the perfect marriage between a posh restaurant and old-fashioned drinking hole and is unique to our shores.

There are hundreds to choose from, but to annoy our US friends by waving the historical card in front of their noses for a minute, visit the legendary Isle of Dogs boozer and now Grade II listed pub and restaurant, The Gun.

There has been a pub here for more than 250 years and apparently got its name from the cannon that was fired when the West India Import Docks opened in 1802. Admiral Lord Nelson was a regular visitor to the docks and this pub and arranged clandestine assignations with Lady Emma Hamilton in the rooms upstairs.
Location: 27 Coldharbour, London E14 9NS
More information: www.visitlondon.com or call 020 7515 522

Hyde Park
One of London's finest historic parks with over 4000 trees, Hyde Park was acquired by Henry VIII in 1536 for its excellent hunting. Now, our 'central park' is famous for boating on The Serpentine, Speaker's Corner and its riding track, Rotten Row, the first public road ever to be lit at night.

There are four miles of horse rides as well as cycle and roller-blading routes. Hyde Park has also developed a tradition for hosting events, including 'Proms in the Park' during the summer and the regular Gun Salutes to mark state occasions, fired from the Parade Ground.
Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
More information: www.royalparks.org.uk or call 020 7298 210

Theatre in the West End
London's West End is a worthy match for New York's Broadway but to get one up on our American friends, book tickets to see a show that is only showing on the West End stage. Take a magical journey into the mythical world of Middle Earth and see The Lord of the Rings, the most expensive show ever produced in the West End.

It is on at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF and plays until September 2008. The award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical is a major stage adaptation of the film, with music by Elton John. It is currently taking bookings until December 2008 and is playing at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London SW1E 5JX.
More information: www.visitlondon.com

Tate Modern
A visit to London isn't complete without a trip to Tate Modern, our Guggenheim. Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art from around the world is housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the Thames.

The awe-inspiring Turbine Hall runs the length of the entire building and you can see amazing work for free by artists such as Cezanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dali, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois.
Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
More information: www.tate.org.uk or call 020 7887 8888