VERDICT: WE GAVE 5 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
Tower Bridge and the River Thames.
London’s most recognisable landmark spanning its most famous river. Tower Bridge offers unbeatable city views, rich Victorian engineering, and classic Thames scenery at the heart of historic London. Perfect stop for sightseeing, photography, and first-time visitors.
London is one of the world’s great capitals; historic, modern, stylish, and endlessly entertaining. From the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to West End theatres, iconic markets, and neighbourhoods packed with personality, the city delivers something new around every corner. Our London guides cover top attractions, the best areas to stay, must-try food experiences, free activities, itinerary tips, and smart ways to navigate the city so you can make the most of every minute in the UK’s vibrant metropolis.
After the Romans withdrew in the 5th century, London declined but never disappeared. During the Anglo-Saxon period, the city revived as a centre of trade and governance, gradually shifting westward toward what is now Westminster. By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, London was already England’s most important city, and William the Conqueror reinforced his control by building the Tower of London.
The medieval city grew rapidly, shaped by guilds, churches, and royal power. London endured major upheavals, including the Black Death and later the Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed much of the old city. The fire led to widespread rebuilding in stone and brick, transforming London’s appearance and paving the way for grand projects like St Paul’s Cathedral.
During the Georgian and Victorian eras, London became the heart of a global empire. Population exploded, industry expanded, and landmarks such as bridges, railways, museums, and parks reshaped the city. Wealth from trade and empire turned London into the world’s largest city by the 19th century, though rapid growth also brought overcrowding and social challenges.
In the 20th century, London survived wartime bombing during the Blitz, then rebuilt itself as a modern, multicultural capital. Today, it blends Roman ruins, medieval streets, royal palaces, and contemporary architecture into one vast, living timeline. For visitors, London’s history isn’t confined to museums — it’s embedded in the streets, skyline, and daily life of one of the world’s great cities.
London began life as a Roman settlement nearly 2,000 years ago. Founded around AD 43 and known as Londinium, it was established as a trading hub on the River Thames. The Romans built roads, a bridge, defensive walls, and a busy port, laying the foundations for a city whose location would prove strategically vital for centuries.
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
