This guide is designed to assist those new to London, whether you are moving to England for the first time or relocating to London from another area of the UK. It will provide a starting point from which to approach searching for and buying or renting property in London, looking at state and independent education options and the lifestyle choices available in all the popular areas of the city.
London is one of the major cities in the world. A city of contrasts, it is steeped in history and yet possesses a highly contemporary, buzzing environment which never sleeps. Its welcoming, cosmopolitan atmosphere is noteworthy, and, though they were written in the 18th century, Samuel Johnson's words still hold true: 'When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.'
London is bisected by the River Thames, which, in recent years, has once again become the beating heart of the city. The river has always been used, famously, for freight transport, but, since its well publicised clean-up, it is also used to provide water-borne public transport, and following the refurbishment of its embankments, walkways and cyclepaths allow Londoners to enjoy riverside commuting or leisure pursuits. London is eminently walkable; in fact, walking is a fantastic way to get to know the layout of the city. There are a range of lovely parks and public gardens throughout London, including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, connected by the stunning Serpentine and forming the largest area of parkland in the centre of the city.
London, as you would expect, has something for everyone. Its tourist attractions are internationally famous, from Buckingham Palace to the London Dungeon. The city offers a range of art galleries and museums dedicated to every subject you could think of, and more landmark buildings than you ever thought possible; around every corner, you will find familiar architecture and street names reminiscent of childhood evenings playing Monopoly.
If you tire of breathtaking sightseeing, West End theatre, world-class music, Michelin-starred dining or partaking in any of the sport London has to offer, from riding in Hyde Park to watching Test Cricket at Lord's or Premiership action from Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal at the spectacular Emirates stadium, then shop! You'll be spoiled for choice. There's Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Knightsbridge, Bond Street, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Portobello Road, King's Road, not to mention the fantastic range of markets, which reflect the amazingly cosmopolitan range of cultures in the UK's capital.
