Areas & Squares
London is busting with old town squares and areas packed with oodles of history. It's also worth noting that Leicester Square is in fact pronounced Lester Square; why do we make things so complicated?
Carnaby StreetCarnaby Street, Westminster, London, W1V 1PF [Map]
This street became famous around the world during the 1960's, as the fashion centre of London. Then it was a 'really groovy' street. Today, it has been pedestrianised and contains shops, which are obviously aimed at tourists...
Charing Cross RoadCharing Cross Road, Westminster, London, WC2H 0AU [Map]
Books, books, books and more books! Charing Cross Road and the surrounding roads are absolutely packed with bookshops. There are the usual major bookshop chains such as Books Etc, Waterhouse and Dillions and the gigantic Foyles. For those on a tight budget there are also plenty of bargain bookshops...
ChinatownChinatown, Westminster, London, W1D 6JN [Map]
An abundance of Chinese restaurants and shops are concentrated in this small area. The Chinese New Year in late January or early February is especially entertaining with its traditional celebrations and processions. There is a thriving Chinese community in London...
DocklandsE14 4AL [Map]
The former docklands area, made redundant by changes in shipping that have concentrated on down-river Tilbury, has rightly been seen as an opportunity to revitalise the area. Crucial to whatever was done...
GreenwichGreenwich, London, SE10 8XJ [Map]
Until now Greenwich's main claim to fame has been that the world sets its clocks by their time. In the Royal Greenwich Observatory a simple line on the floor defines where east meets west and The Prime...
Hampstead HeathHampstead Heath, London, NW3 7JR [Map]
Hampstead Heath is a great place for a stroll in the sun, a picnic or even to sail a model boat. Covering 800 acres the heath now also includes a number of formerly separate properties including Kenwood House on the north edge and The Hill, a formal garden to the east...
King's RoadKing's Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UW [Map]
King's Road in Chelsea was originally a private road to take King Charles II from Hampton Court to his Palace in Whitehall. Entry to the street was only allowed to ticket holders. It was only in the 1830's that the public was finally allowed to use the road...
Leadenhall MarketCity of London, London, EC3V 1LR [Map]
Leadenhall Market's attractive Victorian facade dates from 1881. It was built by Horace Jones who also designed Smithfield Market and the old Billingsgate Market. The site has been used as a market for a long time. The earliest record dates from 1357 when poultry was sold here...
Leicester SquareLeicester Square, Westminster, London, WC2H 7AN [Map]
The square was named after the Earl of Leicester who lived in a house next to it. Originally designed in the mid 17th century, the square has recently been restored, and the area around it has been pedestrianised...
Neal Street and Neal's YardNeal Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9PA [Map]
Neal Street and the surrounding area is the place to go for alternative shopping. The old warehouses date back to Victorian times, and have been transformed into shops (the Donmar Warehouse has been converted into a popular theatre), and the area is now the trendy place to be...