London

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

There are many explanations as to where the name London comes from. The Romans founded the city and called it Londinium. Before that it had different names respectively in Old English “Lunden” and in Welsh “Llunswin”. And even before that, in British Celtic “Londonjon”. This translates into Latin as “Londinium”.

According to a history book written around 1136, King Lud took over the city and named it Kaerlud. However, Lowonida (river too wide to ford) a pre-Celtic Old European name and Lowonidonjon (place that floods) a Celtic name, are also possible origins of its name. Nowadays "London" is sometimes abbreviated as "L'don" or "LDN

Before the name "The City of London" only referred to London's ancient core (2.9 km²). Since the 19th century, "London" also refers to the metropolis around this core, Middlesex, Essex, Surrey, Kent, and Hertfordshire, which nowadays largely makes up Greater London(8.3 km²).

WHERE ABOUT?

London is the capital and most populous city of England and the United Kingdom. Noteworthy is that it stands on the River Thames in the south east of the island of Great Britain. The river crosses the city from the south-west to the east. Additionally, the Thames is a tidal river, and London is vulnerable to flooding. Therefore the Thames Barrier has been constructed. Subsequently, the Thames Valley is a floodplain surrounded by gently rolling hills including Parliament Hill, Addington Hills, and Primrose Hill.

WHY GO THERE?

London is a leading global city in many areas. For instance, it is leading in the arts, entertainment, fashion, and tourism area. But also in transportation, education, research & development and healthcare. And last but not least in the areas of commerce, professional services, finance and media.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS

Did you know that London is a world cultural capital? It has a diverse range of people and cultures living in it. Subsequently, more than 300 languages are spoken in the region. It is the world’s most-visited city (measured by international arrivals). It also has the world’s largest city airport system (measured by passenger traffic). Another interesting fact is that it has the largest concentration of higher education institutes in Europe. Cambridge and Oxford for instance, are known worldwide. Especially noteworthy is that it is the world's leading investment destination. Most probably because it hosts more international retailers and ultra high-net-worth individuals than any other city. Subsequently it also is the world’s largest financial center.

4 WORLD HERITAGE SITES:

Undoubtedly the 4 world heritage sites that London cherishes, attribute to the cities status as leading in the area of tourism. First of all there is the Tower of London. Secondly, the beautiful Kew Gardens. Thirdly there is the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret's Church. And last but not least, the historic settlement of Greenwich. Here you'll find the Royal Observatory, in which Greenwich marks the Prime Meridian, 0° longitude, and GMT.

FAMOUS LANDMARKS:

Obviously, the following landmarks are “a must” when visiting London.

• Buckingham Palace
• the London Eye
• Piccadilly Circus
• St Paul's Cathedral
• Tower Bridge
• Trafalgar Square and
• The Shard formerly known as the London Bridge Tower, a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark, London

MUSEUMS, EVENTS AND THEATRES

Furthermore London is home to numerous museums, galleries, and even street art. Additionally it has many libraries and other cultural institutions. Including the British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, British Library, and West End theatres. And of course the famous concert hall: The Royal Albert Hall. Did you know it was the first city that hosted the modern Summer Olympic Games for the third time in 2012? London also hosts many sporting events.

NATURE RESERVES

Surprisingly, this magnificent city also claims to be "one of the World's Greenest Cities" as more than 40 percent consists of green space or open water. Moreover numerous species of flowering plant and animals live there. Subsequently, London has 38 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), two National Nature Reserves and 76 Local Nature Reserves. Have a look at the visit England website for more information on the nature reserves & English wildlife and ideas for outdoor activities and trips.

LONDON PASS:

Seize the opportunity of free entry to over 60 top attractions in London and additionally receive a free 1-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket, with the official London Pass. Another good idea is to get the Oyster Card to ensure free public transportation within London. The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world.

In conclusion London is a city that simply cannot be ignored. It has everything to offer one could possibly wish for. Additionally it is a great place to combine business with pleasure as the choice of restaurants and cultural entertainment is endless.

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