London

London, the city that most offers a window into Britain's varied past, has been alluring travellers since Roman times. Today's visitor enjoys London holiday packages offering a varied mix of contemporary urban cool. An increasingly smart cultural scene is fuelled by a creative head for business and a global outlook on everything from food to fashion. Delight in everything from world-class museums and galleries to a slew of outdoor attractions including street art tours, outdoor swimming and horse riding.

Things to do in London include an insight into royal history at the Tower of London before taking a walk along the River Thames to the Tate Modern art gallery. Here you can get a sense of the contemporary creativity that is at the heart of this dynamic city before walking across the Millennium Bridge to Sir Christopher Wren's 18th-Century masterpiece, St Paul's Cathedral.

The iconic edifice of the Oxo Tower has fabulous views of the River Thames. Its bar and brasserie is a great place to catch the sunset. For a more casual British feel with a modern gourmet twist try a 'gastro-pub'. London restaurants in this vein include The Cow in smart Notting Hill, the perfect place to pair your beer with grilled razor clams.

Combining the buzz of creative Clerkenwell with a relaxed continental design, boutique hotel Zetter Townhouse is set in a converted Victorian warehouse. It is a style-conscious offering aimed at a mix of business travellers and fashionable folk about town. Distinctive design is also integral to other London hotels such as CitizenM, a new centrally located hotel that offers luxury for an affordable price.

Splendid department stores such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges are an integral part of London tours. The other side of London shopping is about its wonderful mix of small stores. Marylebone Village is a great place to find a mix of independent fashion and homewares: Whistles for women, Margaret Howell for gents and Conran to dress up your home.

After being swallowed by the drinks giants last century, London's boutique beer industry is showing its pulling power once again. Scores of microbreweries are popping up all over the city offering rarefied beer lists to a young, hip clientele of locals. The Camden Town Brewery and the Kernel Brewery serve punters onsite.