25 Reasons Living In London is Great
If you’re not sure yet whether making the move to London is the thing to do, here’s our list of 25 reasons why living in the UK capital city is, and there’s only one word to describe it… Great!
1. History is all around you
From The Tower of London to St Paul’s Cathedral, the smells and sounds of historical Borough Market to the buzz of Carnaby Street, pretty much everywhere you walk has an age-old story to tell.
2. You’re never far from amazing green spaces
London boasts an amazing amount of parks and common land. Choose to wander the thousands of acres that make up the eight Royal Parks of London, including the world famous Hyde Park and the old hunting grounds of Henry VIII – Richmond Park. Or perhaps enjoy the intimacy of some of the city’s secret locations, such as the Phoenix Garden in Soho.
3. You can get food from pretty much anywhere in the world
With its amazing mix of cultures and nationalities, you can find authentic cuisine from virtually anywhere you choose. Great if you hanker for a bit of familiarity…
4. Enjoy visiting real life film locations
Such as Notting Hill, of the film of the same name (and let’s not also forget the annual and amazing carnival). Or the classic Bridget Jones Diary. And for the boys, London is the ONLY city in the world where you can truly feel like James Bond…
5. We have buildings called the strangest of names
The Gherkin, The Shard and The Armadillo (City Hall), to name but a few…
6. The Royal Family is pretty darn cool
We love The Queen, Wills and Kate, and even Charles and Camilla have their own special kind of charm.
7. The public transport means no need to own a car
Because The Tube and the London Buses cover pretty much every area of London (both inner and outer) that you’ll ever need to get to.
8. It’s easy to ‘pop’ to Europe for a weekend away
You can take short fights from one of London’s five airports, or simply jump on a train from London St Pancras. Breakfast in London, lunch in Paris…
9. The ever-changing seasons
The long warm days of summer; the crispness and colours of autumn; the beauty of London as it shivers beneath a layer of frost or snow; the rebirth of nature as spring ‘springs’ into action – the landscape is a constantly changing its view.
10. We have an amazing fashion scene
With London being home to the world leading Fashion Week, not to mention what is perhaps the most enviable selection of fashion shop labels anywhere in the world.
11. And what about the music scene?
With over 300 live music venues, you’ll never be far away from finding a band or performer to listen to.
12. Christmas here is magical
The Oxford Street Lights, Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree and numerous outdoor ice rinks, London at Christmas is the best place on the planet.
13. And the New Year fireworks rival anywhere in the world
‘Nuff said…’
14. The museums and art galleries are free
You can enjoy the culture and history of hundreds of different galleries and museums, such as The British Museum and the National Gallery.
15. Sunday Roasts!
Roast beef, lamb, chicken, turkey or even goose – there’s nothing quite like the traditional Sunday roast. Fill up with your favourite meat, surrounded by seasonal veg, Yorkshire puddings and crispy roast potatoes. Bliss!
16. Or Fish ‘n’ Chips…
London’s many fish and chip shops serve what is arguably the UK’s favourite take away. And when the shops are frying, it’s virtually impossible to ignore the urge to enter and get your fish n chip fix…
17. You can swim in the Royal Parks
Hyde Park’s The Serpentine is home to the UK’s oldest swimming club. And you too can join the members for a dip in the lake (although you probably won’t want to join them for the traditional New Year’s Day freeze!
18. The wildlife is pretty incredible
There’s parakeets in the skies, terrapins in the canals and foxes on the streets. Oh, and let’s not forget the deer in Richmond Park…
19. The River Thames…
Old Father Thames stretches from The Cotswolds to London, and provides the city with some of its most scenic and iconic views. Take to the water to view the city from a completely different perspective.
20. There are markets that sell virtually everything
Billingsgate for fish, Camden for fashion, Portobello Road for antiques… If you love markets, there’s one in London selling every type of goods imaginable.
21. Losing your way and stumbling across something amazing
London’s streets are a maze – ranging from wide thoroughfares, such as The Mall, to the narrowest of cobbled lanes that you stumble across by accident. And it’s the never-ending opportunities of finding these gems by accident that mean you can never think you’ve seen all the city has to offer.
22. Cheering on world class teams at iconic sports locations
Rugby at Twickenham, tennis at Wimbledon, horse racing at Ascot, football at Wembley – there’s something for every single sporting taste.
23. Afternoon tea
Perfectly triangular sandwiches, the daintiest of tea cups and delightful sweet treats, taking afternoon tea in a location such as Harrods or The Ritz Hotel is to take part in a British tradition that stretches back for centuries.
24. We’ve got the coolest Mayor ever
Because whatever you may think of the man’s policies, you have to admit that Boris Johnson is pretty awesome.
25. It’s one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world.
London is home to pretty much every nationality you care to think of. And this makes for a melting pot of fashion, art, music, food… The list goes on. It also means that if you yearn to chew the fat with someone who sports a familiar accent, you’ll never be far away from that little taste of home.
With large communities from China, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Jamaica, India and many other countries, London is a unique a place to live in the world as it is cool. And thanks to this wonderful mélange of nationalities, no matter where you hail from, you’re going to fit right in…