London is a city of many contrasts, and nowhere is that more evident than in the boroughs which help make the UK capital. In particular, the following seven boroughs comprise the area known as Central London – and provide a wide variety of different activities, venues and events for you to explore.
If you’re planning your next visit, here’s a quick look at these boroughs and all you need to know about them…
City of London
Sometimes known locally as the Square Mile, the City of London is the site of the city’s earliest boundaries, and has since become a major international centre of finance and business.
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most significant buildings in the City of London, but here you’ll also find more contemporary structures (including venues for everything from music to theatre and even a few nightclubs).
There’s a huge variety of different locations to see here, and lots of activities for you to get involved in on your next visit to London.
Westminster
It’s one of the smallest boroughs in London, but Westminster packs plenty of punch into its boundaries.
This is the borough which includes many of the most popular, world-famous buildings in London, as well as a number of other key landmarks. These include everything from Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace, as well as Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.
Each of these spaces has its own distinct significance in British history, and you’ll also find the likes of the Tate Britain (housing historic artwork), the London Transport Museum and the National Portrait Gallery within Westminster.
Despite all these notable spaces, Westminster is most famous as the seat of the UK government, with both Whitehall and Parliament Square located here. However, other key areas to explore include the cultural hub of Soho and the West End, home to London’s theatre scene.
Whether you’re interested in art, local culture, history or politics, you’ll find all in abundance here – and as you can book hotels in London using pay on arrival, there’s plenty of ways to save without missing out on your trip.
Hammersmith & Fulham
Amongst the most historic areas of the city, Hammersmith and Fulham includes an abundance of Tudor architecture as well as the popular Shepherds Bush Market.
Each year, this part of the city hosts the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, which sees teams from two of the UK’s most esteemed universities compete along the Thames. The event draws huge crowds along the banks of the river, and there’re also a large number of pubs for you to visit during your next stay in the city.
Hackney
This borough is filled with a rich mixture of cultures, helping to make it one of the most diverse areas of London.
Hackney has an abundance of Victorian-era architecture, which also shapes the aesthetics of the borough, and these buildings combine with many public green spaces to create a unique and easily identifiable part of the city.
Some of the areas which visitors may think of when pondering London, are located right here. Brick Lane is a historic part of the capital, while Shoreditch has a well-earned reputation as a trend-conscious hotspot for creativity, art and fashion.
One of the most famous buildings in Hackney is the Hackney Empire, an entertainment venue which once hosted such greats as Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy. If you’re staying at Park Grand London Hotels and want to soak up the local atmosphere, this is a great place to start. Hackney is also a fantastic place for eclectic and original shopping.
Kensington & Chelsea
One of the glitziest areas of London, Kensington and Chelsea is widely associated with luxury and sophistication. There’s a wide selection of designer stores and high-end homes in this area, though it also offers plenty of history.
Queen Victoria was born in this part of the city, at Kensington Palace. The Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the best museums in London, but Kensington and Chelsea also includes the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and a number of international embassies.
If you’re visiting this area, be sure to check out the fantastic luxury shopping and Notting Hill Carnival, a yearly extravaganza. With Premier Club Rewards, you can get more benefits on each hotel stay – making exploring London much more accessible.
Islington
This borough was once the inspiration for famed author Charles Dickens, and today it still has a certain historic charm.
There are only a few of the Victorian-era buildings which used to characterise the area remaining, and most of them are schools. However, today Islington is known for its tranquil residential areas.
Alongside these quietly affluent properties, you’ll find a range of great shopping opportunities and ample antique markets, farmers markets, cinemas and great walks. Camden Passage is a particularly popular part of the borough, a shopping district filled with independent sellers, vintage stores and unique cafes, bars and restaurants.
During your stay at a Paddington hotel, a trip to Islington provides insight into the more genteel side of London which is often overlooked.
Southwark
This is the area many people think of when focusing on London’s entertainment and arts scene. The borough of Southwark includes a number of fantastic attractions, many of which have become true London legends in their own right.
These attractions include the Globe Theatre – famously the location where Shakespeare debuted some of his most famous plays – and the Tate Modern, home to a number of stunning artistic works from the world of modern art.
It’s also a popular space for a walk beside the Thames, with the Southbank providing a pedestrianised pathway filled with even more attractions and historic buildings. In Southwark, you’ll find Southwark Cathedral, a gothic marvel in the heart of the borough. For more modern architecture, you’ll also be able to see City Hall in this part of London.
