Pick a side

Descend from the celestial heights of our Parliament Penthouse and you’ll be torn. Seconds in one direction take you to the north bank of the River Thames, with views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Seconds in the other, and you’ll be on the Strand, the road that connects the founding site of the City of London with Trafalgar Square. Flip a coin and start exploring.

Beyond the river

The award winning Golden Jubilee Bridges, two twin cable-stayed pedestrian bridges that straddle the Hungerford railway bridge, strap across the river waiting to take you to the other side. Crossing the river via this feat of engineering proves to be both exhilarating and scenic as you see and feel the waters gushing underneath. On the other side, Southbank buzzes with its electric pedestrian scene. This promenade teems with street performers, art installations and bona fide attractions like the Sea Life London Aquarium and newly relocated London Dungeon. Hop on the London Eye and be back up in the clouds as you take in a more dynamic view of the city. You’ll be surprised at how much time you’ll be spending ‘south of the River’, with the Royal Festival Hall, British Film Institute, Hayward Gallery and many more diversions that make this area nearly impossible to leave.

In Royal company

Back across the river, the theatres, shops and restaurants along the Strand jostle to catch your eye. See a show, do some shopping or stop at a café and watch London stream by. Of course, for the most discerning guest, one could always chance a visit down the nearby Mall to see if the Queen is having visitors. Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British Monarch is simply a sight not to miss. More than a stately palace, Buckingham Palace is the focal point for the British in times of difficultly and celebration. Stand at the golden palace gates and feel the site resonate with memories of times that have shaped British life and the world around it – from the sea of flowers laid by a stunned nation in mourning to the sea of honorary wedding guests hailing a young Duke and Duchess. You will be moved.

Routed in history

Be moved in another way and catch one of London’s two remaining Routemaster bus routes. These bright red open-backed busses are one of the most enduring icons of London city life, and although the fleet was officially retired in 2005, popular demand has kept two routes, the 9 and the 15, in service. The 15 will take you from the top of the Mall, up the Strand and all the way to the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Alight here and be transported to a historical time of turmoil and triumph. The building that stands today has done so since 1675, after just surviving the Great Fire of London. However, this area has been the site of worship for over 1400 years. Redesigned by Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul’s Cathedral was the tallest building to stand in London right up until the 1960s. The addition of skyscrapers to the London skyline may have stripped this global landmark of its former accolade, but architects bow in reverence as regulations forbid the construction of any building within the cathedral’s radius that will block its view, lest any Londoner or visitor be deprived of the pleasure.

Return to your own penthouse view early one evening and catch the procession of flickering city lights that signal the end of another day in London. After waking up the next morning, you’ll face the battle once more of deciding what to do, for so much of London persists to be just outside your door:

-Covent Garden

-Westminster Abbey

-Downing Street

-Oxford Street

-Soho

-The National Gallery

-Trafalgar Square

-Piccadilly Circus, and much more.

And of course, catch a tube from Embankment Underground station, 30 seconds from the penthouse gates, and continue the adventure further a field.