Where else in the world could you see Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures for free? The British Museum features these unique treasures and thousands more under one roof.

London is home to a number of the worlds most amazing galleries and museums that display some of the worlds most famous works of art for free. All of them are easily accessible from Gatwick airport hotels so you can enjoy the capitals artistic splendour, world-class shopping facilities and top restaurants before retiring to the comfort of your choice of affordable hotels.

The Tate Modern in the former Bankside Power Station on the Thames houses Britains biggest collection of modern and contemporary art. You can see classic pieces by artists including Picasso, Matisse, Dali and Warhol for free, as well as brand new installations in the impressive Turbine Hall, which runs the length of the entire building.

To get a view of Londons remarkable variety, the London Eye provides an unrivalled view of the capital. The 434ft structure has been Londons most popular paid attraction since it opened in 2000. Its success was celebrated by architect Sir Richard Rogers: 

"The Eye has done for London what the Eiffel Tower did for Paris, which is to give it a symbol and to let people climb above the city and look back down on it. Not just specialists or rich people, but everybody. That's the beauty of it: it is public and accessible, and it is in a great position at the heart of London. " (*!)

London is a shoppers paradise. Knightsbridge is home to the worlds most famous department store, Harrods. Oxford Street offers over 300 shops and designer outlets including Selfridges and John Lewis. Nearby, the iconic Carnaby Street area has 12 streets of designer shops and boutiques.

Bargains and one-offs can be found in Londons range of trendy markets. Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill has vintage clothes, second hand books and antiques, perfect for bargain hunters and fans of quirky artefacts.

For everything under one roof, head to Westfield Stratford City, the UKs third largest shopping centre, next to the vibrant London Olympic Park. While youre there have a look at the Olympic Stadium and the stunning curved roof of the new London Aquatics Centre.


(*1).Marks Barfield Architects. (2007)Eye: The story behind the London Eye Black Dog Publishing, London UK