Hundreds of thousands of British visitors head to Barbados each year to enjoy the place they call “Little England” but one of the best kept secrets is the city that many of them leave behind.
London, the sophisticated, eclectic metropolis is not only the major financial centre in Europe but it is also one of the finest examples of a country that has meticulously preserved its architectural heritage.
And for those who have taken a particular interest in ensuring that Barbados capitalizes on Bridgetown’s designation as a United Nations World Heritage Site, will be blown away by fact that the city of London features no less than four World Heritage Sites.
London has a diverse range of peoples and cultures, and more than 300 languages are spoken by the more than nine million citizens who call it home.
The British capital is really one of the best uncovered treasures that many Barbadians overlook as they head off to places like New York, Miami or Toronto. But ask anyone who has been smitten by the London bug and you would be told to dismiss the misconception that London was too expensive, cold or even too far away. Virgin Atlantic makes the eight-hour flight to England appear like a hop and skip because of the red carpet service that it lays out for travellers.
As Beverley Layne, Virgin’s marketing and public relations executive, explained, a visit to London and its offerings in culture, food, shopping and way of life will change your perspective on which city to choose for your next vacation.
The extremely reliable and comprehensive network of underground, rail, bus and taxi services make getting around the city a breeze.
The shopping is also a major attraction. Just observing Londoners will show you why they are among the fashion trendsetters in ladies and men’s apparel.
The must-sees in London include Covent Garden, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the River Thames, and Buckingham Palace. There are also the sidewalk cafes and street performers, as well as the dizzying and seemingly never-ending streets of fine shopping and restaurants that range from coffee shops to the most exquisite eateries offering culinary delights from around the world.