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Forget beaches and lakes: London is Britain's top holiday destination
Katharine Barney, City Hall Reporter28.07.09
London has beaten the Lake District and Cornwall to be crowned as the UK's top "staycation" holiday destination.
More than a fifth of British families will be spending a week sightseeing in the capital this year, according to a new survey. Key attractions include museums, historical sites such as the Tower of London and sightseeing bus tours.
Mayor Boris Johnson said: "London is a fantastic city to visit at any time of year.
"As well as museums, galleries and iconic attractions that are among the greatest in the world, we've unrivalled theatre and world class performance.
"We've some of the hippest bars and clubs and a multitude of places to eat out, whether you want Michelin-starred fine dining or delicious ethnic food from around the world.
"But London is also a great value destination. Not only are most of our museums and galleries free, there are glorious parks and open spaces, free outdoor theatre and live performance, and a variety of family friendly festivals."
Matthew Allsopp, 27, travelled from Nottingham with 20-year-old American friend Sarah Reichman.
The electrical engineer said: "I have got sick of the seaside. It's only the second time I've been here and there's so much to do, so much culture."
Telesales executive Nigel Dakin, 41, from Chesterfield in Derbyshire, was visiting with wife, Toni, 40, and daughters Aimee, nine, and Courtney, four.
He said: "Cost was one of the things we considered. We can travel around London as a family all day for £24. I was surprised how cheap it was."
Anthony Chmarny, from GPS technology manufacturer Garmin, which spoke to 4,000 parents for the survey, said: "This poll certainly seems to suggest that parents are attracted to the culture of British cities.
"Perhaps people are fed up with the mad rush southbound as the whole country travels to the scenic beaches of Devon and Cornwall."
