London City Tilbury

The London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury is London's only deep water purpose-built cruise facility, situated at the gateway to London, just 22 nautical miles down river from Tower Bridge. Tilbury has become increasingly popular as a turnaround port for Baltic and Northern European destinations but it is also perfectly placed for transit calls to visit England's capital city, Kent and the south east.

The easiest way to reach London from the terminal is to take the train from Tilbury station (about a mile from the cruise terminal) into Fenchurch Street Station in central London. To the right there is a bustop visible as you exit the terminal. One is a double decker bus that takes you to the Tilbury Rail Station, cost is 1.50 pounds. The other is a single public bus also the same price that takes you into Tilbury town centre, where there is nothing of interest.

Printable map to take along.

Calendar for Tilbury.

Just a few minutes walk from the London Cruise Terminal, Tilbury Fort is the finest and best preserved example of 17th century military engineering in England. Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, Tilbury and the batteries at Gravesend across the river, formed the first line of defence for the Thames and London. Today, exhibitions, the powder magazine and bunker-like 'casemates' demonstrate how the fort protected the city. There's even a chance to fire an anti-aircraft gun!

London is a surprising compact city, making it a walker's delight and often being the quickest method of transport.

There are many Hop on/Hop off bus companies in London. Just take the most convenient one. Enjoy your trip around London on the top deck of one of the double decker buses. You almost get a birds eye view of London's famous attractions. You stop at over 80 places, so you can hop-off, explore, have lunch, then hop-on the next bus along. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time that you first hop-on. The buses run from 10am until 6pm 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Free River Cruise included in the tour price.

Use Traveline for all your transportation needs, local and long distance.

Outside London, normal cars and minibuses can usually be licenced as taxis - it is up to the local council how they are distinguished, but they always carry additional plates, usually at the rear, giving details of their approval by the relevant local authority and number of passengers they can carry.

London is the capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, and the largest city in western Europe. Situated on the River Thames in South-East England, Greater London has an official population of roughly 7.5 million people - although the figure of over 14 million for the city's total metropolitan area more accurately reflects London's size and importance. London is historically one of the great, "world cities," and remains a global capital of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade.

London Highlights

Piccadilly Circus A square buzzing with life and definitely the meeting point of this metropolis can be reached by underground, Piccadilly line.

Buckingham Palace Home to the Queen, this is an extremely popular tourist attraction. Take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park and enjoy the short walk through the park to see the palace. Underground station: Green Park.

The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square Lord Nelson's column stands sublimely on Trafalgar Square watching over the National Gallery. There you will find an extraordinary collection of paintings from Picasso to Turner. Underground Station: Leicester Square.

The famous Big Ben Big Ben is actually the name of the bell; the tower housing it is called St. Stephen's. Either way, Big Ben is a London landmark not to be missed. Underground Station: Westminster.

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous cathedrals and Royals have been crowned and married here. Underground Station: Westminster.

The London Eye The highest vantage point with an unrivalled view of London. It is best to reserve your ticket in advance as the London Eye is a hugely popular attraction. Underground Station: Westminster.

Kew Gardens - Royal Botanic Garden London has many beautiful parks, but Kew Gardens is a real gem. It's a green paradise full of wonderful flowers, plants and all things botanical. One should take at least a day to fully enjoy everything that's on offer there, like a boat trip on the River Thames. Underground Station: Kew.

Madame Tussauds An institution in its own right and a definite must when visiting London! Underground Station: Baker Street.

The Tate Modern This contemporary and hip gallery lies in the Borough of Southwark and is housed in a former power station. This location is the ideal venue to present modern and edgy art. Underground Station: St. Paul's and walk across the Millennium Bridge.

The Tate Britain Art Gallery The "older sister" of the Tate Modern but nothing short of interesting and captivating art exhibitions. Underground Station: Pimlico.

London is a Mecca for shoppers. Designer labels, refined classic cuts, cutting-edge street wear and Harrods hampers all clamour for attention. Make sure your plastic is in a healthy state before you set off on an expedition; shopping, like most of London's pleasures, doesn't come cheap.

The currency throughout the UK is the pound (£). You may also hear the slang term quid for pounds. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change the notes before leaving Scotland.

Cash machines (ATM) or less formally 'holes in the wall' are very widely available and usually dispense £10 and £20 notes.

Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, are accepted by most shops and restaurants.

English is spoken throughout the country, but sometimes with heavy accents!

Most cafe's and restaurants offer free WiFi.

The local emergency telephone number is 999, however the EU-wide 112 can also be used.

Shopping hours are in general:

Small stores 6 or 7 days a week (10am - 6pm) Larger stores in general stay open til' 9PM Hyper marts often 24/7